Date
Apr 24, 2025
Category
Website Design
Read Time
2-3 min
Thinking about building a website for your small business? You’re probably wondering: Which website design software is actually the best? With so many choices out there — Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, Framer — it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular options, share who each one is best suited for, and help you figure out which platform fits your goals, skill level, and business type.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Website Builder
Your technical skill level (drag-and-drop vs more custom)
The type of business you have (service-based vs e-commerce)
Your budget (some have monthly fees, others are free to start)
Your design needs (do you need something simple or highly customized?)
Overview of the Most Popular Website Design Platforms
Wix | Squarespace | Shopify | Framer |
|---|---|---|---|
Great for beginners | Clean, modern design templates | Best for e-commerce businesses | Ideal for custom, high-end design |
Drag-and-drop builder with templates | Best for visual brands and portfolios | Easy product management | Great for designers or working with a professional |
Easy to use but limited design flexibility | Limited Customization | Can feel overwhelming to service based businesses | Clean, fast, scalable |
Which Website Builder Is Best for You?
If you're a solopreneur or creative → Squarespace or Wix
If you want to sell products → Shopify
If you want custom design + performance → Framer
If you want quick and easy setup → Wix or Squarespace
Not sure which to choose? I help small businesses select and launch the right platform based on their goals.
My Recommendation as a Website Designer
As a website and brand designer, I work with tools like Framer, Shopify, and Squarespace regularly. My go-to recommendation really depends on your business model, vision, and how custom you want your site to be. For small, service-based businesses that want something beautifully unique and conversion-focused, Framer is a powerful choice.
That said, Framer can come with a bit of a learning curve if you’re not super familiar with design tools. To make things easier, I always include a personalized training video after launch so you can confidently make updates yourself — and it’s yours to keep. If you'd rather stay hands-off, I also offer hourly web updates for clients who prefer me to take care of everything.
Conclusion
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to "which website builder is best," but the right choice depends on your goals, skills, and how much you want to customize. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale with a custom-built brand, choosing the right platform is the first step toward a website that works for your business.
Need help choosing or building on the right platform?
Explore Website Design Services or get in touch to find the best fit for your brand.
Atlanta, GA website design and brand design