How to choose the right website platform for your needs
Having a website is essential for businesses, professionals, and creatives. Choosing the right platform involves considering not just the website's functionality, but also domain management and email solutions. This guide will help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect website platform that aligns with your goals, budget, technical abilities, and broader online presence needs.
Why you might need a website
Before delving into platform features, it's crucial to understand your motivations for creating a website. Common reasons include selling products or services online, starting a blog, showcasing a professional portfolio, promoting a podcast, selling online courses, or simply establishing an online presence. Your primary purpose will significantly influence your choice of platform.
Key features to consider
When evaluating website platforms, focus on features that align with your specific needs:
Purpose-specific features: E-commerce capabilities for online stores, content management for blogs, visually appealing templates for portfolios, or course delivery systems for educational sites.
Mobile responsiveness: Ensuring your site looks good on all devices.
SEO tools: Features that help improve your visibility in search results.
Third-party integrations: Ability to add functionality like email marketing or social media feeds.
Domain management: Options for purchasing a new domain or connecting an existing one.
Email solutions: Built-in email services or easy integration with email providers.
User-friendliness
Consider the platform's ease of use, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Some platforms offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, while others might require more technical skills but offer greater customization. Also, look into the ease of managing your domain and setting up email addresses through the platform.
Cost-effectiveness
When evaluating costs, consider:
Initial setup costs
Ongoing fees for hosting and premium features
Domain registration or transfer fees
Email hosting costs
Potential price increases after introductory periods
Some platforms offer all-inclusive packages that bundle website building, domain registration, and email services, which can be cost-effective and convenient.
Domain and email integration
A professional domain name and matching email addresses are crucial for establishing credibility. Look for platforms that offer:
Easy domain purchase or transfer options
Straightforward domain connection process
Built-in email solutions or seamless integration with email providers like Google Workspace
User-friendly interfaces for managing both domain and email settings
Popular website platforms
Now, let's explore some common scenarios and the platforms that best suit them, including considerations for domain and email management:
Selling products or services online
Shopify is the leading choice, offering robust e-commerce features along with domain registration and email forwarding. Squarespace and Wix also provide solid e-commerce solutions with integrated domain and email options.
Blogging
WordPress remains popular, though domain and email typically require separate setup. Squarespace and Wix offer more all-in-one solutions, including domain registration and email integration.
Portfolio showcase
Squarespace is renowned for its visually striking templates and includes domain registration and email integration through Google Workspace. Wix offers similar all-in-one packages.
One-page sites
GoDaddy's website builder excels here, with the added benefit of being a domain registrar and offering email services. Carrd is another option, though email services may need to be set up separately.
Small business websites
Wix and Squarespace are excellent choices, offering professional-looking templates, easy-to-use interfaces, and integrated domain and email solutions.
Content-heavy sites
WordPress is the standout choice, though it may require more setup for domain and email integration. Many web hosts offer WordPress-specific plans that include domain registration and email services.
Selling courses online
Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific focus on course creation but may require separate domain and email setup. All-in-one solutions like Kajabi offer course creation tools alongside website building, domain management, and email marketing features.
Podcast promotion
While many general website builders can create sites for podcasts, consider how they handle domain registration and email integration. WordPress with podcast-specific themes, combined with a hosting plan that includes domain and email services, can be a comprehensive solution.
Membership sites
Platforms like Mighty Networks offer specialized features but may require separate domain and email setup. WordPress, with membership plugins and a comprehensive hosting plan, can provide an all-in-one solution.
Making the choice that’s best for you
Remember, while these recommendations can guide you, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, technical skills, and long-term goals. Consider trying out free trials when available to get a hands-on feel for each platform's website building tools, as well as their domain management and email integration features.
By carefully weighing your options and aligning your choice with your specific goals - including the management of your overall online presence - you'll be well on your way to establishing a strong and effective website with a professional domain name and email solution.
Need help deciding? Use the vendor audit worksheet to help you make an informed decision.
