What Is the Easiest Website Builder for Beginners? Top 6 Platforms Reviewed

Starting a website from scratch can be a challenging feat. Case in point: data reveals that 96.8% of website home pages have accessibility failures. This just proves how easy it is to overlook important details when building a site. 

If you’re new to website building, the first step is finding the easiest website builder. But don’t worry—there’s no need to spend hours searching. 

We’ve already rounded up the best options for you. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know exactly which platform fits your needs and goals. 

6 Easiest Builders for Beginners

Website Builder	Key Features	Great Option For
Web.com	AI-powered tools, drag-and-drop builder, customizable templates, mobile editing, eCommerce integration, marketing tools, security & performance	Small business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone looking for an AI-powered website builder
Squarespace	Sleek templates, drag-and-drop editor, SEO tools, customer support, business tools, 24/7 live chat, email support	Small business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone looking for an AI-powered website builder
Wix	Unstructured editor, 800+ templates, AI-powered Design Intelligence (ADI), eCommerce tools, SEO tools, help resources	Small business owners, entrepreneurs, anyone looking for an AI-powered website builder
Hostinger	AI-powered website builder, heatmap analytics, simple interface, budget-friendly	Beginners on a budget, users needing simple websites with quick setup
Shopify	eCommerce tools, AI-powered tools, mobile-optimized templates, extensive app library, SEO tools	Small to medium-sized businesses focused on scaling their online stores
GoDaddy	AI-powered tool for quick setup, section-based editor, business-focused tools (eCommerce, bookings), 24/7 support	Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and beginners who want a simple and fast website

Web.com

Web.com, our partner in providing website-building solutions, brings together a range of features that cater to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting a polished online presence without the stress. 

Features Review

Check out what Web.com has to offer: 

• AI-powered tools: Web.com’s AI tool suggests web designs based on your answers to a few simple questions, so you get a custom site that fits your style. 
• Drag-and-drop builder: No coding skills are needed—pick and place elements to create a site that’s uniquely yours. 
• Customizable templates: Web.com boasts over 200 desktop- and mobile-friendly website templates to choose from. No matter your industry—retail, automotive, fashion, and more—you’ll find a template that’s right for you.
• AI writer: Need content in your brand’s voice? The AI Writer creates SEO-friendly text, from product descriptions to blog posts in your voice. 
• AI logo builder and domain generator: The AI Logo Builder helps you create a unique logo fast, while the domain generator finds the perfect web address—both are designed to save time and effort. 
• Mobile editing: With Web.com, you’re not tied to your desktop. It has a mobile editing feature so you can make site updates on the go. 
• Marketing tools: It has everything you need to market your site, including tools for email campaigns, social media ads, and blogging. 
• eCommerce integration: Ready to sell? Web.com has the features to turn your site into an eCommerce store, from secure payment options to easy product integration and shipping solutions.
• Security and performance: The platform provides secure, fast hosting with built-in SSL certificates, so your website is both trustworthy and high performing. 

Pricing and Plans

Web.com offers various plans to suit different needs, from basic features for personal websites to more advanced tools for businesses and online stores. Plus, you can explore its features risk-free with a free trial—no credit card required.  

• Website: $4.99/month 
• Website + Marketing: $7.99/month
• eCommerce: $9.99/month 

Additionally, Web.com plans come with a free custom domain for one year and free professional email for three months.

Note: Pricing is accurate as of January 2025 and may change. Please visit Web.com’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Target Users 

Web.com is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to quickly build a professional-looking website without needing coding skills.  

Whether you’re creating a personal portfolio, a business website, or an online shop, Web.com simplifies the process while offering functional tools for growth. 

What impresses us	What to watch out for
AI-powered design and content creation Mobile editing eCommerce integration Pre-built sections	Limited free features

Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular website builder known for its versatility. It’s suitable for a range of websites, including portfolios, blogs, online stores, and small business websites. 

Whether you’re building a personal site or a full-fledged eCommerce platform, it’s an option that meets different needs. 

Features Review 

Squarespace has features that help you build a professional website. Here’s what sets it apart: 

• Templates: With over 180 templates, Squarespace offers a wide selection for different types of websites. The designs are sleek, modern, and adapt well on any device.  
• Drag-and-drop editor: Wix’s Fluid Engine editor uses a grid-based system, which gives you total control over the layout. You can adjust blocks and resize elements with minimal effort. 
• Onboarding and guidance: If you’re new to website building, Squarespace provides easy-to-follow onboarding steps, video tutorials, and design tips. 
• Business tools: Squarespace includes all the essential tools to sell products, process payments, or set up a booking system in one platform.
• Customer support: If you ever need help, Squarespace offers 24/7 live chat support, email support, and a comprehensive Help Center. 
• SEO tools: Squarespace makes SEO simple with built-in tools. You can customize meta descriptions, optimize images for speed, and track your performance—right within the platform. 

Pricing and Plans 

You can try out all of Squarespace’s features with a 14-day free trial before deciding if it’s the right fit. Once you’re ready, here are the paid plans: 

• Personal: $16/month 
• Business: $23/month 
• Basic Commerce: $27/month 
• Advanced Commerce: $49/month 

Target Users 

Squarespace is a great fit for creatives, small business owners, and anyone who values design. If you’re an artist, photographer, or blogger wanting to showcase your work, this platform provides the tools to build a beautiful and functional site.

What impresses us	What to watch out for
Beautifully designed and easily customizable templates Intuitive design tools All-in-one platform Reliable support	The number of features can be overwhelming at first  No autosave features  Limited design freedom

Wix 

It’s easy to see why Wix is so popular for website building. It’s known for its flexibility and vast customization options.  

Want total control over your website’s design? Wix gives you that. With an unstructured editor, you can place elements anywhere on your page. 

Features Review 

Wix has a wide range of features catering to different websites. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Unstructured editor: Wix’s drag-and-drop interface lets you place elements wherever you want on your page—no grid restrictions. But here’s the catch: it can lead to some design issues, especially when trying to adapt your site for different devices. 
• 800+ templates: Wix offers a library of over 800 customizable templates. They cover everything from business websites to personal blogs. And you can always tweak them to fit your taste. 
• Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence): Wix’s AI editor provides a quick setup process. It’s simple and easy to use, though the result may not always meet your expectations.
• eCommerce features: Planning to start an online store? Wix has a suite of eCommerce tools, including payment processing, inventory management, and marketing features.
• SEO tools: Wix doesn’t leave you hanging when it comes to SEO. It offers SEO Wizard and keyword research tools and even integrates with SEMrush to give you more in-depth insights. 
• Help resources: Wix is feature-packed, which can feel overwhelming at first. Luckily, there’s a helpful support center and video tutorials to assist you along the way. 

Pricing and Plans 

Wix has a free plan to help you get started. When you’re ready to upgrade, the paid plans include: 

• Business Elite: $159/month 
• Business: $36/month
• Core: $29/month
• Light: $17/month 

Target Users 

If you want to customize your own site to the max, Wix might be a good option. However, it may be more suitable for those with some experience or those willing to spend time learning the platform. 

What impresses us	What to watch out for
Customizable design Wide template selection Full eCommerce support Excellent support system	Steep learning curve Unintuitive interface Mobile design limitations Template lock (can’t switch templates later)

Hostinger

Yes, you can definitely build a website without breaking the bank! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly website builder, Hostinger could be a suitable option.  

Starting at just $2.49 per month, it’s a low-cost way to get your site online. Plus, it includes a free custom domain for the first year. 

Hostinger’s interface is easy to navigate and features a user-friendly grid-style layout. While there’s no onboarding process, the platform’s AI website builder helps new users get started by simply inputting brand details and website type. 

Features Review 

Hostinger, albeit cheaper than its competitors, offers a lineup of features.

• AI website builder: Input your brand name and business type, and Hostinger’s AI website builder takes care of the rest. 
• Heatmap analytics: This tool lets you keep an eye on your website traffic and user engagement. 
• AI image generator: Need images for your website? Hostinger’s AI-powered tool creates visuals, so you won’t have to search for stock photos or hire a designer. 
• Editor checklist: Hostinger’s built-in editor checklist ensures your pages are optimized and complete before publishing. 
• Drag-and-drop editor: Thanks to this feature, you can rearrange elements, adjust layouts, and customize your site effortlessly with no sweat. 

Pricing and Plans 

Hostinger offers several pricing tiers based on the plan and features you need: 

• Premium Website Builder: $2.99/month
• Business Website Builder: $3.99/month 

Target Users 

Hostinger is ideal for beginners on a budget who need a simple website quickly. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, straightforward platform, it offers an easy solution. 

However, if you’re on the prowl for more advanced features or more customization options, you might find Hostinger too limiting. 

What impresses us	What to watch out for
Budget-friendly Free domain name for the first year AI-powered tools (website builder, writer, and logo maker) Simple interface and minimalistic approach	Missing important features like email marketing and integrations  No onboarding process

Shopify

Looking to start an online shop? Shopify is a popular platform to consider. 

The question is: is it easy to use? 

Actually, it is! Shopify has made improvements over time, and with its AI-powered tools, it’s now easier to use. 

Features Review 

Here are some features that make Shopify a great choice for beginners looking to build an online store: 

• eCommerce tools: Shopify has eCommerce features like inventory management and an app library—everything you need to kick off your online business. 
• AI-powered tools: Shopify Magic helps generate product descriptions quickly, while Shopify Sidekick can assist with business management tasks. 
• Design templates: Shopify has 12 free functional design templates. There are also 165 premium templates, but they can be pricey—ranging from $140 to $400 each. 
• App library: Shopify’s app library is huge, so you can easily add extra features like email marketing, accounting, and social media integrations. 
• Mobile optimization: Another great thing about Shopify: all templates are mobile-responsive. Hence, your site will look good on any device without additional customization. 
• SEO tools: With Shopify, you get SEO features that make it easier to optimize your site for better rankings. 

Pricing and Plans 

Here’s a breakdown of Shopify’s pricing: 

• Basic Shopify: $19/month 
• Shopify: $49/month 
• Advanced: $299/month 
• Plus: $2,300/month 

Target Users 

Shopify is a go-to platform for anyone serious about running an online store. It has features your business needs to grow online.  

If you’re not looking to run an online store, though, you might want to explore other options that are less focused on eCommerce. 

What impresses us	What to watch out for
Comprehensive eCommerce features AI-powered tools (Shopify Magic and Shopify Sidekick) Easy-to-use interface Huge app library for additional functionalities	Limited free templates Rigid design editor Higher pricing compared to other builders No autosave functionality

GoDaddy

If you need a website fast, GoDaddy also offers AI-powered tools that help you get a site up and running in no time. While it may not offer the most advanced design features, it still does get the job done. 

Features Review 

Here are some of GoDaddy’s features that make it beginner-friendly: 

• AI website builder: Getting a website together in minutes is possible with GoDaddy’s AI tool. Plus, it’ll generate a draft for you based on a few simple questions about your business needs. 
• Quick setup: In a race against time to build a website? GoDaddy provides quick website setup. 
• Simple editor: The editor is intuitive and uses a section-based layout for easy editing. And elements can be added or removed with just a few clicks. 
• Business-focused features: GoDaddy is built with small businesses in mind. It comes with eCommerce, booking, and contact management tools so you can run your whole business from one platform. 
• 24/7 support: GoDaddy offers round-the-clock support. You can get in touch with them through phone or live chat, and there’s also a knowledge base to help you out. 
• Mobile optimization: While you can’t directly edit your mobile site, GoDaddy automatically optimizes your website for mobile devices. 

Pricing and Plans 

GoDaddy offers some affordable options, especially for beginners: 

• Basic Plan: $9.99/month 
• Premium Plan: $14.99/month 
• eCommerce Plan: $20.99/month 

Target Users 

GoDaddy caters to small business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to create a website quickly. 

Whether you’re launching a business site or an online shop, it provides the tools for an efficient and speedy launch. 

What impresses us	What to watch out for
Fast setup with AI-generated draft websites  Easy-to-use editor with clear navigation  Affordable plans for beginners  24/7 customer support options	Limited design customization Outdated editor No direct mobile site customization Fewer template options

How To Choose a Beginner-friendly Website Builder 

Picking the right website builder can make your life a lot easier. But how do you know which one’s right for you? 

Here are a few things to think about: 

Customization vs. Simplicity 

Do you want total control over every detail, or are you looking for a straightforward, no-frills experience? 

If you’re someone who loves to tweak and design, go for a builder that offers advanced customization. But if you’d rather focus on getting your site up quickly, stick to a builder with easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor. 

Pricing and Value for Money 

Ask yourself this: How much am I willing to spend on building a website? 

Free plans are tempting but often have limits—like ads on your site or fewer features. Paid plans unlock more tools, like extra storage or eCommerce options. 

Take your time to compare prices and features. Some builders even offer free trials so you can test before you commit. 

Customer Support and Resources 

Great customer support can prevent a lot of frustration down the line. Look for builders with 24/7 support via chat, email, or phone. It’s even better if the website builder also has a helpful knowledge base and community forums, where you can find quick answers for troubleshooting issues. 

SEO Tools 

Want people to find your site on Google? SEO tools can help. Choose a platform that makes it simple to set meta tags, create SEO-friendly URLs, and generate sitemaps.  

For beginners, it’s important that the platform provides easy-to-use SEO tools, so you don’t have to worry about complex configurations. 

Mobile Optimization 

Chances are, most of your visitors will be using their phones. A top-notch website builder takes care of optimizing your site for mobile devices or lets you tweak it for an easy-peasy experience on any screen. 

Security and Performance Features  

If you’re handling sensitive information, like customer data, security is a must. Look for website builders that provide SSL certificates for secure browsing. 

Moreover, site builders that guarantee fast loading times are always a great choice. If your site is slow, you can bet visitors will leave quickly so don’t skimp on performance. 

Common Mistakes When Building a Website and How To Avoid Them 

Choosing a platform is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other factors to consider, and common mistakes can easily derail your progress. 

To help you get started on the right foot, here’s a quick rundown of some mistakes to take note of—and how to avoid them: 

Not Defining Your Goals Clearly 

Setting a clear goal is the foundation of any successful website. What do you want your website to achieve? Are you building a personal blog, a portfolio, or a small business site?  

For example, if you’re setting up an eCommerce site, platforms that support online sales are your best bets. A personal blog, on the other hand, might require more attention to content tools and simple layout options. 

Neglecting Mobile Optimization 

Today, around 4.88 billion people own smartphones, and that number is expected to hit 6 billion by 2027. And it’s been shown that 60% of website visitors access sites via mobile devices. 

With so many people browsing on their phones, it’s important to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Test your site on different devices to make sure everything looks and works just right. 

Overcomplicating the Design 

Sometimes less is more—especially when it comes to website designs. 

A clean design directs the viewer’s attention to the most important part of the page. Hence, focus on key features and easy navigation. Choose a layout that highlights your content and makes it easy for users to find what they need. 

Ignoring SEO Best Practices 

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes you can make is skipping basic SEO steps. Proper meta tags, title tags, and alt text for images—for one thing—help your website rank on search engines. 

Luckily, most website builders come with built-in SEO tools. But it’s still better to get familiar with SEO basics to fully optimize your site. 

Overloading Your Website With Content 

We know what happens when a site is swamped with so much content. It overwhelms visitors and makes navigation a nightmare. 

Keep things simple by focusing on relevant, useful content so your audience isn’t distracted or confused. 

Failing to Test Your Website Before Launch 

Before hitting Publish, do a final round of testing to catch any last-minute issues. Make sure to: 

• Check if all links, forms, and interactive features work properly. 
• Test your website across different browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) 
• See if it loads quickly on both desktop and mobile. 

Ignoring Website Speed and Performance 

In case you didn’t know, your site’s loading time affects both user experience and SEO. Slow loading times are among the primary reasons visitors leave a site before it even finishes loading. 

To speed things up, try compressing images, cutting back on unnecessary plugins, and optimizing your code. 

Skimping on Customer Support 

If you’re running a business or handling client interactions, good customer support is a must. After all, a positive experience can go a long way.  

People will most likely recommend a business after a hassle-free interaction. But a poor one will send them elsewhere. 

As such, make sure that the website builder offers live chat, email support, or a detailed knowledge base. 

Not Including a Clear Call-To-Action (CTA) 

Do you want visitors to buy a product or sign up for your newsletter? Whatever your goal is, make sure your CTA is clear, catchy, and easy to find. 

Make your CTA buttons stand out. Use contrasting colors, the right size, and place them strategically to grab attention. 

Disregarding Security Measures 

Another common mistake is overlooking website security. This puts your business at risk—especially if you’re handling customer data or processing transactions. 

SSL certificates help protect your site by encrypting data, and most website builders include them automatically. Still, it’s important to double-check your site’s security before you start asking for sensitive information. 

Additional Tips for Beginners Building Their First Website 

Invest in Good Hosting and Security 

Don’t ever underestimate the importance of good hosting and security. Even if your website builder includes hosting, take a closer look.  

Does it offer reliable uptime? Are there security features like SSL certificates? These details keep your website safe and earn your visitors’ trust.

Use High-quality Content 

Name one of the most important things on your website. Content probably comes to mind, right?  

Whether you’re blogging, showcasing a portfolio, or running an online business, your content is what keeps visitors around. You want to make sure they’re helpful, relevant, and high-quality. 

Set Up Analytics and Tracking 

How do you know if your website is doing well? Simple—track it!  

Tools like Google Analytics show you how people find your site, what they do when they get there, and even how many stick around.  

Regularly Update Your Content 

Finished publishing your website? That’s great! But that isn’t the finish line. 

Keep things fresh by adding new blog posts, updating your portfolio, or launching new products. Fresh content keeps visitors coming back and gives your SEO a nice boost.  

Ready To Start Building Your Website? 

There’s an array of website builders out there, most of which come with the latest features and tools. But if you’re just starting your website-building journey, the easiest website builder is the way to go. 

We’ve shared some top options and key tips to help you get started. Now, it’s time to build your own website!

Frequently Asked Questions