Building a website used to mean hiring expensive developers and waiting months for results. Not anymore. Modern website platforms give you control over your online presence without technical headaches. Your site can be your strongest marketing asset when you pick the right platform.
The online space works differently in 2025. More than 73% of small businesses now have websites, and platforms keep getting better. Ten options stand out for business owners who want to build their brand, sell their services and grow their audience and mailing list. Each serves a specific type of business owner and comes with unique advantages.
What’s the best website platform for your small business? Let’s find out.
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Website Builders That Work For Small Business Owners
Good website builders give you the tools to create and manage your site without coding knowledge. Which, let’s face it, you don’t have time to learn. You get templates, drag-and-drop editors and hosting all in one package. Most cost between $10 and $50 per month, depending on your needs.
Your choice matters. The wrong platform wastes time and money while the right one builds your business. Pick based on your goals, technical skills and how you plan to use your site. Consider payment options, email marketing tools and whether you need a custom domain.
1. WordPress
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites because it works for almost any business goal. As a content management system, it lets you build exactly what you want, from simple sites to complex membership platforms. Starting costs run $10-50 monthly plus hosting fees, but some domain providers (like GoDaddy) include WordPress with their premium packages.
WordPress.com is a hosted service that takes care of technical aspects like hosting and security. WordPress.org is the self-hosted, open-source content management system requiring more technical knowledge. WordPress.com will get you started with less hassle.
The learning curve of both takes time, but built-in blogging tools and thousands of plugins make it worth mastering. WordPress suits founders building extensive content libraries or selling digital products. While technical knowledge helps, countless tutorials guide you through common tasks. The real magic happens when you match WordPress’s flexibility with your business vision.
2. Ghost
Ghost stands out as a modern publishing platform built for professional writers and content creators. It comes with newsletter tools, membership features and a clean, distraction-free editor. Starting at $9 monthly for self-hosted options, Ghost keeps your focus on writing great content.
This platform removes unnecessary complexity while delivering professional publishing power. Your words get the recognition they deserve through beautiful typography and lightning-fast page loads. SEO tools come built-in, helping readers find your content. Ghost works best for business owners who write regularly and want to build an audience through quality content. The minimalist approach means less time fighting with settings and more time connecting with readers.
3. Carrd
Carrd specializes in single-page websites that pack a punch. You can build landing pages and simple business sites in minutes without touching code. Starting free, with pro plans from just $19 yearly, it’s perfect for founders testing ideas or launching campaigns quickly.
This platform trades advanced features for simplicity and speed. Everything stays mobile-friendly and loads fast, which visitors love. While you won’t get complex functions like membership systems or extensive blogging tools, Carrd excels at its core purpose: getting your message online fast. Business owners choose Carrd when they need a professional presence without the complexity.
4. Thrivecart
Thrivecart focuses purely on selling. This platform handles checkouts, payment processing and sales funnels for digital products and services including courses. With a one-time payment of $500 (at the time of writing), you get lifetime access to all features without a monthly fee.
The platform shines in optimization features that boost sales. You’ll get one-click upsells, affiliate management and subscription billing built-in. Business owners see higher conversion rates thanks to proven checkout pages and payment options. While the upfront cost might seem high, it pays for itself through improved sales and zero ongoing fees. Perfect for entrepreneurs selling courses, programs or digital products.
5. Wix
Wix gives you simple visual control through intuitive drag-and-drop building. For $16 to $59 monthly including hosting and domain name, you get a complete website solution without needing technical skills. Their AI tools can even build initial layouts based on your preferences.
The platform supports business growth with marketing tools and ecommerce features built right in. You’ll find hundreds of templates to start from, each customizable to match your brand. While some find the editor overwhelming at first, Wix suits visually-minded founders who want creative freedom. The platform grows with you, letting you add features as needed.
6. Squarespace
Squarespace creates stunning visual impact through expertly designed templates. Plans ranging from $16 to $49 monthly include hosting and maintenance. Every template works perfectly on mobile devices, and the editor keeps things simple.
Beyond beautiful design, you get serious business tools. Built-in analytics show what’s working, while marketing features help grow your audience. The platform handles appointments, product sales and content management smoothly. Business owners choose Squarespace when they want polished aesthetics without sacrificing function. While less flexible than some options, the results look consistently professional.
7. Shopify
Shopify dominates online selling with robust ecommerce features. The platform processes payments reliably and manages inventory with ease. You get access to hundreds of apps extending core features, plus marketing tools to drive sales.
The platform scales beautifully from single products to full catalogs. Starting at $39 monthly plus transaction fees, it gives you everything needed to run an online store. While primarily for physical products, entrepreneurs also use Shopify for digital goods and services. The backend makes business management simple, handling taxes, shipping and customer data automatically.
8. Notion
Notion combines website building with powerful organization tools. Personal plans start free, with team versions from $8 monthly per user. You can create public pages while managing your entire business backend in one place.
The platform appeals to founders who value clean organization and minimal design. Your public pages become your website, while private spaces handle planning and team collaboration. While less traditional than other options, Notion works well for systematic thinkers. The learning curve pays off through improved productivity and seamless content management.
9. Microsoft Word
This unconventional approach uses a Microsoft Word document to create simple, viewable web pages. With Office 365 Business costing $8.25 monthly per user, you likely already have access. Simply write your content, make it viewable online, and redirect your domain to the document of your choosing.
The platform strips away complexity entirely. Your content stays clean and loads fast, which many prospects appreciate. While you won’t get fancy features, this approach works surprisingly well for business owners focused on substance over style. Format your headings so they display in the sidebar, to give readers an easy way to navigate. The familiar Word interface removes any technical barriers to getting your message online.
10. LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile can serve as your primary website, costing nothing to start. Premium plans remain optional at $39.99 monthly. This social-first approach puts your business where your network already spends time, and saves you maintaining two sites.
The social media platform comes with built-in credibility and reach. Optimize your profile, showcase services, and handle inquiries via direct message. Business leaders pick this route when their network drives growth. While unconventional, this approach suits relationship-based businesses that thrive on personal connection rather than flashy websites. Not on LinkedIn? The same goes for your Instagram, Facebook or X. The website platform that grows your business doesn’t need to be complicated.
Bottom Line
Pick your platform based on how you serve clients. Whether you’re looking for complete control, fancy features, an industry-specific approach or just the fastest way to get up and running, there’s a website platform for your small business within this list. Each option suits different business models and goals. Start with one that matches your needs today.
