Build Your Own Business Website With These Simple Tools
As we’ve discussed before on the Intelligent Office blog, your small business needs a website. And while some businesses choose to hire a developer for custom work, many business owners can easily go the DIY route with the help of a website builder.
If you’re up to the challenge, the first step is to choose a website builder, and here’s our list of the best options available in 2018.
Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builders around, and for good reason. You’ll have access to hundreds of prepared templates with Wix Editor, which you can easily customize to find the perfect blend of form and function. Simply drag and drop elements onto the page, with no coding required.
There’s even an Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) option. Just answer a few quick and easy questions about your business, and the interface builds a personalized website, including text and images.
Squarespace
Another drag-and-drop website builder, Squarespace’s interface is intuitive (though many people find Wix’s to be easier to use) and results in stunning, mobile-responsive websites. While there are fewer templates to choose from when compared to Wix, the designs are aesthetically pleasing and professional.
You can also integrate Apple Pay, PayPal, Mailchimp, and more with your new website. The company takes security seriously, too, and every site comes with a free SSL certificate.
Duda
Duda claims to be the “fastest website builder out there,” and that statement isn’t hyperbolic. Building websites quickly and at scale is a breeze, though the tool works great for business owners who only need a single site, too. Like Squarespace and Wix, designing your site is as easy as dragging and dropping elements onto the page.
Users also have access to eCommerce solutions, well-designed templates, analytics, and more.
Shopify
If you have an online store or eCommerce business, Shopify could be the ideal website builder. There are hundreds of themes to choose from, providing the freedom to make your online shop stand out.
When someone makes a purchase, payment can be collected through Shopify Payments, an integrated solution that’s a breeze to use. Users can also add third-party payment gateways if they prefer. Full inventory management, the ability to list an unlimited number of products, analytics, help with marketing, and a whole lot more are all included in the monthly price.
Additional DIY website building resources
For more helpful how-tos that can help you create a winning website that attracts new business, check out Web Design 101 For Small Business. It’s our straightforward guide to creating a user-friendly website, and it will come in handy as you get your own site up and running.
As you work on building a website for your business, think about which tasks you might outsource to someone else. If you use a virtual assistant (VA), you can even outsource website maintenance, adding new pages, updating content, blog posting, and so much more. Learn more and get connected with your ideal VA here.
