Throughout this article, we’ll delve into why a website builder’s capabilities are crucial for successful SEO. We’ll explore features that give you an edge, common pitfalls to avoid, and ultimately, reveal the top website builders designed to amplify your search engine rankings. Let’s get started and discover how to choose the best website builder to supercharge your SEO efforts!
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right website builder for SEO plays a pivotal role in your ranking journey.
- SEO plugins can significantly enhance your website’s optimization efforts.
- Website builders with speed-focused features like caching and CDNs are crucial for better SEO.
- Some website builders can auto-generate sitemaps and meta tags, aiding in SEO.
- Effective SEO goes beyond tools; the code structure and performance of your website builder are also important.
1. Wix
Wix is a top choice for those serious about SEO, offering a comprehensive suite of free SEO tools. Starting from $17 per month, Wix provides solid infrastructure, customizable URLs, and automatic mobile-friendly versions of your site.
SEO Score
| Feature | Rating |
| SEO Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
SEO Wiz
One of the standout features of Wix is its SEO Wiz. This step-by-step guide walks you through a personalized optimization plan tailored to your website. It helps you target the right keywords, improve your website structure, and suggests technical fixes to boost your performance.
On-Page Optimization
Wix makes it easy to optimize your site for search engines, even if you’re new to SEO. The builder provides a complete set of tools built directly into the Wix dashboard. You can optimize every part of your on-page SEO, from meta and canonical tags to URL slugs.
Wix offers an accessible way to build visually appealing websites that are also thoughtfully optimized for search engines. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned website owner, Wix’s user-friendly interface and powerful SEO features make it a smart choice for building a successful online presence.
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is a top website builder for beginners that helps you grow your website audience with built-in SEO tools and social media integrations. It is best known for its responsive templates and design-centric approach.
Rating
- Rating: 4.6/5
Best for
- Responsive templates
Price
- Starts at $16/month
- 10% off with code ‘TC10’
- 14-day free trial
- Personal plan: $16/month
- Business plan: $23/month (3% transaction fees)
- Free domain with 1-year contract
SEO Features
Squarespace offers a remarkably accessible and effective platform for boosting your search engine visibility. Many advanced SEO tools are built-in, such as automatic markup and mobile optimization.
Cons
- Limited language support
- AI site builder creates fairly generic output
- Performed poorly on site speed tests
Squarespace is definitely the most design-centric website builder on this list, which helped it score a high 4.5/5 for design functionality. So, if that’s a priority for you, along with SEO, then Squarespace is the provider for you.
3. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is one of the best-known website builders globally, making it easy to create and publish a professional-looking and high-performing site. It offers a free basic content management system (CMS) with additional paid plans for extended features such as ecommerce functionality.
Features
- Jetpack plugin for custom SEO titles, descriptions, categories, and tags
- Various third-party plugins and themes
- Option to migrate content to WordPress.org for advanced SEO options
SEO Capabilities
WordPress.com is renowned for its SEO capabilities. The platform allows you to set up custom SEO titles, descriptions, categories, and tags using the Jetpack plugin. Additionally, you can migrate your content to WordPress.org to unlock more advanced SEO options, including dedicated plugins like Yoast SEO.
Pricing
WordPress.com offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs:
| Plan | Cost | Features |
| Free | $0/month | Basic CMS |
| Personal | $4/month | Custom domain, email support |
| Premium | $8/month | Advanced design customization, monetization |
| Business | $25/month | SEO tools, unlimited premium themes |
| Ecommerce | $45/month | Online store features, payment integration |
WordPress.com is ideal for bloggers and small teams, while WordPress.org is better suited for larger teams managing extensive content.
4. GoDaddy
Overview
GoDaddy provides a quick and efficient experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a fast setup over spending hours perfecting their website design. It scores 4/5 for SEO, an improvement from last year’s 3/5, but still lags behind Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.
Best for
- SEO Beginners
- Quick setup
Pricing
- Basic plan: $10.99/month
- Premium plan: $14.99/month
- Commerce plan: $20.99/month
Pros
- AI-generated websites in two steps (30 seconds)
- Prompt customer support responses
- Free plan available
Cons
- No mobile website editor
- Overly generic website design
- No app market
GoDaddy is best for those who want to get their website up and running quickly without delving too deep into customization options.
5. Hostinger
Hostinger is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and powerful website builder with advanced SEO features. The platform offers all the basic SEO features you’d expect—such as on-page optimization, meta tags, and descriptions, Google Search Console integration, and more.
Free Plans
Hostinger offers both free and paid plans. The free plan is limited in terms of features, but it provides a good starting point for beginners.
Paid Plans and Upgrades
Hostinger has a range of plans to suit different needs, with prices starting from $2.99 per month. The standard price is $11.99 per month, but there are often deals available.
| Plan | Price per Month |
| Basic | $2.99 |
| Standard | $11.99 |
Add-Ons for Functionality and Customization
Hostinger offers various add-ons to enhance functionality and customization, making it a versatile choice for different types of websites.
Drag and Drop Design Functionality
The platform includes a drag-and-drop design feature, making it easy to create and customize your website without any coding knowledge.
Blog Functionality
Hostinger supports blog functionality, allowing you to easily add and manage a blog on your website.
Ecommerce Functionality
Hostinger also offers ecommerce functionality, enabling you to set up an online store and manage products, payments, and shipping.
Best Features for SEO
Hostinger’s best features for SEO include Google Search Console integration and more advanced SEO tools available with premium plans.
Hostinger scores 3.7/5 for value, which is a little bit better than Wix (3.6/5) but not as good as Squarespace’s value-for-money score (4/5).
6. Shopify
Shopify has earned its reputation as the go-to e-commerce platform, but did you know it also packs a serious punch when it comes to SEO? Here’s why Shopify makes it easy to create online stores that shine in search results.
Built-in Fundamentals
Shopify comes with built-in SEO features that help your online store rank higher in search results. These include automatic sitemaps, customizable title tags, and meta descriptions.
Add-Ons for Functionality and Customization
Shopify offers a variety of add-ons to enhance your store’s functionality and customization. These include:
- Drag and Drop Design Functionality
- Blog Functionality
- Ecommerce Functionality
Best Features for SEO
Shopify’s best features for SEO include breadcrumb navigation, schema markup, and the automatic generation of internal links. These features make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site.
Shopify is one of the world’s most popular ecommerce platforms, powering more than 1 million online stores in 175 countries.
Pricing Considerations
Because it offers such powerful e-commerce capabilities, Shopify tends to be on the pricier side. If your business has a small catalog, it might be excessive, but if you plan on selling a lot of products online, Shopify is probably a worthy investment.
7. IONOS
Overview
IONOS is a budget-friendly website builder, with prices starting as low as $1 per month. It is designed with simplicity in mind, making it ideal for businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly. IONOS leverages AI to generate entire website sections, saving users valuable time.
SEO Features
IONOS offers a range of built-in AI tools to enhance SEO. These include automatic generation of crawlable titles and descriptions, as well as automatic image optimization to improve website speed and user experience.
Pricing
IONOS’ pricing ranges from $1 to $17 per month for a 6-month term. However, it’s important to note that the $1 per month Plus plan increases to $18 per month after the first six months.
| Plan | Price (First 6 Months) | Price (After 6 Months) |
| Plus | $1/month | $18/month |
Value for Money
While IONOS offers competitive pricing, it scores poorly in value for money research due to its limited features. Users may find better long-term value with other website builders.
If budget is your primary concern, IONOS offers all of the expected SEO features at lower prices, as well as AI-powered tools to support you on your search engine optimization journey.
Drawbacks
IONOS falls short in a few areas, particularly in help and support. The knowledge center is limited, and live chat functionality is unreliable, often requiring a few minutes for an agent to become available.
8. Weebly
Weebly is a powerful website-building platform that’s ideal for online stores or blogs. It offers a range of responsive themes you can customize using the flexible drag-and-drop editor. Weebly makes search engine success simple by building all of its essential SEO features directly into the page editor.
Key Features
- App store to install free and premium apps
- Mobile app for building, managing, and tracking your website
- Hundreds of themes with the option to import your own
- Drag and drop design functionality
- Blog and ecommerce functionality
Pricing
| Plan Type | Price |
| Free Plan | $0 (on a Weebly subdomain) |
| Paid Plans | $10 – $26 per month |
SEO Capabilities
Weebly allows you to set individual on-page elements like meta descriptions and URLs. Website caching can be enabled to improve site speed. However, it has limitations compared to platforms with more comprehensive plug-in and add-on libraries.
Weebly’s built-in SEO features make it a strong contender for those looking to improve their search engine rankings without extensive technical know-how.
9. Jimdo
Jimdo is a versatile website builder that caters to small businesses and individuals looking for an easy-to-use platform. It offers a range of SEO tools to help improve your website’s visibility on search engines.
SEO Features
Jimdo provides several SEO features, including:
- Customizable meta tags
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Mobile optimization
- SSL encryption
Ease of Use
Jimdo’s interface is user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with no technical background. The drag-and-drop editor simplifies the website creation process.
Pricing
Jimdo offers various pricing plans to suit different needs:
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Start | $9/month |
| Grow | $15/month |
| Unlimited | $39/month |
Jimdo’s affordable pricing makes it an attractive option for small businesses and individuals.
Performance
While Jimdo performs well in most areas, it has some limitations in terms of advanced SEO capabilities compared to other builders. However, for basic SEO needs, it is more than sufficient.
Support
Jimdo offers customer support through email and a comprehensive help center. However, it lacks live chat and phone support, which could be a drawback for some users.
10. Webflow
Design Precision and SEO
Webflow stands apart as a website builder that empowers designers and SEO enthusiasts. If you want fine-grained control over your website’s structure and technical performance while producing beautiful results, Webflow is an excellent choice.
Clean Code
Clean code is king with Webflow. Its emphasis on clean code, customization, and lightning-fast performance allows you to create websites that are as visually stunning as they are search engine friendly.
Customization for the Win
Webflow offers an unparalleled level of customization. Unlike some builders, which lock down SEO-critical elements, Webflow allows you to meticulously refine everything from title tags and meta descriptions to custom URL structures and image alt text.
Speed that Impresses
Webflow websites are known for their lightning-fast load times. This performance boost delights visitors and pleases search engines, which increasingly factor in page speed as a ranking signal.
SEO Essentials
Webflow covers the SEO essentials, such as meta descriptions and Google Analytics integration. You can edit almost every part of your website, including the ability to create sitemaps.
Webflow is a powerful choice for those who desire both design excellence and robust SEO capabilities. If you want complete control over your site’s technical SEO without sacrificing design, Webflow is the way to go.
Pricing
- Freemium: Available
- Paid Plans: Starting at $14/month
| Feature | Details |
| Rating | 4.5/5 |
| Best for | Websites with a global audience |
| Starting from | $14 per month |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right website builder can significantly impact your SEO efforts, making it easier to achieve higher search engine rankings. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the essential features that a website builder should offer, common pitfalls to avoid, and the top website builders that can give your SEO a substantial boost. By choosing a builder that aligns with your specific needs and leverages advanced SEO tools and features, you can create a website that is not only visually appealing but also optimized for search engines. Remember, effective SEO is a continuous process, and the right website builder can be a powerful ally in your journey to online success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do a website builder’s features matter for SEO?
A website builder’s features are crucial for successful SEO because they provide the necessary tools and capabilities to optimize your site. Features like responsive templates, drag-and-drop editors, and SEO plugins can significantly enhance your search engine rankings.
Do website builders affect SEO?
Yes, website builders can affect SEO. Some builders offer speed-focused features like caching and CDNs, which improve site performance. Others may come with built-in SEO integrations and AI features that auto-generate sitemaps and meta tags, making it easier to optimize your site.
What should I look for in a website builder for SEO?
When choosing a website builder for SEO, look for features like responsive design, SEO plugins, fast loading speeds, and built-in SEO tools. An all-in-one website creator like Hostinger, which offers AI tools and secure hosting, can be particularly beneficial.
Are SEO plugins necessary for website builders?
While website builders provide a solid foundation for SEO, SEO plugins are highly beneficial. They offer in-depth analysis, guidance, and automation that can take your SEO efforts to the next level. These plugins work seamlessly with the best website builders to enhance your site’s search engine performance.
Can a website builder auto-generate SEO elements?
Yes, some website builders can auto-generate SEO elements like sitemaps and meta descriptions. These features help categorize web pages and optimize meta tags, making it easier to maintain high search rankings.
Which website builder is best for SEO?
The best website builder for SEO depends on your specific needs. For example, Wix is known for its overall SEO features, Squarespace excels in keyword support, and WordPress.com is ideal for bloggers. It’s essential to choose a builder that aligns with your website’s goals and requirements.
