Question 1: Is this a one-page site (landing page, portfolio, link-in-bio)?
Yes, one page is enough → Carrd Pro Standard at $19/year ($1.58/mo). Custom domain, forms, embeds, analytics. Cheapest option by far.
No, I need multiple pages → Go to Question 2
Question 2: Do you need e-commerce (selling products)?
Yes, selling physical products → Squarespace Core at $36/mo ($24/mo annual). Beautiful templates, 0% transaction fee, built-in e-commerce. Or Wix Core at $29/mo with e-commerce tools.
No e-commerce needed → Go to Question 3
Question 3: How important is design control?
I want pixel-perfect control → Go to Question 3B
Templates are fine, I want easy → Go to Question 4
Question 3B: Do you know CSS/HTML?
Yes, comfortable with CSS → Webflow CMS at $29/site/mo ($23 annual). Full CSS control, powerful CMS, clean code output.
No, but I want creative control → Framer Basic at $15/site/mo ($10 annual). Visual design tool with CMS, animations, and responsive design. Easier than Webflow.
Question 4: Do you value design quality or app ecosystem?
Design quality (beautiful templates) → Squarespace Basic at $25/mo ($16/mo annual). Industry-leading templates, clean aesthetic, all-inclusive.
App ecosystem (bookings, marketing, forms) → Wix Core at $29/mo ($29/mo annual). 300+ apps, AI site generator, e-commerce tools.
Question 5: Do you need a blog with plugins?
Yes, serious blogging with plugins → WordPress.com Business at $25/mo ($25/mo annual). Full WordPress plugin access, 50GB storage, SFTP. Or self-hosted WordPress for maximum control.
Simple blog is fine → Stick with your answer from above. All builders include basic blogging.
Quick Price Reference
| Builder | Cheapest Plan | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Carrd | Free (3 sites, .carrd.co URL) | Pro Standard: $19/yr |
| Squarespace | Basic: $25/mo ($16/mo annual) | Core: $36/mo ($24/mo annual) |
| Wix | Light: $17/mo | Core: $29/mo |
| Framer | Free (Framer subdomain) | Basic: $15/site/mo ($10 annual) |
| Webflow | Starter: Free (2 pages) | CMS: $29/site/mo ($23 annual) |
| WordPress.com | Free (wordpress.com subdomain) | Business: $25/mo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate from one builder to another?
Is Carrd really $19/year?
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