If you're an entrepreneur looking to build your own startup or even just create a personal blog or online store, then there are lots of different options available when it comes to building websites. You can go with one of the many free website builders like Squarespace, Weebly, or GoDaddy. Or you could also opt for something that offers a bit more functionality at no extra cost, such as using WordPress instead.
The problem here is finding out which platform is better suited to your needs. After all, not everyone has the same requirements, so what works well for one person might be completely useless for another. There aren't any hard-and-fast rules about this kind of thing – it’s more down to experience than anything else.
That said, if you want some guidance on how to choose between these types of platforms, below I've compiled my thoughts after spending months researching each option. Hopefully they'll help you decide whether to use one of them or stick with what you know (or have used in the past).
Wix isn’t really designed for businesses at first glance. In fact, it was originally built by students who wanted their own website but couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do it for them. So while it does offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of design, its focus is still pretty basic.
It doesn’t offer things like custom domains, SSL certificates, analytics tracking, or email marketing services. This means that if you’re planning to launch a new product or service, or sell physical goods through your site, it may not be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you don’t plan to take payments directly from customers, or rely solely on advertising revenue, then Wix probably won’t bother you too much either.
Despite being relatively simple to set up, Wix offers a surprisingly wide array of features. For example, you can add widgets to your pages, customize colors and fonts, include videos, links to social media profiles, and embed maps. While none of those things would normally come standard with a business website, it shows that Wix takes customization seriously.
You can start off with nothing more than a blank page and fill in whatever information you want later. And because it’s easy to find tutorials explaining everything you need to know, anyone with little knowledge of HTML or CSS can get started quickly. The downside is that once you start adding content, it becomes harder to edit without knowing a few shortcuts. That said, if you already understand HTML and CSS basics, it shouldn’t pose too many problems.
Another potential issue is that Wix seems to favor aesthetics over usability. As far as I can tell, most people wouldn’t consider Wix a “good choice” for a professional brand. If you’ve got a fairly average budget, though, you’ll probably end up paying less overall than you would elsewhere.
For instance, Wix starts at $9 per month, compared to around $10-$15 per month for similar offerings from SquareSpace or Weebly. It goes up from there depending on how many users you expect, plus domain hosting fees. But even at those prices, it costs almost half as much as a premium WordPress solution. Plus, unlike WordPress, Wix lets you easily switch hosts whenever you want.
So yes, Wix definitely gives you plenty of room to grow into a larger project, but it’s important to remember that it’s aimed at student projects rather than actual businesses.
In general, freelancers tend to earn anywhere between $20-$50 per hour, although rates vary widely based on location, experience level, and type of work. Designers working full time often earn considerably more than that, however. The vast majority of freelance jobs involve designing websites, apps, logos, brochures, and other kinds of printed material.
On top of that, if you’ve done any research before starting, you’ll likely discover that there are tons of opportunities for creative professionals within the digital realm. Some of the nicest sites we see on our Facebook feed are created by graphic artists, photographers, copywriters, illustrators, animators, video producers, and sound engineers. They’re usually paid very handsomely, so if you love doing what you do and feel confident enough to charge higher rates, why wouldn’t you?
However, it’s worth noting that just because a company pays above market rate doesn’t mean that everyone working there makes six figures. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for a freelance Web Designer is approximately $32,000. Still, that’s way ahead of the national average ($28,000) and puts them among the highest earners.
There’s actually quite a range here, and it depends largely on where you live. In California, for example, the average hourly wage for a programmer is roughly $80, while in New York City it’s closer to $70.
As mentioned earlier, the amount charged by individual creatives varies widely. However, generally speaking, experienced designers will command more than entry-level employees, especially since they’re typically able to negotiate higher rates. Of course, you should always ask for references and check credentials before hiring anyone.
To put it simply, you can always hire cheap labor to do the job cheaper, but it will never look nearly as nice. Conversely, you can spend thousands of dollars hiring a single expert, but it’s unlikely that he/she will ever get to enjoy that success again. A balance must therefore exist between quality and price.
Yes. Plenty of successful companies were founded by coders, including YouTube, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Dropbox, Spotify, SoundCloud, Pinterest, Uber, Airbnb, Etsy, Kickstarter, PayPal, and Tumblr. Many others have been co-founded by technical founders alongside non-technical founders.
But keep in mind that becoming a developer alone won’t guarantee financial success. Even Google didn’t succeed until years after founder Sergey Brin left his role as CEO. Most tech giants weren’t born overnight either, and it took decades of effort to reach the heights achieved today.
Just because you code yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll make millions. Instead, it’s more accurate to say that coding skills give you the opportunity to create valuable products that appeal to large numbers of people. Without those skills, you’d have had a tough time creating anything worthwhile.
Still, if you’re looking to join a startup, it helps to have some programming ability. At least to begin with. Because that’s where most of the action happens anyway. When you think about it, the whole process of launching a new app involves getting ideas, coming up with a prototype, writing code to test it, testing it further, iterating on it, and eventually releasing it for public consumption. All of that requires skillful management, creativity, and patience, along with a fair degree of technical competence.
So yeah, if you want to pursue entrepreneurship, having programming skills is certainly helpful. But you don’t absolutely need to be a coder in order to achieve success.
Squarespace vs. Weebly vs. Wix vs. GoDaddy
If you're an entrepreneur or startup looking to create your own website but don't have any coding skills, there are several options available. You can either pay someone else to code it for you (which may be cheaper) or go with one of the many website builders that let you easily make websites without getting into technical details like HTML.
But which is the right choice for you? And what does "right" mean if I'm an inexperienced web developer trying to get my first site up and running quickly? Is it better to start off by building something on a free platform like Tumblr or Blogger, then move onto paid-for services later down the line once you've got some experience under your belt? Or should I just bite the bullet and hire out the work myself in order not to waste time learning how to use software when I could be doing other things instead?
Well, we've put together this article to help answer all these questions and give you our honest opinion about the top three choices. In terms of price, each service has its pros and cons, so read through all three carefully before making your decision. If you want to know where to find the best prices on domain names too, check out our guide here. And if you'd rather see a quick summary of everything, scroll down to learn more below.
The best website builder for a big business isn't necessarily the same as the best website builder for a startup because they cater to different types of users. A company might already have a well established brand name and good reputation, whereas a young creative agency or digital marketing firm may be relying solely on their online presence to promote themselves. So while it makes sense from a financial perspective to invest heavily into creating a professional-looking website for yourself, it wouldn't be much use to anyone if no-one ever came across it.
That said, if you want to create a customised landing page for a client or to showcase products or content related to your industry, the biggest advantage of choosing a website builder over a CMS system like WordPress or Joomla is that it allows you to design pages according to your needs using drag & drop functionality. It also lets you add features such as contact forms, blogs, galleries, videos, and social media sharing buttons, meaning you'll always be able to keep up with current trends and ensure your customers stay updated. This kind of flexibility means you won't run short of ideas when planning new projects.
On the downside, larger businesses usually require a team of people working behind the scenes to manage multiple sites, including keeping them secure and backed up regularly. They also tend to have bigger budgets than smaller outfits, so expect to fork out around $1 per day plus hosting fees depending on whether you choose monthly plans or annual subscriptions. However, this doesn't apply to every company, especially those operating entirely offline -- if you fall into this category, a simple brochure or printed flyer would suffice just fine.
There are plenty of other factors to consider when deciding between the various platforms though, most notably cost and ease of use. The higher quality you aspire to, the more money you'll end up paying so if you plan on designing high-end websites full of fancy graphics, animations, and interactive elements, you'll probably be better suited to hiring someone who knows how to do it. But if you're happy settling for a basic template that looks nice enough and you can create within minutes, then maybe a DIY approach is easier overall.
We recommend checking out the reviews below to decide which option works best for you based on your specific criteria.
Large corporations aren't exactly known for being tech savvy, but they still need somewhere to host their data and communicate internally. With that in mind, they often opt for dedicated servers, cloud storage solutions, and managed IT support. Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn use self-hosted WordPress installs and even Microsoft uses Wordpress as part of its Azure offering, so it seems clear that there's value in investing in something reliable. For smaller firms, however, choosing an easy-to-use solution comes at less expense compared to having to buy hardware and maintain server maintenance contracts.
As far as website builders go, WordPress remains king of the hill thanks to its huge user base and excellent security measures. There are actually two versions of WordPress: regular WP and premium WP. Regular WP is free to install and use, and includes core functions like blogging, commenting, and SEO tools. These come built-in and ready to go, which makes it ideal for beginners, but it lacks advanced customization capabilities. Premium WP costs $39/year and gives you access to additional plugins, themes, and templates. While these extra features aren't necessary for everyday operation, they can prove useful for certain tasks.
If you prefer to stick with the tried and tested route, Weebly offers a comprehensive range of pre-designed designs that look great and offer lots of flexibility. Their interface is very similar to that of WordPress, so transitioning between the two shouldn't take long at all. As mentioned above, pricing depends on how much you spend, although it starts at just £3.99/month for personal accounts, rising to £19.99/month for teams.
Squarespace is another popular option worth considering. Like Weebly, it offers beautiful templates designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers, along with powerful editing tools to customize layouts further. Pricing varies greatly depending on package size, ranging from $9.95/mo for the standard account to $249/yr for unlimited domains.
Finally, GoDaddy offers both free and paid packages, with the latter allowing you to purchase domains and hosting alongside individual apps via a single dashboard. Free accounts include limited space, bandwidth, and email addresses, while paid ones allow for greater control and customization. Prices vary depending on what type of account you sign up for, starting at $0.99/mo for basic shared hosting to $15.00/mo for a VPS.
It might seem like there are fewer options available for commercial clients, but that's simply because most of the major players operate exclusively in the B2B arena. One notable exception is Shopify, which was acquired by eBay back in 2014. Its platform is suitable for both individuals and small businesses alike, and it boasts impressive stats among the world's largest retailers.
Best of all, Shopify is totally free for the first year after signing up, allowing you to test drive the product without committing until you're sure it fits your needs. After that, you can upgrade to one of four subscription levels from $29.99 annually onwards. All of them include unlimited features, customer support, and mobile app integrations, so feel free to explore and compare your options.
The bottom line is that you really can't go wrong with any of the providers listed above, but if you're going to commit to paying anything, it's important to make sure you pick a provider offering solid guarantees, 24/7 live chat support, and fast response times to queries.
While everyone wants to create a slick, visually appealing website for their enterprise, it's not always obvious which platform will suit them best. Some people prefer simplicity, others enjoy the ability to change colours, fonts, and images freely. Others love how intuitive the editor is, whilst others favour the fact that designers have been given complete freedom to implement whatever they please.
In reality, there's little point choosing a particular tool unless you have a specific goal in mind -- if you're hoping to attract potential customers, for example, you'll likely benefit from a responsive design that adapts to desktop browsers and phones. On the flip side, if you're a sole trader selling handcrafted goods online, you might be better served by a blog platform with tons of customizable widgets and features.
So if the idea of picking a platform feels overwhelming, try narrowing down your requirements first. Perhaps you're interested primarily in launching a website, setting up an eCommerce store, or adding a blog to your existing portfolio. Then again, perhaps you just want something cheap and easy that you can update whenever inspiration strikes. Either way, we hope this handy guide helps narrow the field for you.
Of course, if you're serious about building a successful web venture, you'll want to follow the latest industry standards and employ the best practices to boost traffic and increase sales. What follows are a few tips and tricks you should definitely consider incorporating into your next project.
First and foremost, never underestimate the power of a strong call to action button. Whether it's asking visitors to subscribe to your newsletter, download a PDF report, or enter their address, it's vital that you highlight the benefits offered by clicking that link. Even if you think nobody will bother to click it, chances are there will be at least one person who will appreciate knowing that an opportunity exists.
If you're looking to build your first or second startup, then it might be time to consider building your own website instead of using one from Google or Amazon (or some other company). But what if you don't have any coding experience at all? Or maybe you just want to get started with something simple that doesn't require programming skills?
Here are four great options when designing your new website and getting it up on the internet in no time. They include Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, and GoDaddy. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but they are each easy enough to use without needing much technical knowledge.
It can seem daunting to try to create your own site, especially when there are so many features available now. The good news is that these platforms are extremely flexible, meaning most people should be able to find their niche and make a successful online presence. If this sounds like you, keep reading below to see which platform makes the most sense for you.
When starting out in tech, it may feel like everyone else knows how to code or program computers better than anyone else. This isn’t necessarily true—but even if you aren’t already fluent in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or PHP, it shouldn’t stop you from creating websites. There are plenty of ways to learn about computer science topics while still running a business. You could take classes through local universities or colleges, work with a tutor, join a community forum where others share expertise, or look into paid courses.
However, learning everything yourself won’t always help. Most businesses rely on specialized tools, such as accounting programs, CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, customer relationship management applications, and ERP solutions. These companies often hire IT specialists who know how to set them up properly, troubleshoot problems, update customizations, and provide support. Even though you are working for someone else, you’ll need to understand certain aspects of technology and be comfortable operating within specific programs.
You also probably wouldn’t want to go back to school after making several years of progress in your career. So here are two alternative paths. One option would be to partner with a professional development firm that offers training sessions, seminars, workshops, and certification exams. Another choice is to sign up for a course offered by a university or college. Courses usually cost between $100-$200 per month and last anywhere from three months to 12-18 months depending on the content and length. While you spend money upfront, you receive a certificate once the class ends.
This article was originally published in June 2020 and updated regularly throughout 2021. For future articles please visit our homepage.
A software engineer or programmer (also referred to as “developer”) can easily open a consulting shop, offer freelance services, or launch her own product. All she needs to get going is a solid understanding of modern technologies and a willingness to put in effort. She can either focus on developing new products or improving existing ones. Either way, she can charge clients based on hourly rates or project fees. Software engineers typically earn around $85k annually.
While being a freelancer might not pay off right away due to low demand and competition, it allows programmers to gain valuable hands-on experience, develop marketable skills, and test potential ideas before investing funds or resources into full-time projects. In addition, the flexibility afforded by freelancing means they can pursue different opportunities and explore various types of careers. A few popular examples of jobs that fit well with a programmer lifestyle include remote workers and software testers.
The biggest challenge facing software engineers is finding clients willing to pay high rates. Many prefer to stick to smaller contracts or even avoid hiring outside contractors altogether since they already have employees performing similar tasks. Thus, it helps to network with colleagues and friends to drum up interest in your services. Other professionals, such as graphic designers, copywriters, marketers, and SEO experts, are eager to collaborate with programmers because their skills complement each other.
Another route for aspiring entrepreneurs is to start a side hustle by selling digital goods. Examples include apps, games, and plugins. You can also sell physical items, such as clothing, toys, books, art prints, and gadgets. Some people choose to combine both approaches by offering digital downloads along with physical merchandise.
Designing websites is a highly competitive field today. However, there are tons of places where you can showcase your talent. Websites such as Behance allow users to submit portfolios and show off their creativity. There are also opportunities to land job postings or apply for positions directly via social media sites. To stand out among competitors, you'll need to invest in relevant education. Courses taught by industry veterans teach students how to produce beautiful designs and optimize layouts.
Some schools offer certificates upon graduation, allowing applicants to present proof of their abilities. Others offer short courses that cover specific subjects, such as responsive design, user interface design, frontend/backend development, programming languages, SEO techniques, etc. Online courses tend to be less expensive than regular degrees, but you'll have to research providers thoroughly. Also check whether they offer additional certifications beyond what's required for your major. The National Association for Webmasters (NAWM) provides a list of accredited institutions that train web designers.
There are countless possibilities when it comes to becoming a web designer. Some professions involve managing multiple accounts across multiple websites, whereas others specialize in mobile app development or video editing. Whatever path you decide to follow, you'll need to hone your talents and polish your portfolio over time. And remember, having a degree does not guarantee success.
Online sales are booming thanks to the rise of eCommerce platforms. These sites enable customers to buy products directly from sellers, bypassing middlemen who normally handle transactions. With that said, it takes more than simply setting up a store to succeed. Successful merchants must ensure their shoppers trust their brand, communicate effectively, manage inventory efficiently, and maintain consistent branding standards.
Squarespace is one of the top choices for small businesses. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it easier to customize pages and add interactive elements. Plus, it supports eCommerce stores and integrates seamlessly with Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento, Etsy, Woocommerce, and WooCommerce. The service is completely free until you reach 10GB monthly traffic limit. Then, you'll need to upgrade to Pro plan ($12/month) or Business account ($24/month), which gives access to advanced templates, unlimited storage space, enhanced security measures, enhanced analytics, and priority support.
Wix is another excellent option that lets you create stunning websites without requiring coding knowledge. It uses a visual interface to let you edit text, images, videos, animations, icons, fonts, colors, and backgrounds. You can preview changes instantly and publish updates immediately. Like Squarespace, Wix includes built-in shopping carts and payment processors. Unfortunately, Wix has fewer integrations compared to the aforementioned giants. Moreover, you cannot host files on Wix unless you purchase extra hosting plans.
Weebly is another solid choice for those not familiar with programming. Once again, you can create professional websites without having to write code. Weebly's interface is clean and straightforward, letting you control every element of your page. That said, you can't upload images or download files stored on your hard drive. Instead, you'll need to save photos locally before uploading them. Additionally, you cannot change themes or install plug-ins.
GoDaddy is yet another option worth considering. It costs $10 per year for personal domains, plus another fee to register your domain name. After signing up, you can quickly set up a basic blog, create landing pages, post announcements or events, and host videos and audio recordings. As long as you stay under 5MB bandwidth limit, you can enjoy unlimited email addresses, FTP accounts, and MySQL databases.
These platforms come with free trials, so you can give them a spin and determine which suits your needs best. Keep in mind that it's possible to pay for premium versions later down the line. For example, you can upgrade to Premium Wix Plan ($19/mo) if you exceed 10GB monthly data usage or need a dedicated phone number. Likewise, Premium Weebly Plan ($49/mo) grants you access to higher limits, faster loading speed, and improved security. Finally, Premium GoDaddy Plan ($14/mo) lets you expand your storage capacity, increase server uptime, and boost performance.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.