Which Website Builder Is Right for You? Here’s How to Know Before You Waste Time + Money

by | May 23, 2025 | Web Design + Strategy

One of the first questions I ask my web design clients is:
“Do you know what platform you want your website built on?”

And you’d be surprised how often the answer is: “Uhhh… I don’t know. What do you think?”

Totally fair—but here’s the thing: the right website builder depends on you. Your needs, your comfort level, and your business goals.

This post is here to help you figure that out—so we can make smart decisions together. Whether you’re DIYing or working with me directly, here’s how to choose the best website builder for your brand before we start designing.


1. What Does Your Website Actually Need to Do?

Let’s skip the fluff and get to the point:

  • Are you selling products or services?

  • Do you need a blog?

  • Want to show off a portfolio or testimonials?

  • Need people to book sessions or RSVP to events?

Every platform handles these features differently. The clearer you are on what you need your website to do, the easier it is to match the right platform.

🛠️ This also helps me design your site with the right tools from the start—so we don’t build something clunky or limited.


2. How Comfortable Are You With Tech Stuff?

Here’s the truth. Some platforms are super beginner-friendly (Squarespace, Wix), while others (WordPress, Showit) give you more flexibility but require more setup—and sometimes ongoing maintenance.

If you want to make edits yourself after launch, or just want something you’re not afraid to touch, we’ll choose a platform that’s easy for you to manage.

This is your business. Your site should feel like a tool, not a tech trap. 


3. Are You Planning to Grow or Expand Your Site Later?

Right now, maybe you only need a few pages. But what about six months from now?

  • Planning to launch a shop?

  • Planning to launch a digital product?

  • Thinking of adding a podcast or blog?

  • Want to start building an email list or membership portal?

Some platforms are easier to scale than others, and it’s better to choose one that can grow with you—so you’re not stuck rebuilding it in 6 months. Even if those things aren’t happening right away, it’s smart to pick a platform that can grow with you—so we’re not starting over later.

💡 Tip: If you tell me your long-term vision upfront, I can build a site that sets you up for success beyond the launch.


4. What Kind of Content Matters Most?

Different businesses use their websites differently:

  • If you’re a visual creative (artist, photographer, designer), you’ll want a builder that makes images shine.

  • If you write longform content, blog, or share lots of info, we’ll want something with better text formatting and content organization.

  • If you need both—great! That’s something we can design around.

🎨 Your content style informs how I design your layout, navigation, and user experience.


5. How Much Do You Want to Customize the Design?

Some platforms are more flexible than others when it comes to layout and style. If you want a lot of control over every design detail (or want something super custom), that matters.
On the flip side, if you’re good with a beautiful, streamlined template that does the job, we can save time and energy by choosing a builder that’s designed for that.

Let me know your preference—I’ll handle the rest.


Final Thought:

You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. That’s what I’m here for. But taking a little time to think through these questions before we start helps me design a site that doesn’t just look good—it works for you.

Because the goal isn’t just to build something beautiful.
It’s to build something that supports your business, feels aligned with your brand, and makes your life easier in the long run.