Website builders offer a user-friendly platform for creating and maintaining websites, making it accessible to individuals. These platforms utilize templates and intuitive drag-and-drop features, simplifying the website creation process.
Additionally, they often include features such as domain name registration, search engine optimization tools, analytics, e-commerce plugins, and mobile web compatibility.
However, choosing the right option for your needs can be difficult. To help, we analyzed dozens of the leading providers and selected the best website builder software in 2023 based on pricing, ease of use, features, customer support and more.
Best & Most Used Website Builders In Canada
Here are my top picks for the best Website Builders for Canadian Businesses, comparing each & uncovering the unique features each has to offer.
Let’s get started.
Best Overall
Podia
Podia is your all-in-one solution for creating and managing a remarkable online presence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, or small business owner, Podia offers a user-friendly website builder that empowers you to bring your vision to life.
With its intuitive interface and a powerful suite of tools, Podia makes it effortless to design, host, and market your website, all while providing seamless integration for selling digital products, online courses, and memberships.
Say goodbye to the complexities of web development and hello to a streamlined, professional, and customizable online platform with Podia.
- Course creation
- Digital downloads
- Email marketing
- Memberships
- Free : $0 per month
- Mover : $39 per month
- Shaker : $89 per month
Best for Online Communities
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is not just a website builder; it’s a dynamic community-building platform designed to bring your online presence to life.
Whether you’re an influencer, coach, or passionate creator, Mighty Networks offers you a unique space to connect with your audience, foster engagement, and grow your brand.
Mighty Networks isn’t just about creating a website; it’s about crafting a thriving digital community. Discover the power of connection and collaboration with Mighty Networks.
- Access Controls
- Landing Pages
- Analytics
- Customizable Templates
- Drag & Drop
- Community : $39 per month
- Business : $119 per month
- Mighty Pro : Contact Mighty Networks
Best for Nonprofits and Charities
Flazio
Flazio is your gateway to effortless website creation and stunning online presence. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Flazio empowers individuals and businesses to design and launch their dream websites with ease.
Whether you’re showcasing your portfolio, starting an e-commerce venture, or promoting your blog, Flazio offers a comprehensive suite of tools to make your vision come alive.
Say goodbye to technical complexities and hello to a hassle-free website building experience with Flazio, where creativity meets simplicity for web design at its best.
- SEO Management
- Web Forms
- Real Time Editing
- Reporting
- Free : $0 per month
- Pro : $9.73 per month
Best for Web Design Agencies
WebWave
WebWave is the ultimate website builder for those seeking to effortlessly create stunning and functional websites.
With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a comprehensive set of design tools, WebWave empowers both beginners and experienced designers to craft beautiful web experiences without the need for coding.
WebWave offers the flexibility and creativity you crave. Say goodbye to the complexities of web development and hello to a world of limitless design possibilities with WebWave, where your vision becomes a reality with ease.
- Drag & Drop
- Pre-built Templates
- Real Time Editing
- Landing Pages
- Free : $0 per month
- Starter : $5 per month
- Pro : $7 per month
- Business : $11 per month
Best for Content Creators
SubHub
SubHub is the go-to website builder for anyone looking to build a thriving online community or subscription-based website.
With SubHub, you can effortlessly create, customize, and manage your website, all while monetizing your content through memberships and subscriptions.
SubHub’s user-friendly platform and powerful features make it easy to connect with your audience and generate income from your online presence. Say hello to new era with SubHub’s all-in-one solution for website building and subscription management.
- Real Time Editing
- Analytics
- Website Management
- Access Permissions
- Starter : $47 per month
- Pro : $97 per month
- Premium : $147 per month
Learn More About Website Builders
What is Website Builders?
Website builders are user-friendly online platforms that enable individuals and businesses to create websites without the need for extensive coding or technical expertise.
These tools provide pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable elements, allowing users to quickly build and customize their websites.
Website builders have democratized web design, making it accessible to people with varying levels of technical proficiency. Website builders offer a convenient and cost-effective way to establish your online presence.
How does Website Builders work ?
Website builders work by simplifying the website creation process into a few straightforward steps. Users begin by selecting a template that suits their website’s purpose and style.
Then, they use a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality to add and arrange content, such as text, images, videos, and interactive elements, on their chosen template. These builders often provide a range of customization options, including fonts, colors, and layouts.
Once satisfied with the design, users can publish their website directly to the web. This eliminates the need for separate hosting arrangements. Website builders streamline web design, making it accessible to individuals and businesses without coding expertise.
Key Features of Website Builders
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Website builders typically provide an intuitive, user-friendly interface where you can simply drag and drop elements like text, images, and widgets onto your webpage.
- Templates: A library of professionally designed templates lets you choose a starting point for your website, saving you the trouble of designing from scratch.
- Customization: Builders offer various customization options, including fonts, colors, layouts, and the ability to add your branding elements, ensuring your site aligns with your unique style.
- Responsive Design: Websites built with these tools are often automatically optimized for mobile devices, ensuring your site looks great on smartphones and tablets.
- Widgets and Add-ons: Builders come with a variety of widgets and add-ons like contact forms, social media integration, galleries, and e-commerce tools that you can easily incorporate into your site.
- Domain Name and Hosting: Many website builders offer domain registration and hosting services, simplifying the process of getting your site live on the internet.
Benefits of using Website Builders
- Ease of Use: Website builders are designed with user-friendliness in mind, often featuring drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates that simplify the web development process, even for those with little to no technical expertise.
- Speed and Efficiency: With website builders, you can create a functional website in a matter of hours or days, as opposed to the weeks or months it might take with custom development.
- Cost-Effective: Website builders are typically more budget-friendly than hiring a web developer or designer. They often include hosting and domain registration, eliminating the need for additional expenses.
- No Coding Required: You don’t need to know how to code to use a website builder. This levels the playing field, allowing individuals without technical skills to create professional-looking websites.
- Templates for Inspiration: Most website builders offer a variety of templates, giving you a starting point for your website’s design. You can customize these templates to suit your needs.
- Responsive Design: Website builders often ensure that your site is automatically optimized for mobile devices, saving you the hassle of creating separate mobile versions.
Who Uses Website Builders?
- Small Businesses: Many small businesses rely on website builders to create and maintain their online presence. It’s a cost-effective way to establish a professional website for promoting products or services.
- Entrepreneurs and Startups: Entrepreneurs and startup founders often use website builders to quickly launch their business websites, test their ideas, and attract potential investors or customers.
- Bloggers: Bloggers and content creators use website builders to easily set up and manage their blogs, allowing them to focus on creating content without the need for technical expertise.
- Nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations use website builders to create informative and engaging websites to raise awareness, attract donors, and share their missions.
- Freelancers and Professionals: Freelancers, consultants, and professionals such as photographers, writers, and designers utilize website builders to showcase their portfolios and attract clients.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities often use website builders to create websites for individual departments, faculty members, or special programs.
Trends of Website Builders
- Mobile-First Design: With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, website builders are emphasizing mobile-first design principles. Templates and designs are optimized for mobile devices to ensure a seamless user experience.
- AI and Automation: Website builders are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation features to assist users in creating websites more efficiently. This includes AI-powered content generation, design recommendations, and even chatbots for customer support.
- E-commerce Integration: As e-commerce continues to grow, website builders are enhancing their e-commerce capabilities. This includes improved online store features, payment gateways, and inventory management tools.
- Multilingual Support: Website builders are becoming more inclusive by offering built-in multilingual support, allowing users to create websites in multiple languages to reach broader audiences.
- Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, website builders are focusing on voice search optimization to help websites rank better in voice search results.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Website builders are enabling the creation of progressive web apps, which offer a more app-like experience on the web, including offline access, push notifications, and faster loading times.
Security Measures when using a Website Builder
- Choose a Reputable Website Builder: Select a well-known and reputable website builder with a track record of prioritizing security. Popular website builders tend to invest in security measures and keep their software up to date.
- Use HTTPS: Ensure your website builder supports HTTPS (SSL/TLS encryption). This secures data transmission between your site and visitors, protecting sensitive information from eavesdropping and tampering.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your website builder account. Include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA if your website builder offers it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (usually a code sent to your mobile device) in addition to your password.
- Regularly Update Your Website Builder: Ensure your website builder software is always up to date. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
- Third-Party Widgets and Plugins: If you’re using third-party widgets, plugins, or extensions, make sure they come from reputable sources. Keep them updated, as vulnerabilities in these add-ons can compromise your website’s security.
Customer Support & Documentation Website Builder provides
Customer Support:
- 24/7 Availability: Check if the website builder offers round-the-clock customer support. This can be crucial if you encounter issues outside regular business hours.
- Multiple Contact Channels: Look for a builder that provides various ways to get in touch with support, such as email, live chat, phone, or a ticket system. Having options allows you to choose the most convenient method.
- Response Time: Investigate the typical response times for customer support inquiries. Faster response times can be critical when you’re facing urgent issues.
- Quality of Support: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of the support provided. Prompt and helpful assistance is essential when you run into problems.
- Documentation: A well-structured knowledge base and FAQ section can often answer common questions without the need to contact support. This can save you time and frustration.
- Community Forums: Some website builders have user forums where you can seek help from the community or company representatives. This can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning.
- Premium Support: Check if the website builder offers premium support options for faster or more personalized assistance. While this may come at an extra cost, it can be worth it for businesses that rely heavily on their websites.
Documentation:
- Comprehensive Guides: Look for thorough, step-by-step guides that cover various aspects of using the website builder, from initial setup to advanced features.
- Tutorials and Video Resources: Video tutorials can be especially helpful for visual learners. Ensure that the builder offers video content to supplement written documentation.
- Search Functionality: A well-organized and searchable documentation library makes it easy to find answers to specific questions quickly.
- Updates and Changelogs: Documentation should be kept up to date to reflect changes and improvements in the website builder. Changelogs can help you understand recent updates.
- Developer Resources: If you plan to customize your website or use advanced features, check if the builder provides developer-oriented documentation and APIs.
- Examples and Templates: Some website builders offer example websites and templates that can serve as inspiration and guidance for your own projects.
- Troubleshooting Guides: Find out if the documentation includes troubleshooting guides for common issues and errors.