When it comes to building a website, many beginners turn to complex CMS platforms or hire expensive developers. But if you’re a solopreneur, creative professional, or nonprofit with limited resources, that approach can be overwhelming and costly.
That’s where modern, beginner-friendly website design tools shine. They combine drag-and-drop simplicity, customizable templates, and built-in hosting so you can get online quickly—without needing technical skills. Some even integrate domain registration, eCommerce, and email marketing tools, making them all-in-one solutions for running your online presence.
In this guide, we break down eight of the best website design tools for beginners and small teams. Whether you need a portfolio, a business site, or a nonprofit hub, each platform offers unique strengths, from quick-start templates to advanced integrations—so you can pick the one that fits your needs.
Wix
Best for: Beginners who want a flexible, all-in-one website service with design freedom.
Wix delivers a powerful drag-and-drop editor with 900+ templates for every niche—from portfolios to eCommerce. Its ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can create a website for you in minutes, based on your answers to simple questions. Built-in SEO tools, domain hosting, and an app market make it an all-in-one website service.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor with 900+ templates
- Wix ADI for automated site creation
- Built-in SEO and analytics tools
- eCommerce, booking, and blog support
- Free plan available with Wix branding
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at ~$16/month.
Squarespace
Best for: Creators, freelancers, and brands prioritizing sleek design.
Renowned for its award-winning templates, Squarespace is ideal for portfolio building and visual branding. It includes domain hosting, eCommerce tools, and email marketing integrations, making it a complete website service for professionals.
Key Features:
- Polished, mobile-friendly templates
- Built-in blogging and eCommerce tools
- Native email marketing integration
- Portfolio and gallery features
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing: Paid plans start at ~$16/month.
Weebly
Best for: Nonprofits and small shops on a budget.
Owned by Square, Weebly simplifies website design with pre-made layouts, drag-and-drop editing, and integrated payment processing. It’s perfect for users with no design or coding experience.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Integrated eCommerce with Square
- Free SSL security
- Contact forms included
- Free plan available
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from ~$10/month.
WordPress.com
Best for: Bloggers and content-driven websites.
WordPress.com brings the flexibility of the world’s leading CMS with the simplicity of managed hosting. It’s ideal for blogs, nonprofit websites, and personal portfolios.
Key Features:
- Themes and block editor included
- Blogging features and scheduling
- SEO-friendly structure
- Plugin integration (paid tiers)
- Managed hosting included
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from ~$4/month.
Carrd
Best for: Solopreneurs, creators, and nonprofits needing simple, affordable one-page or landing sites.
Carrd is a lightweight website builder designed for speed and simplicity. Perfect for portfolios, event pages, or campaign landing pages, it offers a clean drag-and-drop interface and mobile-friendly templates. While it’s not built for complex eCommerce, it supports payment buttons, form integrations, and email sign-ups—making it a great choice for personal branding or small projects.
Key Features:
- Extremely beginner-friendly drag-and-drop editor
- Modern, responsive one-page templates
- Custom domains supported
- Integrations for email sign-up forms and payments
- Very fast load speeds
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid Pro plans start at ~$9/year.
Zyro
Best for: Beginners seeking low-cost simplicity.
Zyro is a beginner-friendly builder with drag-and-drop simplicity, responsive templates, and AI tools for text, images, and heatmaps. Hosting and SSL are included, plus eCommerce and marketing integrations—ideal for quick, low-cost launches.
Key Features:
- AI design and copy tools
- Responsive templates
- Drag-and-drop editing
- Hosting & SSL included
- Fast site speeds
Pricing: Paid plans start at ~$2.99/month.
Webflow
Best for: Beginners moving toward advanced custom design.
Webflow blends a visual editor with pro-level customization, letting beginners start simple and grow into advanced design. It includes hosting, CMS features, responsive controls, and eCommerce—great for scaling creative projects.
Key Features:
- Visual editor + code-level control
- Built-in CMS
- Hosting & SSL included
- Responsive design tools
- Learning resources available
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from ~$14/month.
Strikingly
Best for: Freelancers, artists, or professionals who need a simple portfolio or resume site.
Strikingly makes one-page sites fast and easy with mobile-optimized templates and simple editing. Perfect for portfolios, resumes, and events, it offers contact forms, basic eCommerce, and a free domain with annual plans.
Key Features:
- One-page templates
- Contact forms included
- Basic eCommerce tools
- Free domain with annual plan
- Extremely beginner-friendly
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at ~$8/month.
From minimal one-page builders to advanced CMS platforms, these website design tools make it possible for anyone—regardless of technical skills—to create a professional online presence. Whether your priority is domain hosting, portfolio building, or integrated eCommerce, there’s a tool on this list to match your goals and budget.