Choosing the right platform for your business website can feel like a daunting decision. With so many options available, how do you know which one will best suit your needs, budget, and long-term goals?
From technical skills to development speed and customization capabilities, every factor plays a role in shaping the success of your website. In this post, we’ll break down the essential considerations for selecting the right platform, ensuring you make an informed decision that sets your business up for success. Let’s dive into what you need to know. Oh, and full disclosure... Founderli is built with Webflow.
Section 1: Assessing Your Technical Skills and Learning Curve (Ease of Development)
When it comes to building your business website, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is, "How much technical expertise do I have?" The platform you choose should align with your current skills, or at the very least, offer an acceptable learning curve.
Platforms like WordPress require a higher level of technical know-how, especially if you plan on customizing the code. For beginners, Wix and Squarespace provide intuitive drag-and-drop editors that allow you to create a website quickly without coding knowledge. However, if you’re looking for more control and customization without completely sacrificing ease, Webflow offers a balanced approach, though it may take some time to master.
If you’re someone who’s just starting out and doesn’t have much technical experience, opting for a beginner-friendly platform could save you a lot of frustration. On the other hand, if you're willing to invest time into learning, Webflow could offer a good middle ground for future growth. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you're comfortable with a more DIY approach or if you’d prefer to outsource development to a professional.
For those who want more control over the development process, consider hiring a developer or partnering with a service like Founderli, which specializes in custom-built, professional websites that allow businesses to scale without worrying about the technical side of things.
Section 2: The Impact of Development Speed (How Quickly You Need Your Site Live)
Another important factor to consider is how quickly you need your website up and running. If your business is in its early stages and you need an online presence fast, platforms like Wix and Squarespace are designed to help you get your website live in no time. These platforms offer templates and pre-built components, allowing you to get your site online with minimal effort. However, keep in mind that while these platforms are fast, they may not offer the level of customization or flexibility you might need in the long term.
On the other hand, platforms like Webflow, while taking more time to learn and configure, provide greater control over design and functionality. This might be a better option if you’re planning on growing your business quickly and want to ensure your website evolves with your needs.
Balancing speed and quality is essential here, so think about how much time you can dedicate to the website-building process and whether cutting corners now might lead to bigger issues down the road.
If speed is a key concern for your business, consider Founderli’s approach. We streamline the process to quickly deliver a fully functional, strategic website that’s aligned with your goals, allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the technical details.
Section 3: Balancing Budget and Costs (Price)
When selecting a platform for your business website, it’s crucial to factor in your budget. Platforms come in a range of price points, from free to premium plans. While the initial costs might seem manageable, remember that there are often hidden costs, such as additional plugins, hosting fees, and maintenance. For example, WordPress may appear affordable initially, but if you need advanced functionality, you may find yourself spending more on third-party services or developers.
For businesses on a tighter budget, platforms like Wix and Squarespace offer low-cost options that provide excellent value for small websites. However, these platforms might limit scalability or advanced customization features. On the other hand, Webflow’s higher upfront costs could be justified by the flexibility and control it offers for growing businesses.
It's important to consider the long-term costs of maintaining your website as well. Don’t just look at the initial setup cost, but also think about what you’ll need to keep your website running smoothly over time.
Section 4: Customizability and Long-Term Scalability (Customizability)
Customizability is a key consideration, especially if you have specific needs for your business. While platforms like Wix and Squarespace are user-friendly and offer basic customization options, they are limited in what you can do with the design and functionality. If you need more control over your site’s look, feel, or behaviour, you may need to explore other platforms like Webflow or WordPress, which offer much greater flexibility.
Webflow, for example, allows you to create custom interactions, animations, and fully tailored designs. While this comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve, it can provide a huge advantage as your business grows and your website needs evolve. On the other hand, if you're just starting out and don't need extensive custom features, a platform like Wix may be the right choice, allowing you to focus on content and marketing rather than design complexity.
As your business grows, you may reach a point where your platform no longer supports your needs, at which point migrating to a more customizable solution may be necessary. Founderli offers scalable solutions that grow with your business, ensuring that you don’t outgrow your platform too quickly and that your website can evolve as your business expands.
Section 5: Optimization for SEO and Performance (Optimisation Ease)
Website optimization is crucial for ensuring your site ranks well on search engines and provides an excellent user experience. Some platforms, like Webflow, offer more control over SEO settings and performance optimization, which is important for businesses aiming to drive traffic and convert visitors into customers. Webflow allows you to easily edit metadata, ensure mobile-friendliness, and optimize page speed, all of which are critical for good SEO performance.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace, while user-friendly, offer fewer SEO and performance optimization features. They provide basic tools, but you might find them limiting as your site grows and needs more advanced strategies for speed and search engine visibility.
Website performance is not only about loading speeds but also about creating an intuitive user experience. Founderli ensures that all the websites we create are fully optimized for SEO and performance, taking the technical hassle out of the equation so that you can focus on growing your business.
Whether you choose a platform like Webflow or one of the more accessible options, optimization should always be a priority to ensure your website delivers the best possible results for both you and your customers.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business Website
In this article, we've explored key factors to consider when choosing the right platform for developing your business website. We discussed how to assess your technical skills, balance development speed, and manage your budget, alongside the importance of customizability and long-term scalability. SEO and performance optimization were also highlighted as critical elements for your site's success.
Selecting the right platform can make all the difference, and if you need tailored guidance, Founderli offers a comprehensive service to ensure your website meets your unique business needs.
Kieran Audsley
Founderli CEO, Founder
