Best Website Builder 2024: My Top 6 Picks

Hey there, online adventurer! Venturing into the world of website builders can feel like opening Pandora’s box—all kinds of wonders and challenges await. But wait, fear not! I’ve got your back with a rundown of my top picks for website builders that’ll cater to your e-commerce dreams, blogging ambitions, stylish portfolios, and more. Sit tight and let's make your building journey as smooth as butter. Oh, and let me sprinkle in a little magic from NewForm to help you boost your design mojo along the way!

A Professional Image with Wix

First things first, if you’re eager to cast a polished professional image—think life coaches, therapists, real estate agents, or anyone craving to wow their audience with sleek online vibes—Wix is your knight in shining armor. Offering over 900 templates across a spectrum of categories, you’re bound to find one that feels like a comfy digital sweater. The standout drag-and-drop editor is like a digital sandbox, letting you build without the need for pesky code knowledge.

What’s cool is Wix’s AI feature that slashes your setup time. Answer a few questions, and bam! You’ve got a professional-looking site with custom content. Super handy if you're trying to make a killer impression fast. Don't forget the online scheduling capabilities—a neat addition for managing appointments, especially if you're in the therapy or coaching spheres.

Wix is a powerhouse, but with great power comes a slight learning curve. The vast array of tools and features might initially seem overwhelming. Don’t fret—it’s just the magic of Wix's extensive toolkit that could feel a tad complex for beginners.

Hostinger: The One-Fit-All Solution

Next up, let’s spotlight Hostinger! Imagine a website builder that’s got it all—beginner-friendly vibes with a sprinkle of advanced features for those ready to dive deeper. Hostinger is your go-to for a balance of affordability, flexibility, and innovation. Its drag-and-drop controls offer creative freedom without drowning you in options.

Hostinger's AI tools like the AI SEO page generator and heat map assist in optimizing your site for search engines. More visibility equals more traffic—score! With plans allowing up to 100 websites, it’s a playground for experimentation without breaking the bank. If you're an e-commerce enthusiast, you’ll appreciate that unlike Shopify, Hostinger doesn’t charge extra for its e-commerce capabilities.

Hostinger does have room to grow, especially in the app store and e-commerce functionalities. Yet, its appeal lies in its affordability and flexibility for juggling multiple websites efficiently.

Sleek Portfolios with Squarespace

Calling all creatives! Squarespace has been a beloved favorite for artists, photographers, and designers creating stylish portfolios. With templates that’ll make even Adam Driver proud, this builder is all about aesthetic excellence. Squarespace serves up a collection of over 100 templates or the option to dive into the new Blueprint editor for a block-by-block design approach.

The drag-and-drop interface coupled with unique integrations like SoundCloud makes it a frontrunner for people aiming for a minimalist yet functional website. There's something so pleasing about its user-friendly marketing tools and AI functionalities. From free logo creation to easy-peasy social media post design with the Unfold app, Squarespace helps maintain your brand’s digital allure.

However, the price tag could feel a touch steep if you seek e-commerce functionalities. Luckily, the brand-defining design potential might just be worth every penny.

Shopify: E-Commerce Extraordinaire

For those diving into the bustling world of online stores, Shopify sits atop the e-commerce throne. With its streamlined design process, Shopify is more a customizer than a traditional drag-and-drop builder. But its charm lies in the powerful e-commerce functionalities available at your fingertips.

Stock management, mobile integration, and sales tracking make Shopify a favorite among business owners. It allows for seamless integration with physical stores, manages inventory like a pro, and facilitates payment processing like a dream. A third-party app marketplace opens doors to a plethora of business-enhancing tools, but keep an eye on associated costs.

While design options may not be as diverse as one might hope, Shopify’s inventory and sales management game is unmatched.

Get Local with Site123

If you’re aiming to put your business on the local map—think restaurants or barbershops—Site123 is here to keep it simple. This builder is all about getting online quickly and efficiently. You’re looking at a site that can be crafted and live within half an hour. No, really!

Forget the complex, Site123 foregoes drag-and-drop for a straightforward element placement. Its free plan is limited but provides a taste of the platform’s capabilities. The premium offerings are reasonably priced for those wanting more.

While the basics are covered with Site123, there is little room for expansion into more complex projects. Yet, for a swift online splash, Site123 is a nifty option.

Oldie but Goodie: WordPress for Blogging

Last but never least in the blogging universe is the iconic WordPress. With a history of powering blogs everywhere, WordPress knows just what a blogger needs. Its layout helps manage posts efficiently, allowing for scheduling, editing, and a seamless categorization of content.

With endless plugins and scalability, WordPress is the jack-of-all-trades website builder, requiring a bit more management on the security and updates side. But plug into plugins, and you’re set to monetize to your heart’s content.

Hostinger comes recommended for WordPress hosting, offering affordable plans packed with performance enhancing features making WordPress manageable for newcomers and pros alike.

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There you have it—my top picks of website builders crafted to match your individual needs and dreams. Whether it’s making a digital splash with Wix’s templates, experimenting with Hostinger’s flexible offerings, crafting a portfolio on Squarespace, selling in style with Shopify, quickly setting up with Site123, or blogging long-term with WordPress, there’s something for everyone.

Ready for a deeper dive? At NewForm, we're eager to help you hone your skills through design challenges, skill-building events, and more. Join us, connect with pros, craft cool things, and level up your web design prowess. So, as you take your next steps, remember NewForm is here to support your creative journey every step of the way. Don’t miss out—experience the amazing opportunities we offer!

Until next time, happy building!