A website is necessary to connect businesses to their customers when building an online presence. So, it is no surprise that choosing the right website platform is a stepping stone to creating an e-presence.
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to decide which one best suits your needs. A website platform serves as the backbone of your site, influencing how it looks, functions, and scales as your goals evolve.
Whether you’re building a simple blog, an online store, or a comprehensive business website, selecting the appropriate platform ensures a smoother experience for you and your visitors.
This guide will walk you through the key elements to consider when choosing a platform and provide an overview of popular options to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll understand what to prioritise and how to match your requirements to the right solution.
How To Choose A Website Platform
Selecting the ideal website platform starts with understanding your specific needs and goals. Not every platform fits every scenario, so weighing your options carefully is important. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing a website platform:
1. Ease Of Use
Let’s be honest: Building a website without any experience can be stressful and overwhelming. Ease of use should be one of the first factors you consider when choosing a website platform.
Look for platforms that prioritise simplicity, offering clear instructions and intuitive features to help you get started quickly. Tools like drag-and-drop functionality are particularly helpful, allowing you to design your website visually by moving elements around without touching a single line of code.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are well-regarded for their beginner-friendly approach. They provide step-by-step guidance, pre-designed templates, and customisation tools that make it easy to create a professional-looking site, even if you’re not technically skilled.
With the right platform, you can focus more on your content and goals rather than getting bogged down by complicated technical requirements.
2. Design Flexibility
Website designs convey your vision and brand identity. Every background colour, font size, and logo serves a purpose in branding and messaging.
A website platform with robust design options lets you personalise every aspect of your site, from its overall layout to small details like colours and fonts. This flexibility ensures that your website stands out while meeting the specific needs of your audience. If you are doing B2C, warm colours evoke energy, friendliness, and enthusiasm, which can be effective for consumer-focused websites.
Many website platforms have pre-made templates, but platforms like WordPress.org and Squarespace provide extensive customisation capabilities for those who want more creative freedom. With access to thousands of themes and plugins, you can customise your website’s appearance and functionality however you please.
3. Features And Integrations
A website isn’t just about visuals and designs; you also want visitors to interact with it. If your focus is on e-commerce, look for platforms with tools to manage inventory, process payments, and handle shipping logistics seamlessly. Platforms like Shopify excel in this area, offering a range of built-in features tailored to online stores.
Conversely, if your primary goal is to showcase content, platforms like WordPress.org provide robust tools for organising and presenting your work in a visually appealing way.
Beyond built-in features, integrations with third-party apps can make a platform more versatile and efficient. Tools like email marketing software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or analytics platforms can be integrated into many website builders, allowing you to manage multiple aspects of your online presence in one place. This is a game-changer for businesses aiming to streamline operations or enhance their user experience.
4. Cost And Budget
Website platforms vary widely in pricing structures, ranging from free options with limited capabilities to premium subscriptions offering more comprehensive tools and services. While it is easy to assess the initial cost, the ongoing expenses for maintaining your site are equally as important.
Some platforms offer free plans ideal for hobbyists or small projects, but these often come with restrictions like mandatory ads and limited storage and features. For more professional needs, paid plans provide advanced features such as enhanced storage, priority support, and access to premium templates.
Remember that even on paid plans, additional costs may arise from hosting services, domain registrations, or optional plugins and themes that add specific functionality to your site.
Balancing your budget with your requirements is key, and prices can be steep for small businesses. Rather than choosing the most comprehensive website builders that offer every feature you could imagine, opt for a platform that offers good value and the necessary features without overspending.
If your needs are basic and you’re just looking to get your website out there, you might start with a lower-tier plan and upgrade as your website grows. So, plan and assess your business needs before committing to a paid plan.
5. Scalability
Your website might start small, but as your goals expand, your platform should be able to keep up. Remember this because the chosen platform should grow with your needs. Whether that involves handling a sudden spike in traffic, integrating additional features, or transitioning into more complex functionalities like e-commerce, the ease of scaling and transitioning should be seamless.
Imagine you launch a blog that later evolves into an online store. A scalable platform will make this transition seamless, allowing you to add tools for product listings, payment gateways like Stripe, and inventory management without switching to an entirely new system.
Platforms like Shopify and WordPress are often praised for their scalability since they provide extensive options to enhance and adapt your site over time. But it’s not just about growth; if a website can handle your current and future needs, you’ll save time and effort in the long run. This flexibility prevents migrating to a new system when your website outgrows its initial setup.
6. SEO Friendliness
SEO determines how easily people can find your website through search engines like Google, making it essential for attracting organic traffic. A platform with strong SEO features can simplify this process and help improve your visibility online.
Platforms that provide tools for customising meta titles and descriptions allow you to optimise how your pages appear in search results. Fast loading speeds are another critical factor; a slow website can hurt your rankings and frustrate visitors. Mobile responsiveness is equally important since search engines prioritise sites that work well on mobile devices.
Some platforms, such as WordPress.org, offer plugins that expand your SEO capabilities, like optimising keywords, analysing content structure, and improving site performance. Others, like Wix and Shopify, include built-in SEO tools that are user-friendly and effective for those with limited technical experience.
Choosing a platform prioritising SEO reduces the need to rely on external tools or complicated workarounds. This allows you to focus on growing your audience and achieving your website’s goals.
7. Support And Resources
Customer support may seem like a minor factor when choosing a website platform. Nevertheless, it can become necessary when encountering technical challenges or needing guidance with specific features. Reliable support can save you hours of frustration, especially if you’re new to building and managing a website.
Platforms with multiple support channels—such as live chat, email, or phone—offer peace of mind, ensuring help is available when needed. Live chat, for instance, is particularly useful for quick solutions, while email support is better suited for detailed queries.
Comprehensive documentation, such as setup guides, tutorials, and FAQs, can make a big difference. These resources are often overlooked but can be incredibly helpful for learning how to use your platform effectively, whether integrating a plugin, customising a template, or troubleshooting a problem.
Platforms like Shopify and Squarespace are known for their strong customer support and user-friendly resources. Choosing a platform with accessible support ensures that you’re not left stranded when issues arise.
8. Security Features
Online safety is non-negotiable. A website platform with strong security measures protects your data, ensures the safety of your visitors, and helps build trust. Visitors are far more likely to engage with a safe and credible website, especially when it involves sensitive information like payment details or personal data.
One of the most essential security features to look for is an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. This ensures that data exchanged between your website and its visitors is encrypted, preventing potential breaches. Most reputable platforms either include SSL certificates as part of their package or make it easy to integrate one.
Regular updates are another important feature. A platform that frequently updates its system keeps it ahead of emerging threats. These updates often patch vulnerabilities, improving your website’s overall security.
Additionally, built-in malware protection, secure login systems, and data backup options provide extra layers of safety. As cyber-attacks become more rampant and complex, a strong, secure site helps put your mind at ease.
9. Performance And Speed
In a world where users expect immediate results, a slow-loading site can lead to frustration and higher bounce rates, harming your online goals. Search engines like Google favour faster websites, so prioritising site speed and stability is important.
Hosting providers that prioritise speed offer benefits like efficient server setups, content delivery networks (CDNs), and caching tools. These features help your website load faster, even during periods of high traffic. A fast and reliable website keeps visitors engaged and signals to search engines that your site offers a good user experience.
Your chosen platform should also allow you to easily optimise your website’s content. Techniques such as compressing images, minimising code, and enabling lazy loading can improve site speed.
10. Hosting And Storage
Hosting refers to where your website’s files are stored and accessed, while storage determines how much content your website can accommodate, such as images, videos, and text.
Some platforms, like Wix, offer hosting as part of their packages, simplifying the process for users. These all-in-one solutions are ideal for beginners or those who prefer not to manage separate hosting services, which can be expensive.
On the other hand, other platforms like Magento require you to choose a hosting provider independently. While this option offers more flexibility and often better performance, it does involve additional cost and setup.
Storage limits can vary significantly across platforms and plans. A basic plan with limited storage might suffice for smaller websites, such as personal blogs or portfolios. However, opting for a plan with higher storage capacity for businesses or e-commerce sites with extensive product catalogues is mandatory to ensure smooth performance.
It’s also worth considering hosting reliability. Factors like uptime, server speed, and scalability can impact your website’s accessibility and user experience. A reliable hosting setup makes your website available to visitors and performs consistently, even during periods of high traffic.
11. Content Management Features
Robust content management features are necessary if your website focuses heavily on publishing content, such as blogs and articles. A sound content management system (CMS) makes it easier to organise, edit, and update your website without technical expertise. This is especially important for websites that need frequent updates or house a large amount of information.
In fact, tools for seamless updates help save time and effort, allowing you to make edits in real-time. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix offer straightforward drag-and-drop editors that make managing content accessible, even for beginners.
A strong CMS simplifies website maintenance and ensures that content remains well-organised and appealing to visitors.
12. Trial Options Or Free Plans
With so many website platforms out there, it’s important for businesses to have an option to try before committing to a subscription to gauge how well the platform suits their needs. Many platforms understand this, so they offer free trials or entry-level plans.
A free trial often provides limited access to premium features, allowing users to test tools like custom templates, advanced integrations, or analytics dashboards. Platforms like Squarespace and Shopify offer such trials, enabling users to experiment with building their websites without immediate financial commitment.
On the other hand, free plans are typically more limited in scope. While they might lack certain advanced features or include platform branding, they still allow you to understand the basics of how the platform works. For example, Weebly offers free plans with enough functionality to start a simple website, which can be upgraded later as your requirements grow.
You can take advantage of these trial options or free plans to make a well-rounded decision about which platform is the best fit for your goals. This approach saves money in the short term and ensures you invest in a solution that you feel comfortable using in the long run.
13. Backup And Recovery
No matter how well-maintained your website is, unexpected issues like server crashes, malware attacks, or accidental deletions can happen. These situations can be stressful and costly, especially if they result in data loss or prolonged downtime. This is why backup and recovery options are an important factor to consider when choosing a website platform.
A platform with robust backup and recovery features ensures that your data is safe and easily retrievable. Automated backups are particularly valuable, as they regularly save a copy of your website without requiring manual effort. If something goes wrong, a one-click recovery option allows you to restore your site to its former glory.
These features are especially important for content-heavy websites or e-commerce platforms, where large amounts of data are constantly updated. Losing such information can significantly impact operations and be incredibly disheartening.
Platforms like WordPress.org allow you to set up automated backups using plugins, while others, like Shopify and Squarespace, include these features as part of their service. When evaluating platforms, check how often backups are performed and how easy it is to access recovery tools.
8 Most Popular Website Platforms
We have discussed the important factors to consider when choosing a website builder, but what are the most popular website platforms for new beginners and seasoned veterans alike?
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is one of the most widely used website platforms globally, and for good reason. Known for its incredible flexibility and scalability, this open-source platform gives you complete control over your website’s design, functionality, and performance. Unlike all-in-one website builders, WordPress.org requires you to arrange separate hosting, which might sound daunting but provides unparalleled freedom in building and managing your site.
Notable Features:
- Access to thousands of themes and plugins for endless customisation.
- Open-source platform allowing complete control over design and functionality.
- Supports custom code editing for advanced personalisation.
- Ideal for managing content-heavy websites, such as blogs and media galleries.
- Highly scalable, making it suitable for both small sites and large businesses.
- Backed by a large community of developers for continuous updates and support.
Price Plans:
- The core software is free to download and use.
- Hosting costs: $5 to $30 monthly, depending on the provider and plan.
- Premium themes: Usually $20 to $100, depending on the design and features.
- Plugins: Many are free, but premium ones range from $10 to $50 or more.
- Optional costs: Hiring a developer for advanced customisation if needed.
Wix
Wix is one of the most user-friendly website platforms available, making it a favourite among beginners and those without technical expertise. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows you to build and customise a professional-looking website without coding knowledge.
Wix offers a wide selection of templates designed for various industries, from creative portfolios to small business websites, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Notable Feature:
- Simple drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners.
- A vast library of templates catering to diverse industries.
- Access to an app market with tools for e-commerce, marketing, and more.
- Built-in SEO and analytics tools to help improve site visibility.
- Mobile-responsive designs for optimal performance across devices.
- Automatic updates and hosting are included for a hassle-free experience.
Price Plans:
- Free plan: Includes Wix branding and limited features.
- Combo Plan: $16 per month (best for personal use).
- Unlimited Plan: $22 monthly (suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers).
- Business & E-commerce Plans: Starting at $27 monthly for online stores.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website platform known for its elegant and modern templates. These designs are perfect for visually striking websites, making Squarespace a preferred choice for photographers, designers, artists, and anyone prioritising aesthetics.
Squarespace offers built-in tools for blogging, e-commerce, and analytics, creating an all-in-one platform suitable for various websites.
Notable Features:
- Offers sleek, polished templates with a focus on visual appeal.
- Includes built-in tools for e-commerce, blogging, and SEO.
- Provides analytics to track website performance.
- Mobile-responsive templates ensure a seamless experience across devices.
- Integrated hosting and domain management for convenience.
- Excellent customer support and comprehensive resources.
Price Plans:
- Personal plan: $16 per month (best for basic websites).
- Business Plan: $23 per month (includes marketing features and e-commerce capabilities).
- Basic Commerce plans: $27 monthly (ideal for online stores).
- Advanced Commerce plans: $49 per month (includes advanced e-commerce tools like abandoned cart recovery).
Shopify
Shopify has established itself as the leading platform for e-commerce websites, making it a go-to choice for businesses selling products online. Its robust features provide everything you need to create and manage an online store, from setting up product listings to processing secure payments.
Notable Features:
- Comprehensive e-commerce tools, including inventory management and product categorisation.
- Secure payment processing with multiple gateway options.
- Supports multi-channel selling (e.g., social media and marketplaces like Amazon).
- Extensive library of apps and integrations to extend functionality.
- Mobile-responsive templates designed for online stores.
- Built-in analytics and reporting to track sales and performance.
- Reliable hosting and automatic updates to keep your store running smoothly.
Price Plans:
- Basic Shopify: $25 per month (suitable for new stores).
- Shopify Plan: $65 monthly (ideal for growing businesses with larger inventories).
- Advanced Shopify: $399 monthly (includes advanced reporting and lower transaction fees).
- Shopify Plus: Custom pricing for enterprise-level businesses.
Weebly
Weebly is a user-friendly website platform designed for those who want simplicity and affordability without compromising functionality. Its drag-and-drop builder makes it accessible for users without prior website design experience, allowing you to create a professional-looking site in just a few steps.
While similar to Wix’s approach, Weebly focuses on providing an easy-to-manage solution at a lower cost, making it ideal for small businesses. Additionally, it includes basic e-commerce tools, making it a practical option for users who want to try online selling.
Notable Features:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, perfect for beginners.
- Affordable pricing plans that cater to small budgets.
- Basic e-commerce features, such as product listings and payment processing.
- Built-in SEO tools to help improve site visibility on search engines.
- Integrated hosting and a free domain with paid plans are available for convenience.
Price Plans:
- Free Plan: Includes Weebly branding and limited features.
- Personal plan: $10 monthly (great for personal use with a custom domain).
- Professional plan: $12 monthly (ideal for small businesses, removes Weebly branding).
- Performance Plan: $26 per month (suitable for e-commerce, including advanced selling tools).
Webflow
Webflow is a unique website platform that balances user-friendly design tools and the flexibility of more advanced systems. It combines the simplicity of drag-and-drop builders with the ability to create highly customised, professional-grade websites.
This makes Webflow appealing to designers and developers who want complete creative control without relying on extensive coding. Additionally, Webflow operates as a robust CMS, making it easy to manage and update large volumes of content. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals or businesses.
Notable Features:
- Combines drag-and-drop functionality with advanced design flexibility.
- Enables pixel-perfect customisation for unique, professional-grade websites.
- Functions as a CMS for efficient content management.
- Mobile-responsive design tools for optimal user experience on any device.
- Built-in hosting with fast loading speeds and high reliability.
- Offers integrations for e-commerce, SEO, and third-party tools.
Price Plans:
- Free Plan: Includes Webflow branding and limited features.
- Basic plan: $18 monthly (suitable for simple websites without CMS features).
- CMS Plan: $29 monthly (ideal for content-heavy websites or blogs).
- Business Plan: $49 monthly (designed for larger-scale websites or e-commerce).
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on business needs.
BigCommerce
As the name implies, BigCommerce is tailored for businesses looking to scale their online operations. Its robust features are designed to help you manage and grow your online store efficiently. BigCommerce excels in multi-channel selling, enabling you to manage your products on your website and across marketplaces like Amazon and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
This functionality makes it a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience and driving sales. With its advanced SEO tools and scalable infrastructure, BigCommerce is an excellent choice for businesses focused on long-term growth and maximising their online presence.
Notable Features:
- Supports multi-channel selling across websites, marketplaces, and social media platforms.
- Built-in tools for managing product listings, inventory, and shipping.
- Secure payment gateways with options for multiple currencies.
- Mobile-responsive designs and templates tailored for online shopping.
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools to track performance and sales.
Price Plans:
- Standard Plan: $29.95 per month (suitable for small stores).
- Plus plan: $79.95 monthly (ideal for growing businesses with higher sales volume).
- Pro Plan: $299.95 monthly (for larger businesses needing advanced features).
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on business needs.
HubSpot CMS Hub
A well-known name within the industry, HubSpot CMS Hub is a versatile website platform that goes beyond building websites—it integrates seamlessly with marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
This platform is designed for businesses that want to align their website with their marketing and sales strategies, making it easier to manage everything from one central location. HubSpot CMS Hub offers features like SEO recommendations, built-in analytics, and advanced personalisation options, making it great for SEO efforts.
Notable Features:
- Integrates website building with HubSpot’s powerful marketing and CRM tools.
- Offers SEO recommendations to improve site visibility and ranking.
- Provides advanced personalisation options for tailored user experiences.
- Includes built-in analytics and reporting to track website performance.
- Highly secure with features like SSL certification and 24/7 monitoring.
Price Plan:
- Starter Plan: $15 per month (includes basic CMS features and some marketing tools).
- Professional plan: $450 monthly (ideal for businesses needing advanced customisation and analytics).
- Enterprise Plan: $1,200 monthly (designed for large organisations requiring robust personalisation and integrations).
Conclusion On How To Choose A Website Platform
Choosing the right website platform doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on your goals, budget, and the features that matter most, you can narrow down your options and find a platform that aligns with your needs. Whether you’re creating a small personal site or a large online store, the platforms discussed here offer a variety of solutions to help you succeed.
However, consider working with a specialised agency to get the most out of your website’s SEO potential. We, Best SEO isn’t just for namesake, we are here to help businesses achieve measurable results through our proven SEO and SEM strategies.
Claim your free 30-minute strategy session with us and see how our expertise can benefit your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Choose A Website Platform
Is It Better To Use A Free Plan Or Start With A Paid Plan?
Free plans are a good starting point for testing a platform, but paid plans offer more features, better customisation, and the removal of branding for a professional look.
Are All Platforms Mobile-Friendly?
Most platforms today provide mobile-responsive templates, but it’s worth double-checking to ensure your website looks great on all devices.
What Are The Key Differences Between Drag-and-Drop Builders And CMS Platforms?
Drag-and-drop builders are beginner-friendly with visual editing, while CMS platforms offer more advanced features and control but may require technical skills.
Is Building A Website Expensive?
The cost depends on the platform and your needs. Some platforms offer free plans, but adding features like a custom domain or advanced tools usually requires a paid plan starting as low as $10 per month.
What Happens if I Pick The Wrong Platform?
You can migrate your website to another platform, which may require additional time and effort. Testing a platform with a free plan or trial helps avoid this.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Website?
It depends on the complexity of your site. Simple websites can be set up in a few hours, while more complex sites with custom features might take several days or weeks.
