One of the biggest questions that people ask me is, “which platform should I use to build my website?” With platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Showit, Shopify, and so many more – there are a lot of options to consider!
I’m a big advocate for knowing what you’re looking for before you jump into the process – this can clear up a lot of the questions that you might have and help you get clear on what you need.
Here are some questions to have answered before you decide which platform is right for you:
1) What features do you need?
Do you need a blog? Image gallery? Is a portfolio or online store important to the success of your business? What apps or software programs would you want to integrate with your website? Make a checklist!
2) Be honest with yourself about your resources.
Be realistic about how much time you have to manage your own website or learn a new software. Make sure you pick a budget that is reasonable and affordable for you at whatever stage your business is in. Prioritize what you need whether its something budget-friendly, something easy to use, or something that someone else can handle for you 100%.
3) FIgure out what role you want your website to play in your marketing mix.
Is it an online storefront, a lead magnet, or a tool for branding? Do you want it to be an interactive place where your target audience can engage with your brand or is it a simply a branded informational piece where you can send people to find out more about you? Figuring out the goal of your website can help you decide on a reasonable budget and the kinds of features that are worth (or not worth) the extra cost.
4) Is website ownership important to you?
Plug-and-play platforms like Squarespace and Wix can be great options, but you need to be sure that you’re okay with losing your site if you stop paying for the service. I’ve used Wix and Squarespace for many clients and when they decide to jump to a different builder they simply redesign. But this type of recurring investment isn’t for everyone, so get clear on what your expectations are ahead of time.
What are your website must-haves?
