The choice of a website builder can significantly impact SEO. Builders that offer extensive SEO features and fast site performance can enhance your search engine visibility, whereas those lacking these features might hinder your SEO efforts.
There are plenty of website builders available, each offering different features and capabilities. But not all website builders are equally effective for search engine optimisation.
Therefore, it’s important to pick a website builder that offers suitable functionality with minimal restrictions for your needs.
To help you choose wisely, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best website builders for SEO. These tools allow you to easily design attractive, SEO-friendly websites.
For Beginners
1. Wix
Wix is an excellent choice for beginners aiming to improve their website’s SEO. It offers over 900 free, customisable templates and a smart drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to build a professional-looking site. Wix provides a detailed SEO guide and checklist to help users effectively apply SEO basics.
Its premium plans include a custom domain, no Wix branding and 24/7 customer care, enhancing your online presence. The platform also includes built-in tools for adding meta tags and descriptions and supports URL redirection, which is useful for maintaining SEO when updating your site.
Pros:
- Comprehensive SEO guide and checklist
- Built-in tools for meta tags and descriptions
- Supports URL redirection
Cons:
- Limited deeper customisation for advanced SEO
- Can have slower loading times compared to other platforms
- Relies on a template-based structure, which might limit some SEO tactics
Price:
- Wix Light Plan: $7 per month
- Wix Core Plan: $11 per month
- Wix Business Plan: $22 per month
- Wix Business Elite Plan: $46 per month
2. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a global platform that supports millions of entrepreneurs by providing the tools and resources needed to grow online.
Known as the world’s largest services platform for entrepreneurs, GoDaddy aims to empower its community of 21 million customers with professional, effective and memorable online presence solutions.
Whether you’re starting a new site or optimising an existing one, GoDaddy offers hosting, professional email and online marketing tools designed to keep your site fast, secure and SEO-friendly.
This all-in-one solution is supported by personalised assistance from GoDaddy Guides, making it a robust choice for launching and growing your online presence.
Pros:
- User-friendly with drag-and-drop editing
- Built-in SEO tools available
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility compared to competitors
- SEO tools are basic and not suitable for advanced SEO needs
- E-commerce functionality comes at a higher cost
Price:
- Start For Free
- Basic Plan: $10.99/month
- Premium Plan: $14.99/month
- Commerce Plan: $20.99/month
3. SITE123
SITE123 is an appealing option for beginners looking to establish an online presence with SEO-friendly features. It simplifies the setup process with a user-friendly interface and pre-designed templates, making it easy to get a website up and running quickly.
The platform also offers essential SEO tools like meta tag customisation, sitemap generation and 301 redirects, which are straightforward enough for those new to SEO. SITE123 also integrates with Google Webmaster Tools, further aiding in optimising your site for search engines.
Pros:
- Easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality
- Basic SEO tools accessible for beginners
- 24/7 customer support available
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility with templates
- Advanced SEO features and customisations require a paid plan
- No monthly billing option, only longer-term plans
Price: SITE123’s pricing starts at $12.80 monthly for a 12-month term. This includes the Basic plan, which has more plans available for users who need additional features and resources.
4. Jimdo
Jimdo is an effective website builder for beginners interested in SEO because it automatically sets up crucial SEO features. These include optimised meta titles and descriptions, mobile responsiveness and an updated sitemap.
These features are pivotal for improving a website’s visibility and ranking on search engines like Google, making it a suitable choice for users with limited SEO knowledge.
Pros:
- Automatic SEO setup, which simplifies the optimisation process.
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- Includes a mobile-responsive design as standard.
Cons:
- Limited customisation options for site layout and design elements.
- Lacks support for advanced marketing tools like email marketing.
- Limited e-commerce functionalities compared to other platforms.
Price: Jimdo offers several pricing tiers starting from free for basic use. Their paid plans, which include more SEO tools and other features, start from $9 per month, billed annually.
5. Strikingly
Strikingly is a solid choice for beginners looking to build SEO-optimised websites quickly. It offers built-in SEO tools that allow users to easily customise meta tags such as titles and descriptions, which are essential for improving search engine visibility.
Strikingly simple interface and automated settings also streamline the process, making it less daunting for those new to SEO.
Pros:
- Simple to use with automated SEO settings.
- Mobile optimisation ensures sites look good on all devices.
- Free plan available, allowing you to start without financial commitment.
Cons:
- SEO features are basic and may not suffice for advanced optimisation needs.
- Limited design customisation options which could restrict creative freedom.
- E-commerce functionalities are basic unless you’re on a higher plan.
Price: Strikingly offers a free plan for basic use. Paid plans start at $12 per month for the Limited plan and go up to $59 per month for the VIP plan, with additional features and fewer restrictions on each tier.
For Experienced Users
6. WordPress
WordPress is a standout choice for building SEO-optimised websites, particularly for those with some experience in web development or digital marketing.
It offers extensive customisation options through themes and plugins like Yoast SEO, which allow detailed control over elements crucial for SEO, such as meta tags, sitemaps and social media integration.
This level of control enables users to fine-tune their site to meet specific SEO goals, making WordPress particularly effective for those looking to maximise their search engine visibility.
Pros:
- Extensive SEO customisation with plugins.
- Large selection of SEO-friendly themes.
- Ability to alter underlying code for detailed optimisation.
Cons:
- Requires a learning curve to fully utilise SEO features.
- Ongoing maintenance needed for updates and security.
- Some plugins may require purchase to unlock full features.
Price: WordPress software itself is free, but running a site typically involves costs for hosting, domain and potentially premium plugins or themes. Hosting services compatible with WordPress can vary widely in price, depending on the level of service and performance required.
7. Webflow
Offers full control over HTML and CSS, Webflow is an excellent choice for SEO, particularly for users with some experience in web design and development.
It provides robust customisation options that enable precise SEO adjustments on every page, including meta titles, descriptions and Open Graph settings. This flexibility allows for a finely tuned SEO strategy.
Webflow also automatically generates clean, semantic code that’s beneficial for SEO, helping websites to achieve better rankings in search results.
Pros:
- Offers full control over HTML/CSS for customised SEO strategies.
- Clean code generation that adheres to SEO best practices.
- Dynamic content capabilities enhance SEO through structured data.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to more basic website builders.
- Higher cost, particularly for advanced features and e-commerce functionality.
- Limited template selection compared to other platforms like WordPress.
Price: Webflow’s pricing starts at $14 per month for the Basic plan, $23 for the CMS plan and $39 for the Business plan, with all prices billed annually. They also offer customised Enterprise solutions for users with technical skills.
8. Joomla
Joomla is well-regarded for its robust SEO capabilities, particularly suited for experienced users who want to fine-tune their websites for better search engine rankings.
It allows control over SEO elements like SEO-friendly URLs, metadata optimisation and site structure, all crucial for enhancing visibility.
Joomla’s built-in functionality supports creating and managing search engine-friendly URLs and metadata directly, and its extensibility with various SEO-focused extensions adds further customisation options.
Pros:
- Advanced control over SEO settings like URLs and metadata.
- Extensive third-party extensions for SEO enhancement.
- Built-in multilingual support, beneficial for international SEO.
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners.
- Requires manual updates and maintenance.
- Some SEO plugins may be needed for optimal performance.
Price: Joomla is a free and open-source CMS, which means there is no cost to download and use the software itself. However, operating a Joomla site may incur costs related to hosting, domain registration and potential investment in premium extensions for advanced functionalities.
Business-Focused Website Builders
9. HubSpot Website Builder
The HubSpot Website Builder is particularly suited for businesses seeking an SEO-friendly platform to enhance their online presence. It integrates seamlessly with HubSpot’s powerful CRM and marketing tools, offering a holistic approach to content management and SEO optimisation.
The builder facilitates easy creation of websites with drag-and-drop functionality and offers recommendations for SEO best practices directly within the platform.
Additionally, it supports advanced SEO tactics like topic clustering and allows for detailed performance tracking, helping businesses tailor their strategies based on real-time data.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with HubSpot’s CRM and marketing tools, enhancing lead management and marketing strategies.
- Advanced SEO features, including automated recommendations and the ability to track website performance extensively.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface which simplifies website building and customisation without the need for coding.
Cons:
- Pricing can be a bit steep for smaller businesses or startups, especially when scaling up features.
- Some users may find the extensive features and integrations overwhelming, particularly those new to digital marketing tools.
- Limited flexibility in customisation compared to more open-ended platforms that allow deeper coding and technical adjustments.
Price: HubSpot offers several pricing tiers, starting with a free option that includes basic features. More advanced functionalities are available in the Starter plan at $23 per month, the Professional plan at $360 per month and the Enterprise plan at $1,200 per month, all billed annually.
10. Network Solutions
Network Solutions is a reliable website builder for its SEO capabilities. It offers a range of features designed to enhance a website’s visibility on search engines.
These include user-friendly SEO tools that allow easy optimization of meta tags, headers, and URLs. The platform also provides detailed analytics to track SEO performance and make data-driven decisions.
Additionally, Network Solutions supports mobile optimisation, ensuring websites are responsive and rank well on mobile searches. The integration of social media tools further boosts a website’s online presence, contributing to higher search engine rankings.
Pros:
- User-friendly SEO tools for easy optimisation
- Detailed analytics for tracking SEO performance
- Mobile optimisation for better search engine ranking
Cons:
- Limited customisation options compared to other builders
- Higher cost for advanced features
- Customer support can be slow to respond
Price: The plan is priced at $33.25 per month with a one-year commitment, making it accessible for small businesses and individuals looking to improve their online presence.
11. Shopify
Shopify is an ideal platform for e-commerce businesses aiming to enhance their SEO and drive more organic traffic. It simplifies SEO optimisation through built-in tools that help automate key processes like creating meta tags, sitemaps and managing redirects.
Shopify also facilitates content management and optimisation to target high-intent buyers, improving the likelihood of conversions and sales.
Pros:
- Integrated SEO tools streamline optimisation.
- User-friendly interfaces simplify product listing and SEO adjustments.
- Comprehensive e-commerce features, including multiple payment gateways.
Cons:
- Limited SEO customisation without third-party apps.
- Higher cost compared to basic e-commerce platforms.
- Complexity may increase with advanced features and scaling needs.
Price:
- Basic Plan: Starts at $39 per month.
- Shopify Plan: Offers more features; contact Shopify for current pricing.
- Advanced Plan: For larger businesses with advanced needs; contact Shopify for details.
12. Weebly
Weebly is a robust platform for e-commerce businesses aiming to improve their SEO and increase online visibility. The platform automatically generates SEO-friendly HTML formatting and includes essential tools like sitemaps and meta descriptions, which help in ranking higher on search engines.
Additionally, Weebly allows for customisation of alt tags on images and page-specific descriptions, further optimise your ecommerce site for search engines. It’s particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized e-commerce stores looking to enhance their SEO without extensive technical knowledge.
Pros:
- Offers automatic SEO features like sitemap generation and SEO-friendly HTML formatting.
- Allows customisation of SEO elements such as meta descriptions and alt tags for images.
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners with drag-and-drop functionality.
Cons:
- Limited integration with third-party SEO apps directly within Weebly’s App Center.
- Some features require additional setup, like embedding external SEO tools.
- Dependence on Square for e-commerce features, which might be restrictive for users in countries where Square is not available.
Price: Weebly offers multiple pricing plans tailored to different needs, starting from a basic free plan. For e-commerce-specific features, prices range from $12 per month for the “Professional” plan to $26 per month for the “Performance” plan. These prices reflect the annual billing options
13. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an excellent platform for e-commerce businesses focused on enhancing their SEO. The system offers a range of built-in SEO features, such as optimised URLs and unique URLs that prevent duplicate content issues, crucial for improving search engine visibility.
Additionally, BigCommerce includes microdata on product pages which helps display rich snippets in search results, enhancing click-through rates. The platform’s seamless integration with SEO practices, like editing meta tags and descriptions easily, also significantly aids in optimising product and category pages for search engines.
Pros:
- Integrated SEO features, including automatic URL rewriting and rich snippets.
- Easy to customise meta tags and alt texts for better keyword optimisation.
- Robust infrastructure with CDN support, enhancing site speed and performance.
Cons:
- Some advanced SEO features may require additional configuration or third-party apps.
- High dependency on platform for updates and SEO adaptability.
- More suitable for larger businesses, which may pose a challenge for smaller startups.
Price: BigCommerce offers several pricing plans, starting from $29.95 per month for the Standard plan, $79.95 per month for the Plus plan and $299.95 per month for the Pro plan. Each tier offers increasing levels of functionality, suitable for different sizes and types of e-commerce operations.
For Writers And Content Creators
14. Squarespace
Squarespace is an appealing choice for writers and content creators seeking an SEO-friendly website builder. The platform provides a suite of SEO tools that are integrated directly into its system, which simplifies the process of optimising your site for search engines.
This includes features like clean URL structures, automatic sitemaps and rich snippets, which enhance your content’s visibility in search results. Squarespace also supports SSL certificates to secure your site and improve SEO rankings, and offers easy Google Search Console integration to track how your content performs.
Pros:
- Comprehensive SEO tools integrated into the platform, facilitating easier optimisation.
- Automatic features like sitemap generation and clean URLs to boost search engine indexing.
- Google Search Console integration for detailed performance tracking.
Cons:
- Limited control over certain SEO aspects like server-side optimisations due to its all-in-one nature.
- Might not offer as much customisation for SEO as other dedicated platforms.
- Some users find the SEO features less intuitive compared to other specialised tools.
Price: Squarespace pricing starts from $14 per month for the Personal plan, $23 per month for the Business plan, which includes more advanced features and complete customisation capabilities.
15. Ghost
Ghost is an excellent choice for writers and content creators who are looking for an SEO-friendly website builder. This platform is tailored for publishing and offers robust built-in SEO features without the need for third-party plugins.
Ghost automatically handles metadata, generates XML sitemaps and includes structured data to enhance your content’s discoverability and presentation in search results.
Additionally, its clean, semantic markup ensures that your website performs optimally, contributing to better SEO outcomes. Ghost is particularly noted for its speed, which is a significant factor in search engine rankings, offering a performance that is much faster compared to many other platforms.
Pros:
- Integrated SEO features including automatic sitemaps and structured data.
- High performance and fast loading times which are beneficial for SEO.
- No need for third-party SEO plugins due to built-in capabilities.
Cons:
- Less flexibility in customisation compared to some other platforms that offer extensive plugin ecosystems.
- Might be challenging for beginners who are not as tech-savvy.
- Limited third-party integrations without custom development.
Price: Ghost offers several pricing plans starting at $9 per month for the Starter plan, which includes managed hosting, SSL, CDN access and basic integrations. Prices increase with additional features and capacities, with more advanced plans available for larger needs.
For Design And Development Agencies
16. Duda
Duda is a highly recommended website builder for design and development agencies seeking robust SEO capabilities. It excels in providing a variety of built-in SEO tools that are essential for modern websites.
Duda websites automatically optimise for Google PageSpeed and come equipped with features like sitemaps, SSL certificates and schema support to enhance search engine visibility.
Duda’s AI SEO Assistant also generates meta tags and alt text across site pages, simplifying SEO optimisation processes and boosting organic traffic.
Pros:
- Automated SEO features like sitemaps, SSL and AI-generated metadata enhance site discoverability.
- High customisation options for SEO elements such as meta tags, alt text and structured data.
- Robust infrastructure with 99.9% uptime guarantees and global CDN for fast loading speeds.
Cons:
- Some advanced features and flexibility are accessible only with higher-tier plans, which might not suit smaller agencies.
- Limited font selection which could be a constraint for agencies with specific branding requirements.
- While user-friendly, some customisation features might require a steep learning curve or more experience in web design.
Price: Duda offers three subscription tiers: Basic at $14/month, Team at $29/month and Agency at $59/month when billed annually.
Each tier provides additional features, with the Team and Agency plans offering enhanced client management tools and priority support. Additional websites can be added to any plan for a fee, and ecommerce functionality is available as an add-on.
17. Webflow
Webflow is particularly advantageous for design and development agencies looking to enhance SEO for their or their clients’ websites. This platform provides control over SEO elements directly from its interface, without the need for third-party plugins.
Agencies can benefit from features like automated SEO for meta titles and descriptions, easy sitemap controls and effective 301 redirect management.
Webflow also supports advanced SEO tactics such as schema markup and full customisation of alt tags for images, which are vital for improving search visibility and accessibility.
Pros:
- Extensive control over SEO settings, including meta tags, alt text and structured data directly within the user interface.
- Automatic sitemap generation and easy management of 301 redirects enhance site structure and usability.
- High-performance hosting on a global content delivery network ensures fast loading times, crucial for SEO and user experience.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other website builders, which may be challenging for beginners.
- customisation flexibility requires a good understanding of web design and SEO principles.
- Higher cost than other platforms, particularly for advanced features and larger site plans.
Price: Webflow offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs. Starting from a free basic plan, you can explore and build without initial costs.
For more professional use, paid plans begin at $14 per month when billed annually, offering additional features like site exports and password protection. The business plan, which provides full CMS capabilities and higher traffic capacity, starts at $39 per month.
Budget-friendly Website Builder
18. Hostinger
Hostinger is a compelling choice for SEO due to its strong hosting infrastructure, which is essential for maintaining good site performance and reliability—key factors that influence SEO.
The hosting service ensures high uptime rates and integrates advanced caching solutions to enhance loading speeds, thereby reducing bounce rates and improving search rankings.
Additionally, Hostinger provides an SEO Toolkit that helps in optimising technical SEO aspects of websites directly from its interface. This includes sitemap generation and the ability to manage redirects and meta tags effectively.
Pros:
- Offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring that websites are consistently available and perform well in search results.
- Affordable hosting solutions that include free SSL certificates to bolster site security and trust.
- Provides tools for technical SEO optimisations, including an SEO Toolkit for improving site rankings.
Cons:
- Phone support is limited to higher-tier plans, which may be a concern for users needing extensive direct support.
- While it offers a broad range of services, its feature set may be less extensive compared to more expensive hosts.
- Some users might find the interface less intuitive, particularly those new to web hosting.
Price: Hostinger’s pricing is highly competitive, starting from as low as $1.49 per month for shared hosting. This makes it one of the most affordable options in the market, offering a good balance of features and performance for its price range.
Conclusion About The Best Website Builders For SEO
Choosing the right website builder that supports essential SEO features like AMP and mobile-first indexing is an excellent starting point for optimising your website.
However, simply having a good platform isn’t enough. To truly excel in SEO, you must implement best practices and continually refine your strategy based on data-driven insights.
Leverage tools like Semrush’s suite to dive deep into keyword research, competitor analysis and on-page optimisation. Such tools are invaluable for gaining insights that can boost your website’s visibility and performance in search engine results.
If you’re looking to maximise your website’s SEO potential, consider partnering with a specialised agency. As a leading digital marketing agency in Singapore, we specialise in SEO, SEM and more.
We are here to help businesses navigate the complex world of digital marketing and achieve measurable results. Claim your free 30-minute strategy session with us today and start your journey toward enhanced digital visibility and success.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Website Builders For SEO
Do Website Builders Support AMP And Mobile-First Indexing?
Yes. Many modern website builders, such as Wix, WordPress and Squarespace, support Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) and are optimised for mobile-first indexing.
These builders provide templates and features that ensure the website functions well on mobile devices and adheres to Google’s mobile-first indexing requirements.
How Can I Enhance Website Speed Using A Website Builder?
To improve site speed with a website builder, you can use built-in tools like image optimisation, leverage caching solutions and choose minimalistic themes that are designed for speed. Most builders also provide settings to minimise CSS and JavaScript, enhancing loading times.
Do Website Builders Automatically Create Alt Text And Meta Descriptions?
Some website builders can generate basic alt text and meta descriptions automatically, especially for images uploaded to the site and basic page descriptions. However, for best SEO practices, it’s advisable to customise these to ensure they are optimised and relevant to the content.
Can URLs Be Customised In Website Builders?
Yes. Most website builders allow you to customise URLs to make them more SEO-friendly by including keywords and ensuring they are easy for users to understand and for search engines to crawl.
How Can I Evaluate My Website Builder’s SEO Effectiveness?
You can check your website builder’s SEO effectiveness by using tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic sources and performance, and Google Search Console to view search rankings and indexation status. Many builders also offer built-in SEO review tools to analyse your site directly.
Which Website Builder Is Best Optimised For SEO?
WordPress is often considered the best website builder for SEO due to its extensive customisation options, wide array of SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, and strong community support for ongoing SEO education and troubleshooting.
