If you’re like most small business owners I know, especially those awesome women at the helm, there’s a good chance you’ve come across GoDaddy in your quest for internet presence. They’ve become a household name — almost synonymous with getting your business online.
But here’s the thing: as soon as you pocket that domain, it’s easy to fall right into what I call the “GoDaddy Trap”. They lure you in with low prices on domains and promises of a simple solution for all your website needs, but is that really the case when it comes to building your website?
Spoiler alert: There are better options out there! 🙅♀️
You deserve to run your own website and make changes without wanting to pull your hair out! Here’s my rundown on why GoDaddy should not be your default, and some suggestions for other providers with a better builder and small business suite.
The Lure of Familiarity
We get it – GoDaddy is a name you know. You’ve seen the ads, the Super Bowl commercials, they’ve got credibility stamped all over them. But when it comes to setting the stage for your online masterpiece, their web builder can leave you hanging on the creative front. I’ve been there, trying to customize a template for a client only to find myself cornered by limitations and an editing tool that is not intuitive to learn.
Why GoDaddy Isn’t Always Gold
My experience with GoDaddy’s website builder was a touch frustrating, to say the least. For a platform touted to be user-friendly, there were moments I felt less building and more bulldozing through design constraints.
And I know you, like me, cherish your brand’s uniqueness, right? You want a site that’s as fabulous, dynamic, and resilient as you are. Unfortunately, cookie-cutter templates can only go so far.
The Better Options
But ladies (and gents), the story doesn’t end here! The digital world is our oyster, packed with pearls of website builders and small business suites ready to lift you up rather than weigh you down.
- Seek out platforms that offer drag-and-drop builders for full control, like Squarespace.
- Look for scalability options to grow without migraines, such as the ability to add scheduling and email marketing all within the same ecosystem.
- Don’t skimp on customer support. You want a partner that’s available 24/7.
- Hunt for platforms that embrace simple to operate ecommerce if selling online is your jam.
- Integration is the talk of the town, so opt for ones that play well with your favorite tools.
- People in your industry have probably already played around, so it never hurts to ask your industry peers! (Just keep in mind some will have fallen into the GoDaddy Trap, don’t follow!)
Personal Favorites to Propel You Forward
Speaking from experience, don’t shy away from digging into reviews or asking for recommendations. Platforms like Squarespace or Wix have been game-changers for some.
There’s ShowIt for the *cough* control freak designers like me *cough* who want total control without needing a drop of coding knowledge.
Each has its own suite of tools specifically designed to make small business life easier… but Squarespace especially has developed itself into a powerful business suite over the years. That’s why I recommend it to most everyone, whether we work together or not.
The beauty of Squarespace is being able to house so many of your small business tech needs in one ecosystem: website, email capture, forms, intakes, invoices, ecommerce, scheduling, email marketing, and online payments. One Login. It makes it so much easier when you have one place to manage your online presence and money makin’ – and it’s subscription fee doesn’t break the bank.
You’ve Got the Power
Remember, you wield the power to build a gorgeous brand identity mirroring the fantastic business you’ve nurtured from the ground up. Don’t be afraid to play around with a few builders. Most offer free trials, so put them to the test. Or let me take it on for you!
Together, we’re not just building websites; we’re building dreams. Here’s to us, to our businesses, and to the incredible journeys ahead. Drop a comment below if you’ve found an amazing web builder that deserves a shoutout—or if you’d like to share your own GoDaddy story.
I’m cheering for you, every step of the way! 📣
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