The Best Website Builders in The US
Between my experience as a web designer and my passion for technology and innovation, I've kept close tabs on the updates within the website platform industry. In this blog, I’ll break down my thoughts on the absolute best web builders in the US. I’ll guide you through what to consider when weighing each option depending on the goals of your business.
Best Web Builders:
Squarespace
Pagy
Wix
WordPress
Squarespace: Where Expertise Meets Innovation
The Squarespace Advantage
As a Squarespace web designer, I've consistently found the platform to be a beacon of innovation and user-centric design. The intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality of Squarespace make it accessible for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
With Squarespace 7.1, the platform raised the bar for website building, offering a seamless and intuitive design experience.
House Your Business Under One Roof
They offer a host of additional features that allow you to streamline your business if you want to create an online course, membership, book appointments, send out a mailing list, or sell physical goods or services.
Creativity Unleashed
Squarespace provides a canvas for creativity, allowing me to craft sophisticated, high-end designs. The platform's versatile templates serve as a solid foundation, enabling me to customize and fine-tune every aspect to meet the unique needs of each client.
SEO-Friendly Functionality
In the world of web design, visibility is key to getting the most out of your website. Squarespace understands this well and has integrated robust SEO tools into its platform. I’m also a fan of SEOSpace and their incredible plugin that allows you to analyze and optimize your SEO with ease.
As a Squarespace expert, I leverage these tools to optimize my client’s website for search engines, ensuring their business is easily discoverable by their target audience. The seamless integration of SEO features makes Squarespace the standout choice in my opinion for businesses aiming to boost their online presence and improve user experience.
Pagy: A New Contender in the Web Builder Arena
While Squarespace has long been a go-to platform for web design, Pagy has emerged as a compelling alternative for those seeking simplicity and speed in website creation.
If you’re familiar with Squarespace - especially the older Classic Editor - then Pagy will feel quite intuitive for you, with very little learning curve. I have been incredibly impressed with their platform and its ease of use.
Streamlined Simplicity
Pagy prides itself on its straightforward and user-friendly interface. For businesses with a tight timeline or those who prefer a very minimalist approach, Pagy offers an array of pre-designed templates that can be easily customized.
While it may not boast the extensive design capabilities of Squarespace, Pagy caters to a niche audience that values simplicity and efficiency.
Budget-Friendly Options
For small businesses or individuals with budget constraints, Pagy provides an attractive solution. The platform offers cost-effective plans without compromising on essential features.
This makes Pagy a great choice for those who prioritize functionality over intricate design and are looking for a budget-friendly web builder solution.
Wix: A Versatile Contender
Wix comes with its limitations, but still stands out as a versatile contender and offers a myriad of features catering to a diverse range of businesses.
Drag-and-Drop Customization
Wix's drag-and-drop editor is a powerful tool that empowers users to create visually stunning websites with ease. I can appreciate the intuitive nature of Wix's editor, which allows for seamless customization without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
This feature makes Wix a nice choice for businesses seeking a balance between simplistic design flexibility and user-friendly functionality.
App Integration for Enhanced Functionality
Wix's App Market is a treasure trove of third-party applications that can enhance the functionality of your website. Whether it's e-commerce, social media integration, or analytics, Wix's extensive library of apps provides businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital landscape.
This versatility makes Wix a compelling choice for those who value adaptability and seek to integrate various functionalities seamlessly.
WordPress: The Time-Tested Titan
I’d be remiss without mentioning WordPress, the time-tested titan of the industry. While personally, I don’t feel WordPress can stand up to many of the other alternatives on the market today, there are certain advantages to WordPress that might suit some businesses best.
Open-Source Freedom
WordPress's open-source nature grants users unparalleled freedom and flexibility. As a Squarespace web designer, I understand that while Squarespace provides a curated environment, WordPress allows for complete customization.
This freedom makes WordPress a compelling choice for businesses with unique design requirements or those seeking a platform that can evolve with their growing needs.
Extensive Plugin Ecosystem
WordPress boasts a vast plugin ecosystem that spans every conceivable functionality. From SEO optimization to e-commerce solutions, the abundance of plugins allows businesses to tailor their websites to their specific requirements.
While this flexibility may come with a steeper learning curve for beginners and usually requires expert-guided support, it does provide a level of customization that few other platforms can match.
Choosing the Best Web Builder for Your Business
In the ever-expanding world of web builders, the choice ultimately boils down to your business's unique needs and preferences.
Squarespace, with its user-friendly interface and design-centric approach, remains a top choice for those who prioritize aesthetic appeal and ease of use.
Pagy appeals to the budget-conscious and those seeking simplicity, while Wix and WordPress offer versatility and customization for businesses with more specific requirements.
As a Squarespace expert, my journey in web design has been fueled by a passion for creating beautifully designed online experiences. Whether you choose Squarespace, Pagy, Wix, WordPress, or another builder entirely, the key is to align your choice with your business goals and long term vision.
As technology continues to advance, these web builders will all evolve, providing businesses with even more tools to thrive in our ever-changing digital landscape. The best web builder is the one that empowers you to turn your unique vision into a reality.
Your Designer
Hi friends! I'm Justin Mabee, a veteran Squarespace website designer with over 12 years of experience building websites. As a top-rated Squarespace web designer, I build rich, interactive sites that don’t look like anyone else’s out there – and they’re intuitive enough for you to pick up and run with after we publish. Trying to decide which website builder is best for your project? Let’s grab a strategy session.
