Did you know that Squarespace is a no-code website design tool that has helped change the way independent businesses, SME’s and agencies easily present themselves online?

There’s been a rise in no-code and low-code platforms recently, and it’s no surprise as we live in a world where we want convenience and ease at our fingertips, even when it comes to website design. In this article, we will be covering: what no-code website design is, the benefits of use to independent businesses, SME’s and agencies, the challenges of no-code, and the top 3 features that you can expect to use on a no-code website design platform, like Squarespace.

What is no-code website design?

No-code website design gives independent business owners and marketing managers within SMEs, and agencies an easy way to build pages on a website. They do this by using straightforward design principles and simple visual layout tools instead of custom code - like HTML, CSS, Javascript and other programming languages.

Low-code platforms are similar in the sense they offer comparable tools, but with low-code platforms, code is encouraged to be used in some areas.

The benefits of no-code website design to independent businesses, SMEs and agencies

It’s important to note that almost anyone can benefit from no or low-code website design platforms.

We believe that anyone from entrepreneurs, independent businesses, SMEs and agencies have the most to gain, and here are 3 reasons why…

1 | Less time-consuming

Learning how to code takes time, but a no-code platform like Squarespace means you wouldn’t have to. It’s not on everyone's list of favourite things to do so as a founder, independent business owner, or marketing manager it’s probably not high on your priority list to take time out to do or learn.

2 | It’s cheaper

As an independent business owner, SME or agency, you may not have the resources in-house, so it’s cheaper to use a low- or no-code website design platform, like Squarespace. Note: by resources, this could be financial or a dedicated IT team.

3 | It’s scalable

No-code platforms, like Squarespace, are scalable and can grow with the business. Being able to add e-commerce for selling online, scheduling for booking training or classes, and memberships to build a community all at the click of a button when you and your business are ready. All without knowing any programming languages. Genius!

Related:

• Sookio, Award-winning digital marketing agency, Squarespace website redesign. Read the case study.

• Cactus, Europe’s leading corporate advisory and growth consultancy for agencies uses Squarespace. Read the case study.

• Independent, family-run interior design business as well as an art and home-wares shop, Mabel Fox, Squarespace website redesign. Read the case study.

The challenges or drawbacks of no-code website design

All technology has challenges or limitations, and no-code website design platforms are no different. Here are 3 challenges of low- or no-code website design platforms…

1 | The initial set-up

As straightforward as no-code platforms do make website design, there are some fundamental elements that are worth understanding at first set-up. For example, learning and understanding how the platform works, understanding the responsive views and making bespoke or on-brand design style adjustments as necessary.

2 | The preview looks beautiful

Another challenge with low- and no-code platforms is that they look beautiful in preview or as a template, but without understanding the basics of design and development it can get messy quickly (it’s handy that you also get the option to start from a blank template with Squarespace), which leads too…

3 | Basic knowledge is recommended

Low- or no-code platforms allow the user to create the design. Therefore a certain basic level of website design knowledge is recommended when using a low- or no-code website design tool, especially when interface design and usability are so important. It’s a good job, Squarespace helps with Page Layouts - page layouts use a pre-defined and designed layout.

3 top features that you can expect to use on a no-code website

1 | Drag-and-drop functionality

Probably the most common element with low- or no-code platforms is the drag-and-drop functionality. It makes the whole experience of creating a website easier and more intuitive. The tools are ultimately called “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWIG) platforms.

2 | Mobile responsive design

Having a website that elegantly translates the desktop experience of a website on mobile and tablet is super important, especially as Google and other search engines take mobile responsiveness into consideration. Most low- and no-code website design tools are natively equipped to create mobile-responsive websites.

3 | Pre-made functions, features and layouts

Another top feature you can expect to use on low- and no-code website builders is the pre-made functions, features and page layouts for quick and easy setup. It helps the ease of being able to get a website page published.

Conclusion

It’s great to see the rise in these platforms as it opens the doors for those who are less technically savvy or have limited coding skills to create websites. This doesn’t mean that programmers are out of a job, as there will always be a place for developers and designers and their expertise.

Overall low- and no-code platforms, like Squarespace, allow independent businesses, SMEs and agencies to express their brand and business personality with ease online in a cost-effective, efficient matter.

If you’re using a low- or no-code platform, what are your thoughts?

If you’d like to learn more about Squarespace (our no-code platform of choice) or move to it, get in touch! We have a really streamlined process and would love to have a chat!