Best website builders for contractors

Clients are increasingly searching online before making contact, whether they are looking for an IT contractor, a management consultant, an engineer, a marketing specialist or another freelance professional. 

A professional website can help you showcase your expertise, build credibility and receive enquiries outside of traditional working hours. Website builders can allow contractors to create a website without extensive technical knowledge, although the cost will depend on the platform and functionality selected. 

In this guide, we explore some of the best website builders for contractors and explain what to consider before choosing a platform for your business. 

Why do contractors need a professional website? 

Whether you are an independent contractor, freelancer or small business owner, your website may be one of the first places potential clients learn about your business. 

A well-designed website can help you: 

• Showcase your services and expertise 
• Display testimonials and case studies 
• Support lead generation by giving prospective clients a way to make an enquiry 
• Support your visibility in Google search results 
• Demonstrate professionalism and credibility 
• Provide a central place for clients to learn more about your business 

What should contractors look for in a website builder? 

When comparing the best website builders for small businesses and contractors, you may wish to consider: 

Ease of use 

Many contractors would rather focus their time and efforts on serving their clients than learning how to build a website. To maintain business efficiencies, a drag-and-drop website builder can make it easier to update content and publish new pages. 

SEO features 

Search engine optimisation (SEO) can help search engines understand your website and may improve its visibility when potential clients look for relevant services online. 

Look for website builders that allow you to: 

• Edit page titles and meta descriptions 
• Create SEO-friendly URLs 
• Add alt text to images 
• Generate XML sitemaps 
• Connect with Google Search Console 

Read Markel Direct’s simplified guide to SEO for small businesses for further guidance. 

Mobile responsiveness 

Check whether templates automatically adapt to different screen sizes and whether you can preview pages on mobile devices before publishing. 

Accessibility 

An accessible website can make its content easier for a wider range of visitors to view. Consider website builders that support clear navigation, readable text, descriptive link text, image alt text and well-labelled contact forms. 

Security and maintenance 

Consider website security alongside functionality and price. Assess how the builder manages software updates, backups, account security and technical support – remember that no platform can eliminate every security risk. 

Value for money 

The lowest-priced option is not always the best value. Consider ongoing subscription costs, domain registration fees and any additional applications you may need. 

Scalability 

Your website requirements may change as your business grows. Choosing a platform that can accommodate future requirements may reduce the need to move your website later. 

Domain and content portability 

Before choosing a website builder, check whether you can export your content and retain control of your domain. This may make it easier to move to another provider later. 

Comparing the best website builders for contractors 

When assessing the best website builders, contractors may wish to consider ease of use, cost, SEO functionality and whether the platform can support future requirements.  

Below, we compare available information about five website builders and provide examples of their features. 

Features, prices and availability can change. Check each provider’s website for the latest information before deciding. 

1. Wix 

Wix offers website-building and business tools that may suit some contractors and small businesses. This builder may be a choice for contractors who want to build and manage a website without commissioning a developer for the initial set-up.  

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop editor 
• More than 900 customisable templates 
• Access to third-party apps 

2. Squarespace 

Squarespace provides templates and portfolio features that may appeal to contractors who place particular importance on visual presentation. Squarespace may be relevant to contractors who want to present visual examples of their work, including consultants, architects and designers. 

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop editing 
• Customisable templates 
• Built-in hosting, SSL security, SEO and analytics tools 

3. WordPress.com 

WordPress.com provides website publishing, content management and plugin options. If content marketing is a major part of your growth strategy, WordPress.com may be worth considering, provided you are able to set up and maintain your website. 

Features: 

• Block editor 
• Built-in SEO tools 
• Access to more than 60,000 plugins and add-ons 

4. Shopify 

Shopify is primarily designed for ecommerce, so it may be worth considering if online selling is central to your business. If online selling is not central to your business, you may wish to compare Shopify’s ecommerce-focused features and costs with more general website builders. 

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop website editor 
• Integrated SEO tools 
• Built-in ecommerce functionality 

5. Hostinger Website Builder 

Hostinger Website Builder is another option for contractors comparing website-building platforms. Contractors creating their first website may wish to consider this platform, depending on the features and support they need.  

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop builder 
• AI website creation tools 
• Ecommerce functionality 

How much does a contractor website cost? 

The cost of building and running a contractor website will depend on the platform, subscription plan and functionality you choose. A subscription may include hosting, templates, contact-form functionality and an SSL certificate. Domain registration, premium applications or plugins and professional support may cost extra. 

Review renewal pricing and the features included in each plan before subscribing. Introductory prices may be lower than ongoing charges, while upgrades, additional applications and professional support can increase the overall cost. 

What pages should a contractor website include? 

After choosing a website builder, consider including the following: 

Homepage: Clearly explain who you help, what services you provide and how clients can contact you. 

About page: Share your background, expertise and relevant experience. 

Services page: Explain the services you provide, who they may suit and how prospective clients can contact you about them. 

Testimonials or case studies: Share genuine client feedback or project examples, where you have permission to publish them. 

Contact page: Make it simple for potential clients to get in touch. 

Privacy information: If you collect personal information through your website, consult the Information Commissioner’s Office’s guidance on privacy notices and cookies.  

Should contractors use a website builder or a web designer? 

A website builder may be suitable if: 

• You have a limited budget 
• You want to update content yourself 
• You need a straightforward brochure-style website 

Working with a professional web designer may be suitable if: 

• You need bespoke functionality 
• Your website is an important source of enquiries 
• You require advanced SEO support 
• You want a bespoke design 

Which is the best website builder for contractors? 

The most suitable website builder will depend on your budget, technical confidence, design requirements, required functionality and plans for content or online selling. For example, you may wish to consider Wix for its templates and third-party applications, Squarespace for its templates and portfolio features, WordPress.com for its publishing and plugin options, or Shopify if ecommerce is central to your plans. Hostinger Website Builder also provides website-building, AI and ecommerce tools. 

Where a provider offers a free trial, you can use it to assess the editor, templates and relevant features before subscribing. 

Frequently asked questions about website builders 

What is the best website builder for a small business in the UK? 

There is no single website builder that suits every business. The best website builder for your business will depend on your budget, technical confidence and growth plans. 

Can I build a contractor website myself? 

Many website builders provide visual editing tools and templates, which may make it possible to create a straightforward contractor website without web development experience. Whether you can build the website yourself will depend on the functionality needed, your available time and your confidence using the chosen platform. 

Do contractors need a website? 

A website is not essential for every contractor, but it can give prospective clients a central place to review your experience, services and contact details. It may also support your wider marketing and search visibility. 

Website-builder features and subscription plans can change over time. Product information was reviewed at the time of publication. Readers should check the provider’s website for the latest details before making a decision. 

Visit our knowledge centre for more help and guidance or read more about Caunce O’Hara’s contractor insurance.  

Please note: This article provides guidance for information purposes only and is accurate at the time of production. It should not be relied upon wholly when making or taking important business decisions.  Any views expressed on third-party websites linked to in this article are those of the relevant third party and do not necessarily reflect the views of Caunce O’Hara. Caunce O’Hara is not affiliated with the brands, companies or third-party websites mentioned in this article.