Start with the job: a brochure site, online store, booking site or content site. Then compare templates, mobile editing, SEO controls (titles, descriptions, redirects, sitemaps), speed, ecommerce and booking features, and integrations. Price the plan that removes the builder's branding and connects your own domain, and check how easily you could export your content if you leave.
A website builder should get you live fast and stay out of your way as you grow.
Match the builder to the job
| Site type | Look for |
|---|---|
| Brochure site | Strong templates, easy editing, forms |
| Online store | Product catalog, payments, shipping and tax |
| Bookings | Calendar, deposits, reminders |
| Content and blog | Blog tools, categories, SEO controls |
Checklist
- Custom domain and SSL included.
- SEO controls: titles, meta descriptions, redirects, sitemaps.
- Speed on mobile.
- Integrations: email marketing, CRM, analytics.
- Ownership: content export and domain transfer.
- Real cost: the plan without branding, plus apps and transaction fees.
Launch tips
Write clear service pages, add your address and contact details, and connect email marketing from day one.
If online sales are central to the site, compare an ecommerce platform with a website builder. Browse websites and ecommerce.
New guides in this topic
Common questions
Do I need my own domain?
Yes. A custom domain looks professional, and you keep it if you change builders. Register it in your business's name.
Are website builders good for SEO?
Most cover the basics well. Check you can edit titles, descriptions, URLs and redirects, and that pages load fast on mobile.
Website builder or WordPress?
Builders are easier and maintained for you. WordPress offers more flexibility but needs hosting, updates and security care.