Clutch Report: No-Code Tools Fuel Website Growth, Yet 17% of Small Businesses are Still Offline

83% of small businesses now have a website, up from 64% in 2018, driven by the rise of affordable no-code tools and AI integrations.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new Clutch survey shows 83% of small businesses now have a website, up from 64% in 2018, highlighting how accessible tech is reshaping online competition. No-code builders and affordable tools make it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to launch professional sites without design or coding skills.

“Small businesses no longer require a large budget or in-house developer to build a professional website,” said Jeanette Godreau, who oversees content related to web design at Clutch. “No-code platforms and AI have made high-quality web design more accessible than ever.”

Website Growth Accelerates with Accessible Tools

Website adoption is accelerating: 12% of small businesses launched a site in the past year alone, driven by easy-to-use, low-cost platforms. DIY builders like Wix and Squarespace power 41% of these sites, while 34% use WordPress or Shopify. Just 12% are custom-built. Development is split across in-house teams (37%), owners (8%), and outsourced partners (45%).

AI-driven features, such as automated layouts, content suggestions, and personalization, are now common in many platforms, helping businesses launch faster with minimal friction.

Why 17% of Small Businesses Still Don’t Have a Website

While 83% of small businesses have websites, 17% remain offline often due to misconceptions rather than cost. Over a third believe a website isn’t relevant and rely on social media or marketplaces instead, missing out on SEO, brand control, and 24/7 lead generation.

Notably, 28% of those without a site have no online presence at all, making it harder to compete in today’s digital market. A website is no longer optional for survival, it’s essential.

The full survey is available on Clutch.

About Clutch

Clutch empowers better business decisions as the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. More than 1 million business leaders start at Clutch each month to read in-depth client interviews and discover trusted agency partners to meet their business needs. Clutch has been honored for the past eight consecutive years as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the DC metro area for 2023.