Choosing a Website Editor (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, GoDaddy & Wordpress)
I’m doing my “30 Blog Posts in 30 Days” challenge, and I’m on day 11.
WHEW. Creating content, for myself, #EveryDamnDay, has been quite a challenge. Today, I want to address a question I get all of the time, which is:
“What WYSIWYG Website Platform should I use?”
Now, “WYSIWYG” stands for “What You See Is What You Get.” Basically, this is any “drag and drop” website platform that allows you to make a stellar website on a budget. You’re pretty locked in on designs, as the platform has preset designs you decide to use.
QUICK NOTE: The main debate of getting a WYSIWYG website is that your SEO (where you show up on google search rankings) won’t be as powerful as a website designed from the groundup. Also, if you’re selling physical products I’d check out Shopify or WooCommerce — those sites are designed to sell tangible things.
But, when you’re first starting your business — not everything has to be perfect (in fact, nothing is perfect). So, until you can afford a good web designer, using a WYSIWYG website is the best way to go.
I make WYSIWYG websites all of the time for clients (literally, like 2 a month and #SalesPitchAlert packages starting at $600 with website copy). I’ve used all of the website platforms listed below, and I’ll go into what industries/company type they work well for.
GoDaddy — Good for a Landing Page, not much else
While I love the super knowledgable website and tech support employees at GoDaddy, I do detest their WYSIWYG website builder. Here’s why:
- The flat website rate is great, but the price of add-ons quickly adds up ($$$)as your business grows — and they plan on this. For instance, on some packages you pay for each additional page or product that you list, contact forms, etc.
- What starts out as a good deal ends up being a shitty one. NO THANKS.
- Email plug-in is TERRIBLE. Seriously, a professional gmail costs $5/month and is way more user friendly
However, if money is tight and you just need a “Coming Soon!” landing page while you get your website in order, it does make fiscal sense to buy the cheapest GoDaddy website builder package (around $4.99/month). Then, get your domain from GoDaddy and connect it to their landing page service (don’t forget to ask for the emails of website visitors!), and go along your merry way.
Weebly — HARD PASS
Weebly was one of the first companies to release WYSIWYG products, butttttt they’ve since lost their lead. In 2010, I did a bunch of life coach/solopreneur websites on Weebly, and have since switched nearly all of them over to Wix or Squarespace (more on those platforms in a second).
Frankly, Weebly’s templates aren’t as good as other platforms and they charge roughly the same amount. Plus, Search Marketing Wizards agree that Weebly has pretty terrible SEO, as compared to other websites.
WordPress Templates
While I have had friends have stellar experiences finding a WP template (ballpark $30 — $150) and installing it themselves, I have *always* ended up needing to hire a developer friend to fix things on the backend. (UGH.)
BUT, customizing a ready-made template Isa good “in between” choice for if you want a custom site, but can’t afford a *totally* custom website.
Also, my friend Beckah at is a badass/pro and can design AND implement great websites, and she has super fair pricing. If you need help fixing up your website (Wordpress or other platforms) or need a spanking new one, give her a call. ❤
WIX — Living in Color
Y’all, I really really like Wix. The user interface is super easy to navigate and I love the templates.
I usually recommend a Wix website for folks who REJECT minimalism/want color. Life coaches, freelancers, designers, restaurants, Etsy artists, etc will find great templates to use.
The blog feature isn’t my favorite (I think the blog roll looks pretty ugly), but it’s better than other websites I’ve used. Pricing here.
(I’m a maximalist, and I use a Wix template for my website.)
Squarespace — Minimalism FTW
Loved by minimalists and hipsters around the world, Squarespace is great for portfolios of any kind, as well as photographers and business folks who like a #CleanLook.
Word to the wise though — to keep costs down, the company doesn’t offer phone support. I’ve troubleshooted dozens of issues using their helpful chat support (sometimes the customer support agent has taken a video, showing me how to do something, how cool is that?!). ALSO, you used to have to do a bunch of backend work to hookup your GoDaddy domain to a Squarespace website — but now it’s super duper easy!
Alright folks, that’s it from me! Please give this post a “💚” if yoi found it helpful.
If you need help building a website (design, website copy, and other bells and whistles) give me a shout! I also love talking online marketing/hell raising activism on twitter.
