Church websites play a crucial role in providing specific features to effectively serve their congregations, including event scheduling, donation integration, and social media connections to ensure seamless communication and engagement. So, what are the best church website builders with premium features for online store owners?
In this blog below, BSS Commerce Shopify reviews in detail these website builders, along with their highlight features. Now, let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Why You Can Rely on BSS Commerce Shopify?
- 2 Top 10 Best Church Website Builders: A Detailed Review
- 2.1 1. Shopify – Best for churches looking to sell online
- 2.2 2. Hostinger – Best for new churches
- 2.3 3. Weblium – Best for churches looking for a cost-effective option
- 2.4 4. Squarespace – Best for stunning church website design
- 2.5 5. Ionos – Best for budget-friendly and customized website experiences
- 2.6 6. SITE123 – Best for rapid church website setup
- 2.7 7. GetResponse – Best for churches looking for advanced marketing tools
- 2.8 8. Wix – Best overall church website builder
- 2.9 9. Weebly (Square Online) – Best for ease of use
- 2.10 10. GoDaddy – Best for making a church website quickly
- 3 BONUS TIPS: How to Choose the Best Church Website Builders
- 4 The Bottom Line – Which Option is Better?
Why You Can Rely on BSS Commerce Shopify?
BSS Commerce Shopify evaluated 20 best church website builders and narrowed it down to the top 10. These were analyzed across three key categories including methodology, feature quality and customer reviews.
1. Features
BSS Commerce Shopify evaluated the best website builders for church that provide:
- A free domain
- Website hosting
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Website templates in their most affordable premium plans
2. Methodology
When evaluating providers for this list, BSS Commerce Shopify focused on website builders that offer:
- An easy website design and management experience
- Affordable monthly pricing for nonprofits
- All-in-one website functionality
- Social media integrations
3. Customer Reviews
BSS Commerce Shopify prioritized website builders with: 24/7 live support
However, all listed options at least offer customer support during normal business hours. This information was obtained by examining real user reviews on popular third-party review websites. BSS Commerce ranked the overall customer satisfaction score and the number of reviews to provide a complete picture. Customer reviews contributed 15% to the total score.
Top 10 Best Church Website Builders: A Detailed Review
Let’s check out this comparison table of the 10 best church website builders:
Top 10 Best Church Website Builders | Review G2 | Website templates | Pricing and Plans |
1. Shopify | 4.4/5.0 | 200+ | There are four plans (pay monthly)
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2. Hostinger | 4.4/5.0 | 150+ | There are three plans:
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3. Weblium | 4.8/5.0 | 300+ |
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4. Squarespace | 4.4/5.0 | 110+ | There are four plans (pay monthly)
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5. Ionos | 4.3/5.0 | N/A |
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6. Site123 | 4.3/5.0 | 160+ |
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7. GetResponse | 4.3/5.0 | 100+ | There are four plans (for marketers – 1000 contact)
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8. Wix | 4.2/5.0 | 900+ | There are four plans:
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9. Weebly (Square Online) | 4.2/5.0 | 60+ |
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10. GoDaddy | 3.9/5.0 | 20+ | There are four plans:
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1. Shopify – Best for churches looking to sell online
On this list, Shopify is an exclusive eCommerce platform; therefore, it is the best solution for all churches wishing to sell online goods or services. Given the powerful sales tools implemented alongside its extensive app store, it is ideal for creating a dress shop and, in turn, helping in the much-needed fundraising for the church.
What are the key features of Shopify for church websites
- In-built donation functions: Create donation blocks within your website to allow for collection of donations easily.
- Editable Templates: There are several editable templates by Shopify and it also has some in the Community and Non-Profit section appropriate for churches.
- Language Support: The church website can also reach more people by using the languages of their websites through the help of the app Shopify Translate and Adapt.
- Domain Registration: With Shopify, Churches can also go a step further and register a church domain to help maintain an identity that is meaningful to their members.
2. Hostinger – Best for new churches
Hostinger Website Builder is more than just a self-service tool to create a website; it is is enhanced with an AI website builder, a complimentary domain name, as well as marketing tools making it easier for users to put up websites in a very short span of time which is perfect for churches wanting to build a website in no time.
What are the key features of Hostinger for church websites?
- Offer up to 500 products completely free any hidden transaction charges.
- Select from more than 20 payment systems so that your clientele has an end-to-end shopping experience.
- Effortlessly generate revenue from your website by showcasing relevant advertisements.
- Communicate directly with your customers without the need to toggle between applications.
- Manage website analytics and make informed business choices with assurance.
3. Weblium – Best for churches looking for a cost-effective option
Thanks to its user-friendly drag and drop interface, Weblium makes it easier than ever to create a stunning website in a short period Of time. You do not need any web design skills; Simply register and you can begin the process of building your site. Security of data and its availability is not a worry as Weblium also provides free hosting and free SSL certificate. You only need to concentrate on your ideas and what you need to communicate.
Also, majority of templates are available for selection once you create an account and log in. There are also church website templates which you can also modify.
What are the key features of Weblium for church websites?
- Use pop-ups to remind or inform your church members about any upcoming activities.
- Use these functions to promote church events, social and charity activities and invite people to join.
- There is Weblium’s integrated CRM allowing the user to keep track of all their interactions with users.
- Organize the subjects and find what you need.
- Comprehensive manuals and how-to’s are provided.
- Chat online with the users as they visit your site.
- Helpful video instructions for the utilization of the given features.
- Allow adding of contact forms in order to capture user information and to view all the responses in the site settings.
- 24/7 support team for assistance.
4. Squarespace – Best for stunning church website design
For design lovers, Squarespace is the perfect website building platform. Users can edit the pages, menus, and navigation of the provided templates. There is a Fluid Engine, which is a drag-and-drop builder supported, as well as a Classic editor. You can add content types like text, images, videos, sign-ups, appointments, calendars, forms, maps, quotes, and so on.
Squarespace provides very good quality professional templates so that every person is catered for. Pages and sections are pertinent, adjustable and fast to incorporate. The interface is user friendly and makes provision for changing the design which allows for tryouts of new layouts.
What are the key features of Squarespace for church websites?
- Scheduling and organizing events easily: Calendars, alerts and Social bookings.
- Use artificial intelligence content to create anything from a blog post to a company’s tone of voice.
- Manage your Website easily with the Squarespace App: Add new blog posts, Make style changes and Check site visitors.
- Audio Block and blog post features and Podcast Support.
5. Ionos – Best for budget-friendly and customized website experiences
IONOS provides personalized support through dedicated consultants who can assist with everything from initial setup to ongoing website management. This is particularly beneficial for churches that may not have extensive technical expertise. The platform emphasizes scalable solutions, ensuring that as a church grows, its website can adapt and expand accordingly.
What are the key features of IONOS for church websites?
- Web Hosting Limitless Space and Pages: They provide ample webspace allow extensive web pages and content to be created.
- Domain and SSL Included: Each of the plans offered has a free domain and website security SSL certificate as included as part of the offer.
- AI Tools: Internal content authoring system, AI-based text & image generators, facilitate a speedy content development process.
6. SITE123 – Best for rapid church website setup
SITE123 is one of the best free church website builders with its intuitive block-building system. Rather than starting with templates, you assemble pre-designed blocks, making the process straightforward and quick. This approach also makes it possible to add features such as donation acceptance, event management or even community boards inclusively, even with the most basic plans.
With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, SITE123 provides an efficient solution for building a functional and attractive church website without needing any design skills.
What are the key features of SITE123 for church websites?
- Pre-Designed Blocks: The use of pre-designed blocks simplifies the process, but they aren’t as easily manipulated as on other platforms.
- Wide Selection: There are 160+ blocks available, including essential features for a church site like donations, events, and contact forms.
- One standout feature of SITE123 is its seamless donation integration. Available on all premium plans, donation blocks can be easily set up, allowing churches or ministries to accept contributions directly from their website.
7. GetResponse – Best for churches looking for advanced marketing tools
GetResponse is an integrated online marketing system that assists churches in promoting their websites and enhancing communication. In order to create a church site, the users navigate through the website builder tab, which provides tools, such as the AI wizard for creation or customization of designs already in hand.
GetResponse has church specific templates. The users can use drag and drop for optimum layout. For the design illiterate, there are also prefabricated church templates.
What are the key features of GetResponse for church websites?
- Additional features for graphic design: Use of Unsplash’s stock photos, premade blocks, and overall styling for one’s own purposes.
- Easily connect GetResponse to additional applications to keep information up to date, automate processes and improve customer service.
- Create your website with ease using intuitive design tools or an AI design generator.
- Capture the attention of visitors to the site and convert them into subscribers with the help of expedient pop-ups and forms.
- Select over 100 templates that can be edited and off the shelf websites categorized by business.
- Add your favorite tools and conduct full-scale marketing activities from one account.
8. Wix – Best overall church website builder
Wix is an all-in-one solution with numerous built-in design elements making it one of the best website builders for church. It addresses every need by incorporating thousands of design elements. There is also an AI which helps in text generation from given keywords, searching for images in Wix’s Free Media, and building up the desired configuration with the drag and drop editor. Other aspects are fast uploads for videos, the ability to connect to Google maps, and the Accessibility Wizard which helps make the website available to all users.
Wix boasts over 900 optimized templates, including pre-made designs for church websites. Users can edit these templates with interactive visuals and effects, using AI to arrange layouts, generate sections, and create images.
What are the key features of Wix for church websites?
- The Wix App Market has a wide selection of external applications numbering in their hundreds: Lead generation, Website traffic analysis, Management of bookings and events.
- Wix Booking: the appointment scheduling software, the calendar, and the online booking system.
- Ease of access by categorizing different integrations.
- Built-in CRM: Helps to capture leads quickly.
- Wix Owner App: Controls people on the ground via mobile. Admin’s devices come with SEO tools, SEO Assistant, and SEO Dashboard powered by Google Search Console.
9. Weebly (Square Online) – Best for ease of use
Weebly is a drag and drop website builder that gives you full control over your website design, making it super easy to customize. With easy tools you can change fonts, headers, color schemes and more. Weebly also has multiple video hosting options and a dashboard for site stats and tracking tools.
Plus, you can add online slideshows, photo galleries and embed videos from YouTube and other video sharing platforms. And photo editing tools so even if you have no web design experience you can create a beautiful and functional website.
What are the key features of Weebly for church websites?
- Monitor website activity in real time from the Weebly Dashboard
- Blog Post Editor for publishing posts and responding to comments/form entries
- Site statistics for traffic patterns and referral traffic sources
- Google Analytics for deeper insights
- Translations for quick audience connection
10. GoDaddy – Best for making a church website quickly
GoDaddy Website Builder adopts an efficient, no-nonsense approach to website creation. Unlike other builders, its block-based editor simplifies customization with premade sections such as donation buttons and event calendars. The platform includes InSight, a tool that provides valuable data to enhance your outreach efforts.
GoDaddy’s integrated email and social media gives you a clean way of engaging your audience. This has the dual advantage of being easy to use and meeting most of the needs simplifying the task of creating and maintaining your church’s website.
What are the key features of GoDaddy for church websites?
- Customized “Coming Soon” website: Already told church members that you’re considering creating a new website? This tool generates a quick “Coming Soon” page until you’re ready to launch.
- Product descriptions: Want to sell a few church products on your website? GoDaddy Airo can create detailed product descriptions based on your product photos.
- Email marketing: Engage with fellow churchgoers by creating professional email marketing campaigns. It’s a great way to notify members about church news, upcoming events, and fundraising activities.
- Customer responses: Maintain positive relationships with church members by generating responses to common questions with GoDaddy Airo’s help.
BONUS TIPS: How to Choose the Best Church Website Builders
Here are some extra tips to help you make a decision. These will cover things like assessing your church’s needs, pricing plans, SEO features, user-friendliness:
1. Assess Your Church’s Needs
Start by figuring out what your church needs. Do you need a platform for online giving, event management, sermon uploads or community forums? Make a list of the must haves so you can narrow down your options to builders that meet those criteria. This will ensure you choose a platform that’s tailored to your church’s specific needs.
2. Affordable Pricing Plan
Consider your church’s budget and choose a pricing plan that offers the most value for the features you need. Compare website builders to see which ones have the tools you need at a affordable price. Some builders offer discounts for non-profits or special deals for annual subscriptions. Keep an eye on your budget so you don’t overspend and still get a great website.
3. SEO Features
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key to getting your church online. Choose a website builder that has SEO tools like keyword optimization, meta tags and site analytics. These features will help improve your website’s search engine ranking so people can find your church online. Good SEO practices will bring more visitors and potentially more attendance and engagement.
4. User-Friendliness
Choose a website builder that’s easy to use, especially if you or your team aren’t tech savvy. A user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop will make website creation a breeze for everyone. Look for builders that offer templates and customizable blocks to simplify the setup. A platform that’s easy to use will save you time and reduce frustration so you can focus on your ministry’s mission.
The Bottom Line – Which Option is Better?
In evaluating the 10 best church website builders, it is evident that each platform offers unique features tailored to different needs and preferences. The choice of the best builder ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the church, such as design aesthetics, ease of use, and functionality. Therefore, thanks to carefully considering the features and capabilities of each platform, churches can select a builder that aligns with their mission and enhances their outreach efforts.
Thanks for reading!