Choosing a web design platform for your small business can be a daunting task, especially if you're a beginner. There are so many different platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of choosing the right web design platform for your small business, even if you have no prior experience. We'll discuss the different types of web design platforms available, as well as the key factors to consider when making your decision.
Types of web design platforms
There are two main types of web design platforms:
- Content management systems (CMS): A CMS is a software platform that allows you to create and manage a website without any coding knowledge. Popular CMS platforms include WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
- Website builders: A website builder is a drag-and-drop platform that allows you to create a website without any coding knowledge. Popular website builders include Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.
Factors to consider when choosing a web design platform
Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a web design platform for your small business:
- Ease of use: How easy is the platform to use? If you're a beginner, you'll want to choose a platform that is user-friendly and doesn't require any coding knowledge.
- Features: What features are important to you? Do you need a platform that offers e-commerce functionality? A blog? A contact form? Make a list of the features that are essential to your website and look for a platform that offers all of them.
- Pricing: How much does the platform cost? There are many free and affordable web design platforms available, so you don't have to break the bank to create a great website.
- Support: Does the platform offer good customer support? If you run into any problems, you'll want to be able to get help from a knowledgeable support team.
Recommendations for beginners
Here are a few recommendations for beginners:
- If you're looking for the easiest platform to use, choose a website builder. Website builders are drag-and-drop platforms that allow you to create a website without any coding knowledge.
- If you need more features or control over your website, choose a CMS. CMS platforms offer more features and flexibility than website builders, but they require some basic coding knowledge.
- If you're on a tight budget, there are many free and affordable web design platforms available. Just be sure to compare the features and pricing of different platforms before you make a decision.
Here are some specific web design platform recommendations for beginners:
- Website builders: Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly are all popular website builders that are easy to use and offer a wide range of features.
- CMS: WordPress is the most popular CMS platform, and it's a great option for beginners who are looking for a more powerful and flexible platform.
Additional tips
- Start with a template. Most web design platforms offer a wide variety of templates to choose from. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you're not sure where to start.
- Use high-quality images and videos. Visual content is more engaging than text, so be sure to use high-quality images and videos on your website.
- Write clear and concise copy. Your website copy should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon and technical terms.
- Make it easy for visitors to contact you. Include your contact information on every page of your website and make it easy for visitors to fill out a contact form.
- Promote your website. Once your website is published, you need to promote it so that people can find it. You can promote your website through social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Choosing the right web design platform for your small business is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By following the tips above, you can choose a platform that is easy to use, affordable, and offers all of the features you need. As always, Webway is here to help!