Top Website Builders for Small Business in 2025: Find the Best Tools
Discover the top website builders for small business in 2025. Build your site easily with our expert picks and start growing today!
For any small or local business in Australia, a professional website isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the central hub of your online presence. It acts as your 24/7 salesperson, your digital portfolio, and often, the very first impression you make on potential customers looking for your services. But with a bewildering number of platforms available, choosing the right one can feel like a project in itself.
This guide cuts through the noise. We'll break down the top website builders for small business, providing the practical insights you need to select the perfect tool for your specific trade. Whether you're a plumber needing a simple booking page, a builder wanting to showcase project galleries, or a landscaper looking to attract local clients, the right platform makes all the difference.
We've analysed the best DIY options for hands-on business owners and included a professional "done-for-you" service, SiteStarter, for those who'd rather spend less time tinkering online and more time on the tools. Each review includes a deep dive into features, honest pros and cons, clear pricing, screenshots, and direct links to help you make an informed decision and get your business online effectively.
1. SiteStarter (Done-For-You)
SiteStarter is the ideal solution for small business owners and tradies who understand the value of a professional website but lack the time or desire to build it themselves. Unlike DIY platforms that require you to learn new software, SiteStarter offers a complete "done-for-you" service. The team of professionals handles everything from design and content to technical setup and optimisation, getting your business online quickly and correctly. This allows you to focus on your craft and serve your customers, not tinker with website settings.
The process is designed for busy business owners. SiteStarter builds a high-performing site that follows all the best practices for SEO, mobile responsiveness, and lead generation from day one. This means you can spend less time online and more time on the tools, confident that your digital presence is working hard for your business. It's the most direct path to getting a powerful, lead-generating asset without the learning curve.
Key Features and Considerations
SiteStarter focuses on delivering a professional, hands-off website solution.
- Pros: Professional, custom design tailored to your business. Expert setup ensures your site is optimised for search engines and conversions from the start. Saves you immense time and effort.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to a DIY monthly subscription, as it is a professional service, not a software tool.
- Best For: Tradies and small business owners who value their time and want a guaranteed professional result without any of the hands-on work.
Website: SiteStarter
2. Wix
Wix stands out as one of the top website builders for small business owners, especially tradies like landscapers, plumbers, and builders who need a professional online presence without a steep learning curve. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows for complete creative control, making it simple to showcase your projects with high-quality photo galleries and detailed service descriptions. With over 900 customisable templates, you can easily find a design that suits your trade and brand identity.
The platform is a true all-in-one solution. You can integrate a booking system for client appointments, set up an e-commerce store to sell products, and leverage the Wix App Market to add specialised features. Its built-in SEO tools also provide a solid foundation for getting your business noticed by local customers. To get the most from these features, check out this guide on how to rank higher on Google search.
Key Features and Considerations
Wix offers a powerful suite of tools tailored for service-based businesses.
- Pros: The user-friendly interface is its biggest advantage. You get extensive customisation, robust e-commerce capabilities, and reliable customer support.
- Cons: Pricing can be higher than some competitors, and once you choose a template, you can't switch to another without rebuilding your site.
- Best For: Tradies who want total design freedom and access to a wide range of integrated business management tools, all in one place.
Website: https://www.wix.com/
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is celebrated as one of the top website builders for small business owners who prioritise sophisticated design and brand aesthetics. It’s an excellent choice for tradies like carpenters, custom builders, and landscapers who want to showcase their craftsmanship through visually stunning, portfolio-style websites. Its award-winning templates are renowned for their clean, modern look and are fully mobile-optimised, ensuring your work looks professional on any device.
The platform offers a seamless, all-in-one experience with powerful integrated tools for blogging, e-commerce, and appointment scheduling. This makes it simple to write about recent projects, sell custom-made items, or let clients book consultations directly. For those who want a premium, professionally designed site without the hands-on effort, services like SiteStarter can build a polished Squarespace site for you, letting you focus on your trade. This ensures you get an effective online presence that follows all the best practices from day one.
Key Features and Considerations
Squarespace delivers a powerful combination of style and substance for service-focused businesses.
- Pros: Its high-quality, professional templates are a major drawcard. The platform is truly all-in-one, with strong customer support and excellent built-in SEO tools to help you get found.
- Cons: The platform offers less flexibility and fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors, and its structured editor can feel restrictive.
- Best For: Creatively focused tradies and service businesses who value a polished, high-end design and want an integrated, easy-to-manage platform.
Website: https://www.squarespace.com/
4. Shopify
For tradies and small businesses looking to move beyond simple service websites and into selling products online, Shopify is the undisputed leader. While not a traditional website builder in the same vein as Wix, it is one of the top website builders for small business owners whose primary goal is e-commerce. You can sell anything from landscaping supplies and custom-built furniture to branded workwear, all through a powerful and secure online store.
Shopify’s platform is designed for one thing: sales. It offers robust inventory management, seamless payment processing, and extensive app integrations to handle everything from shipping to marketing. While setting up a full e-commerce site can be more complex, services like SiteStarter offer a "done-for-you" solution. Their team of professionals can build a best-practice Shopify store for you, letting you focus on your trade instead of technical details.
Key Features and Considerations
Shopify provides an enterprise-level e-commerce engine scaled for small businesses.
- Pros: Highly scalable for growing businesses, an extensive app store for endless functionality, secure and reliable hosting, and a wide range of integrated payment gateways.
- Cons: Transaction fees apply if you don’t use Shopify Payments, and customising your store’s design often requires coding knowledge or hiring a developer.
- Best For: Tradies and small businesses serious about selling products online, who need a powerful, dedicated e-commerce platform that can grow with them.
Website: https://www.shopify.com/
5. GoDaddy Website Builder
GoDaddy Website Builder is an excellent choice for tradies who need to get online quickly and with minimal fuss. Its standout feature is the AI-powered setup, which creates a functional, industry-specific website draft in minutes. This makes it one of the top website builders for small business owners who prioritise speed and simplicity over complex design customisation. For service-based businesses like plumbers or handymen, its integrated appointment booking and management tools are a huge advantage.
The platform is designed as an affordable, all-in-one solution. You can manage your online presence, customer appointments, and marketing from a single dashboard. While it may not offer the same level of design freedom as other builders, its focus on essential business tools ensures you have everything you need to attract and serve local customers without being overwhelmed by technical details. This streamlined approach allows you to focus more on your work and less on website maintenance.
Key Features and Considerations
GoDaddy provides a straightforward path to establishing a professional online presence.
- Pros: The setup process is exceptionally fast and easy. It offers very affordable pricing plans, integrated marketing features to help you find customers, and reliable 24/7 customer support.
- Cons: Design flexibility and template options are more limited compared to competitors, which might not suit businesses with very specific branding needs.
- Best For: Tradies and service professionals who want an affordable, no-nonsense website with built-in booking and marketing tools to get their business online fast.
Website: https://www.godaddy.com/
6. Hostinger Website Builder
Hostinger Website Builder is an excellent choice for small businesses and tradies looking for one of the most affordable yet powerful solutions on the market. Its standout feature is the AI-powered builder, which can generate a personalised website draft in minutes based on your business description, making it incredibly fast to get online. With a clean, grid-based editor and over 150 customisable templates, it strikes a great balance between ease of use and professional results.
This platform is a fantastic all-in-one package for those on a budget. It includes built-in blogging tools, basic e-commerce functionality, and marketing integrations to help you grow your audience. For businesses that need a professional site without the hassle, a "done-for-you" service like SiteStarter offers an even quicker path. Their experts can build a fully optimised site, letting you focus entirely on your trade.
Key Features and Considerations
Hostinger excels at delivering value and simplicity for getting your business online.
- Pros: Highly affordable pricing that includes a free domain for the first year. The AI tools streamline the setup process, and 24/7 customer support is a major advantage for busy tradies.
- Cons: It has fewer third-party app integrations compared to platforms like Wix, and advanced e-commerce features require upgrading to higher-tier plans.
- Best For: Small businesses and sole traders who prioritise affordability and speed, needing a straightforward, professional website without extensive technical demands.
Website: https://www.hostinger.com/
7. Weebly
Weebly offers one of the most straightforward entry points into the online world, making it a strong contender among the top website builders for small business. Its platform is particularly well-suited for tradies just starting out or those who need a simple, functional website with basic e-commerce without feeling overwhelmed. The structured drag-and-drop editor simplifies the design process, ensuring you can launch a professional-looking site quickly to showcase your services and finished projects.
The seamless integration with Square for payment processing is a major drawcard, especially if you already use Square for in-person transactions. This creates a unified system for managing both online and offline sales. While it’s a powerful tool, if you prefer to skip the learning curve and have experts handle your online setup, a "done-for-you" service like SiteStarter can build a professional site optimised for best practices. This lets you focus entirely on your trade.
Key Features and Considerations
Weebly excels in simplicity and affordability, making it an accessible choice.
- Pros: It is incredibly easy to use, offers very affordable pricing including a free plan, and has solid, integrated e-commerce features powered by Square.
- Cons: The platform offers less design flexibility and fewer advanced features compared to more robust builders, which may limit scalability.
- Best For: Small businesses and sole traders needing a budget-friendly, no-fuss website with simple e-commerce capabilities.
Website: https://www.weebly.com/
8. WordPress.com
WordPress.com provides one of the most powerful and scalable solutions among the top website builders for small business. It is an excellent choice for tradies who envision their business growing significantly over time, particularly those who want to build a strong content marketing engine through blogging. The platform offers a vast ecosystem of themes and plugins, allowing for nearly limitless customisation to reflect your unique brand and service offerings.
While it has a steeper learning curve than simpler drag-and-drop editors, its flexibility is unmatched. You can integrate powerful tools like WooCommerce for e-commerce, advanced SEO plugins to dominate local search, and sophisticated booking systems. For those who find the setup process daunting, a "done-for-you" service like SiteStarter can handle the technical side, letting you focus on your trade while professionals build a high-performing site. This ensures your online presence is optimised from day one, which is why a simple website upgrade can often double your leads.
Key Features and Considerations
WordPress.com balances robust features with the need for more hands-on management.
- Pros: Highly customisable with a massive selection of themes and plugins, strong for blogging and SEO, and scalable to support business growth.
- Cons: The learning curve is steeper compared to other builders, and it requires more ongoing maintenance to keep plugins and themes updated.
- Best For: Tradies who want ultimate control and scalability, especially those planning to use content marketing and blogging as a key growth strategy.
Website: https://wordpress.com/
9. Web.com
Web.com is a strong contender among the top website builders for small business owners who prioritise speed and simplicity. It offers a straightforward drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates, making it easy for tradies to get a functional site online quickly without needing technical skills. For a local handyman or builder, this means you can create a professional-looking site to showcase your services and contact details in a single afternoon.
The platform bundles essential tools that new businesses need. Every plan includes a free domain name and business email for a professional touch, along with access to a large library of stock images to help populate your gallery. While it covers the basics well, if you’re short on time and want an expert to handle everything, a service like SiteStarter can build and manage a high-performing site for you, letting you focus on your work.
Key Features and Considerations
Web.com is designed for simplicity and affordability, making it an accessible entry point.
- Pros: Its affordable pricing is a major drawcard. The platform is very easy to use and includes a free domain and business email, which adds to its excellent value.
- Cons: Customisation options are more limited compared to other builders. The e-commerce plan also has restrictions on the number of products you can list.
- Best For: Tradies and small businesses who need an affordable, all-in-one package to establish a basic and professional online presence without a fuss.
Website: https://www.web.com/
10. IONOS
IONOS positions itself as one of the top website builders for small business owners by combining user-friendly site creation with powerful, reliable hosting. It’s a great option for tradies who need a dependable online presence without a massive upfront investment. The platform offers a range of industry-specific templates, making it straightforward for a plumber or builder to find a design that professionally showcases their services from day one.
What makes IONOS stand out is its all-in-one approach at an attractive introductory price, bundling hosting, a domain, and an email address together. This simplifies the setup process significantly. For those wanting a hands-off approach, a service like SiteStarter offers a "done-for-you" solution. Their professional team can build a site that follows best practices, letting you focus on your trade instead of website management.
Key Features and Considerations
IONOS provides a robust feature set backed by excellent uptime and support.
- Pros: The platform is known for its affordable introductory pricing, making it highly accessible. It includes reliable hosting, comprehensive features like SEO tools, and dedicated 24/7 customer support.
- Cons: The price increases significantly after the initial promotional period. The design flexibility is also more limited compared to some other builders.
- Best For: New business owners or tradies seeking a cost-effective, all-inclusive package with strong hosting and support to establish their initial online presence.
Website: https://www.ionos.com/
11. Webflow
Webflow is a powerful platform for small businesses, especially tradies, who desire a completely custom-built website without needing to write a single line of code. It bridges the gap between simple drag-and-drop builders and complex custom development, offering unparalleled design freedom through its visual canvas. This makes it one of the top website builders for small business owners who want to create a truly unique and professional online presence that stands out.
The platform provides robust Content Management System (CMS) capabilities, perfect for showcasing project portfolios, team member profiles, or service case studies. For businesses looking to scale, Webflow also integrates e-commerce and includes high-quality hosting. While it offers immense power, mastering its interface requires more effort. For those who want a professional site without the learning curve, a service like SiteStarter can build a fully optimised website for you, letting you focus on your trade.
Key Features and Considerations
Webflow delivers a suite of professional-grade tools for creating bespoke websites.
- Pros: It offers extreme customisation, powerful CMS and e-commerce features, and a supportive community. You get total control over responsive design for a perfect look on any device.
- Cons: The platform has a much steeper learning curve than template-based builders and its pricing can be higher, making it a bigger investment.
- Best For: Tech-savvy business owners or designers who want complete creative control to build a highly customised, professional-grade website from the ground up.
Website: https://webflow.com/
12. Duda
Duda is a professional website builder that excels in performance and collaborative features, making it one of the top website builders for small business owners who work with designers or have a small team. Its structured editor ensures your site maintains a consistent, professional look, while still offering plenty of customisation through widgets and dynamic content. This platform is particularly well-suited for service-based businesses like builders and plumbers who need a fast, reliable, and mobile-responsive online presence.
The platform is renowned for its industry-leading site speed, a critical factor for keeping potential clients engaged. Duda’s client management and team collaboration tools allow you to grant specific permissions to partners or staff, streamlining the feedback and update process. It also offers powerful personalisation rules to show different content to visitors based on their location or behaviour. A fast-loading site is crucial, and you can explore more about the hidden cost of a slow or outdated website to understand its impact.
Key Features and Considerations
Duda is built for speed, efficiency, and professional results.
- Pros: Exceptional site speed, strong team collaboration and client management features, and automatically responsive designs that look great on any device.
- Cons: Pricing is on the higher end, and it has fewer third-party app integrations compared to platforms like Wix or Shopify.
- Best For: Tradies and small businesses that prioritise site performance and plan to collaborate with a web designer or marketing agency to manage their online presence.
Website: https://www.duda.co/
13. Jimdo
Jimdo is one of the top website builders for small business owners who prioritise speed and simplicity over complex customisation. Its standout feature is an AI-powered setup process called Jimdo Dolphin, which asks you a few questions about your business and then automatically generates a tailored, industry-specific website in minutes. This makes it a fantastic choice for tradies who need to get a professional site online quickly without any fuss.
The platform offers everything a small service business needs, including mobile-responsive designs, integrated SEO tools to help you get found locally, and basic e-commerce functions. While it doesn't offer the deep design freedom of other builders, its focus on ease of use is its greatest strength. If you find even this streamlined approach too time-consuming, a service like SiteStarter can build a professional, optimised website for you, letting you focus on your trade.
Key Features and Considerations
Jimdo excels at getting you online with minimal effort and cost.
- Pros: The AI-driven setup is incredibly fast and user-friendly. It’s highly affordable, and the integrated SEO features provide a solid starting point for local visibility.
- Cons: Customisation options are quite limited, and it lacks the advanced features and app integrations found in more robust platforms.
- Best For: Sole traders or small businesses needing a simple, professional, and budget-friendly website with an incredibly quick and easy setup process.
Website: https://www.jimdo.com/
Top 13 Website Builders Feature Comparison
Website Builder | Core Features | User Experience | Value Proposition | Target Audience | Price Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SiteStarter | Done-for-you service, expert design & SEO | Hands-off, professional | Time-saving, guaranteed results | Time-poor small businesses | Professional service fee |
Wix | 900+ templates, AI design, SEO, e-commerce | User-friendly, customizable | All-in-one site with strong SEO | Small to medium businesses | Higher than some competitors |
Squarespace | Design-focused templates, blogging, marketing | Sleek, polished, mobile-optimized | Professional look with ease | Creatives, design-focused | Mid to high |
Shopify | E-commerce templates, inventory, apps, analytics | Scalable, reliable | Best for online stores | Growing e-commerce businesses | Transaction fees apply |
GoDaddy Website Builder | AI-powered, booking, e-commerce, marketing | Easy setup, beginner-friendly | Affordable all-in-one platform | Service-based small businesses | Affordable |
Hostinger Website Builder | AI-powered, 150+ templates, e-commerce, blogging | Easy to use, good support | Affordable with free domain | Small businesses | Affordable, tier-based |
Weebly | Drag-and-drop, e-commerce, Square integration | Simple, free plan available | Budget-friendly e-commerce | Small businesses, beginners | Affordable, free plan |
WordPress.com | Themes, plugins, WooCommerce, SEO, blogging | Highly customizable, scalable | Flexible and content-focused | Content-heavy businesses | Affordable |
Web.com | Drag-and-drop, templates, SEO, e-commerce | Easy to use, free domain/email | Affordable basic website builder | Small businesses | Affordable |
IONOS | Industry templates, hosting, SEO, marketing | Reliable, comprehensive | Cost-effective hosting & builder | Businesses needing hosting | Intro pricing, increases |
Webflow | Visual design, CMS, e-commerce, responsive | Advanced, no coding required | Highly customizable design | Advanced users, agencies | Higher pricing |
Duda | Client management, collaboration, SEO, e-commerce | Collaborative, responsive | Platform for agencies/freelancers | Agencies, freelancers | Higher pricing |
Jimdo | AI-powered, e-commerce, SEO, templates | Beginner-friendly, quick setup | Affordable, simple website builder | Beginners, small businesses | Affordable |
Making Your Final Choice: DIY, DIFM, or Something in Between?
Navigating the landscape of the top website builders for small business can feel overwhelming, but making the right choice boils down to a clear understanding of your own resources, goals, and technical comfort. We've explored a dozen powerful platforms, from the creative freedom of Wix and the polished templates of Squarespace to the e-commerce dominance of Shopify. Each offers a distinct path to getting your business online.
Your decision hinges on one critical question: Where is your time best spent? For the hands-on business owner who enjoys creative control and has the time to learn a new system, a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) platform is an excellent and cost-effective solution. Builders like GoDaddy and Hostinger are designed for rapid, straightforward setup, allowing you to establish a professional presence quickly.
Key Factors to Guide Your Decision
Before you commit to a platform, take a final moment to weigh these crucial factors. Your answers will point you toward the most suitable solution for your specific circumstances.
- Time Commitment: Be realistic about the hours you can dedicate not just to the initial build, but to ongoing updates, content changes, and maintenance. A website is not a 'set and forget' asset; it requires regular attention to remain effective.
- Technical Skill: While most builders on our list are user-friendly, some, like Webflow, demand a steeper learning curve. Honestly assess your comfort level with digital tools. Fighting with a platform that's too complex can lead to frustration and a subpar result.
- Business Goals: Is your primary goal to generate leads through a contact form, showcase a portfolio of your work, or sell products directly online? A simple portfolio site has very different needs than a full-featured e-commerce store, which would make Shopify an obvious frontrunner.
- Budget: Your budget includes more than just the monthly subscription fee. Factor in potential costs for premium themes, specialised apps or plugins, a domain name, and professional email hosting to get a true picture of your total investment.
The 'Done For You' Alternative: Maximising Your Time
For many tradies and small business owners, from landscapers to plumbers, your most valuable resource is time spent on the tools, not on a computer. If the prospect of optimising images, writing SEO-friendly content, and managing platform updates sounds like a distraction from your core business, the 'Done For You' (DFY) model presents a powerful, strategic alternative.
This is precisely where a specialised service offers immense value. Rather than you having to become a web design expert overnight, you can leverage a team of professionals. They handle the entire process, from designing a custom, high-converting site to implementing technical SEO and optimising your Google Business Profile. This ensures your online presence is built on industry best practices from the start, freeing you to focus on what you do best: running your business and serving your clients. Your website becomes a powerful, lead-generating asset without becoming a time-consuming liability.
Ready to skip the learning curve and launch a professional website that works for your business from day one? The team at SiteStarter specialises in creating powerful, optimised websites for tradies and local businesses just like yours. Visit SiteStarter to see how we can get you online quickly and effectively, so you can focus on your craft.