Indie Brand Builder - Dan Chadney

Best No-Code Website Builders 2023: The Ultimate Guide

Written by: Dan Chadney
SEO, Marketing & AI Expert

The struggle of building a website used to be real – coding skills, design expertise, and a big budget were almost mandatory. Those barriers have crumbled. With today’s no-code website builders, you can craft a professional, eye-catching website without diving into a sea of complicated code.

As a web designer with 22 years of experience, I’ve been hands-on with most of these web builders, using them for real-world client projects.

It’s now possible for site owners to create great-looking websites with zero experience. Most of these platforms offer user-friendly drag-and-drop features, a wide array of design templates, marketing tools, and even advanced capabilities like backend CMS  controls, schema markup, and advanced integrations with other platforms, all without writing a single line of code.

They are ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to make a splash online without technical hurdles or expense.

You’ll find this guide to be an invaluable resource, packed with insights and recommendations for the best no-code website builders that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. So, let’s dive in and unlock the potential of no-code website builders to turn your vision into a digital masterpiece.

Key Takeaways

No-code website builders democratize website development and make it accessible to non-technical users.
Users can build a website for their business in hours or days instead of waiting for an agency.
No-code website builders offer customizable designs, templates, and features like SEO optimization and customer support.
The cost savings can be significant

What is a No-Code Website Builder?

No-code website builders are easy-to-use tools that let you make professional websites without needing to know how to code. They’re popular among small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. 

The Best No-Code Website Builders

  1. Framer
  2. Breakdance
  3. Hostinger
  4. Dorik
  5. Webflow
  6. Squarespace
  7. Ghost
  8. Shopify
  9. Weebly
  10. Cardd
  11. Strikingly
  12. Unstack

Benefits of Using No–Code Website Builders 

No-code platforms and website builders are increasingly becoming the go-to solutions for digital development. There are many reasons why they should be considered in your tech stack:

Speed and Efficiency

  • Faster Development: No-code platforms drastically reduce the time needed to go from concept to launch.
  • Quick Updates: The ease of customization allows for quick modifications, keeping your digital assets up-to-date.

Cost-Effectiveness

  • Affordable Solutions: Using a no-code platform is generally more cost-effective than hiring a full-fledged development team.
  • Flexible Pricing: Website builders offer a variety of pricing plans, catering to different budget constraints.

Flexibility and Customization

  • Design Freedom: They offer a plethora of design templates and customization options.
  • Dynamic Features: Advanced no-code solutions can even support the creation of dynamic websites with sophisticated visual elements.

User-Friendly Interfaces

  • Ease of Use: These platforms are designed to be intuitive, often featuring step-by-step guides to assist users.
  • No Technical Expertise Required: You don’t need to be a tech whiz to use these platforms; they are accessible to users of all skill levels.

Low Barrier to Entry

  • Inclusivity: No-code platforms are accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical skills or experience.
  • Affordability: These platforms are increasingly affordable, making them a viable option for startups and solopreneurs.
  • Quick Prototyping: The ease of use allows for quick hypothesis testing and simple solution delivery.

Multiple Use Cases

  • Versatility: From business websites to landing pages and e-commerce stores to application prototypes, the use cases are vast.
  • Niche Solutions: These platforms can serve businesses across different sectors, proving their adaptability and wide-reaching impact.

Framer

Framer is a comprehensive web design platform that empowers you to create stunning websites with its user-friendly interface and innovative features.

Framer

This platform is at the top of the list because it is my #1 choice. No other tool is this intuitive while also producing such clean code. If you have ever used a design tool like Figma you will be right at home. In fact, you can import Figma files straight into Framer and hit publish and you can create a website in one click.

If you like the idea of Webflow, but find it overwhelming to use, then Framer is for you.

Framer also has an AI tool that will generate an entire site designed from a single prompt.

There is a growing community around Framer so you’ll always be able to find a Framer expert if you get stuck, and there are tons of templates to choose from.

Framer Specs and Features:

  • AI-Driven Design: Powerful artificial intelligence feature that will generate an entire website in one click.
  • Freeform Canvas: You have complete control over the layout and positioning of elements on your website.
  • Figma Plugin: Seamlessly integrate with the popular design tool Figma to streamline your workflow.
  • SEO Optimization: Improve the visibility of your website on search engines with built-in SEO optimization features.
  • Plugins: Extend the functionality of your website by integrating various plugins.

Framer Pros:

  • Innovative AI-driven design capabilities
  • User-friendly interface for easy website creation
  • Integration with Figma for efficient workflow
  • Incredible performance
  • Built-in SEO optimization for better search engine visibility

Framer Cons:

  • Higher learning curve than other platforms
  • Not as feature-rich as Webflow

Framer Pricing:

Free Plan for hobby projects
Mini Plan for landing pages – $5/Month
Basic Plan for personal sites – $15/Month
Pro Plan for larger sites – $30/Month

Breakdance for WordPress

Breakdance is a powerful page builder that doesn’t rely on WordPress themes. It’s incredibly easy to use, and far easier than other page builders like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder. In fact, Breakdance is my go-to builder for every WordPress site that I create.

It allows you to create a website without ever touching any code. If you are slightly more advanced, you’ll be able to create websites in WordPress that could previously only be done with the help of a developer.

Breakdance Specs and Features:

  • No theme required
  • Global styles – control headers, footers, and any other component from one place
  • Full WooCommerce compatibility (even custom checkout pages!)
  • Wide range of pre-built sections, components, and effects

Breakdance Pros:

  • Very easy to build a completely custom website
  • Well designed components
  • Many complete website templates are included for free
  • Easy installation and integration with WordPress
  • Very easy to customize, and easy to access advanced features

Breakdance Cons:

  • Getting the initial site up and running can be difficult if you don’t know what you are doing
  • Limited free version available; full functionality requires a paid subscription

Breakdance Pricing:

Free version available with limited features
Breakdance Pro for a Single Website: $99 / year
Breakdance Pro for Unlimited Websites: $199 / year

Hostinger

The Hostinger website builder offers affordable pricing and a range of features to create stunning websites. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, you can easily customize your site and make it stand out from the crowd.

Here are some key features of Hostinger’s website builder:

  • 140+ pre-designed templates with limited flexibility
  • Free domain, marketing insights, SEO tools, AI tools, and unmetered bandwidth
  • Standard tools for managing inventory and orders in case you want to set up an online store

Hostinger Pros:

  • Familiar drag-and-drop style editor for easy customization
  • Affordable pricing starts at $2.99 per month with a money-back guarantee
  • Low-cost e-commerce option for small online businesses

Hostinger Cons:

  • Limited upgrade options if you need more advanced features
  • Restricted creative control compared to other builders
  • No free plan or trial is available

Hostinger Pricing:

Starting at $2.99 per month for the all-in-one plan with basic features and a free domain name

Dorik

With Dorik, you can easily create and customize stunning websites without any coding knowledge. This innovative website builder offers seamless integration and easy editing, allowing you to add beautiful UI blocks in just one click. Choose from a large library of templates and UI blocks, and edit anything with a simple drag-and-drop editor.

Dorik also provides basic to advanced components such as image galleries, contact forms, subscription forms, payment buttons, and blogs.

One of the standout features of Dorik is its team collaboration capabilities. You can invite team members, assign custom roles, and set permissions for a streamlined workflow. Dorik also integrates seamlessly with Airtable, giving you the flexibility to configure it according to your needs.

Dorik Pros:

  • Over 40+ integrations available
  • Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop editor
  • Large library of templates and UI blocks
  • Easy team collaboration with customizable roles
  • Advanced features like Memberships and Airtable integration
  • Advanced blogging features

Dorik Cons:

  • Limited customization options compared to some other website builders
  • It may not have as many features as other website builder tools

Dorik Pricing:

Personal – $3.29 / month
Business – $8.29 / month
Agency – $29.13 / month

Webflow

If you want a highly customizable and visually impressive website, Webflow is an excellent option for you. With its innovative design tools and cloud-based platform, Webflow allows both non-programmers and programmers to create stunning websites without any development skills.

You can choose from over 2,000 templates that can be customized to match your brand and services. Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or part of a web design agency, Webflow offers the flexibility and customization options you need to create a unique online presence.

Webflow Specs and Features:

  • Cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) design tool
  • Customizable templates for various types of websites
  • Access to content management system (CMS) and style editor
  • No coding skills required, but CSS, HTML, and Javascript can be edited

Webflow Pros:

  • Design flexibility and customization options
  • Large selection of customizable templates
  • Access to content management system (CMS) and style editor
  • Reputable company with strong funding

Webflow Cons:

  • Confusing pricing structure with multiple plans
  • Limited hosting options for Workspace plans
  • Exported sites lose access to the Webflow CMS

Webflow Pricing:

Webflow offers Site plans starting at $14 per month
Ecommerce plans start at $29 per month
Workspace plans range from $0 to custom pricing

Squarespace

Now let’s explore Squarespace, another top contender in the world of no-code website builders. With Squarespace, you have the power to create a visually stunning and professional website with a really intuitive and powerful page editor. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or small business owner, Squarespace offers a range of customizable designs and useful tools to bring your vision to life.

Squarespace specs and features:

  • Customizable designs
  • Mobile version
  • Video background options

Squarespace Pros:

  • 24/7 customer support
  • Professional templates
  • User-friendly interface

Squarespace Cons:

  • Occasional glitches
  • Some may find the user interface confusing
  • Very limited designs and layouts

Pricing:

Squarespace offers various pricing plans starting from $12 per month for personal websites up to $49 per month for advanced e-commerce solutions.

Ghost

Ghost is a bit different from other no-code web tools in the sense that the focus is on monetization.  

It provides modern tools for not only creating a website, but also content publication, sending newsletters, and offering paid subscriptions to members.

Ghost Specs and Features:

  • Create custom-branded websites with static pages and blog post feeds
  • Connect social media accounts for richer embeds
  • Advanced SEO capabilities for better search engine visibility
  • Monetize your blog with memberships and subscriptions
  • Gain new subscribers with offers and promotions 
  • Built-in analytics

Ghost Pros:

  • Free to download and use
  • Affordable managed hosting services with Pro plans
  • Unique publishing and writing features like custom post templates and guest invitations
  • One-click install themes available
  • Transparent development process

Ghost Cons:

  • Limited app market compared to competitors like WordPress and Wix
  • Smaller community compared to other platforms
  • Phone support is not available with any Pro plans
  • Not suited for eCommerce, best for publications and blogs

Ghost Pricing:

From $9 a month to $199+ / month depending on your audience size.

Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce website builder that offers multi-platform selling, extensive payment options, and a variety of templates for design. It is the best choice for those who desire innovation in their online store. With Shopify, you can easily create a professional-looking website without needing technical skills or a large budget. It is perfect for both first-time sellers and established businesses looking to scale.

Product Specs and Features:

  • Multi-platform selling: Sell your products across various channels like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay.
  • Extensive payment options: Shopify supports over 100 payment options and provides its own secure gateway.
  • Stand-out design functionality: Choose from a wide range of customizable templates to create a visually appealing store.
  • Huge library of apps: Access over 8,000 apps to enhance your store’s features and functionality.

Shopify Pros:

  • Suitable for stores of all sizes.
  • Highly scalable with specialized features like inventory tracking and shipping tools.
  • Offers a vast selection of third-party apps and extensions to customize your store.

Shopify Cons:

  • Reliant on apps for additional features which may incur extra costs.
  • High transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
  • Monthly costs can be higher than expected due to transaction fees and third-party app expenses.

Shopify Pricing:

Basic Plan: $29 per month
Shopify Plan: $79 per month
Advanced Plan: $299 per month

Weebly

With over 50 million websites powered by Weebly worldwide, it has proven to be a popular choice. However, it’s important to note that Weebly’s overall score has dropped from 4 to 3.4, with its design flexibility and features being less satisfactory compared to competitors like Dorik or Squarespace.

Weebly Specs and Features:

  • Ease of Use: One of the best-performing categories of Weebly
  • Customer Satisfaction: Decent customer score in the range of 3.6
  • Types of Websites You Can Make: Suitable for personal websites such as blogs or CVs
  • Business and Ecommerce Functionality: Powered by Square Online

Weebly Pros:

  • Free plan with similar functions to Wix and Squarespace
  • Helpful SEO guides in Weebly’s support center
  • Offers coding advice and tips for boosting site ranking

Weebly Cons:

  • Limited drag-and-drop customization compared to competitors
  • Outdated designs
  • Poor mobile optimization

Weebly Pricing:

Weebly offers different pricing plans starting from Free to $26 per month, depending on your needs and requirements.

Carrd

Carrd’s offers an array of modern and sleek templates that are fully customizable and optimized for mobile devices, providing a visually appealing and seamless user experience. 

With Carrd, you have the flexibility to customize every aspect of your website according to your needs. The user-friendly interface allows for easy text editing and content block manipulation. You can even add animation to enhance the visual appeal of your site.

Carrd also provides a comprehensive library of buttons and icons that you can incorporate into your design.

Carrd Specs and Features:

  • 75+ professionally designed templates
  • Support for apps/integrations
  • E-commerce tools included
  • Supports various hosting options
  • Easy-to-use interface with clear labels

Carrd Pros:

  • Visually appealing templates
  • Fully customizable designs
  • Optimized for mobile devices
  • Extensive library of buttons/icons

Carrd Cons:

  • Limited features on the free plan

Carrd Pricing:

Free plan available with limited features
Pro plan under $20 includes custom domain and more storage

Strikingly

A website builder that specializes in single-page websites and offers a simplified approach to building.

Beginners will find the drag-and-drop editor easy to use, allowing for quick and hassle-free website creation.

While customization options may be limited, Strikingly supports ten languages and multi-language websites with the Pro plan, catering to a diverse audience. Additionally, it offers social media integrations and basic e-commerce functionality (limited to the free plan), providing essential features for online businesses.

Strikingly Specs and Features:

  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • 29 website templates
  • Social media integrations
  • Online store functionality (limited on free plan)
  • Multi-language support with Pro plan

Strikingly Pros:

  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Simplified approach to website building
  • Supports multi-language websites
  • Integrated social media features

Strikingly Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Basic e-commerce features on all plans

Strikingly Pricing:

Limited plan: $8 / month
Pro plan: $16 / month
VIP Plan: $49 / month

Unstack

Unstack is a no-code platform designed to empower businesses to create high-performance landing pages, websites, and eCommerce storefronts. It offers a range of features including point-and-click editing, built-in A/B testing, and rules-based personalization.

A headless website separates the front end (what users see) from the back end (where the data is stored), allowing for greater flexibility and performance optimization. Unstack is described as a “headless solution,” meaning it can integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure, offering you the benefits of headless architecture without the complexity.

Unstack Specs and Features:

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Variety of website templates
  • In-built library of free content
  • Integrated stock video library
  • Customizable to meet business needs

Unstack Pros:

  • Ultra-fast development and landing page launch
  • Extensive toolset for photographers
  • Fully SEO-optimized
  • Ready-made digital marketing solutions
  • Wide choice of integrations

Unstack Cons:

  • Limited access with the free plan
  • Pricing may be expensive for smaller teams

Unstack Pricing:

15-day trial available
Free plan with limited access to integrations
Starter plan: $49 / month
Business plan: $299 / month
Separate pricing for headless Shopify plans

Website Builders I Don’t Recommend

I’ve been around the block a few times and had a chance to use all of these builders firsthand, on real client projects.

Wix

Wix offers affordability and empowerment with completely free websites and has gained massive popularity for that. While there are limitations and drawbacks to using Wix, it still provides an innovative platform for individuals who want to create their own online presence.

While Wix offers affordability and user-friendly design, it falls short in customization, SEO, scalability, and advanced features, making it less ideal for complex or growing websites.

Wix Specs and Features:

  • Drag-and-drop editor for easy website customization
  • Hundreds of pre-designed templates to choose from
  • App Market with various add-ons and integrations

Wix Pros:

  • Affordable pricing plans for different needs
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
  • Wide range of template choices for different industries
  • App Market allows customization and expansion of site functionality

Wix Cons:

  • Limited control over SEO optimization compared to other platforms like WordPress
  • Slower loading times and lower Google scores in some cases
  • Less flexibility and options compared to more advanced website builders

Wix Pricing:

Wix offers several pricing plans starting at $16 per month, with higher-tier plans offering additional features such as e-commerce capabilities.

Duda

The drag-and-drop builder allows for easy customization without any coding knowledge required. Additionally, Duda offers 98 professionally designed templates that can be easily customized to create a unique website.

However, keep in mind that Duda does have some limitations compared to other website builders and can be clunky and difficult to use.

Duda Pros:

  • Easy personalization options for unique website design
  • Simplified builder with a user-friendly interface
  • Suitable for users with limited design skills

Duda Cons:

  • Expensive price plans with no free option
  • Limited website features compared to other builders
  • Some users find it clunky and difficult to push template limits

Duda Pricing:

Pricing ranges from $19 to $52 per month (billed annually)
Agency plan costs $149 per month, billed annually, and includes advanced tools and up to 10 team members

Bubble

Bubble is an advanced visual programming environment designed for creating robust web applications. With Bubble, you can build responsive websites that adapt to any screen size. Whether you want to develop a social network, a SaaS product, or a marketplace, Bubble provides the flexibility and tools you need.

While you can technically create websites with Bubble, I don’t recommend it unless you have a specific use case for it. It is overly complex for simple websites.

Bubble Pros:

  • Robust and flexible web app development
  • Easy conversion of apps into PWAs with Cube’s service
  • Access to more permissions and native features through hybrid app development
  • Customizability with the ability to run custom JavaScript code and create plugins
  • Integration capabilities with external services and databases

Bubble Cons:

  • No out-of-the-box solution for native mobile apps (requires wrapping web apps)
  • Limited support for running custom code compared to full-fledged coding platforms

Bubble Pricing:

Free plan for learning
Starter Plan $29 / month
Growth: $119 / month

Comparison of No Code Website Builders

To compare different options for building your website without coding, consider the features and affordability of various no-code tools.

The best no-code website builders offer:

  • User-friendly interfaces
  • A wide range of available templates and designs
  • E-commerce functionality
  • SEO features
  • Mobile responsiveness
  • Integration options
  • Overall performance and speed

Take a look at our list of the best no-code website builders to find the one that is best for building your innovative website.

Limitations of No-Code or Low-Code Website Builders

Security Issues

  • Data Safety: These platforms might not be the best at keeping your data secure.

Vendor Problems

  • Locked In: It’s hard to switch to a different service once you start.
  • Integration Issues: These platforms don’t always work well with other software or services you might need.

Lack of Flexibility

  • Limited Customization: You can’t tweak everything to your liking.
  • Expert Help: For more complex tasks, you might still need a developer.

Learning Curve

  • Initial Complexity: It might take some time to learn how to use the platform effectively.
  • Know the Limits: You should understand what the platform can and can’t do before diving in.

Only some of these platforms have e-commerce capabilities, so if you are looking for a site builder that can help you build a complete online store, stick with Shopify or WordPress (Using WooCommerce and Breakdance). They have the largest support and will easily grow with you.

If you just have a few products or are looking for a great platform for building your list from social media and monetizing, check out my post on the best creator store platforms to sell digital products.

If you are a coach or mentor or want to build an online course or membership, Kajabi is your best choice. 

Tips for Choosing the Right No Code Website Builder

Consider these key factors to help you select the ideal website builder that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Know Yourself and Your Goals

  • Your Skill Level: Pick a platform that matches your own tech skills.
  • Business Goals: Make sure the platform helps you achieve what you want for your business.

Assess the Platform

  • Capabilities and Limits: Know what the platform can and can’t do.
  • Ease of Use: Check if it’s user-friendly and whether you’ll need outside help to use it.

Features to Consider

  • Third-Party Support: Look for a platform that works well with other tools and services.
  • Workflow and Teamwork: Make sure the platform helps you and your team work smoothly.

Community and Learning

  • Active Community: A strong user community can provide extra help and tips.
  • Learning Resources: Check if there are guides or tutorials to help you learn the platform.

Other Important Factors

  • Integrations and Workflow: These should be your top priorities.
  • Look and Feel: Don’t forget to consider how the platform looks and how easy it is to use.

FAQs

What is a no-code website builder?

A no-code website builder is a platform or software tool that allows people without coding experience or technical knowledge to create websites. These builders typically provide a drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and various customization options to create a website visually. Users can add and arrange elements, such as text, images, videos, forms, and various functionality, without writing any code. No-code website builders simplify the web development process, making it accessible to non-technical individuals. 

Which is a no-code tool for website development?

The most popular no-code tool for website development is Webflow. Other popular tools include Squarespace, Wix, Weebly and Framer.

Can I create a professional-looking website using a no-code website builder?

Yes, you can create a professional-looking website using a no-code website builder. No-code website builders, such as Framer, Squarespace, or Weebly, provide user-friendly interfaces and pre-designed templates that you can customize to create a professional and visually appealing website.

Are no-code website builders suitable for beginners with no technical background?

Yes, no-code website builders are suitable for beginners with no technical background. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly and require no coding or programming skills. With no-code website builders, beginners can easily create professional-looking websites without special skills, making them a great option for those without a technical background. 

Can I build a website without coding?

Yes, you can build a website without coding by using website builders or content management systems (CMS) that provide drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates. Some popular options include Breakdance (WordPress), Framer, Dorik, and Squarespace. These platforms allow you to create and design a website without any coding knowledge. However, keep in mind that coding skills can still be beneficial for customizing and fine-tuning your website. 

Are no-code websites good?

No-code websites can be good for certain purposes and users. They offer a quicker and easier way to build and deploy websites without requiring any coding knowledge or skills. This can be advantageous for individuals or businesses who do not have technical expertise or need to create simple websites or prototypes in a short amount of time.
They may lack flexibility and customizability compared to traditional coded websites. Complex functionalities or unique design elements might be challenging to achieve with no-code platforms. 
Ultimately, the suitability of no-code websites depends on the specific requirements, resources, and objectives of the user or organization. 

About the Author

Dan Chadney

Ever felt like your business should be getting more attention online? I felt the same way until I learned how to leverage SEO and digital marketing tactics to scale my e-commerce business to 6 figures per year. My name is Dan Chadney and before starting this blog, I spent 20 years as a web designer, front-end developer and SEO marketing specialist. Check out my online business guides and learn how to make money online!

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