Choosing the best website builder for SEO in 2024 can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is the best fit for your specific needs? Well, let's break it down.
Key takeaways
- WordPress, Framer, and Webflow are the best website builder if SEO is your main concern.
- While making your choice, consider performance and mobile friendliness which are vital for SEO.
- Choose a reliable hosting provider like Kinsta, SiteGround or WP engine.
- Look for customizable SEO settings, fast loading times, and mobile optimization in your website builder.
- Match your builder choice with your specific needs: e-commerce, blogging, marketing website, or a complex web app.
What are web application builders?
Web application builders are tools that enable you to build websites without needing to write code. They come with drag-and-drop features, templates, and sometimes, built-in SEO tools. Ideal for entrepreneurs and those who want to build a digital product quickly, these platforms make website creation a breeze.
Top website builders with SEO features
1. WordPress: simply the best for SEO
WordPress is a powerhouse when it comes to SEO. It’s not just popular for no reason. With its vast library of plugins, like Yoast SEO, you can optimize everything from meta tags to XML sitemaps effortlessly.
Oh, and did I mention the customizability? You have complete control over your URLs, headers, and footers, making it a cinch to craft an SEO-friendly site. Plus, WordPress's CMS is intuitive, making content management a breeze even if you're not tech-savvy.
If you’re building a website with the main focus being SEO, WordPress is the way to go. Its extensive themes and plugins help you can tailor your site to fit any niche. And let’s not forget about the community support. With countless tutorials and forums, you’ll never feel lost.
So, if SEO is your primary goal, WordPress should be your go-to. It’s flexible, powerful, and, most importantly, built for high search engine rankings.
2. Framer: designer's best friend and a powerful website builder
Framer is the best tool for designers who want to build their site just like they would design it on Figma. It combines intuitive design tools with the essential SEO features. Its AI features allow you to create stunning, responsive websites quickly without compromising on SEO.
One standout feature is its live preview. This allows you to see how your changes affect your site in real-time. Plus, Framer’s clean code ensures that your site loads quickly, a critical factor for search engines.
If you’re focused on creating a visually captivating website quickly, Framer is your ally. It offers beautiful templates that are fully customizable. And you won’t need a degree in web design to use it.
3. Webflow: sleek designs with powerful SEO features for ranking well
Webflow is the darling of those who crave sleek designs with robust SEO features. This platform allows you to create and manage your website with a high degree of flexibility. Think of it as the love child of Photoshop and WordPress.
One of Webflow’s biggest selling points is its built-in SEO tools. From customizable meta tags to clean, semantic code, Webflow has got you covered. The platform also offers fast loading speeds, which search engines adore.
Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, making it easy to design a professional website without touching a single line of code. And with the stunning templates from its community, your site will look great on any device.
For those who want a blend of beautiful design and strong SEO capabilities, Webflow is a top contender. It makes the complex simple and the daunting achievable, all while keeping your site optimized for search engines.
4. Shopify: the e-commerce powerhouse
Shopify stands out for e-commerce websites. It not only allows you to easily build an online store; it also provides tools for optimizing it to rank well on Google. Shopify makes it easy to implement SEO best practices with built-in features like customizable title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.
One of Shopify's features is its integration with Google Analytics and Google Search Console. These tools allow you to track your SEO performance and make data-driven decisions. Shopify also supports a range of SEO plugins and advanced SEO tools, giving you the flexibility to enhance your site’s SEO.
Also, Shopify's SEO Wiz guides you through the basics, making it accessible even if you're not an SEO expert. For those looking to dive deeper, it offers advanced SEO support and marketing tools to boost your SEO ranking.
If you're aiming for a highly optimized e-commerce site, Shopify is a website builder that supports both basic and advanced SEO features.
SEO and performance considerations
SEO isn't just about keywords; performance plays a massive role too. A site that loads at a snail's pace won't rank well, no matter how well-optimized your content is. Speed is crucial. Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to gauge your site's performance.
Mobile responsiveness is another big factor. Google favours websites that look good on all devices. Most website builders offer responsive templates, but don't just take their word for it. Test across different devices.
Lastly, consider your hosting provider. A reliable host with fast servers can significantly impact your site's speed and uptime. Look for hosts renowned for their speed and reliability, but the best is to test the hosting for yourself, as many resources out there aren’t accurate or flat out dishonest to say the least.
What makes a website builder great for SEO?
What makes a website builder great for SEO are a host of different features or plugins that allow you to do the basics of SEO. Meta tags and descriptions are a must. Your builder should make it easy to add and edit them. A good website builder will also offer built-in SEO tools or plugins, like Yoast or Rank Math for WordPress, to help you optimize your content easily.
Another critical feature is the ability to create a responsive design. Your site should look great on any device, be it a phone, tablet, or desktop. As a rule of thumb, search engines prioritize mobile-friendly sites, and so should you.
Fast loading speeds are non-negotiable. Look for builders that produce clean, efficient code. Lastly, check if the builder allows for easy integration with analytics tools. Knowing how your site performs is key to making data-driven SEO decisions.
Benefits of using web application builders for an SEO-friendly website
Web app builders simplify the process of creating an SEO-friendly site. First off, they often come with built-in SEO tools, making it easier to optimize your content right from the get-go. Platforms like Wix and Shopify offer intuitive interfaces where you can tweak SEO settings without diving into code.
These builders usually offer responsive design templates. This means your site will look good and load well on all devices, a crucial factor for SEO. No need to worry about creating separate mobile versions.
Another benefit is speed. Most web app builders are optimized for performance. They use clean code and fast servers, ensuring your site loads quickly, a key ranking factor for search engines.
Which Website Host is Best for SEO?
Choosing the right web host can make or break your SEO efforts. Speed and uptime are key factors here. WP engine is a solid option, known for fast servers and reliable uptime.
SiteGround is another top choice. It's optimized for WordPress, which is a plus if you're using the platform. Their servers are fast, they offer a great customer support and they are a good choice if you are looking for a value for your money.
WPEngine is a bit pricier but worth it. It offers blazing-fast speeds and excellent customer support. If your budget allows, it's definitely a great choice.
Some site builders like Webflow provide the hosting in an all-in-one package. They may seem costlier at first but considering the quality of their hosting I would personally say it’s well worth it as you would pay the same price or even much higher if you wanted the exact same performance, security and peace of min on WordPress.
In short, opt for a hosting provider that offers speed, reliability, and security. These factors are crucial if you are serious about SEO and your business overall.
Choosing the right website builder for SEO
When looking for the right website builder, one major challenge is balancing usability and flexibility. Some builders are easy to use but offer limited customization. Others provide extensive features but come with a steep learning curve.
Cost is another factor. Free website builders might seem appealing but often come with limitations that can affect your SEO efforts. Investing in a paid plan can give you access to advanced features and better support.
Ultimately, the best website builder for SEO is the one that matches your technical skills, budget, and specific needs. Take advantage of free trials to test out different platforms before making a decision.
Custom development vs web application builders
Custom development offers endless possibilities but comes with a hefty price tag and requires technical knowledge. If you have a specific vision and the budget, custom development allows for complete control over every detail of your website.
On the flip side, web application builders like Wix, Shopify, and WordPress offer a more accessible route. They come with drag-and-drop features, built-in SEO tools, and customizable templates. You can create a professional website without needing to write a single line of code.
Cost is another factor. While custom development can be expensive, web application builders often offer free plans with basic features, making them accessible to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
The choice boils down to your needs. If you need a highly specialized website, custom development might be worth the investment. For most, though, no-code and low-code tools provide a balanced mix of flexibility, ease of use, and SEO capabilities depending on which one you choose to go with.
How to pick the best no-code or low-code tool
Choosing the best website builder is all about aligning it with your specific needs. Start by defining what you want to achieve. Are you building an e-commerce website, a blog, or a portfolio?
If you're a beginner, look for intuitive platforms like Wix or Weebly. Their simple interface make it easy to learn the tool and start building a website.
For e-commerce, Shopify and WooCommerce are your best options. Think of the as the battle between Apple and Android, the former being Apple meaning it’s pricier but more intuitive to use.
Those with a bit more technical knowledge might prefer WordPress. Its plugins and extensive customization options make it ideal for advanced SEO.
Consider your budget as well. Some tools are more expensive and are built for those who want a premium experience. But if your budget is limited, you might want to compromise a little bit and go with cheaper options.
Final thoughts: building your SEO-friendly website with the right website builder
Choosing the best website builder for SEO is crucial for your online presence. Whether you need a business website, an e-commerce site, a blog, or a complex web application, the right tool can make all the difference. Make sure you do your research based on your specific needs before committing to a platform.
By the way, we are Realistack, a product design and low-code development studio that exclusively works with tech startups. If you want to launch your startup and need help with the building an MVP or designing a digital product, don’t hesitate to reach out and book a 30-minute discovery call.
FAQ
How does Wix compare to other SEO website builders?
Wix is a solid website builder for beginners, offering basic SEO features like customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and Google Analytics integration. However, it may lack some advanced SEO elements found in platforms like WordPress or Webflow. If you're new to website building and need an intuitive interface, Wix is a decent choice, but it’s not the best option for SEO.
Which website builder is considered the best for e-commerce sites in 2024?
For e-commerce, Shopify is hands down the best as of 2024. It offers robust SEO elements, seamless Google Analytics integration, and specialized tools for managing online stores. Shopify is the go-to e-commerce builder for entrepreneurs who want to focus on SEO.
What SEO best practices should I follow when using a website builder?
Start with basic SEO features like optimizing meta tags, using alt text for images, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly. Use Google Analytics to track performance and keyword-rich URLs and create high-quality content. Lastly, make sure your site loads quickly, as search engines like Google prioritize speed in their rankings.
How do I choose the best website builder for my needs?
Identify your primary goals—whether it’s blogging, e-commerce, or a portfolio website. For e-commerce, Shopify is unbeatable. If you need flexibility and advanced SEO tools, WordPress is your best bet. For ease of use, Wix is great.
What makes a website builder the best for SEO?
The best website builder for SEO offers customizable meta tags, keyword-rich URLs, and fast loading speeds. Integration with tools like Google Analytics is crucial for tracking performance. Advanced SEO tools like schema markup are also essential. Platforms like WordPress and Shopify excel in these areas, making them top choices.
