Choosing the Right Website Builder and How To Weigh Your Options

When it comes to building a website, many clients get stuck trying to choose between platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow. The truth is, not all website builders are created equal, and the “best” choice depends on your goals, growth plans, and the kind of experience you want your visitors to have. That’s where a designer’s expertise makes all the difference.

Why Choosing a Website Builder Isn’t Just About Templates

At first glance, all website builders might seem similar—you pick a template, add your content, and launch. But the reality is more nuanced. The platform you choose affects:

• How easy it is to update your site

• How fast your pages load

• Search engine optimization and discoverability

• Scalability for future features

• Visual design flexibility

Without guidance, clients often end up on platforms that feel limiting, require technical workarounds, or make their site look dated.

WordPress: Still Popular, But Increasingly Outdated

WordPress has been around for decades and powers millions of sites. But it comes with growing downsides:

• Steep learning curve: Editing and managing content can feel clunky for non-technical users.

• Maintenance headaches: Plugins frequently need updates and security patches.

• Design limitations: Even with themes, achieving a fully custom, modern look often requires a developer.

For most small businesses or creatives, WordPress can feel overcomplicated, and the time and cost of upkeep can be frustrating.

Comparing the Modern Alternatives: Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow

Here’s a closer look at the three modern platforms I recommend most often, along with their pros and cons.

Wix — Accessible and Fast

Pros:

• Drag-and-drop simplicity — very beginner-friendly

• Large template library

• Built-in features like SEO, e-commerce, booking, and forms

• Good for small businesses and personal brands

• App market for added functionality

Cons:

• Less precise design control — layouts can feel inconsistent

• Performance can vary depending on design complexity

• Harder to scale for complex sites

Best For: Quick launches, local businesses, small catalogs, and clients who want ease of use.

Squarespace — Polished, Design-Forward

Pros:

• Beautiful, professional templates

• All-in-one platform: hosting, blogging, e-commerce

• Excellent for images and portfolios

• Consistent, cohesive styling

• Reliable speed and performance

Cons:

• Less editing freedom — harder to create unique layouts

• Limited customization without code

• E-commerce is basic for large stores

Best For: Creatives, small brands, portfolios, and businesses that want a beautiful, consistent look with minimal fuss.

Webflow — Customizable and Professional

Pros:

• Precise control over layouts, animations, and interactions

• Clean, lightweight code for faster load times

• Scalable CMS for dynamic content and blogs

• No plugins required — everything is native

• Ideal for pixel-perfect, bespoke design

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve — designer guidance adds real value

• Pricing higher than Wix or Squarespace for smaller sites

• Editor is powerful but less intuitive for non-technical users

Best For: Businesses and brands that want a custom, high-performance site with advanced design features and scalability.

Why You Need a Designer’s Guidance

Even the best tools can feel overwhelming without guidance. As designers, we help clients:

• Pick the right platform based on goals and workflow

• Design a website that looks polished and professional

• Set up content and structure for scalability and SEO

• Avoid common pitfalls that slow down or complicate updates

Choosing a website builder isn’t just about convenience — it’s about creating a long-term asset for your business. With the right expertise, you’ll get a modern, beautiful, and functional website without the frustration of trial and error.

Our Typical Recommendation

For most small businesses and personal brands today, we often steer clients toward Wix or Webflow. Wix is perfect for fast, easy-to-manage websites, while Webflow offers unmatched flexibility for unique, professional designs. Squarespace is a great option if you want clean, polished visuals with minimal fuss. WordPress, though still popular, tends to be more technical and maintenance-heavy than necessary for most modern sites.

Let’s Build Something That Works

If you’re ready to move past outdated templates and clunky platforms, I can guide you to the solution that fits your goals — today and tomorrow. Together, we’ll choose a platform that’s easy to manage, looks professional, and is scalable for growth.