Thursday 23 April 2020
We started a new HOW TO series:
‘chip ‘n dip tips’ (it’s a mouthful) aims to provide snackable content to small business owners as a quick, entry level guide to industry know-how. This week? Building a website.
Starting things off with a very controversial accompanying image (are hot chips and tomato sauce really classed as chip ‘n dip?) we explore building a website using today’s most common, hopefully most functional and definitely most affordable options. in HOW TO: Chews a Website.
Before we kick-off our Top 10 list it’s important to remember to determine the purpose of your website. Factoring in the overall look and feel, how you perceive potential customers will likely navigate the page, the size and scale of information housed along with absolute must-haves are critical stages of thinking before even considering which platform to use.
Variations in business industries and models have allowed niche platforms to arise meaning not only an easier decision for you, but an enhanced user experience for your customer.
Here are our top picks in HOW TO: Chews a Website based on these three key criteria:
design // functionality // value for money
(all pricing for monthly cost with annual buy-in).
10. SITE123
Coming in at #10 is SITE123. SITE123 have two options: free or premium. In terms of offerings and value included in the paid option, it’s not much. Definitely our least favourite option but this might suit your skillset or design taste so still worth exploring.
Pricing is either free or A$21 per month.
www.site123.com
design // 
functionality // 
value //
who for // freelancers, start-ups without eCommerce
9. GoDaddy
I might be biased here but I had a really bad experience with GoDaddy in the past when both registering and cancelling domain names so it’s left a rather salty – for better choice of words – taste in my mouth. It seems like the interface might be user friendly but I have personally never tried.
Pricing starts from running a free trial to A$13 per month upwards to A$30 per month.
au.godaddy.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // freelancers, small eCommerce, start-ups
8. Sitebuilder
The main difference with this platform compared to the others is cost. They have multiple options but lack a free option for those wanting to try it out. What they do have going for them is ease of navigation however less template options.
Pricing starts from A$16 to A$28 per month.
www.sitebuilder.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // start-ups, small business
7. Jimdo
One of the lesser known players, Jimdo actually pulls through in terms of simplicity. Sleek, clean, simple designs with a user-friendly interface. Definitely aimed at both small businesses and creatives but again this just comes down to personal taste and end goals.
Pricing starts from free to A$90 per month with multiple other options in between.
www.jimdo.com
design //
functionality // 
value //
who for // start-ups, small business, eCommerce, freelancers, photographers, artists
6. Weebly
Weebly sites are really easy to navigate with very simple drag and drop features. This is a great option for a beginner but just be mindful these sites won’t have the complexity as something like WordPress (later down on the list).
Pricing starts from free to A$30 per month with a few options in between.
www.weebly.com/au
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // eCommerce, small business, freelancers, start-ups
5. Shopify
Starting the top 5 in HOW TO: Chews a Website is Shopify. Specifically for businesses selling products, Shopify has excelled in creating a super user-friendly platform for both you and your customers. However, like anything with all the bells and whistles, Shopify comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
Pricing starts from A$40 up to A$410 per month with a cheeky A$110 option in between.
www.shopify.com.au
design //
functionality // 
value //
who for // eCommerce, small-large businesses
4. Bandzoogle
Not ideal if you’re not a musician, but worth a mention as it is beautifully designed by musicians for musicians. Super user friendly, clean, no developer skills needed in terms of setting up and managing your site. Not comparable to Squarespace as they operate differently but exceptional in its own right.
Pricing starts from A$13 to A$27 with a happy medium in between.
www.bandzoogle.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // musicians, photographers, videographers, artists
3. Wix
2013 Wix vs 2020 Wix is day and night. Over the years they have really amplified their game. Loads of variations and options, incredibly easy to use, I’m confident you have at least 20+ friends with a Wix website.
Pricing starts from A$16 to A$43 with options in between (different pricing for eCommerce).
www.wix.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // small-medium businesses, start-ups, freelancers, artists, photographers
2. Squarespace
Probably one of the most common sites used for musicians and creatives. Squarespace gets straight to the point in terms of functionality and design. Not as complex as WordPress but sometimes simplicity is what you need.
Pricing starts from A$12 to $18 per month with other pricing options for eCommerce.
www.squarespace.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // small-medium businesses, start-ups, eCommerce, freelancers, musicians, photographers, artists
1. WordPress
Rounding off the top ten in prestigious position #1 in HOW TO: Chews a Website, is none other than WordPress. A little more challenging learning the ropes if you’re new to navigating tech platforms but well worth the time and effort. The great part about WordPress is it has so many plugins (extra functionality to give your site more) as well as what feels like endless options of templates and designs.
Pricing starts from free to A$59 per month with varying options in between.
www.wordpress.com
design //
functionality //
value //
who for // small-large businesses, start-ups, eCommerce, freelancers, musicians, photographers, artists
NB: Everyone will have a different opinion on what sites work best for them based on their business, skillset, budget and more. Go with what feels right for you and your business needs. Happy searching! If you need anything answered, feel free to reach out:
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HOW TO: Chews a Website is an opinion piece with research pulled from various sources. We are not affiliated with any of the above mentioned platforms. We take full responsibility for the backlash claiming hot chips and tomato sauce are in any way, shape or form chip ‘n dip.
– Lara Chrystal, Matchstick Marketing