24/7 enterprise-grade security
99.9% uptime & automatic data backups
Unlimited storage is only available on the highest-tier plan
In today’s world, having a business website is no longer optional – it’s essential. The first thing a potential customer or client is likely to do is look you up online. Having a professional-looking website boosts your company’s brand and shows customers that you’re a legitimate business.
However, building a website for your business isn’t a simple task. You could certainly hand it over to a professional web design agency. The downside is that it could easily cost you thousands of pounds, and you may need to budget weeks, or even months, to see the finished site. That’s time you may not be able to afford to spend when getting your venture off the ground.
Alternatively, you could create a website yourself. If that idea feels daunting, rest assured that building a website is easier than you might think. Website builders offer templates that you can easily edit and customise to suit your needs, come at affordable prices, and feature image galleries, useful plugins, and other essentials for your business site. With a bit of time and a basic comfort level with everyday software, you’ll be able to create a highly professional business website using one of our recommended website builders.
Our top picks for April 2025
9.8
9.8
24/7 enterprise-grade security
What is a Website Builder?
A website builder is a tool—either downloadable software or an online platform—that allows you to create web pages and build your own website without needing to code manually. It’s simpler than you might think, with most users exclaiming, “I built my website in minutes!”
Many website builders include onboarding processes and tutorials that make creating a website intuitive and straightforward. Online website builders are particularly popular due to their affordability and easy-to-use interfaces. Some platforms are even powered by robust content management systems like WordPress.
For simplicity and efficiency, it’s recommended to choose a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. This type of editor enables you to see exactly how your website will appear once it’s published, making it easier to visualise and perfect every detail during the creation process.
How Does an Online Website Builder Work?
Website builders fall into two categories: offline and online. Offline website builders require installation on your computer, while online builders function entirely within your web browser. The latter option is especially convenient, as there’s no software to install—allowing you to start building your website immediately.
Online website builders are designed with ease of use in mind, making them suitable for beginners and professionals alike. The process typically involves:
Choosing a Template
Select a pre-designed template that aligns with the purpose of your website. Templates are often categorised by industry, making it easy to find one that suits your business.
Using a Drag-and-Drop Editor
Drag-and-drop editors let you add and position elements such as text, images, videos, and buttons exactly where you want them. Simply drag components into place and customise as needed.
Customising Your Site
Adjust colours, fonts, layouts, and navigation menus to reflect your brand. Add pages, organise sections, and experiment with design elements to create a unique and engaging website.
Previewing and Publishing
Most builders include real-time previews, allowing you to fine-tune your design before publishing. What you see in the editor is exactly what your visitors will see online.
With an online website builder, you can create a professional website with flexibility and ease—no technical skills required.
Why Should Your Business Use a Website Builder?
Gone are the days when building a website required extensive coding knowledge or hiring a developer. Website builders empower businesses of all sizes to create fully functional and visually appealing websites independently. Whether you’re setting up an online shop, creating a business portfolio, or starting a blog, website builders offer an accessible and cost-effective solution.
Regular updates are essential for maintaining an engaging website. Website builders make this easy with drag-and-drop editors, allowing you to refresh content, add new pages, or update product listings in just a few clicks.
Six Key Benefits of Website Builders:
- User-Friendly for Everyone: Website builders are intuitive, offering tools that suit both beginners and experienced users.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to traditional web development, website builders provide affordable options, often bundling hosting, templates, and essential tools into one package.
- Effortless Customisation: Quickly update content, adjust layouts, or tweak designs with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
- No Coding Required: Focus on your content and vision while the website builder takes care of the technical details.
- Easy Content Updates: Stay relevant by frequently updating text, images, and videos without needing specialised skills.
- Quick Setup: Launch your website in hours, freeing up time to focus on growing your business.
Must-have Features in a Website Builder
Useful Functionality
To make your website a valuable asset to your bottom line, you’ll need features like forms, payment processing, and e-commerce capabilities to offer UK customers a full online service.
Different website builders offer varying levels of e-commerce capabilities. Some plans may only allow you to display a limited number of products in your online shop, while others let you showcase thousands, with multiple photos for each item.
It can be useful to choose a website builder with an abandoned shopping cart reminder, prompting customers who leave your site before purchasing to come back. Payment processing options could include credit cards and often extend to PayPal and Apple Pay. Features like automatic inventory management and detailed sales reports are also valuable.
Fast, Reliable Hosting
Unlike traditional hosting, website builders combine the site creation platform and hosting in one package, making it essential that your site loads quickly and reliably for your visitors. Bandwidth refers to how often your site can update over time, and storage is the data limit for your site. Generally, higher-priced plans come with more storage and bandwidth, though unlimited bandwidth is usually only needed for very high-traffic websites.
Mobile Optimisation
Increasingly, people in the UK access the internet from smartphones and tablets while out and about. They may want to find a nearby café, shop online during their commute, or search for services while waiting at a doctor’s office. That’s why mobile optimisation is crucial for your business website. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you may lose potential customers. Many recommended website builders offer mobile-optimised templates, so there’s no need to build a separate mobile site from scratch.
Security
If customers are entering personal information on your website, whether to book appointments or make payments, security is essential. Look for a website builder with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certification to ensure UK customers feel safe providing their information. SSL certification shows that your website is trustworthy and secure.
Extra Features in a Website Builder
Templates
One feature that makes a business site maker so user-friendly is the customisable templates. Look for a good selection of industry-specific templates that are flexible and visually appealing. While some website builders offer only a few templates with limited customisation options, others provide hundreds, often categorised by industry to make it easy to find the right fit. Categories may include restaurant, e-commerce, real estate, healthcare, home services, beauty services, and more.
Free Domain Name
The best websites for small businesses include a free domain name when you sign up for one of their plans, allowing you to secure the right website address without needing to register and pay for it separately.
Marketing Tools
You’ll want tools that support search engine visibility and social media integration to help reach potential UK customers. Some platforms, like Wix, offer email marketing templates you can use. Adding a subscription button to your website allows visitors to sign up for updates. Many website builders also include social media buttons for easy sharing. Some packages even offer free advertising credits. Integrated SEO tools are highly beneficial for attracting visitors, so check if they’re included with your chosen plan.
Find the Right Website Builder for Your Business
We’ve carefully reviewed our recommended business website builders to rank the best options for building a website for any type of UK business. These website builders are user-friendly and offer the essential features a business would need. We also provide comprehensive reviews of our recommended website builders, covering aspects like customer service, pricing, special features, and more. Additionally, we’ve found the best cheap websites for small businesses. You can view our up-to-date Top 5 list in the table above.
Our top picks for April 2025
