WebStarts is an all-in-one, web-based platform designed to help you build and manage professional websites, online stores, and blogs—without needing to write any code.
What Is WebStarts?
Originally launched in 2007, WebStarts is a cloud-based website builder that combines drag-and-drop editing, hosting, domain registration, and a rich suite of tools all in one platform. It’s designed for individuals, small businesses, clubs, nonprofits—and even web design agencies (“Designer Platform”)—who want to build and manage sites without coding.
Key Features & Tools
Drag‑and‑drop WYSIWYG editor:
Truly visual editing—no HTML/CSS required, though available for advanced tweaks .
Free hosting + auto domain setup:
Launch instantly—domains are configured in less than a minute.
Responsive mobile version:
Dedicated mobile editing tools ensure your site looks great on smartphones.
Built-in blog:
Comprehensive blog features, supporting content management and SEO benefits.
E‑commerce support:
Full online store capabilities including credit‑card and PayPal payments.
Email marketing & CRM:
Collect contacts, broadcast campaigns, follow‑ups, integrated CRM.
Live chat:
Embedded, real‑time chat system with mobile admin support.
Hosted video:
Free video uploading and hosting—uncommon in free site builders.
Rich asset library:
700+ fonts, image library, icon sets, content blocks.
Advanced style control:
Including CDN, sitemaps, anchor links, favicon upload, cookie-right-click disable, etc.
Designer/Agency Mode:
White-labeled backend to manage client websites and access permissions.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Very beginner-friendly with flexible drag-and-drop .
A full suite of tools (blog, e‑commerce, email) in one dashboard .
Competitive pricing, especially the Business tier with ad credits and robust features .
Excellent customer support: live chat, phone during business hours, quick email responses.
Supports agencies and multi-site management via its Designer Platform .
Drawbacks
Free plan lacks custom domain and includes ads .
Templates are numerous but often simplistic or outdated .
Users have reported occasional drag-and-drop bugs and lack of foundational mobile responsiveness.
Free plan misses HTML access, live chat, advanced SEO .
Not industry-leading in high-end design or aesthetics.
WebStarts Plans & Monthly Pricing
According to WebStarts’ official site, these are the current monthly rates:
Free:
$0 — includes unlimited pages, 1 GB storage, 1 GB bandwidth (with ads).
Pro:
$4.89/month (annual billing) — ideal for individuals.
Pro Plus:
$7.16/month — tailored for clubs, organizations, teams, non-profits.
Business:
$19.99/month — best for business needs, includes online store capabilities.
How It Compares
Compared to leading builders like Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, WebStarts is less polished but far more affordable—especially for its e-commerce tier and bundled tools.
If you’re okay with fewer trendy templates and occasional interface quirks, WebStarts delivers excellent value—particularly for nonprofits, clubs, or budget-conscious small businesses.
Summary
WebStarts is an accessible, user-friendly website builder ideal for individuals, small businesses, clubs, and nonprofits. It offers a robust suite of integrated tools: design, hosting, blogging, e-commerce, marketing, and support—all without coding. If you’re looking for a simple way to create a functional website or online store quickly, with reliable support and ongoing upgrades, WebStarts is a solid option.
