You’re staring at 14 tabs, each one promising the “easiest” way to build a website. Wix wants your attention. Squarespace is flexing its design cred. Webflow looks powerful but slightly terrifying. And Carrd? Carrd’s just vibing in the corner, quietly doing its one-page thing.
It’s a digital minefield out there. And if you’re a small business owner, creative, coach or service provider, the last thing you need is another confusing tech decision that feels like it was designed to make you question your life choices.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know how to code. You don’t need to waste hours trialling every platform under the sun. What you do need is a clear match between your goals and the right tool to bring them to life.
That’s where this guide comes in. You’re about to learn how to pick a website builder that works for you, not the other way around. Because at AE Studios, we’ve built sites on all of them (and probably cursed at all of them too). We know what works, what’s worth your time, and what’s just a pretty template wrapped around a painful user experience.
Table of contents
Why You Actually Need a Website Builder
If you’re running a business and don’t have a website, you’re essentially whispering into the void and hoping someone hears you.
Your website is your digital HQ. It’s where people go to check your vibe, creep your credentials and decide if they want to trust you with their time, money or inbox.
Which Website Builder Is Right for Me?
Before you get seduced by fancy templates and buzzwords like “AI-powered layout engine”, take a step back. What’s the actual job your site needs to do?
Identify Your Website’s Purpose
Not all websites serve the same function. Some sell stuff. Some show off your work. Some just prove you exist.
Why it matters: Each builder leans toward different outcomes. Choosing the wrong one can box you in or waste your time.
What to do: Decide on your goal:
- Shopify or Squarespace for e-commerce
- Squarespace or Wix for portfolios
- Webflow for service businesses
- Carrd for one-pagers
Sketch Out a Simple Structure
No need for blueprints or wireframes. Just map out your pages. Think homepage, about, contact, services.
List the Non-Negotiable Features
Why it matters: Missing features are dealbreakers. You want tools that support your business now and later.
What to do: Write down what you absolutely need:
- Contact forms
- Galleries
- Booking tools
- E-commerce
- Blogging
- SEO settings
- Email integrations
- Mobile responsiveness
Figure Out How Often You’ll Update
Some of us are weekly updaters. Others are more… once a quarter (ish). Choose a builder that matches your content rhythm.
Try: Wix or Squarespace for regular updates. Webflow for full design control. Carrd for a one-off landing page.
Take It for a Spin Before You Commit
You won’t know if a builder works for you until you’ve actually used it. Here are some trials to get started:
- Squarespace: 14-day free trial
- Wix: Free plan with premium options
- Webflow: Free for up to two projects
- Carrd: Free for basic single-page sites
What Kind of Websites Can You Build?
Squarespace: The Polished All-Rounder
- Pros: Beautiful templates, mobile-ready, great for service businesses
- Cons: Limited template flexibility once chosen
👉 Compare Squarespace vs WordPress
Wix: The Creative Control Freak’s Dream
- Pros: Unstructured drag-and-drop, 500+ templates, lots of design freedom
- Cons: Mobile responsiveness is manual, can get buggy
👉 Full review of Wix for small businesses
Webflow: The Power User’s Playground
- Pros: Full design freedom, no-code animations, advanced SEO options
- Cons: Steep learning curve, manual mobile tweaking
Carrd: The Minimalist’s MVP
- Pros: Quick setup, simple, affordable
- Cons: Limited to one page, very basic
👉 Which builder suits your goals?
So, What’s Next?
Let’s recap your best bets:
- Squarespace if you want a polished site fast
- Wix if you love customisation and creative control
- Carrd for clean, simple one-pagers
- Webflow if you want pixel-perfect perfection
Still unsure? Check out our roundup of the 7 Best Website Creators for 2024 or book a free strategy call to get expert advice (no pressure, no tech overwhelm).
TL;DR? Pick based on where you are now, but don’t forget to future-proof it. Choose wisely. Build boldly.