Choosing the right website partner is a big decision. We want you to feel confident you’re making the best choice for your business, even if that choice isn’t us. Here’s a transparent comparison of three capable options, including Mentor Hosting Co., to help you decide.

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1. Mentor Hosting Co.

Key Benefits:

• Website designers for small business with a focus on making you stand-out from your competition. Standard system that is effective and inexpensive. It is a quick process without meetings, just a few questionnaires and a mock-up for your approval.
• E-commerce Integration: We believe your website’s primary purpose is to build relationships and guide prospects to the sale. That’s why we don’t create ecommerce within the site other than a simple PayPal form or integration with your existing ecommerce platforms (PayPal, Square, Etsy, Shopify).
• Personalized support and guidance, ensuring your small business website evolves with your business. Use a ticket system to request changes or report issues.
• You can quickly update routine details, such as: Open hours, prices, and Holiday messages, etc.
• Typical package includes a 5-10 page website, Google Business Profile setup, Google Analytics, basic local SEO, a lead magnet, a welcome email campaign and post sale campaign, and sales form or Ecommerce integration.
• Cost Estimate: $3,000. See module prices.

Platform:

• Simplified Website Management (Websites As A Service): Our custom WordPress block theme includes standard components and functionality to minimizes plugins which can cause conflicts and slow performance. It is faster and cheaper to configure and maintain.
• Hosting is on Cloudways (a high-performance cloud hosting platform) where we can easily scale up resources as needed. This platform allows for fast loading times and a stable website. It allows us access to do all of the techy stuff without bothering you.
• Both the site and the server are optimized for performance and security.

Best Suited For:

• Businesses that have expertise and are willing to use it to attract their ideal clients.
• Businesses websites that are missing pieces of a complete sales funnel.
• Businesses that value simplified website management and a secure, fast website, done for them.
• Small businesses that are looking for a guide to better exposure, nurturing and sales.
• People that want minimal responsibility to update the website, prefer our help.

2. SmartSites

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive Digital Marketing Solutions: SmartSites is a full-service agency, offering a wide range of digital marketing services, from website design to SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. This provides a one-stop solution for businesses with diverse marketing needs.
• Data-Driven Results and ROI: They emphasize a data-driven approach, using analytics to optimize campaigns and deliver measurable results. If your business is heavily focused on metrics and ROI, this could be a good fit.
• Scalable Marketing Strategies: SmartSites specializes in developing scalable marketing strategies, making them ideal for businesses experiencing rapid growth or those with complex marketing requirements.
• Established Expertise and Resources: As a large agency, they have extensive resources and expertise across various digital marketing disciplines.
• Wide range of services: They can handle most, if not all of a businesses marketing needs.
• Cost Estimate: $5,000 – $10,000

Platform:

• Traditional WordPress with a vast plugin ecosystem, providing extensive flexibility and customization options.
• This would be considered a small project. Lead magnet creation might be an additional expense. Ecommerce would use a plugin.

Best Suited For:

• Larger businesses and enterprises that require a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services.
• Businesses that prioritize data-driven results, scalability, and a wide range of marketing options.
• Companies that want a large agency to handle all their marketing efforts.
• People that have enough training to be able to make changes to their website themselves without damaging the search engine optimization.

3. Knapsack Creative Co.

Key Benefits

• Strategic and Visually Stunning Websites: Knapsack Creative Co. specializes in creating visually appealing websites that reflect your unique brand and resonate with your target audience.
• Personalized, Boutique Experience: They offer a personalized, boutique experience, working closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver a website that exceeds expectations.
• Brand Clarity and Authority: They focus on establishing brand clarity and authority, helping consultants position themselves as experts in their field.
• Ease of Use with Squarespace: Using the Squarespace platform, they provide an easy-to-manage website that allows clients to make updates and changes without technical expertise.
• Professional Templates: They use professional templates that are known to look great.
• Cost Estimate: Packages start at $5,600

Platform

• Squarespace platform, known for its user-friendly interface, professional templates, and ease of use.
• Squarespace has its own analytics and limited ecommerce. There is an email marketing addon. Local SEO is not a focus. Designing a lead magnet is not part of their offering.

Best Suited For:

• Individual consultants and small businesses that value a visually stunning website and a personalized experience with lots of virtual meetings.
• Businesses that want a simple ecommerce solution within their website.
• Businesses that want a simple, user-friendly platform without extensive customization needs.
• People that want to be able to make changes to their website themselves, and are not as concerned about search engine optimization.

Who is the best website designer for small business?

	Mentor Hosting Co	SmartSite	Knapsack Creative
Marketing as Expert	x	–	–
Full Sales Funnel	x	x	–
Built-in Ecommerce	Add on	x	Limited
Local SEO / SEO	x	x	Limited
Email Campaign	x	Add on	Add on
Lead Magnet	x	Add on	–
“Done-for-you” maintenance	x	Add on	–

• Disclaimer: Prices ranges are rough estimates and actual prices may vary. You will need to contact each company directly to get accurate prices for your project.
• Carefully consider your business goals, technical skills, and budget.
• If you prioritize expertise-driven marketing, simplified website management, and a focus on your sales funnel, Mentor Hosting Co. might be the best fit.
• If you need a full-service agency with a wide range of marketing solutions and a data-driven approach, SmartSites could be a great choice.
• If you want a visually appealing, easy-to-use website on Squarespace and a personalized, boutique experience, Knapsack Creative Co. is worth exploring.

We hope this expanded comparison provides a clearer picture of your options. We’re committed to your success and want you to make the best decision for your business.