When it comes to a website, it is not IF you should have a website; it’s WHERE you should have it. Every business, in today’s digital climate, needs to have a website regardless of its industry. At the bare minimum, they should have a landing page with their information and a way to contact them.
So, the question remains, which platform should you invest your time and resources into building for your business? We have built websites on every platform and have narrowed down our most recommended website platforms to four platforms. These are Squarespace, Showit, WordPress, and Shopify.
Each platform varies in look, functionality, and overall ease of use. Let’s take a deeper dive into the best platform for your business.
Determine your website needs and priorities.
Before launching your website, you must decide exactly what your business needs. You also have practical decisions, such as budget, design customization, and overall functions. Walk through a few questions with me to get you on the right path to website development.
- How would you classify your business?
When looking at a website, look at your industry and overall business goals. Are you an e-commerce store (online and/or brick and mortar)? Are you running a small business or something on a larger scale? Is your business promoting a service, product, or both? Will the website focus on sales, marketing, or a combination? These are important questions to consider because some platforms do not have e-commerce functionality or are difficult to navigate for non-techie users. Carefully consider what you want out of a website. Some website platforms specialize in one area, while others can do a little of everything.
- What is your current budget for a website?
This idea is straightforward, but you should know how much you are willing to invest. You can build a site on any of the mentioned websites platforms but they all require some previous knowledge of skills in web design and creative design. If you are wanting a website that is designed with all the bells and whistles of a high quality and converting website, you will need to invest in a web designer. We offer this service at Freebird Communications and specialize in service-based and product-based businesses.
If you are not in the place in your business, where you can commit to a web designer, then you have other options, such as DIY, purchasing website templates, or learning the platform through public sources. However, if you have a larger budget, you will not regret putting your money toward web design because it will attract the level of clients you need. A website will be one of the most important tools for your business, so do not be afraid to invest money and time. This leads to my next point.
- Do you plan to hire a professional or do it yourself?
As I mentioned earlier, many of the website platforms listed below offer a simple web design process, allowing anyone to create a professional-looking website with a little elbow grease. We have endless tools at our fingertips, between video tutorials and services offered by the website platform of your choice. Web development is no longer an unattainable task for the average business owner.
However, if you have the means, a professional web designer will be a great asset to your company. A professional can ensure that your website has the highest quality with aesthetics and efficiency. At the end of the day, the decision comes down to the circumstances and values of your business.
Review our Recommendations.
After researching the options and looking at the statistics, I made a list of five of the top website platforms for all types of businesses. Each option has its pro and cons, but I have no doubt at least one platform will fit all of your website needs.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder platform that provides a simple and intuitive solution for anyone looking to create a website. It’s designed for people who want to create a professional-looking website without having to write any code. Squarespace offers a range of pre-made templates that users can customize to match their brand and style, as well as a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to design a website even if you have no previous web design experience.
One of the standout features of Squarespace is its focus on design. Squarespace’s templates are sleek and modern, and they provide a great starting point for anyone looking to create a professional-looking website. The platform also offers a range of design tools, such as custom fonts, color palettes, and background images, which allow users to create a truly unique look for their website.
Another advantage of Squarespace is its ease of use. The platform’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add and arrange different elements on your website, such as images, text, and buttons. Squarespace also offers a range of pre-made blocks, such as contact forms and galleries, that can be added to your website with just a few clicks.
Squarespace also provides a range of e-commerce features that make it easy to sell products and services online. With features like product listings, checkout pages, and order tracking, Squarespace provides a complete e-commerce solution for users who want to create an online store.
In addition to its website-building capabilities, Squarespace also offers a range of other tools and services, such as email campaigns, analytics, and more. These tools and services can be accessed through the Squarespace platform, providing users with a one-stop shop for all their website needs.
Squarespace is also known for its exceptional customer support. The platform offers 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base that answers common questions.
In conclusion, Squarespace is a website builder platform that provides a simple and intuitive solution for anyone looking to create a professional-looking website. With its focus on design, ease of use, and range of features, Squarespace is a great option for small business owners, freelancers, and anyone looking to create a website for personal or professional use. Whether you’re looking to create an online store, a personal portfolio, or a blog, Squarespace has the tools and features you need to get your website up and running quickly and easily.
Showit
Showit is a website builder platform that provides a unique solution to website design and development. It was created to help people create stunning and responsive websites without having to write a single line of code. Showit aims to empower users to easily design and launch their own websites with a drag-and-drop interface, intuitive design tools, and a large library of pre-made templates.
Showit is different from traditional website builders as it gives users complete control over their website design. It’s built on top of WordPress, so users can take advantage of the power and flexibility of WordPress while still benefiting from Showit’s ease of use. With Showit, users can create custom, one-of-a-kind designs that truly reflect their brand and style.
One of the standout features of Showit is its flexibility. Showit websites are completely responsive, which means they look great on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. This is important because more and more people are accessing websites on mobile devices, and Showit makes it easy for users to create websites that look great no matter how they’re viewed.
Showit also has a wide range of design tools that allow users to create beautiful and unique designs for their websites. From custom fonts and color palettes to unique background patterns and images, Showit makes it easy to create a truly custom look for your website.
Another benefit of Showit is its robust e-commerce capabilities. Showit makes it easy to sell products and services online, with features like product listings, checkout pages, and order tracking. This allows users to create an online store without having to navigate the complex world of e-commerce platforms.
Showit also offers a range of integrations with popular third-party tools, such as Mailchimp, Squarespace, and more. This allows users to extend the functionality of their website and connect with the tools they already use.
In conclusion, Showit is an innovative website builder platform that provides a powerful and flexible solution for anyone looking to create a custom website. With its drag-and-drop interface, intuitive design tools, and e-commerce capabilities, Showit makes it easy to create a stunning, responsive website without any coding knowledge. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelance designer, or just someone looking to create a personal website, Showit has the tools and features you need to get your website up and running.
SHOPIFY
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that provides a complete solution for anyone looking to start an online store. It’s designed for people who want to sell products and services online, regardless of their technical skills or background. Shopify offers a range of features and tools that make it easy to set up an online store, manage orders, and process payments.
One of the standout features of Shopify is its ease of use. The platform has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to set up an online store, even if you have no previous e-commerce experience. Shopify provides a range of pre-made templates that users can customize to match their brand and style, as well as a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to add and arrange different elements on your website.
Another advantage of Shopify is its range of e-commerce features. Shopify provides everything you need to start an online store, from product listings and checkout pages to order tracking and payment processing. The platform integrates with a range of payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe, which makes it easy to accept payments from customers.
Shopify also offers a range of other tools and services, such as email campaigns, analytics, and more. These tools and services can be accessed through the Shopify platform, providing users with a one-stop-shop for all their e-commerce needs.
Shopify is also known for its exceptional customer support. The platform offers 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base that provides answers to common questions.
In addition to its e-commerce capabilities, Shopify also offers a range of integrations with popular third-party tools, such as Mailchimp, Square, and more. This allows users to extend the functionality of their online store and connect with the tools they already use.
In conclusion, Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that provides a complete solution for anyone looking to start an online store. With its ease of use, range of features, and exceptional customer support, Shopify is a great option for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to sell products and services online. Whether you’re looking to start a new business or take your existing business online, Shopify has the tools and features you need to get your online store up and running quickly and easily.
WordPress
WordPress is a popular website platform because of how versatile it is. You can use a WordPress site for content and selling. WordPress websites offer user-friendly CMS, making them easy to navigate as an admin or consumer. WordPress keeps your website consistent and functional across devices.
WordPress features a variety of modern themes and plugins to add extra functionality to your website. Many popular plugins are free, but there are a handful that are not. They also have SEO tools built into your website.
WordPress has a few downsides to be aware of. Detailed customization can be hard without the help of an expert. WordPress is easy to use at a standard level, but I suggest getting professional help if you want to take your website to a professional level. Some of their themes and templates also lead to slower load times for the consumer, so be aware of this as you make your choice.
Get started!
After weighing your options, jump into the process! Putting it off will only make the task more intimidating. If you decide to hire help, many professionals are specialized in one platform. Each website platform has tools for connecting you with a professional.
No matter what you decide, there is a good option out there for you. A website is one of your most important tools as a business owner so it is will take time and effort. With the right research and expertise, you could have your professional website running in no time. I wish you luck on this next endeavor!
If you need a beautiful website, reach out to us to design a beautiful and functional website to help for your business. We will help you increase your visibility and give your brand wings to soar.
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