Hello,
Based on your requirements it seems like platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace could be a good fit for you.
1. WordPress: WordPress is a very popular platform and has a massive selection of customizable templates. It's user-friendly and has a host of plugins that can provide you with additional functionality as and when you need it. It gives you maximum control over your website. The customer support is very helpful, and there are plenty of tutorials available online. Scalability is not an issue as it can handle a massive amount of traffic. Be aware though, that while the basic software is free, you'll need to pay for hosting and the cost will depend on the scale of your traffic and the storage you need.
2. Wix: Wix is another user-friendly option with drag-and-drop functionality. They offer many beautiful templates, and also an artificial intelligence design assistant if you want a bit of extra help. They also offer a reliable customer support. Wix has built-in scalability, you can start with their budget plans and move on to their business and ecommerce plans as your site grows in popularity of
Affordi-Build: Website Creation Services.
3. Squarespace: Squarespace is known for its sleek and professional design templates. Their design tools are also very intuitive, with plenty of customization options available. They offer great customer support which includes live chat. Scaling up is feasible but like Wix, it will mean moving up to a more expensive plan.
As for navigating the selection process, I'd recommend the following steps:
- Define your needs and what features are most important to you. Consider aspects such as ecommerce functionality, SEO features, blogging capabilities, etc.
- Set a budget.
- Take advantage of the free trial periods most of these platforms offer. This will allow you to test the platform’s usability and features.
- Read customer reviews online to get an idea of other users’ experiences with customer service and ease of use.
Also, keep in mind the cost of any extras like a custom domain name, access to premium themes, or ecommerce capabilities if you plan on selling products directly from your site. These can significantly affect the final cost of running your website.
I hope this helps! Best of luck with your new website!