Website Platforms for Contractors: What to Use, What to Skip, and Where to Buy Your Domain
You don’t need a “Ferrari” website to win better jobs—you need a reliable truck that starts every morning, looks professional, and doesn’t break down. For most contractors, that means using an all-in-one website builder (not custom code). Below is the plain-English breakdown.
Part 1: The Landscape (What “Website Platform” Means)
There are three broad ways to get a site online:
All-in-one builders (hosting + design + security in one place)
Examples: Squarespace (our pick), Wix, GoDaddy Websites + Marketing, Shopify (if you sell products).Pros: Fast to launch, secure, includes templates, forms, galleries, SSL, updates.
Cons: Less “from-scratch” flexibility than coding.
WordPress (hosted by a provider)
Examples: WP Engine, SiteGround, Bluehost.Pros: Thousands of themes/plugins, very flexible.
Cons: You (or your developer) handle updates, plugin conflicts, security, backups. Can turn into a maintenance project.
Custom-coded / developer-built (Webflow, headless CMS, or code from scratch)
Pros: Unlimited control; great for custom apps/components.
Cons: Expensive to build and maintain; you’ll need a dev for changes.
Why We Recommend Squarespace for Most Contractors
Short answer: it’s the right balance of professional look, speed, simplicity, and reliability—without the ongoing headaches.
What you get out of the box:
Modern, mobile-friendly templates that make your photos look great (huge for credibility).
Built-in hosting, SSL, and security—no patching or plugin drama.
Easy editing—swap photos, add a project, post a blog spotlight in minutes.
Structured sections perfect for contractors: services, portfolio galleries, process, pricing ranges, FAQs, forms.
Built-in forms + file upload so prospects can attach photos of their space.
Basic SEO features (titles, descriptions, clean URLs) and fast page speed out of the box.
Integrations you’ll actually use (calendars, maps, email sign-ups, basic analytics).
Bottom line: You get a site that looks custom to clients, with the day-to-day ease your team needs.
“Do I Need a Custom-Coded Website?” (Usually, no.)
A custom build makes sense when you need something truly special or software-like, for example:
An online estimator/configurator with complex logic and pricing.
A big content hub with advanced filtering, logins, or gated training.
A unique interactive project designer or 3D viewer.
Heavy, unusual integrations (multiple CRMs, custom APIs, ERPs).
If your goals are what 95% of contractors need—show great work, explain your process, collect qualified leads—a well-built Squarespace site is faster to launch, easier to maintain, and cheaper across the first 2–3 years.
Platform-by-Platform: Pros, Cons, and Fit
Squarespace (our pick for most)
Best for: Residential remodelers, custom home, small commercial, trades who want clean visuals and easy updates.
Pros: Beautiful templates, strong galleries, simple editing, reliable hosting/security included.
Cons: Less “from-scratch” flexibility than WordPress or code.
Wix
Best for: DIYers who want drag-and-drop freedom and lots of widgets.
Pros: Very flexible editor, many apps.
Cons: Easy to make messy designs; performance can vary if you go heavy on effects.
WordPress (on a managed host)
Best for: Content-heavy sites, advanced blog setups, niche features.
Pros: Huge ecosystem (themes/plugins).
Cons: You must manage updates, plugin conflicts, backups, and security—or pay someone to. And it’s a HUGE learning curve.
Webflow / Custom Code
Best for: Design agencies, brands with unique interactions, complex CMS builds.
Pros: Pixel-level control; powerful CMS.
Cons: Learning curve; dev help likely; overkill for most contractors.
Shopify
Best for: Selling physical products (not typical for contractors).
Pros: Great e-commerce features.
Cons: Not necessary unless you’re truly retailing.
Contractor reality check: Your photos, process, FAQs, pricing ranges, service areas, and a smart contact form will close more jobs than fancy code. Choose the platform that makes those easy. That’s Squarespace.
Part 2: Domains (Your Web Address) — Where to Buy and Why
You’ll hear about many domain registrars. The big question: Where should you buy and manage your domain?
Why we suggest Squarespace (Domains) or GoDaddy
Squarespace Domains
Best for simplicity. If your site is on Squarespace, buying/keeping the domain there makes setup painless (auto-connect, SSL included, fewer moving pieces).
Great for owners who want one bill, one login, and minimal tech steps.
GoDaddy
Best for control/tools. GoDaddy’s domain manager and DNS tools are straightforward and widely supported. If you ever change platforms (to WordPress or elsewhere), GoDaddy makes DNS changes easy.
Great if your IT person/vendor already lives in GoDaddy.
Other registrars exist (Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.). They’re fine too—but most contractors benefit from keeping it simple (Squarespace) or standardized (GoDaddy).
“Do I lose my domain if I switch platforms later?”
No. Your domain is like your license plate, not the car. You can point it to any website host by changing DNS settings (your developer or registrar support can do this in minutes). The key is: make sure you own the domain in an account you control, not your designer’s account.
What Does a Contractor Website Actually Need?
Use this checklist no matter which platform you choose:
Home: clear promise + next availability + top services + call-to-action.
Services + subpages: scope, timelines, materials, 3–5 FAQs each.
Portfolio/Projects: before/after photos + 2–3 sentences of context per job.
Process: your steps, communication, cleanliness, change-order policy.
Pricing (ranges): honest ranges and cost drivers.
Service Area: map + priority cities.
Contact: smart intake form (ZIP, budget, start month, photos).
Speed & security: SSL, fast load, mobile-friendly (Squarespace does this).
Tracking: Google Analytics + Search Console (easy to add).
Google Business Profile link: use UTM tags so you can see traffic from Maps.
If a platform makes these hard, it’s the wrong platform.
Cost & Maintenance (Plain Talk)
Squarespace: predictable monthly/annual fee (hosting, SSL, templates included). Minimal maintenance.
WordPress: theme cost + plugin costs + managed hosting + someone to handle updates/security. Over 1–2 years, many contractors end up paying more here than with Squarespace unless they truly need the flexibility.
Custom-coded: higher up-front and ongoing costs (developer time for changes), longer launch.
Rule of thumb: If one additional qualified project covers a year of platform cost (it will), choose the tool that saves your team time every month.
When a Contractor Should Consider Custom
You’re building a cost calculator with complex logic.
You need customer logins with file exchanges, schedules, and approvals inside the site (beyond simple forms).
You’re producing heavy editorial content or integrating with unusual software.
You have a marketing team and a budget for ongoing dev/design.
If none of those are you, custom is probably a detour.
Practical Setup Combos We Recommend
Simplest stack (most common):
Squarespace website + Squarespace domain
Reason: Easiest setup, one login, least to maintain.
Flexible stack (if you might change hosts later):
Squarespace website + GoDaddy domain
Reason: You keep the domain in GoDaddy (easy DNS tools) and can repoint it anytime.
WordPress stack (only if needed):
Managed WordPress host (WP Engine/SiteGround) + GoDaddy domain
Reason: Strong DNS + proper WordPress infrastructure. Expect ongoing maintenance.
FAQs (Contractor Edition)
Q: Can I keep my email on my current provider?
Yes. Your domain’s DNS can point your website to Squarespace and your email to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Your registrar (Squarespace or GoDaddy) handles those records.
Q: Will my site be fast enough on Squarespace?
Yes for 99% of contractor sites. Use properly sized photos and you’re set.
Q: Can I add online payments or financing links?
Yes. Squarespace supports payment links and embedding third-party widgets.
Q: Who owns my content and photos?
You do. Keep originals backed up in Drive/Dropbox.
Q: Can I switch later?
Absolutely. Your domain stays yours; you can move your site to another platform when it makes business sense.
Final Word
Most contractors don’t need custom code—they need clarity, speed, and proof: services, beautiful project photos, a clean process page, pricing ranges, and a smart contact form. Squarespace nails that with the least friction. Pair it with a domain on Squarespace (for simplicity) or GoDaddy (for control), keep your photos and reviews flowing, and your website will do what it should: bring you better projects with less hassle.
Tired of losing jobs to competitors who “just look more legit” online?
We’ve got you. Our website templates are made to help you stand out, look professional, and start booking the clients you actually want.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy or super creative, just pick a template, plug in your content, and launch with confidence.
