WEBSITES…… Everyone has one, and if you don’t, you should think about getting one. For some people creating a website is scary and for others creating websites is exciting. If you took the time to search and found your way to this blog, you probably are terrified of the thought of creating a website. Well, my goal is to make it just a little less scary.

You probably went to Google and searched “Best web platform for a website” or “How to select the right website platform”. After you hit enter and scroll down endlessly you might have found this article. I started blogging last week so I’m nowhere near page one on Google, so kudos to you for doing the deep dive.

‍But you are here! Welcome!

When it comes to designing a website I would consider myself an Elite Enthusiast. In my made-up ranking system that is a couple of notches down from an Expert Professional. So I know a few things when it comes to creating websites. 

So let's get to it, what is the right platform to create a website on? The best answer to this answer is, IT DEPENDS. You need to instead ask, what is the right platform to create a website for your unique needs. The right platform for my website needs will probably be a different platform than the one that would meet your needs. 

You can create a website with any of the platforms I am about to list but they vary drastically in usability and functionality, so you need to pick one with the functions your future website can benefit from. 

‍Here is a look at some of the most popular platforms for creating websites:

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Wix - Wix is a good choice for those with limited to no website design experience, as it is easy to use and creates a simple and effective website. It's best for smaller projects that need to be launched quickly. I would go with a different platform if you are looking to create a larger complex site. 

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Squarespace - Squarespace has similar features as Wix, making it an ideal platform for those who are seeking a more user-friendly experience. Similarly to Wix, if you need a big and complex site, use another platform/

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Wordpress - Wordpress is probably the most popular platform to choose. A great choice for those who are looking to create a blog or publication type of site. You can create anything with WordPress big or small. Functionality is just about limitless with the endless amount of plugins you can attach to your WordPress site. Do keep in mind, that the more plug-ins you have, the more opportunities for a plug-in to be not updated and fail, which can make your site crash. If it does crash, you will have to research and troubleshoot the issue yourself. No support staff to help you out. But there are a ton of online communities to help with these issues. If you are the type of person who needs an easy setup and extra support, I would go with something else. 

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Shopify - Shopify is an ideal platform for large stores and e-commerce websites. While it has excellent functionality, its design options are somewhat limited.

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Webflow - I don’t take on a lot of web design projects, but if I do i always use Webflow. It is the only platform that I would build a website on. If a client wants to use another platform I don’t take on the project. I like webflow because it lets me edit just about anything down to a pixel level. Not limited by templates, or basic drag and drop interfaces. Some platforms limits your creativity, webflow doesn’t do that. 

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SO if you have a crazy imagination and enthusiasm about learning new things, webflow is the platform for you. It offers lots of flexibility when it comes to customizing a website but can be quite costly and difficult to use.

This is a pretty robust platform and it came to be very hard to learn. Similarly to WordPress, Webflow just launches the addition of widgets that can expand the functionality of your site. This addition is very recent and I haven’t had time to test it out, but I will in the future, so subscribe for updates! 

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These are just some of the web platforms out there. But whether you're a seasoned web designer or looking to create your first website, there is a platform out there that fits your needs. Take the time to research and decide which one will be best for your project. Like I said, Webflow is my preferred platform. 

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And if none of these platforms sound like a good fit for you, Check out this larger list of 52 Website builders that are ranked by popularity.

 

Understanding the features you need from your web platform

Choosing the right platform for your website can be a stressful process. To help you out, just remember to really think about what you're trying to accomplish with your website and look at which platforms can offer the features you need. 

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For example, If you want to create a blog or personal website, consider using WordPress for its powerful content management system and wide range of plugins. On the other hand, if you're creating an online store, then Shopify may be the right choice for its easy-to-use interface and wide selection of features. If you are like me and the design is very  important to you, then Webflow can be a good choice for you. Finally, if you need something quick and simple, Wix or Squarespace could be the right fit for their fast setup times and user-friendly designs. 

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No matter which platform you choose, make sure to evaluate your website regularly. As your needs and goals evolve, so should the functionality of your website. Consider adding new features or improving existing ones as necessary to keep up with the competition, and don't be afraid to switch platforms when you have outgrown your current one. 

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With a little bit of research and some planning, you can make an informed decision and choose the right platform for your website based on your design, budget, and development needs. 

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If you are still stuck and don’t know what platform to choose, send me a message describing your needs and design skill level and I will let you know which platform I would choose if I were you.

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