Starting a business is challenging, especially when you're on a tight budget. A professional website is crucial for branding and growth, but finding an affordable option can be tough.
In this post, we'll highlight the best low-cost website builders for startups, focusing on features like ease of use, affordability, and scalability to help you choose the right platform without overspending.
7 Best Website Builders For Startups
For startups, choosing the right website builder is crucial. You need a platform that's easy to use, affordable, and versatile enough to scale as your business grows. In this guide, we'll explore the best website builders for startups, highlighting their pros and cons, the latest pricing, who they are best suited for, and the overall difficulty level.
1. Wix
Perfect for startups or small businesses looking for a fast, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly solution without advanced technical skills.
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly—ideal for users with little to no technical experience.
Price Plans:
- Free Plan: Basic with Wix branding.
- Light: £9/month
- Core: £16/month
- Business: £25/month
- Elite: £119/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Extremely user-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality.
- A vast range of templates to choose from.
- Affordable pricing plans with scalable options.
- The free plan comes with Wix branding.
- Less flexibility in terms of customization compared to more advanced platforms.
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2. WordPress
Best suited for startups that need flexibility and want full control over their website’s functionality, such as tech companies, blogs, or businesses that expect significant customization.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced—requires some technical knowledge or a willingness to learn.
Price Plans:
- Free version (WordPress.org) but requires hosting costs starting from £6/month.
- Premium themes, plugins and web builders may incur additional costs.
- Elementor Pro: $59/year [site builder]
- Oxigen: $129 one time [site builder]
Pros vs Cons:
- Highly customizable with a massive library of plugins and themes.
- SEO-friendly and great for content-heavy websites.
- Free to use, though you’ll need to pay for hosting.
- A steeper learning curve, especially for non-tech-savvy users.
- Requires manual updates and regular maintenance.
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3. Weebly
Ideal for small businesses and non-technical users looking for a simple, no-frills website to get online quickly.
Difficulty Level: Beginner—no technical expertise required.
Price Plans:
- Free Plan: Basic features with branding.
- Personal: £5/month
- Professional: £9/month
- Performance: £19/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
- Free plan available, making it affordable for startups.
- Wide variety of themes and templates.
- Limited customization options compared to other platforms.
- Less robust eCommerce functionality compared to Shopify or BigCommerce.
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4. Shopify
Best for startups focused on building an online store or eCommerce business. Ideal for retail startups, both physical and digital products.
Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate—easy to set up but can get more complex as your store grows.
Price Plans:
- Basic: £25/month
- Shopify: £65/month
- Advanced: £344/month
- Plus: $2300/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Comprehensive eCommerce functionality with excellent support.
- Highly scalable with many add-ons like DropinBlog for advanced users.
- User-friendly even for eCommerce beginners.
- Higher starting price with no free plan may deter some small business owners from choosing this option.
- Transaction fees apply unless you use Shopify Payments.
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5. Squarespace
Ideal for startups in creative industries—photographers, designers, and artists looking for a beautiful online portfolio or professional website that appeals to small business owners.
Difficulty Level: Beginner—no coding required, but provides enough depth for more advanced users if needed.
Price Plans:
- Personal Plan: £16/month
- Business Plan: £24/month
- eCommerce Plan: £28/month
- eCommerce Advanced Plan: £43/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Stunning, professional-looking templates.
- User-friendly interface with built-in tools for SEO and analytics.
- Great for creatives and those needing visually appealing websites.
- Slightly pricier than other beginner options.
- Limited third-party integrations compared to WordPress.
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6. BigCommerce
Best for startups that are serious about eCommerce and anticipate fast growth. Ideal for businesses that plan to sell across multiple platforms.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate—easier than WordPress but more complex than Shopify.
Price Plans:
- Standard: $39/month
- Plus: $105/month
- Pro: $399/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Comprehensive eCommerce features, including multi-channel selling.
- No transaction fees, unlike some other platforms.
- Scalable for businesses expecting rapid growth.
- Higher learning curve compared to Shopify.
- The higher price point for small startups.
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7. GoDaddy
Great for small startups needing a quick, no-fuss website. Ideal for local businesses and those looking for a simple online presence.
Difficulty Level: Beginner—very easy to use, even for complete novice.
Price Plans:
- Basic: £7.99/month
- Standard: £9.99/month
- Premium: £11.99/month
- eCommerce: £13.99/month
Pros vs Cons:
- Simple and quick setup.
- Affordable pricing with a free domain included for the first year.
- Solid uptime and customer support.
- Limited customization and intuitive design flexibility.
- Fewer advanced features compared to competitors.
Best e-Commerce Website Builders for Startups
Choosing the right eCommerce website builder is crucial for startups aiming to sell online effectively. You’ll want a platform that is not only affordable but also easy to use, scalable, and packed with the necessary features to support your growth.
1) Shopify
- Shopify remains one of the most popular eCommerce platforms for startups. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of features including customizable checkout, automatic tax calculations, and support for all major payment methods.
- Its app store provides tools for marketing, SEO, and product management, making it a great all-in-one solution. Though there’s no free plan, Shopify provides a 14-day free trial for testing the platform before committing.
2) Magento (Adobe Commerce)
- Is a powerful platform designed for businesses that anticipate rapid growth and require a highly customizable eCommerce solution. While its open-source version is free, it does require hosting and some technical expertise to set up.
- Magento shines in offering scalability, advanced product filtering, abandoned cart recovery, and multi-channel selling features. It's an ideal choice for startups planning to expand quickly or those with technical resources in-house.
3) WooCommerce
- Is a top choice for startups already using WordPress or those looking for an affordable and flexible eCommerce solution. The core platform is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and additional plugins to extend functionality.
- WooCommerce provides a simple setup and integrates seamlessly with WordPress, allowing you to create a fully customizable online store. It’s ideal for businesses looking to have control over their website and budget.
Which eCommerce Builder is Right for You?
- If you're looking for a simple, all-in-one solution: Shopify is the best option for ease of use and scalability.
- For large or rapidly growing startups: Magento offers unmatched flexibility and customization but requires technical resources.
- For budget-conscious startups with WordPress familiarity: WooCommerce is an affordable, customizable solution that scales with your business.
Best Startup Website Builder for Free
We have listed the most popular and free website builders that are perfect for a startup or small stores:
1) Weebly
A free website builder on the market that is easy to use and has a lot of features that are perfect for small businesses. It's also one of the most affordable website builders, which makes it a great option for startups on a budget. Free version available.
2) Wix
One of the best website builders for startups and for good reason. It's easy to use, has a wide range of features, and is very affordable, making it perfect for entrepreneurs. If you're looking for a website builder that can grow with your startup and business, Wix is a great option.
3) GoDaddy
Has been a web hosting company for many years and offers several features that are perfect for startups. One of these is their GoCentral website builder. This is a great option for those who are not familiar with web design or coding. You can create a professional website in minutes without any prior experience. Free domain names are available.
4) Site123
If you're looking for an all-in-one solution that's affordable and easy to use, Site123 is one of the best website builders for small businesses. You can build a website in minutes, without any prior experience. Plus, there are no hidden costs - everything is included. Free versions and paid plans are available.
5) Jimdo
This web builder is perfect for startups on a tight budget. Not only is it free to use, but it also has a wide range of features, that you can use to grow your business. You can also upgrade to a paid plan if you need more features in the future.
Startup Website Cost in the UK
The cost of building a bespoke startup website in the UK depends on several factors, including the site's size, complexity, design customization, and whether you require eCommerce functionality. Here's a breakdown of typical costs to help you budget effectively for your new business website:
Initial Setup Costs
- Basic Website (1-5 Pages): £1,500 - £3,000
This is suitable for startups or small businesses that need a simple site to showcase their services or portfolio. It includes basic design options, minimal functionality, and a few custom features. - Standard Website (6-10 Pages): £3,000 - £5,000
Ideal for businesses needing a more polished and robust online presence, with additional pages for services, contact forms, or blog integration. This cost may also include limited custom design work and enhanced functionality. - Premium Website (10+ Pages): £5,000+
Larger startups or businesses require a fully customized website with more advanced features, integrations, and a focus on user experience. This may include tailored branding, interactive elements, and scalable architecture for future growth. - eCommerce Website: From £3,000
For startups looking to sell products or services online. Costs vary depending on the number of products, complexity of the store (shipping, payments, inventory management), and specific eCommerce platform. Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento setups can raise the price based on custom needs.
Additional Fees & Ongoing Maintenance
1. Domain and Hosting:
- Domain registration: £10 - £20 per year
- Hosting: £50 - £200 per year (depending on traffic, server type, and security needs). eCommerce websites often require more robust hosting plans.
2. Website Maintenance:
- Regular updates, security checks, and backups: £300 - £600/year
- WordPress sites, in particular, need frequent updates for themes and plugins, while platforms like Webflow or Wix have built-in maintenance, saving time and resources for business owners.
3. eCommerce Add-Ons:
- Payment gateway fees: 1.5% - 3% per transaction (depending on your provider, such as PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
- SSL certificate: £30 - £100 per year (some hosting providers offer free SSL).
4. SEO & Marketing Tools:
- Search engine optimization (SEO), if outsourced: £500+ per month depending on the level of service.
- Paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) can start at around £350+ per month depending on your goals.
Save Money - Start Build Your Website
- DIY Builders: Using platforms like Wix or WordPress with pre-made themes can reduce costs significantly. You can build a simple website for as little as £100 to £500, especially if you handle design and content creation yourself.
- Freelancers vs. Agencies: Hiring a freelancer for custom development tends to be cheaper than an agency but may lack the support structure. Agencies provide end-to-end services but charge premium rates.
- Minimal Customization: Stick to pre-built templates and avoid too much customization in the initial stages. You can upgrade as your business grows.
Web Design vs Web Development
When embarking on building a website, it's essential to understand the key differences between web design and web development. Though they are often mentioned together, they involve distinct processes and skills. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you grasp the fundamentals and make informed decisions for your web project, especially if you're an entrepreneur.
Definition: Web Design
Web design is all about the aesthetics and usability of a website. It encompasses everything that users see and interact with on a site, from layout and colour schemes to typography and images. The goal is to create an engaging and intuitive experience that aligns with the brand's identity and meets user needs.
Key Components:
- Visual Design: The look and feel of the site, including graphics, colour schemes, and font choices. Good design ensures that the website is visually appealing and consistent with the brand’s image.
- User Experience (UX): Focuses on optimizing the overall experience for users. This involves creating a logical navigation structure, and intuitive interfaces, and ensuring that users can easily find the information or services they need.
- Responsive Design: Ensures that the website looks and functions well on various devices and screen sizes, from desktops to smartphones.
Tools and Skills:
- Design Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Figma
- Skills: Creative design, user-centred design principles, proficiency in design software
A well-designed website can captivate visitors, convey your brand message effectively, and enhance user satisfaction. It’s your first chance to make a strong impression and encourage visitors to stay and explore further.
Definition: Web Development
Web development is the technical side of website creation. It involves writing code to build the functionalities and features that make a website operational. Web developers transform the designs created by designers into functional websites using programming languages and frameworks.
Key Components:
- Front-End Development: Focuses on the client side of the website, which includes everything users interact with directly. It involves coding in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to implement the visual elements and interactive features designed by web designers.
- Back-End Development: Handles the server side of the website, including databases, server logic, and application integration. This ensures that the site operates smoothly and can handle tasks like user authentication, data processing, and content management. Common languages include PHP, Python, Ruby, and frameworks like Node.js.
- Full-Stack Development: Combines both front-end and back-end development skills, enabling developers to build and maintain the entire website infrastructure.
Tools and Skills:
- Development Tools: Code editors (VS Code, Sublime Text), version control (Git), development frameworks (React, Angular, Django)
- Skills: Proficiency in programming languages, problem-solving, understanding of web protocols and databases
Web development ensures that a website functions correctly, performs efficiently, and integrates seamlessly with other technologies, providing everything you need for small business owners. It's essential for creating interactive elements, managing user data, and ensuring the site's stability and security.
Search Engine Optimization & Marketing Basics
- SEO focuses on optimizing your high-quality website to rank higher in search results, driving organic traffic.
- Marketing encompasses various strategies to promote your business, engage with your audience, and boost sales.
SEO Basics
SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to improve its visibility on search engines like Google. The goal is to rank higher in search results so that more people can find your site.
Key Elements of SEO:
- Keyword Research: Identify the words and phrases potential customers use when searching for products or services like yours. Use these keywords strategically in your content, titles, and meta descriptions.
- On-Page SEO: Optimize individual pages of your site to make them search-engine-friendly. This includes using relevant keywords, optimizing meta tags (title and description), and ensuring content quality and readability.
- Technical SEO: Improve the backend aspects of your site, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, and proper indexing by search engines, which is essential for effective SEO and marketing. Fixing broken links and improving site structure also falls under this category.
- Off-Page SEO: Build your site’s authority by earning backlinks from other reputable sites. Engaging in social media, guest blogging, and partnerships can help increase your site’s credibility and visibility.
5 Free SEO Tools
1. Seobility
Provides a comprehensive SEO audit, highlighting issues with on-page SEO, technical SEO, and content. It also offers keyword analysis and competitor research.
- Key Features: SEO audit, keyword monitoring, backlink analysis, and site performance tracking.
- Why Use It: Ideal for a thorough analysis of your site’s SEO health, helping you identify areas for improvement and optimize your site effectively.
2. SpyFu
Offers in-depth keyword research and competitive analysis. It helps you discover the keywords your competitors are ranking for and their PPC strategies.
- Key Features: Competitor keyword research, PPC analysis, SEO performance tracking, and keyword suggestions.
- Why Use It: Valuable for understanding your competitors’ strategies and finding keywords that can improve your site’s search engine rankings.
3. Ubersuggest
Provides keyword research, SEO analysis, and competitive insights. It helps you discover keyword opportunities, analyze competitors, and track your site’s SEO performance.
- Key Features: Keyword suggestions, SEO audit, traffic analysis, and backlink data.
- Why Use It: Useful for finding new keywords and gaining insights into competitors’ strategies, allowing you to refine your SEO efforts.
4. Moz Link Explorer
Analyzes your site’s backlink profile and provides insights into your link-building efforts. It helps you evaluate the quality of your backlinks and understand your site’s authority.
- Key Features: Backlink analysis, domain authority, and link metrics.
- Why Use It: Great for assessing your link profile and identifying opportunities to improve your link-building strategy.
5. Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Crawls your website to identify SEO issues and provides a detailed analysis of your site’s structure. It helps you find broken links, duplicate content, and other technical issues.
- Key Features: Site crawl, broken link detection, and SEO audit.
- Why Use It: Excellent for conducting a thorough technical SEO audit and uncovering issues that could affect your site’s search performance.
Digital Marketing Basics
Marketing involves strategies and tactics to promote your products or services to your target audience. It encompasses various activities to attract, engage, and retain customers.
Key Marketing Strategies:
- Content Marketing: Create and share valuable content (blogs, videos, infographics) that addresses your audience’s needs and interests. This helps establish your authority and attract potential customers.
- Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to engage with your audience, share updates, and promote your products or services. Tailor your content to each platform’s strengths and audience.
- Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to your subscribers to keep them informed about new products, promotions, or updates. Personalize your emails to increase engagement and conversions.
- Paid Advertising: Invest in online ads (Google Ads, social media ads) to reach a broader audience. Paid campaigns can drive immediate traffic and target specific demographics based on interests and behaviours.
FAQs - Startup Website Builder
=> CAN I CREATE MY WEBSITE WITHOUT HELP?
Absolutely! You can build your website using online tutorials and resources. However, having a bit of help can streamline the process and handle complex tasks.
=> WHAT IS A DOMAIN NAME AND DO I NEED ONE?
A domain name is your website’s online address (like www.fitdesignldn.com). Yes, you need one to establish your online presence, and you can buy it through your web host or a domain registrar.
=> DO I NEED TO PAY FOR WEB HOSTING?
Yes, web hosting is essential as it stores your site’s files and makes them accessible online. Hosting costs vary based on your site's needs and features. Some site builders offer all-in-one solutions that include hosting, which can be convenient for beginners.
=> HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DESIGN A WEBSITE?
It depends on your site’s complexity. A basic startup site can take 1-3 weeks, while more intricate sites may take longer. Many builders offer premium plans to speed up the process.
=> WHAT IS SEO AND DO I NEED IT?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, improves your site's visibility on search engines like Google. It’s crucial for driving traffic and attracting customers, so yes, you need it!
=> WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEB DESIGN AND WEB DEVELOPMENT?
Web design focuses on how your site looks and feels, while web development is about making it work. Both are essential: design for aesthetics and user experience, and development for functionality.
=> DO I NEED A WEBSITE DESIGNER OR WEB DEVELOPER?
For a great website design, you may need both. A designer handles the visual appeal, while a developer manages the technical build. Depending on your site’s needs, you can find professionals online or through agencies.
=> HOW DO I MAKE MY WEBSIT MOERE USER-FRIENDLY?
Keep it simple: use clear fonts, a clean layout, and easy navigation. Make sure important info is easy to find and that your site works well on all devices.
Conclusion
Choosing the right website builder for your small business or startup is crucial, as it directly impacts your online presence and effectiveness. Whether you're looking for live chat integration, eCommerce features, or eye-catching website examples, the right platform can make all the difference.
- For a Quick and Easy Setup: Wix and GoDaddy stand out with their user-friendly interfaces and built-in tools. They offer straightforward solutions for entrepreneurs who need a fast, hassle-free start with their business website builder.
- For eCommerce: If selling online is a priority, Shopify and BigCommerce provide powerful features and seamless integration for managing online stores, ensuring you have everything needed to succeed in the competitive online marketplace.
- For Flexibility and Control: WordPress offers unparalleled customization and control. Though it requires some tech know-how, it’s perfect for those who want to build a highly tailored site, integrating various plugins and live chat options for enhanced customer interaction.
- For Stunning Designs: Squarespace is renowned for its visually appealing templates and design flexibility, making it ideal if you’re aiming to create a standout, professional-looking site with beautiful website examples.
Consider your budget, technical ability, and long-term goals when choosing a platform. Whether you need robust eCommerce capabilities, elegant designs, or seamless online and offline integration, the right website builder will set you up for success.
