Choosing the Best Platform to Build a Small Business Website

If you’re researching the best platform to build a website for you business, you’ve probably come across dozens of options, all promising ease of use, great design, and better results.

For most small businesses, the challenge isn’t whether to have a website, but choosing the right website platform to build it on. The platform you choose affects everything from how easy your site is to update, to how well it ranks on Google, and how easily it can grow with your business.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a website platform is, why platforms are usually a better choice than custom-coded websites for small businesses, and break down the most popular options, including Webflow, WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace and Wix.

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What Is a Website Platform?

A website platform (sometimes called a CMS or website builder) is the system used to create, manage and update your website without needing to write code every time you make a change.

Instead of building everything from scratch, a platform provides:

• A content editor for updating text and images
• Built-in hosting and security (in most cases)
• Tools for SEO, performance, and mobile responsiveness
• The ability to add new pages, blogs, or products easily

Popular platforms like Webflow, WordPress and Shopify are designed specifically to help businesses manage their websites efficiently, even without technical knowledge.

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Website Platforms vs Custom-Coded Websites

Some business owners assume that a custom-coded website is the “premium” option, but that’s not always the case.

For most small businesses, using a website platform offers clear advantages over a fully custom-coded site.

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Benefits of Using a Website Platform

A platform-based website:

• Is faster and more cost-effective to build
• Is easier to update without a developer
• Comes with built-in SEO and performance features
• Is more flexible as your business grows
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs

Custom-coded websites can make sense for large organisations with very specific technical requirements, but for smaller businesses, they often create unnecessary complexity and ongoing costs.

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The Best Platforms for Building a Small Business Website

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Webflow – A Professional Website Platform Built for Growth

Webflow is one of the best platforms for small businesses that want a professional, high-performing website without the limitations of templates.

Webflow combines clean code, strong SEO foundations and design flexibility. It’s ideal for businesses that want their website to look bespoke while still benefiting from a powerful content management system.

Webflow is particularly well suited to:

• Service-based small businesses
• Marketing and lead generation websites
• Companies focused on branding and performance
• Businesses planning to scale over time

While it’s not aimed at total beginners, a professionally built Webflow site is easy to manage day to day.

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WordPress – A Flexible Platform for Content-Driven Websites

WordPress remains one of the most widely used platforms for small business websites.

Its strength lies in flexibility. With the right setup, WordPress can support everything from simple brochure websites to complex content-heavy platforms.

WordPress is a strong choice if you:

• Want full control over your website
• Publish blogs or long-form content regularly
• Need custom features or integrations
• Want a platform that can evolve over time

It does require regular updates and maintenance, which is why many small businesses prefer to have it managed professionally.

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Shopify – The Best Platform for Small Business eCommerce

If you’re looking to build an online store, Shopify is widely considered the best platform for small businesses.

Shopify is designed specifically for selling online, with everything from payments and shipping to inventory management built in.

Shopify is ideal for:

• Product-based small businesses
• Retailers moving from physical to online sales
• Subscription or repeat-purchase products
• Businesses wanting a secure, reliable eCommerce platform

It’s easy to manage and scales well as sales increase.

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Squarespace – A Simple Platform for Smaller Business Websites

Squarespace is often chosen by small businesses looking for a quick, visually appealing website with minimal setup.

It’s an all-in-one platform with pre-designed templates and an easy editor, making it suitable for straightforward websites.

Squarespace works best for:

• Small brochure websites
• Freelancers and consultants
• Businesses with simple content needs

However, customisation and scalability are more limited compared to Webflow or WordPress.

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Wix – A Beginner-Friendly Website Platform

Wix is designed for ease of use and quick setup.

It can be a reasonable option for very small or early-stage businesses, but performance, SEO control and flexibility can become limiting as your business grows.

Wix is generally best for:

• Start-ups on a tight budget
• Temporary or early-stage websites
• Businesses testing a concept

Many growing businesses eventually migrate away from Wix to a more robust platform.

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How to Choose the Right Website Platform for Your Business

When choosing a small business website platform, consider:

• Whether you’re selling products or services
• How often you’ll update your website
• Your long-term growth plans
• The importance of SEO and performance

As a quick summary:

• Webflow → Best for professional, scalable business websites
• WordPress → Best for flexibility and content-led sites
• Shopify → Best for eCommerce
• Squarespace & Wix → Best for simple, smaller websites

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right platform to build your small business website is one of the most important decisions you’ll make online. A good platform saves time, reduces costs, and supports your business as it grows, without the complexity of a fully custom-coded website.

If you’re unsure which platform is right for your business, getting expert advice early can prevent costly rebuilds later.

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