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Picking a website builder these days feels like scrolling Netflix for 45 minutes and still watching The Office. Too many options. But don’t worry — we’re breaking down the big five so you can stop overthinking and start building.
When you’re a small business owner, your website isn’t just a digital business card — it’s your 24/7 storefront, pitch deck, and brand ambassador. And choosing the right website builder? It’s kind of a big deal.
We’ll cover pros, cons, and who should use what — plus dive into design, SEO, mobile usability, and even how these platforms stack up when it comes to color psychology (yes, that’s a thing — more on that later).
WordPress
Best for: business owners who want total control and don’t mind a little tinkering.
Pros:
- Fully customizable — you can do anything with it (and we mean anything).
- Massive plugin library: SEO, eCommerce, membership — you name it.
- Great for blogging and long-term content growth.
Cons:
- Needs maintenance (hosting, plugin updates, etc.).
- Can feel overwhelming if you’re just getting started.
Why it works: WordPress gives you power and flexibility. Want to design a site that follows best practices for user experience and SEO (like optimized headers, meta tags, fast load times, etc.)? WordPress makes it all possible — especially with themes like Astra or plugins like Rank Math and Elementor. But if you’re a “just-make-it-work” kind of person, it might be a steeper climb.
Squarespace
Best for: the brand-conscious, design-first business owner.
Pros:
- Gorgeous, modern templates that look good out of the box.
- All-in-one: hosting, security, updates are all handled.
- Built-in tools for blogging, email, and even scheduling.
Cons:
- Customization is limited if you don’t know code.
- More rigid if your needs grow over time.
Why it works: Squarespace is the Apple of website builders: clean, beautiful, and simple. It’s ideal for visual businesses — photographers, consultants, restaurants — where image really matters. From a psychology standpoint, their use of whitespace and color balance is on point. And the mobile responsiveness? Almost always seamless.
Wix
Best for: small business owners who want DIY freedom and fast setup.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop interface with a low learning curve.
- Tons of built-in tools: from contact forms to appointment booking.
- Flexible design without touching code.
Cons:
- Can get messy if you over-customize.
- SEO tools are improving but not as robust as WordPress.
Why it works: Wix strikes a great balance between ease and control. It’s the Swiss army knife for solopreneurs — especially those who need a website up by this weekend. Its design freedom helps you tap into visual cues and color psychology easily, although you’ll need to be intentional to avoid a chaotic look.
Google Sites
Best for: internal team pages, school projects, and “we just need something live.”
Pros:
- Free and tied into your Google account.
- Incredibly easy to use.
Cons:
- Extremely limited customization.
- Almost no design flexibility or SEO control.
Why it (barely) works: Google Sites is like your emergency spare tire — great when you’re stuck, but not for long drives. It’s fine for temporary use, but don’t expect conversions. No SSL, no SEO metadata, no speed optimization — basically, none of the essentials that help small businesses thrive online.
Framer
Best for: designers and early adopters who want sleek, fast-loading websites.
Pros:
- Modern, lightning-fast pages (great Core Web Vitals scores).
- Visual editing experience similar to Figma.
- Surprisingly decent CMS features.
Cons:
- Learning curve if you’re not a designer.
- Still newer, so fewer integrations than WordPress or Wix.
Why it works: Framer is the cool new kid. It’s fast, future-friendly, and ideal for businesses that prioritize brand aesthetics. It’s also a good bet if performance matters — think faster load times, built-in animations, and responsive design. Just don’t expect hand-holding.
Things to keep in mind – Design + SEO + UX: What Actually Matters
Choosing the right builder isn’t just about what’s “easiest.” You’ll want to consider:
- User experience (UX): Is it easy for your customers to navigate?
- SEO-readiness: Can you optimize page titles, descriptions, images, and URLs?
- Speed: Does the builder offer tools or integrations to keep your site fast?
- Security: Is SSL included? Are backups available?
- Visual design: Does it let you use colors, spacing, and layouts in a way that builds trust and converts?
Colors can influence how visitors feel — blues suggest trust, greens signal growth, reds drive action (source: Netlynx article on color psychology). If your platform limits how you can control those cues, that’s a problem.
TL;DR
- Want full control and serious growth? Go WordPress.
- Want pretty and professional without hassle? Squarespace.
- Want quick and easy with some flexibility? Wix.
- Need something temporary or internal? Google Sites.
- Want cutting-edge design and speed? Framer.
The real answer? The best platform is the one that fits your goals and makes it easy to build a site your customers will love.
Want help deciding or want us to build it for you? Let’s talk.