- \n
- Each platform, whether it\u2019s Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Shopify or WordPress.com, has a range of plans aimed at different needs, from hobby sites to full-blown online businesses.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t just grab the cheapest option. Ensure your selected plan covers storage, customization tools, SEO and e-commerce (if needed).<\/li>\n
- Leave room for growth, most website builders let you start small and upgrade as you go, which is a big plus if you\u2019re unsure how your site will evolve.<\/li>\n
- Watch for hidden costs. Domain fees, premium templates, apps or transaction fees can add up quickly, so always look beyond the base subscription.<\/li>\n
- Reliable customer service can make building and maintaining your site more enjoyable, especially if you\u2019re a beginner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Feeling confident about building your very own website? <\/div>\n\n\n Start with the Vista x Wix free website builder today! <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Build a website<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n![\"Donuts](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_683,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745578853\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/donuts-merchandise\/donuts-merchandise.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: Small business product display by Donuts by Dominic<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to consider in pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you compare website builders, it\u2019s vital to examine more than just the monthly or annual fee. Each platform has its own set of pros and cons, so you want to find the sweet spot of affordability and functionality when factoring in how to finance your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features offered<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some essential features to watch for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bandwidth and storage:<\/strong> If you upload lots of media or anticipate heavy traffic, free or entry-level plans might be too limiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Templates and theme variety:<\/strong> A robust template library can give you a head start in design, ensuring your site looks professional from day one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blogging tools:<\/strong> If sharing content is part of your plan, look for built-in blogging features such as tagging, categories and scheduling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social media integration:<\/strong> It\u2019s easier to promote your site and engage visitors if you can embed social feeds or quickly add share buttons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Analytics: <\/strong>Basic traffic stats are often included, while some higher-tier plans offer deeper insights or Google Analytics integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Print on demand: <\/strong>Consider whether the platform supports print-on-demand<\/a> services, which let you list designs without upfront inventory and handle product creation, packaging and shipping automatically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The trick is matching what you\u2019ll actually use with what each plan includes. You don\u2019t want to be stuck in a plan that lacks critical features, but there\u2019s no point paying for extras you\u2019ll never need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What factors affect website builder pricing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Several factors can influence the final price you pay, including which plan tier you select. Higher levels typically unlock greater storage, bandwidth and specialized features like advanced SEO or e-commerce. The quality of support also varies by plan, with premium options sometimes offering priority or around-the-clock assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your billing cycle makes a difference too, as annual subscriptions often come at a lower overall cost compared to monthly billing. Finally, premium add-ons and plugins may add extra monthly fees, so it\u2019s important to keep that in mind when budgeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ease of use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
User-friendliness can be a real game-changer. Modern website builders typically rely on drag-and-drop editors and intuitive dashboards, but they\u2019re not all created equal. If you\u2019re not tech-savvy, an overly complex interface can cost you extra time or money for support or outside help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider whether you\u2019d like the ability to tweak every aspect of your site or if you\u2019re happy using pre-built layouts. Some platforms lock you into a more rigid structure, while others let you move elements around freely or add custom code. It\u2019s all about balancing your desire for creative control with how comfortable you are learning new tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if your chosen builder is straightforward, challenges can still arise, like domain settings or design quirks. Reliable customer support can be critical in these moments. Some builders only offer email or forum support at lower tiers, while premium plans might include live chat or 24\/7 phone service. If you suspect you\u2019ll need frequent help, a plan with robust support might be worth the extra cost.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Meraki](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745578904\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Meraki-Chocolate-packaging\/Meraki-Chocolate-packaging.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: small business packaging from Meraki Chocolate<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
E-commerce capabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you plan to sell online, you\u2019ll need to ensure your chosen builder supports a variety of e-commerce<\/a> tools like product listings, payment options and checkout processes. It\u2019s worth checking if the platform integrates with popular gateways like Stripe or PayPal, and whether it imposes extra transaction fees on top of regular credit card charges. You should also take a close look at how inventory is managed. Some builders allow automated tracking of your stock, while others require manual updates, which can have a big impact on efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, marketing tools can play a critical role in boosting sales, integrated features like coupon codes, abandoned cart emails and gift cards help keep customers engaged. Finally, it\u2019s essential to consider scalability if you anticipate growth. A builder that accommodates more products or advanced features will make expansion smoother. Although advanced e-commerce functionality often comes at a higher monthly cost, it can save you headaches when building a successful online business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SEO tools and options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A site that doesn\u2019t appear in search results is practically invisible. Most builders include fundamental SEO features, like editable meta titles and descriptions, but advanced SEO or plugin support may be locked behind higher-tier plans. If organic traffic is a priority for you, look for a builder that\u2019s known for user-friendly, robust SEO functionality.
Learn more about essential SEO tasks for small businesses with our handy SEO checklist<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPopular website builders pricing comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Below is a closer look at the top sites helping you compare different website builder options side by side based on pricing, main features and unique perks.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Vista](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1000,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745578943\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Vista-x-Wix-homepage\/Vista-x-Wix-homepage.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: Vista x Wix<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Free plan features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix is popular for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and huge selection of templates. The free plan includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A Wix subdomain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wix ads displayed on your site<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 500MB storage and 500MB bandwidth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Basic design functionality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s great for small personal or test projects, you won\u2019t be able to connect a custom domain or remove Wix branding until you upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Premium plan tiers and pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wix paid plans start with Light ($17\/month) and Core ($29\/month). These remove Wix ads, let you connect a custom domain and provide more storage\/bandwidth. Higher tiers like Business ($36\/month) or Business Elite ($159\/month) add perks such as increased storage, priority support, advertising vouchers and e-commerce features like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Secure online payments without extra transaction fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Product listings and basic store management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Some marketing tools and abandoned cart recovery (in higher plans)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As you move up, you\u2019ll find better shipping options and advanced marketing to help you grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overview of pricing tiers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace stands out for its stylish, modern templates. There are no free plans, but you won\u2019t see ads on any tier. Approximate pricing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Personal ($16\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Business ($23\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Basic Commerce ($28\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Advanced Commerce ($52\/month)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Annual subscribers often get a free custom domain for the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional features for higher plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re selling products:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Business allows limited e-commerce but charges a 3% transaction fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Basic Commerce and Advanced Commerce have no Squarespace transaction fees, plus advanced shipping, abandoned cart recovery and more marketing tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Squarespace\u2019s all-in-one approach makes it especially appealing to design-focused users who still want a practical set of tools under the hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business vs. personal plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Personal plan suits basic sites like portfolios or personal blogs. If you want to do e-commerce or access advanced marketing features, you\u2019ll likely need at least the Business plan. Just be mindful of that additional transaction fee, which can take a bite out of profits if you have frequent sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weebly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Free vs. paid plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weebly (now owned by Square) also offers a free plan with a Weebly subdomain and Weebly ads. If you only need a casual site or a place to experiment, this might suffice. For professional use, you\u2019ll likely want to upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breakdown of pricing levels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paid plans range from about $6 to $29\/month. The Personal plan ($6\/month) lets you connect a custom domain but still has some Square ads. The Professional plan ($12\/month) removes ads and provides unlimited storage. For e-commerce, the Performance plan ($26\u2013$29\/month) unlocks perks like abandoned cart emails, real-time shipping rates and an option for PayPal payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unique selling points<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weebly\u2019s claim to fame is its simplicity, some might say it\u2019s one of the easiest builders around. And for businesses that also have a brick-and-mortar presence, the native Square integration is a strong advantage, letting you merge in-person and online transactions more seamlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Pom](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_683,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745579303\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Pom-Pom-shop-owner\/Pom-Pom-shop-owner.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: shop owner of small business Pom Pom<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pricing per month<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopify is a dedicated e-commerce solution, making it a top pick for serious online stores. Main plans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Basic Shopify ($29\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shopify ($79\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Advanced Shopify ($299\/month)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These prices can be lower if you pay annually or biennially. Despite the seemingly higher cost, you get an extremely comprehensive suite of online selling tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transaction fees and additional costs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use Shopify Payments, you avoid extra transaction fees. Otherwise, fees range from 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan. You might also buy premium themes or third-party apps from Shopify\u2019s marketplace, which come with their own costs. Factor those expenses into your budget for a realistic look at monthly outlay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan differentiations<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Basic Shopify: Good for smaller or newer stores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shopify (mid-tier): Suits growing businesses that need deeper reporting and more staff accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Advanced Shopify: For high-volume merchants, includes advanced reports, lower transaction fees and more shipping options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Shopify\u2019s razor-sharp focus on online selling can\u2019t be beaten by most general website builders, making it a top option if e-commerce is your primary goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WordPress.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
(Note: This section covers WordPress.com, not WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a hosted service, where you create your website without needing advanced technical skills, but you have limited customization options. WordPress.org is the open-source software that you download and install on your own web hosting, giving you complete control but requiring you to manage hosting, updates and security.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free and paid plan options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
WordPress.com\u2019s Free plan provides a WordPress subdomain and displays ads. If you want a custom domain, you\u2019ll need a paid plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Personal ($4\/month annually)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Premium ($8\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Business ($25\/month)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- E-commerce ($45\/month)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Higher tiers remove ads, allow custom domains and offer more storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business and e-commerce solution plans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Business plan lets you install plugins and themes, giving you more flexibility closer to the WordPress.org experience. For online selling, the e-commerce plan includes built-in payment solutions, premium designs and features like shipping integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upgrade costs and benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upgrading typically gets you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Removal of WordPress.com ads<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Access to premium themes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- More advanced design and customization features<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Greater support and analytics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
WordPress.com is especially appealing if you\u2019re a dedicated blogger or if you want the robust plugin ecosystem without managing your own hosting or server updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n Tip <\/div>\n\nFor further reading, check out VistaPrint\u2019s guide on learning the best practices in how to create a business website<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n![\"Virginia](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1998,h_1503,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745579238\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Virginia-Vape-website-design\/Virginia-Vape-website-design.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: small business website design by Mike Barnes via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional cost considerations for website building comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter which platform you choose, there may be some extra costs involved in launching and maintaining your site. Being aware of these helps you plan your budget accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Domain registration costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many builders offer a free domain for the first year with annual subscriptions. Afterward, a standard .com domain typically runs around $10\u2013$20 per year, though special extensions cost more. If you prefer a separate registrar, you\u2019ll often pay about the same but may have more control over DNS settings. You may also need to consider registering your business<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Web hosting fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Templates and theme variety:<\/strong> A robust template library can give you a head start in design, ensuring your site looks professional from day one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bandwidth and storage:<\/strong> If you upload lots of media or anticipate heavy traffic, free or entry-level plans might be too limiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"High](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1597,h_765,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1745579128\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/High-House-Weddings-website-design\/High-House-Weddings-website-design.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n