Best Website Design Software: 7 Top Tools to Build Stunning Sites with Ease

Building a professional-looking website has never been more important — but where do you start? Choosing the right website design software can make all the difference between a clunky, frustrating process and a smooth, rewarding one.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative professional, or simply someone who wants a sleek online presence, the right tools save time, stress, and money. This guide takes you through the best website design software available, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs — especially if you’re looking for UK-relevant options.

Ready to find the software that will help you create a stunning, responsive website? Let’s get started.

Why Choosing the Right Website Design Software Matters

Website design software isn’t just about throwing text and images onto a screen. It impacts everything from how fast your site loads to how well it performs on mobile devices.

With over 70% of web traffic in the UK coming from mobile users, choosing software that supports responsive web design and beyond is absolutely critical. A slow, outdated, or non-responsive website can cost you customers — and damage your brand’s reputation.

Choosing the right tool means:

  • Faster design and launch times
  • Better SEO performance
  • Stronger user experience (UX)
  • Lower long-term maintenance costs

Best Website Design Software for UK Users

1. WordPress.org – Best Overall Flexibility

If you want complete control over your site, WordPress.org is hard to beat. Powering over 40% of all websites globally, it offers endless design possibilities through themes, plugins, and custom code.

Best for: Businesses, bloggers, eCommerce sites
Key features:

  • Thousands of free and premium themes
  • SEO-friendly structure
  • Highly customisable with plugins
  • Full ownership of your site

Considerations: Requires web hosting and basic technical knowledge.

2. Wix – Best for Beginners

Wix is ideal for those who want a simple drag-and-drop interface without sacrificing style. It’s fast to set up, intuitive to use, and packed with stylish templates.

Best for: Small businesses, creatives, portfolios
Key features:

  • Stunning design templates
  • Built-in SEO tools
  • App Market for extra functionality
  • Affordable pricing

Considerations: Less flexible for scaling large websites later on.

3. Squarespace – Best for Beautiful Designs

If design aesthetics are your top priority, Squarespace delivers. It offers clean, modern templates perfect for visual-driven businesses like photographers, artists, and boutique brands.

Best for: Creatives, service providers, restaurants
Key features:

  • Award-winning templates
  • Built-in eCommerce tools
  • Great blogging platform
  • Reliable hosting included

Considerations: Slightly steeper learning curve than Wix.

4. Shopify – Best for eCommerce Websites

If you’re planning to sell products online, Shopify is the specialist platform for you. It’s packed with eCommerce tools designed to maximise sales.

Best for: Online shops, boutiques, large product ranges
Key features:

  • Easy inventory management
  • Built-in payment gateways
  • Mobile-first design
  • SEO and marketing tools

Considerations: Monthly fees can add up, especially with paid apps.

5. Webflow – Best for Custom Design Without Code

Webflow offers the flexibility of coding without actually writing code. It’s a powerful option for those who want full control over design without hiring a developer.

Best for: Advanced users, design-focused businesses
Key features:

  • Visual coding interface
  • Fully responsive sites
  • Hosting included
  • Strong SEO capabilities

Considerations: Steeper learning curve if you’re completely new to web design.

6. Zyro – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Zyro is a newer player but offers surprisingly strong features at a very low price. It’s perfect for basic websites and small business owners who want to get online quickly.

Best for: Start-ups, simple sites, personal projects
Key features:

  • Very affordable
  • Simple templates
  • AI tools for content and design
  • Fast load times

Considerations: Limited customisation compared to bigger platforms.

7. Adobe Dreamweaver – Best for Full Coding Control

For those who prefer coding from scratch but still want some visual support, Dreamweaver is a long-standing favourite. It’s powerful, but definitely geared toward developers or experienced designers.

Best for: Developers, experienced designers
Key features:

  • Complete creative control
  • Supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Real-time preview feature
  • Integration with other Adobe products

Considerations: High cost and learning curve.

FAQs About Website Design Software

Can I design a website without coding?
Absolutely. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow allow you to build beautiful websites without writing a single line of code.

What’s the best free website design software?
WordPress.org is free to use (you’ll just need to pay for hosting). Wix also offers a free tier with limitations.

Is responsive design included with these tools?
Yes, most modern website design software offers responsive templates out of the box. However, it’s always worth double-checking during your build.

What if I need local expertise?
If you prefer professional support, partnering with an expert in responsive web design in Derbyshire ensures your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and perfectly tailored to your UK audience.

Responsive Web Design in Derbyshire

Building a great website is about more than just picking pretty colours and fonts. It’s about creating a fast, secure, mobile-optimised experience that converts visitors into customers.

If you need expert help with responsive web design in Derbyshire, working with a local agency can make all the difference. They’ll understand regional customer behaviour, help you compete more effectively, and ensure your website shines across every device — from mobiles to tablets and desktops.

Conclusion

Choosing the best website design software doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want drag-and-drop simplicity, stunning templates, or full coding freedom, there’s a platform that’s perfect for your needs.

Focus on tools that offer responsive design, strong SEO features, and enough flexibility to grow with your business. Above all, remember: your website is often the first impression people have of your brand. Make sure it’s a brilliant one.

Pick the right software today — and start building a site your customers will love tomorrow.