You need a website. You search “how to make a website” and immediately drown in options. WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, Webflow, and a dozen others. Each claims to be the best. None explain who they are actually best for.
Here is an honest comparison of the three most popular options for small businesses in 2026.
WordPress
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. It is the most flexible, most customisable, and most widely supported platform available.
Pros: Complete control over design and functionality. Thousands of plugins for any feature you can imagine. You own your site and can host it anywhere. Best for SEO. Scales infinitely.
Cons: Steeper learning curve than drag-and-drop builders. Requires hosting. Needs regular updates and maintenance.
Best for: Businesses that want a professional, scalable website they fully own and control.
Cost: Hosting from a few pounds per month. The software itself is free.
Wix
Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder. You choose a template, move elements around, and publish. It is the easiest platform to use if you have never built a website before.
Pros: Very easy to use. No technical knowledge needed. Templates look polished. Built-in hosting included.
Cons: Limited customisation. Difficult to migrate away later. Weaker SEO. You do not own the platform. Performance can be slow.
Best for: Solo operators who need a simple online presence quickly and are comfortable with limitations.
Cost: Free tier with Wix branding, paid plans from around 13 pounds per month.
Squarespace
Squarespace sits between WordPress and Wix. The templates are beautiful, the editor is intuitive, and the results look professional.
Pros: Stunning templates. Clean, modern designs. Good built-in features for portfolios and booking.
Cons: Less flexible than WordPress. Limited plugin ecosystem. Expensive for what you get compared to WordPress.
Best for: Creative businesses, portfolios, restaurants, and anyone who values aesthetics.
Cost: From around 13 pounds per month.
Our Recommendation
For most small businesses, WordPress is the right choice. Not because it is the easiest – but because it is the most capable. You own it. You control it. You can add any feature, integrate any tool, and switch hosting providers whenever you want.
At Kilwhiss Online, every website we build is on WordPress. We handle the technical side so you get the power of WordPress without the complexity.
Get a free website mockup at kilwhiss.online/contact.
Kilwhiss Online