So, you have a business (or a personal brand), and you’re ready to take it to the next level and launch a site, but you’re not totally sure what the best website platform is for you and your business.
Does that sound like you?!
If so, congratulations! Launching a site is the first step in pushing your brand out into the world, and it’s also key to creating the digital presence you need to scale.
But, also… there’s a lot to think about. The internet is an overwhelming place, and it’s packed with info from all sorts of people on every platform you could think about. From GoDaddy to WordPress to Wix and blog posts breaking down the benefits of their favorite platforms, how the heck are you supposed to choose?!
It seems impossible to pick the right one.
I’ve got you covered. With years of experience helping to build digital brands online, I’m an expert when it comes to creating websites with impact. More than that, I know that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the ideal site platform to launch your site. However, there are three of the best website platforms that I can pretty much guarantee will do what you need: Showit, Squarespace, and Shopify.
Today, I’m breaking down what you need to know to make the best choice for your business. Whether you’re a Squarespace girl, a Showit fanatic, or a Shopify die-hard, here’s how to pick the best website platform.
Best Website Platform #1: Squarespace (The Easy Pick for Design-Eyed Friends)
Squarespace is a simple-to-use, highly customizable platform that’s nice and easy (and drag-and-drop!) for bloggers, service-based entrepreneurs, and portfolio builders. If you’re looking for a site that gives you lots of options for customization without a ton of headache, Squarespace is a great choice. At the same time, it could also be more user-friendly than it is. There’s definitely a learning curve, and sometimes you’ll wonder why the heck there are so many steps to get anything done.
Who it’s perfect for: Those looking for a buildable site that can support a small business, blog, or portfolio without needing to take a coding class.
Investment: Squarespace’s business plans start at $18 a month, going up to $40 a month for more advanced commerce integration. If you’re wanting to add in email marketing or additional features, it adds on to the cost.
Where to find site inspo: If Squarespace is up your alley, some of our favorite sites built on the platform are YES MAM, Kate Dunham Consulting, Create & Cultivate, The Shift Creative, and ilovecreatives.
Best Website Platform #2: Shopify (The Go-To for Product-Based Businesses)
Shopify is a great pick for businesses who do a lot of online commerce, and is often considered the gold standard for product-based businesses. It offers an easy method for managing your online business, and has tons of resources to keep supporting you as you grow. At the same time, Shopify’s non-commerce features can be tricky to use (like blogging integration), and they add transaction fees on top of merchant fees that you’ll want to pay attention to.
Who it’s perfect for: Those with an online business that need a streamlined, trusted sales platform without advanced extras.
Investment: Basic Shopify plans start at $29 a month, going to $299 monthly for advanced sites.
Where to find site inspo: If Shopify is where you’re leaning, some of our favorite sites built on Shopify are VonBloom, Paintbox, OLIPOP, Partake Foods, and Beauty Bakerie.
Best Website Platform #3: Showit (The Tried-and-True Uno Favorite)
Showit is fantastic for brands looking to build an absolutely gorgeous visual presence, and is our preferred platform the whole way. It’s particularly excellent for personal brands with tons of content, and is ideal for incredibly stunning, custom design. At the same time, it can be time-consuming to set up and it’s not great for those with e-commerce businesses.
Who it’s perfect for: Those with a content-rich brand or business looking for impeccable aesthetics.
Investment: Showit starts at $24 a month for basic plans without a blog, going to $39 a month for more bulky plans.
Where to find site inspo: If you’re loving Showit (our fave!), some of the most beautiful sites we know of are built on the platform — like Uno Dos Trae (hi!), Marcella Kelson, Jenna Kutcher, Melyssa Griffin, Jasmine Star, and Bossbabe.
No matter what you choose, remember that you’re already killing it. By thinking hard about where you’re wanting to launch your site, you’re already several steps ahead — and it’ll show, we promise. Whether you’re looking for an e-commerce heavy platform or one that you can seriously customize, Squarespace, Shopify, and Showit are where it’s at. It’s all about picking the right fit for you, your brand, and your business.
Once you have your website, it’s time to take that business of yours and scale it out of the water. The key? Working smart to get ahead in style. If you’re ready to see results, uncover your visual voice, and put that website of yours to work, come join us in the Brand Brilliance Accelerator.
In this 3-month mentorship and group coaching program, we’ll work together to help you create the results you’ve been waiting on. Join the waitlist here.
