1880 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Suite 650, Houston, TX 77077

1880 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Suite 650, Houston, TX 77077

Building Your Brand: The Best Website Builders for Franchises

The franchise business model is popular in the US because it works for both franchisors and franchisees. Franchisors make money by branching out and letting other businesses use their name and brand. On the other hand, franchisees get an effective launch pad to start their venture on the right note. As of 2022, there were nearly 792,000 franchise establishments in the US, generating revenue of $827 billion.

The numbers sound alluring for business owners looking to enter the franchise space. However, they need to invest in a robust branding plan to create a brand others want to associate with. A website is the first thing you must have in your branding portfolio. It is mainly about creating a strong online footprint.

The cost of developing brand websites can run in thousands, and maintaining and upgrading them adds to the expense. Fortunately, code-free website builders make a far more affordable alternative, costing only a few hundred dollars monthly. The best part is that you have several options to choose from.

We will introduce you to the best website builders for franchises. Before doing so, we will share some insights into the benefits of this alternative and the features to look for.

Why Should Franchises Consider Using a Website Builder?

According to statistics, the global market size of website builders was valued at $1.83 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.73% to reach $3.31 billion by 2030. The numbers speak volumes about the popularity and usability of these solutions. While website builders are ideal for all types of businesses, franchises can significantly benefit them due to the following reasons:

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Website builders are user-friendly and require minimal technical expertise. They empower franchise owners with accessibility to create and update their websites independently. With a DIY approach, they can ensure a consistent and professional online presence across diverse locations.

Unified Branding

With website builders, franchises get templates that adhere to brand guidelines. The same template for all franchisees means a cohesive and standardized look for their website. The unified appearance reinforces brand identity and recognition and fosters trust among customers.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is another valid reason for choosing a franchise website builder instead of a custom-built website. Business owners do not have to hire developers, designers, and testers. They can create and manage their site at a fraction of the cost.

Rapid Deployment

Time is vital in the competitive franchise landscape. Website builders can get sites up and running within a minimal time span. A quick deployment establishes the online presence of franchisees promptly, making them visible to new customers across different locations.

Centralized Control and Updates

A website builder serves as a centralized platform for managing the content for the business as a whole. Franchisors can implement updates to reflect changes in products, services, branding, and promotions. This centralized control ensures that all websites stay current and aligned with the overall strategy.

Essential Features of a Franchise Website Builder

Undoubtedly, a website builder makes an excellent choice for franchise businesses looking to build their web presence. However, you must explore the available solutions and choose one wisely. Here are the features you should prioritize:

  • An intuitive and easy-to-use interface that enables a novice to manage and customize their website
  • Scalability to accommodate the expansion of a growing franchise network with more franchisees across diverse locations
  • Standardized templates, color schemes, and design elements to maintain brand integrity and identity
  • Ability to centrally manage and update content for multiple locations as the franchise extends its reach
  • Mobile responsiveness to ensure a seamless user experience regardless of the device they use to access the website
  • Built-in tools for SEO optimization to enhance ranking, increase visibility, and attract local customers

Best Website Builders for Franchises

Since franchise businesses have unique needs and challenges, they must carefully consider different website builder options to make an informed decision. You can check the following popular choices for your business:

Wix

Wix is affordable and simple to use and offers a host of features to build appealing, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized websites. You can set it up quickly and launch your franchise website sooner rather than later. The Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) editor feature speeds up the process.

Squarespace

Squarespace is ideal for franchise businesses looking to build attractive, image-heavy sites. It automatically creates seven of each uploaded image and selects the best one to display according to the user’s screen size. As a result, Squarespace websites load quickly without compromising image quality.

GLASS

With GLASS, you get customizable website builder templates. All you have to do is place elements where you want and follow the franchise guidelines regarding appearance. At the same time, you can exercise creative freedom. The end result is an interactive franchise web design with the right features to hook your customers.

In conclusion, website builders are ideal for franchises looking for an affordable web development solution. Even a novice can use it to build a high-quality website to create a consistent brand presence. You must check different options and compare their features to choose an ideal one according to the needs of your business.