site maker
How to choose, build and optimise a high-performing website with a site maker (step-by-step, SEO-first).
Site makers (also called website builders) let you get online fast — but speed alone won't win customers. This guide teaches actionable choices for better design, SEO, performance and conversion so your site actually brings enquiries.
What is a Site Maker?
A site maker is a tool that lets you create, edit and publish a website without code. Modern site makers (WYSIWYG builders, AI-driven builders, managed subscription platforms) vary in speed, flexibility and ongoing support.
Types of Site Makers
- DIY drag & drop (Wix, Squarespace)
- Managed subscription services (fast setup, updates included)
- AI builders (generate site via prompts or messages)
- Headless/Custom builders (for developers)
Who Benefits Most
Site makers are ideal for small businesses, trades, freelancers and startups that need a professional site quickly, without the agency price tag.
How to Choose the Right Site Maker (quick checklist)
Speed to Launch
Can you be live in 24–72 hours? If yes, it saves you time and gets your business visible faster.
Ease of Updates
Look for text-in or chat-based update workflows, or unlimited edits included in the plan.
Built-in SEO
Does the builder handle meta tags, schema and sitemaps automatically? Choose builders that reduce manual SEO work.
Avoid These Selection Pitfalls
- Picking a platform because it's cheapest
- Choosing a builder that locks your content
- Failing to check mobile preview and speed reports
Step-by-Step: Build a High-Converting Site With a Site Maker
Follow these practical steps — you can do most of them in under 2 hours, depending on content readiness.
1 Define Primary Goal & User
Decide the single primary action you want visitors to take: call, request a quote, book, or buy. Build every page to support that action.
2 Gather Lead-Capture Essentials
- Business name, address, phone
- Short service descriptions (100–300 words each)
- 3–6 high-quality images (or professional stock)
- 2–5 customer testimonials
3 Pick Template & Mobile Layout
Choose a template built for your industry. Immediately check the mobile layout — rearrange sections so the most important CTA appears above the fold.
4 On-Page SEO for Each Page
- Write a clear title tag (50–60 chars) that includes your main keyword and location if local.
- Add a unique meta description (120–160 chars) with the CTA and value.
- Use one H1 per page (page title) and H2s for sections.
- Include target keyword naturally in first 100 words and in alt text for images.
5 Setup Tracking & Analytics
Install Google Analytics (GA4) and set up conversion events for your primary CTA. Add search console and submit sitemap.
6 Performance & Accessibility Check
Compress images (WebP if supported), enable lazy loading, and check PageSpeed scores. Ensure text contrasts and large tap targets on mobile.
7 Publish & Test Live
Click publish, then test forms, click-to-call, map, and on-page tracking. Run a quick user test with a colleague or friend to confirm clarity and speed.
SEO Essentials for Site Maker Sites
A few smart SEO moves on a site maker site will dramatically increase organic traffic.
On-Page SEO
- Page title with main keyword + location (when relevant).
- Meta description that invites action (Call now, Book free quote).
- Short, scannable content: bullets, bolds and H2 headings.
- Image alt text describing the image and including keyword where natural.
Technical SEO
- Ensure HTTPS and canonical URLs are set.
- Submit sitemap to Google Search Console.
- Check robots.txt and remove blocking rules.
- Use structured data (LocalBusiness, FAQ) where appropriate.
Local SEO
- Claim and optimise Google Business Profile (hours, services, photos).
- Show NAP (name, address, phone) on every page (footer is fine).
- Collect reviews and respond to them — reviews boost local ranking.
Content & Link Strategy
- Create service pages for each core offering (unique content for each).
- Publish helpful blog posts answering common customer questions (local intent is powerful).
- Earn backlinks from local directories, partner sites, and suppliers.
Marketing & Conversion Tips for Site Maker Sites
Low-Cost Marketing
- Local search ads for immediate visibility on key services.
- Facebook/Instagram posts that link to service pages (geo-targeted).
- Use email follow-ups for leads captured via forms.
Conversion Optimisation
- Primary CTA visible in header and repeated in hero and footer.
- Use directional cues (arrows, contrasting button colours) to guide clicks.
- Show proof: testimonials, before/after photos and trust badges.
- Reduce friction: short forms (name + phone + message) or click-to-call on mobile.
A/B Test Basics
Test one change at a time: CTA text, button colour, hero headline. Run each test for at least 2 weeks or until you have a minimum of 200 visits to get meaningful results.
Launch Checklist — Test Before You Tell Everyone
- Forms: Submit and confirm delivery to your email/CRM.
- Mobile: Test phones of different sizes; ensure buttons are large and spaced.
- Speed: PageSpeed mobile score > 60, desktop > 80 (improve images and caching if lower).
- Tracking: GA4 events fire, conversions recorded and Search Console verified.
- SEO: Titles, metas and schema in place; sitemap submitted.
- Links: No broken links and map embeds loading correctly.
- Backup: Confirm backups are scheduled (daily or weekly depending on changes).
Maintenance, Updates & Analytics — Keep Improving
Monthly Review
Check top pages, traffic sources and conversion rates. Focus on the pages that drive enquiries.
Content Updates
Refresh service pages with new photos, prices and seasonal offers. Small changes often boost search relevance.
Technical Maintenance
Ensure SSL renewals, plugin updates, backups and speed audits are handled — either by the builder or your provider.
What Analytics Should You Track?
- Sessions and users (traffic volume)
- Top landing pages and exit pages
- Conversion rate for primary CTA
- Traffic by source (organic, paid, social)
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Quick Launch Checklist
- H1 + title tag + meta description set
- Primary CTA visible on mobile
- GA4 + conversions configured
- Sitemap submitted to Google Search Console
- Backup schedule enabled
FAQ
Is a site maker good for SEO?
Can I migrate away from a site maker later?
How much content do I need at launch?
What's the fastest way to keep content updated?
Ready to build a site that actually brings customers?
Use a site maker the smart way: goal-first, SEO-ready and optimised for mobile conversions. Need a fast, managed option with unlimited updates and local SEO?
No technical skills required. Launch faster and keep your site working for your business — not the other way around.
