No-Code Website Builder Guide for SMEs 2026: Complete Comparison
TL;DR: Which No-Code Website Builder for Your Belgian SME?
No-code website builders let you build professional websites without programming knowledge through drag-and-drop interfaces. For Belgian SMEs, Webflow (flexible but with a learning curve), Squarespace (design-focused), and Wix (user-friendly) are the top choices. Expect €20-150/month including hosting, but watch for hidden costs like premium templates and transaction fees. Choose based on your technical comfort, budget, and growth plans.
What Are the Best No-Code Website Builders for SMEs in Belgium?
As a developer at LUNIDEV, I regularly see entrepreneurs struggling to choose between different no-code platforms. After years of experience implementing solutions for Belgian businesses, these are the most suitable options:
Webflow excels in design flexibility and SEO capabilities. The platform generates clean code and offers advanced animations. The learning curve is steeper, but the results are professional. Ideal for companies that want unique designs without technical limitations.
Squarespace focuses on visually strong templates, perfect for creative sectors and service providers. Its built-in blog and e-commerce functionalities are solid. The Dutch interface makes it accessible for Belgian users.
Wix scores high on user-friendliness and has an extensive App Market. For beginners, it's the most intuitive choice. The free version includes Wix branding, but paid plans are affordable.
Shopify dominates for e-commerce, with strong integrations for Belgian payment methods like Bancontact and iDEAL. For webshops, it's often the best choice despite its sales focus.
How Much Does a No-Code Website Builder Really Cost?
The real costs go beyond the monthly subscription price. At LUNIDEV, we always advise clients to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership:
Base costs per platform:
* Wix: €13-49/month (excl. VAT)
* Squarespace: €16-54/month
* Webflow: €18-49/month
* Shopify: €29-299/month
Hidden costs often overlooked:
* Premium templates: €50-200 one-time
* Custom domain name: €10-15/year
* Professional email: €5-10/month
* Premium apps/plugins: €10-50/month per app
* E-commerce transaction fees: 0-3% per sale
* SSL certificates: often included, otherwise €50-100/year
Realistic monthly costs for a professional SME website range between €50-200/month, including all necessary functionalities and integrations.
Advantages and Disadvantages: No-Code vs. Traditional Web Development
No-code advantages:
* Fast launch: website live within days instead of weeks
* Lower initial costs compared to custom development
* No technical knowledge required for updates
* Built-in hosting and security updates
* Visual editor makes changes intuitive
No-code disadvantages:
* Limited customization options for unique business processes
* Vendor lock-in: difficult to migrate to another platform
* Monthly costs continue indefinitely
* Performance is often less optimized
* Limited integration possibilities with specific business tools
When traditional development is better:
At LUNIDEV, we choose custom development when clients need complex automations, such as integration with specific ERP systems or unique workflows. No-code platforms reach their limits here.
How Do You Choose the Right No-Code Builder for Your Business Type?
The best choice depends on your specific situation. Here is my recommendation based on business type:
Service providers (consultancy, lawyers, accountants):
Squarespace or Webflow for a professional appearance. Focus on content management and contact forms.
Local businesses (restaurants, salons, garages):
Wix for user-friendliness and local SEO tools. Important: Google My Business integration.
E-commerce (webshops):
Shopify for extensive sales functionalities. Alternative: Wix or Squarespace for smaller catalogs.
Creative sectors (photography, design, art):
Squarespace for visually strong templates and portfolio functionalities.
B2B companies with complex processes:
Consider custom development. No-code platforms can be limiting for advanced lead nurturing and CRM integrations.
Can I Expand My No-Code Website Later?
Scalability is a crucial consideration. Each platform has its limits:
Webflow offers the most flexibility with custom code injections and advanced CMS functionalities. Ideal for growing businesses.
Wix has an extensive App Market, but many apps come from third parties with varying quality.
Squarespace is more limited in extensions, but what is available works reliably.
Migration paths exist to custom platforms. At LUNIDEV, we have experience transferring no-code websites to React/Next.js when businesses outgrow their platform.
Tip: Start with your current needs, but choose a platform that can grow with your business for at least 2 years.
No-Code Trends for 2026: What Should SMEs Know?
The no-code world is evolving rapidly. Important trends for Belgian entrepreneurs:
AI-integrated builders like Framer AI and Wix ADI make website creation even faster by automatically generating content and design.
Headless commerce is growing, where platforms like Shopify only provide the backend while you can freely design the frontend.
Voice search optimization is becoming more important. Platforms are increasingly adding structured data and schema markup.
Privacy-first design is a priority with GDPR compliance tools built into the platforms.
Mobile performance remains crucial. Core Web Vitals are becoming increasingly important for Google rankings.
Automating Marketing and Sales Through Your No-Code Website
No-code platforms offer powerful automation capabilities:
Email marketing integrations with Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or native tools automate lead nurturing.
Chatbots via Intercom or Tidio can answer initial customer questions 24/7.
CRM connections with HubSpot or Pipedrive automatically synchronize contacts.
Social media scheduling tools like Buffer integrate for a consistent online presence.
At LUNIDEV, we often implement n8n workflows to connect no-code websites to external tools for advanced automation.
When to Outsource vs. Build Yourself?
Build yourself when:
* You have time to learn (20-40 hours for your first website)
* Budget is limited (under €3,000 total)
* You want full control over updates
* Content changes regularly
Outsource when:
* Time-to-market is crucial
* You prefer to focus on your core business
* Complex integrations are needed
* SEO optimization from day one is important
At LUNIDEV, we choose custom development when no-code limitations hinder business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my existing domain name with a no-code builder?
Yes, all major no-code platforms support custom domains. You simply point your DNS settings to the platform's servers. Most provide step-by-step guides.
How SEO-friendly are no-code websites?
Modern no-code platforms like Webflow and Squarespace generate SEO-friendly code with clean HTML structure, meta tags, and sitemaps. They perform comparably to custom websites for basic SEO, but sometimes lack advanced optimizations.
Can I migrate to another platform later?
Migration is possible but not always simple. You can usually export content, but designs must be rebuilt. Therefore, plan your platform choice carefully for at least 2-3 years ahead.
What happens if the no-code platform shuts down?
This is a major risk with smaller platforms. Choose established players like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify with strong financial positions. Make regular content backups and always maintain ownership of your domain name.
Are no-code websites secure enough for business use?
Yes, the major platforms invest heavily in security and compliance. They provide SSL certificates, regular updates, and GDPR tools. For sensitive data, we always recommend additional security measures.
Need a professional website?
Tell us about your project and receive a custom proposal within 24 hours.
START INTAKETom Van den Driessche
Founder & AI Developer @ LUNIDEV