Running a small business is tough, and building an online presence shouldn’t add to your stress or expenses. The good news? Creating a sleek, functional website doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
With so many affordable options out there, finding the right platform can feel overwhelming. But fear not! I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. From user-friendly interfaces to robust features that won’t drain your wallet, I’ll show you how easy it is to get started with some of the top cheap website builders around.
Table of Contents:
- The Best Cheap Website Builders for Small Businesses in 2024
- 1. Wix
- 2. Squarespace
- 3. Weebly
- 4. WordPress.com
- 5. GoDaddy Website Builder
- Choosing the Right Cheap Website Builder for Your Small Business
- Essential Features to Look for in a Cheap Website Builder
- How to Get Started with a Cheap Website Builder
- Tips for Creating a Professional Website on a Budget
- Cheap Website Builders vs. Hiring a Web Designer
- Conclusion
The Best Cheap Website Builders for Small Businesses in 2024
Every small business needs a website. But let’s be real – you don’t want to break the bank doing it.
I get it. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m excited to share my top picks for the best cheap website builders that’ll get your small biz online without draining your wallet dry.
Top Affordable Website Builders
When it comes to finding the best low-cost website solution, you’ve got options. Plenty of ’em. But which ones are actually worth your time and money?
I’ve done the legwork and narrowed it down to the cream of the crop. These are the cheapest website builders that don’t skimp on features or functionality:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- Weebly
- WordPress.com
- GoDaddy Website Builder
Yep, those are the heavy hitters when it comes to building an inexpensive website for small businesses. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each one, let’s talk about what you should look for in a cheap website builder.
Features to Look for in a Cheap Website Builder
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for a subpar website. Here are the key features I always look for:
- Ease of use: You shouldn’t need a degree in rocket science to build your site. Look for drag-and-drop editors and intuitive interfaces.
- Professional templates: First impressions matter. Make sure your cheap website builder offers sleek, modern templates that fit your brand.
- Mobile responsiveness: In 2024, your site better look darn good on a smartphone. Period.
- SEO tools: What good is a website if no one can find it? Built-in SEO features are a must.
- Ecommerce capabilities: If you’re selling online, your website builder needs to have your back with payment processing, inventory management, the works.
Trust me, these are the non-negotiables. Don’t settle for less.
How Much Should a Website Cost?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Or, hopefully, the significantly-less-than-a-million-dollar question.
Here’s the deal: The cheapest way to create a website is to use a website builder with a free plan. But as my grandma always said, “You get what you pay for.” Free plans come with limited features, storage, and support.
For most small businesses, I recommend investing in a paid plan. The good news? You can get a fully functional, professional website for as little as $5 to $20 per month.
That’s less than your daily latte habit. And trust me, a website is a much better investment in your business than a caffeine buzz.
1. Wix
Ah, Wix. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of website builders. Versatile, reliable, and ready for just about anything.
But is Wix really free? Well, yes and no. Let me explain.
Wix does offer a free plan, which is great for getting your feet wet. You can create a basic website, play around with designs, and get a feel for the platform.
But here’s the catch: Your free Wix site will have ads, a Wix-branded domain, and limited storage and bandwidth. Not exactly ideal for a professional business website.
That’s why I always recommend upgrading to one of Wix’s paid plans. They’re still super affordable (plans start at just $14 per month) and give you access to all the features you need to create a kick-ass website.
So, what makes Wix stand out as a free website builder? Let me count the ways:
- Ease of use: Wix’s drag-and-drop editor is a breeze to use, even if you have zero tech skills.
- Template selection: With over 500 professionally designed templates, you’re sure to find one that fits your brand like a glove.
- App market: Need a specific feature for your site? Chances are, Wix has an app for that. From appointment booking to email marketing, their app market has you covered.
- SEO tools: Wix’s built-in SEO features help you optimize your site for search engines, so you can get found by your ideal customers.
But don’t just take my word for it. Wix has over 180 million users worldwide, making it one of the most popular website builders on the market.
Of course, no platform is perfect. Some users find Wix’s editor a bit overwhelming at first, with so many options and features to choose from. And if you’re a hard-core coder, you might find the customization options a bit limiting.
But for most small businesses, Wix hits that sweet spot of ease of use, affordability, and feature-richness. It’s the perfect solution for creating an inexpensive website that looks anything but cheap.
2. Squarespace
If you’re looking for an inexpensive website for your small business, Squarespace is a top contender. With plans starting at just $14.40 per month (using code “TC10”), it’s one of the most affordable options out there.
But is Squarespace a good value? Absolutely. You get a lot of bang for your buck, including:
- Sleek, modern templates that make your site look professional right out of the gate
- Powerful e-commerce features to help you sell products online
- Built-in SEO tools to boost your search engine rankings
- 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, and social media
I’ve used Squarespace for several inexpensive websites for small businesses, and I’ve always been impressed by how easy it is to create a stunning site without any coding knowledge.
The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the templates are fully customizable. You can add your own images, change colors and fonts, and even integrate third-party tools like Google Maps and Instagram feeds.
One thing to keep in mind with Squarespace pricing is that the cheapest plan ($14.40/month) doesn’t include e-commerce features. If you want to sell products online, you’ll need to upgrade to the Business plan ($23.20/month) or higher.
But even at that price point, Squarespace is still an excellent value for small business websites. You get unlimited products, no transaction fees, abandoned cart recovery, and more.
Plus, Squarespace integrates seamlessly with popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, so you can start accepting payments right away.
Another standout feature of Squarespace is its blogging platform. If content marketing is part of your small business strategy, you’ll love how easy it is to create and manage blog posts within Squarespace.
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3. Weebly
Another top pick for inexpensive websites for small businesses is Weebly. With plans starting at just $9 per month, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options out there.
But don’t let the low price fool you – Weebly packs a punch when it comes to features and functionality. It’s perfect for small businesses that need a simple, professional website up and running quickly.
One of the standout features of Weebly is its drag-and-drop editor. Even if you have zero coding experience, you can create a custom website in minutes by simply dragging and dropping elements like text, images, and videos onto the page.
Weebly also offers a wide selection of pre-designed templates that you can customize to match your brand. Whether you’re a freelancer, a restaurant owner, or an online retailer, there’s a template that will work for your business.
Speaking of online retailers, Weebly offers some impressive e-commerce features for an inexpensive website builder. You can sell physical and digital products, track inventory, manage shipping and taxes, and even offer coupons and discounts to your customers.
Plus, Weebly integrates with popular payment processors like Square, Stripe, and PayPal, so you can start accepting payments right away without any extra fees or hassle.
Another thing I love about Weebly is how easy it is to optimize your site for search engines. The built-in SEO tools guide you through the process of adding keywords, meta descriptions, and alt tags to your pages, helping you rank higher in search results and attract more organic traffic.
Weebly also offers built-in analytics so you can track your site’s performance and see how visitors are interacting with your content. You can view metrics like page views, unique visitors, and top referral sources, all from within the Weebly dashboard.
One potential downside of Weebly is that it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as some other website builders. For example, you can’t add custom code or access the full HTML/CSS of your site.
But for most small businesses, the features offered by Weebly are more than enough to create a professional, functional website that helps you connect with customers and grow your business online.
Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and simple website design solution that won’t break the bank, Weebly is definitely worth checking out for your small business website needs.
Squarespace offers sleek templates, powerful e-commerce features, and built-in SEO tools starting at $14.40/month. Its drag-and-drop interface makes customization easy without coding skills.
Weebly is a budget-friendly option with plans from $9/month. It has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and robust e-commerce capabilities, perfect for small businesses needing a quick setup.
4. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is hands down the best choice for bloggers looking to build an inexpensive website. Why? Because it’s built on the world’s most popular content management system, giving you unrivaled flexibility and control over your site’s look, feel, and functionality.
I’ve been using WordPress for over a decade now, both for my own blogs and for client projects. And let me tell you, nothing beats the ease of use and customization options that WordPress.com offers.
Unmatched Blogging Features
When it comes to blogging, WordPress.com has you covered with a range of powerful features designed to make your life easier. You can easily create and schedule posts, manage comments, and even collaborate with other writers or editors.
Plus, with built-in SEO tools and social media integration, it’s a cinch to optimize your content for search engines and share it with your audience across multiple platforms.
Endless Customization Options
One of the things I love most about WordPress.com is the sheer number of themes and plugins available. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist design or a feature-packed magazine-style layout, there’s a theme to suit every taste and niche.
And if you need even more functionality, you can choose from thousands of plugins to add everything from contact forms and e-commerce capabilities to advanced analytics and membership features.
Affordable Pricing Plans
Despite its impressive feature set, WordPress.com remains one of the most affordable options for small businesses looking to build a website. While there is a free plan available, most businesses will want to opt for one of the paid plans to access more advanced features and remove WordPress.com branding.
Paid plans start at just $4 per month, making it an incredibly budget-friendly choice for small business websites.
The Bottom Line
If blogging is a key part of your small business website strategy, WordPress.com is the clear winner. Its unmatched customization options, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing make it the go-to choice for bloggers and content creators worldwide.
Trust me, as someone who’s built dozens of WordPress sites over the years, you won’t be disappointed with the power and flexibility this platform offers. Give WordPress.com a try for your next inexpensive small business website project – your blog (and your wallet) will thank you.
5. GoDaddy Website Builder
If you’re a small business owner just getting started with your first website, the GoDaddy Website Builder is definitely worth considering. As one of the most beginner-friendly options out there, it’s perfect for those who want to get online quickly without a steep learning curve.
I recently had a client who was completely new to the world of websites, and GoDaddy proved to be the ideal solution for their needs. Here’s why:
Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface
One of the standout features of the GoDaddy Website Builder is its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Even if you have zero coding knowledge, you can easily create a professional-looking site by simply choosing a template and customizing it to your liking.
The editor is intuitive and straightforward, with a wide range of pre-designed sections and elements that you can mix and match to build your perfect layout.
Helpful Onboarding and Support
Another area where GoDaddy shines is in its onboarding process and customer support. When you first sign up, you’re guided through a series of questions about your business and website goals, which helps the platform suggest the best templates and features for your needs.
And if you ever get stuck or have questions along the way, GoDaddy’s support team is available 24/7 to help you out via phone, chat, or email.
Affordable Pricing and Integrations
Despite its ease of use and helpful support, the GoDaddy Website Builder remains an affordable option for small business websites. Plans start at just $6.99 per month, which includes hosting, a domain name, and access to all the essential features you need to build a basic site.
Plus, GoDaddy integrates seamlessly with other tools you may already be using, such as Google My Business, social media platforms, and email marketing services.
The Bottom Line
While the GoDaddy Website Builder may not have all the advanced features and customization options of some other platforms, it’s an excellent choice for small businesses and beginners who want to create an inexpensive website quickly and easily.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get your business online without breaking the bank, give GoDaddy a try. Its user-friendly interface, helpful support, and affordable pricing make it a top contender for the best cheap website builder for beginners.
GoDaddy Website Builder offers a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, helpful support, and integrations starting at $6.99/month.
Choosing the Right Cheap Website Builder for Your Small Business
Choosing the best cheap website builder for your small business is a big decision. You want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck, without sacrificing quality or functionality.
I’ve been there. As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have a professional website that represents your brand and attracts customers. But I also know that budgets can be tight, and you don’t want to break the bank on a website.
So, how do you choose the best cheap website builder for you? Here are a few key factors to consider:
Determine Your Website Needs
Before you start comparing website builders, take a step back and think about what you actually need from your website. Are you looking to create a simple online presence, or do you need more advanced features like e-commerce capabilities or a blog?
Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your options and find a website builder that fits your specific needs.
Consider Ease of Use
As a small business owner, you probably don’t have a lot of time to spend learning how to use a complicated website builder. Look for a platform that’s user-friendly and intuitive, with drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates.
I’ve tried out a lot of website builders over the years, and some are definitely easier to use than others. Wix and Squarespace are two of my favorites for their simplicity and ease of use.
Look for Essential Features
While you don’t need every bell and whistle, there are some essential features to look for in a cheap website builder. These include:
- Responsive design for mobile optimization
- Customizable templates for branding
- SEO tools to improve search engine rankings
- E-commerce capabilities for selling products online
Make sure the website builder you choose offers these key features to help your small business succeed online.
Compare Pricing Plans
Of course, price is a major factor when choosing a cheap website builder. But don’t just look at the monthly cost – consider the overall value provided by each platform.
Compare the features included in each pricing tier, as well as any transaction fees for e-commerce sales or additional costs for plugins or extensions. Some platforms, like Square Online, offer robust free plans that can be a great option for businesses just starting out.
By weighing the costs and benefits of each website builder, you can find the best value for your small business budget.
Essential Features to Look for in a Cheap Website Builder
When it comes to building an inexpensive website for your small business, not all website builders are created equal. While price is certainly a factor, there are some essential features you should look for to ensure your site is effective and user-friendly.
Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. In my early days as a small business owner, I tried to cut corners and go with the cheapest option available. But I quickly realized that my website was missing key functionality and wasn’t providing a good experience for my customers.
So, what are the must-have features to look for in a cheap website builder? Here are my top picks:
Responsive Design
In today’s mobile-first world, having a website that looks great on any device is non-negotiable. Responsive design ensures that your site automatically adjusts to fit the screen size of the device it’s being viewed on, whether that’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer.
Most modern website builders, including Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly, offer responsive templates that make it easy to create a mobile-friendly site.
Customizable Templates
While pre-designed templates can be a great starting point, it’s important to have the ability to customize your site to match your brand. Look for a website builder with a wide selection of templates that can be easily modified with your own colors, fonts, and images.
I’ve found that Squarespace and Wix offer some of the most flexible and customizable templates, allowing you to create a truly unique website for your small business.
SEO Tools
Getting found online is crucial for any small business, and that’s where SEO comes in. Look for a website builder that offers built-in tools to help you optimize your site for search engines, such as customizable meta titles and descriptions, header tag optimization, and XML sitemaps.
Some platforms, like Wix and WordPress.com, even offer SEO-specific plugins or apps to help you take your optimization to the next level.
E-commerce Capabilities
If you plan to sell products or services through your website, e-commerce functionality is a must-have. Look for a website builder that offers features like product listings, shopping carts, secure payment processing, and inventory management.
Squarespace and Weebly both offer robust e-commerce tools, while Square Online is a great option for businesses just starting out with online sales.
Mobile Optimization
In addition to responsive design, look for a website builder that offers mobile-specific editing tools or previews. This allows you to fine-tune your site’s appearance and functionality for smartphone and tablet users.
By prioritizing these key features, you can create a professional and user-friendly website for your small business, even on a tight budget. Remember, investing in the right website builder from the start can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
How to Get Started with a Cheap Website Builder
Getting started with a cheap website builder is easier than you think.
I’ve been building inexpensive websites for small businesses for over a decade now. And let me tell you, the process has gotten so much simpler.
Gone are the days of needing to know complex coding or hiring expensive web designers. With the right website builder, you can have a professional site up and running in no time – without breaking the bank.
Here’s how to get started:
Sign Up for an Account
First things first, you need to sign up for an account with your chosen cheap website builder.
Most offer free plans or trials, so you can test drive the platform before committing any cash. Just enter your email, create a password, and you’re in.
Choose a Template
Next, it’s time to pick a template. This is the fun part.
Website builders offer tons of professional-looking templates, pre-designed for various industries. Whether you’re a florist, a freelance writer, or a small business, there’s a template to match your vibe.
Browse through the options and choose one that fits your brand and goals. Don’t worry about the details just yet – you can always customize it later.
Customize Your Design
Now that you’ve got a template, it’s time to make it your own.
Most cheap website builders offer drag-and-drop editing, so you can easily tweak the layout, colors, and fonts without touching a line of code.
Have fun with it. Add your logo, switch up the color scheme, choose typography that matches your brand. The key is to create a cohesive, professional look that represents your small business.
Add Your Content
With your design in place, it’s time to fill your site with compelling content.
This is where you really get to showcase your expertise and connect with your audience. Write engaging copy that speaks directly to your target customers. Share your story, highlight your products or services, and give visitors a reason to stick around.
Don’t forget to optimize for search engines by weaving in relevant keywords. But avoid keyword stuffing – keep it natural and readable.
Publish Your Website
You’ve signed up, chosen a template, customized your design, and added your content. Now it’s time for the big reveal.
Hit that publish button and send your site out into the world. Make sure to double check for any typos or broken links before going live.
And there you have it. With a cheap website builder, launching a professional small business website is a breeze.
But your work doesn’t stop there. Keep reading for my top tips on creating a standout site on a budget.
Tips for Creating a Professional Website on a Budget
Just because you’re using a cheap website builder doesn’t mean your site has to look cheap.
With a few key strategies, you can create a professional, polished website that wows visitors and drives results for your small business.
Here are my top tips:
Keep Your Design Simple
When it comes to web design, less is often more. A cluttered, busy site can overwhelm visitors and distract from your main message.
Instead, opt for a clean, minimalist design that puts your content front and center. Stick to a simple color palette, easy-to-read fonts, and plenty of white space.
This doesn’t mean your site has to be boring. Use bold, high-quality images and strategic pops of color to add visual interest and guide visitors’ eyes to important information.
Use High-Quality Images
Speaking of images, they can make or break your website design. Blurry, low-resolution photos instantly cheapen your site’s appearance.
Invest in high-quality, professional images that showcase your products, services, or brand personality. If custom photography isn’t in the budget, stock photos can work – just choose them carefully to avoid that generic, cheesy look.
Optimize your images for the web to ensure fast loading times. Large files can slow down your site and frustrate visitors.
Optimize for Search Engines
What good is a stunning website if no one can find it? That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in.
SEO helps your site rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to discover your small business. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a big budget to implement effective SEO strategies.
Start by researching keywords related to your business and industry. Incorporate them naturally into your page titles, headings, and content.
Write descriptive, keyword-rich meta titles and descriptions. These bits of code tell search engines what your pages are about.
Build internal links between related pages on your site, and seek out high-quality external links from other reputable websites.
Regularly Update Your Content
Fresh, relevant content is key to keeping visitors engaged and coming back for more. It also signals to search engines that your site is active and valuable.
Make a plan to regularly update your website with new blog posts, product pages, or helpful resources. Aim for at least once a week, if possible.
Don’t just churn out content for the sake of it, though. Focus on quality over quantity. Write posts that educate, entertain, or solve problems for your target audience.
Promote your new content on social media and through email marketing to drive traffic back to your site. Encourage readers to share or link to your posts to expand your reach.
By following these tips and choosing the right cheap website builder, you can create a professional website that rivals those with much bigger budgets.
Remember, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your small business. Make it count by putting your best foot forward online.
Cheap Website Builders vs. Hiring a Web Designer
When it comes to creating an online presence for your small business, you have two main options: using a cheap website builder or hiring a professional web designer. As someone who has been in the industry for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the pros and cons of both approaches.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of technical expertise. Let’s dive into the key factors to consider when choosing between a cheap website builder and a web designer for your small business website.
Cost Comparison
One of the most significant advantages of using a cheap website builder is the cost savings compared to hiring a web designer. Most affordable website builders offer plans starting at around $5 to $20 per month, with some even providing free options for basic websites.
In contrast, hiring a professional web designer can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of your site and the designer’s experience. For small businesses with limited budgets, a cheap website builder can be a more accessible option.
Time Investment
Using a website builder allows you to create a small business website quickly and easily, often within a matter of hours or days. These platforms provide user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-designed templates, and intuitive tools that simplify the web design process.
On the other hand, working with a web designer typically involves a longer timeline, as you’ll need to communicate your vision, review mockups, and go through multiple revisions before launching your site. This extended process can be beneficial if you have complex requirements or desire a highly customized design.
Customization Options
While cheap website builders offer a wide range of customization options, they may have limitations compared to the complete flexibility of working with a web designer. With a website builder, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of templates, color schemes, and design elements, but you’ll be confined to the platform’s available features and functionality.
Hiring a web designer gives you the freedom to create a fully custom website design tailored to your specific branding and requirements. A skilled designer can bring your unique vision to life and incorporate advanced features or integrations that may not be possible with a cheap website builder.
“As a small business owner, I initially opted for a cheap website builder to save on costs. While it worked well for a basic site, I eventually hired a web designer to take my online presence to the next level with a fully customized design that truly reflected my brand.”
– Sarah Johnson, Founder of XYZ Boutique
Maintenance and Updates
One of the benefits of using a cheap website builder is that the platform handles most of the technical maintenance and updates for you. This includes ensuring your site remains secure, compatible with the latest web standards, and optimized for performance.
When you hire a web designer, you’ll typically be responsible for managing updates and maintenance yourself, unless you arrange for ongoing support. This can require additional time and resources, especially if you have limited technical knowledge.
However, working with a web designer also gives you more control over the long-term evolution of your site. You can collaborate with your designer to implement new features, redesign elements, or scale your site as your small business grows.
Ultimately, the choice between a cheap website builder and hiring a web designer for your small business website depends on your budget, technical skills, and the level of customization and control you require. Inexpensive websites for small businesses can be achieved through either approach, but it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs and select the option that best aligns with your goals and resources.
Deciding between a cheap website builder and hiring a web designer hinges on your budget, technical skills, and customization needs. Website builders save money and time but offer limited flexibility. Web designers provide custom designs but cost more and require longer timelines.
Conclusion
The notion that quality comes at a high price is outdated—especially when it comes to creating inexpensive websites for small businesses.
Today’s platforms offer incredible value, letting even those on tight budgets build beautiful and effective sites.
If you’ve ever thought having an impressive online presence was beyond reach due to costs or complexity, think again!
This journey towards finding budget-friendly solutions shows us one thing clearly—it’s absolutely possible and totally within grasp!
