Here’s Why Strikingly Works for Busy Entrepreneurs, Bloggers and Best users

Strikingly is a beginner-friendly website builder designed for one-page sites, portfolios, and small businesses. It’s fast, affordable, and perfect if you want a professional website without technical hassle.

Introduction: Why Strikingly Matters

Most small business owners, creators, and local service providers want a website but don’t have time to learn coding or spend thousands on a developer. Traditional builders can feel overwhelming, loaded with features you’ll never use. That’s where Strikingly stands out. It promises one-page websites, easy editing, and fast setup—even if your English isn’t perfect or you’ve never touched a website builder before.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this review:

• How Strikingly works and who it’s best for
• Free vs paid plans and which one to choose
• Key features like templates, ecommerce, and SEO tools
• Pros and cons compared to Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress
• Real-world use cases from freelancers to small businesses
• Step-by-step guide to launching your first site in under an hour

Quick Comparison Table: Strikingly vs Top Alternatives

Tool	Best For	Free Trial?	Our Rating
Strikingly	One-page sites, portfolios	Yes	4.6/5
Wix	Small businesses, blogs	Yes	4.5/5
Squarespace	Creatives, e-commerce	14-day trial	4.4/5
Weebly	Local stores, beginners	Yes	4.2/5

What is Strikingly and how does it work?

Strikingly is a cloud-based website builder. You don’t need to install software or hire a developer. Everything runs in your browser.

The workflow is simple:

1. Sign up with your email or Google account.
2. Pick a template from Strikingly’s library. Templates are modern, mobile-responsive, and ready to edit.
3. Customize with drag-and-drop tools. You can change text, colors, images, and layout.
4. Add sections like blog, online store, contact form, or gallery.
5. Publish instantly with one click.

Unlike some heavy website platforms, Strikingly focuses on single-page websites. The idea is to keep things lightweight and easy to manage. Pages load fast, which helps with SEO and user experience.

Is Strikingly good for beginners?

Yes. Strikingly is built for beginners who may not know design or coding. The editor is clean, the options are not overwhelming, and tutorials are built into the dashboard.

Here’s why beginners like it:

• No learning curve: Most people can publish a live site within an hour.
• Pre-designed sections: You don’t start from a blank canvas. You drag ready blocks like “About,” “Team,” or “Pricing.”
• Mobile optimization: Every site is responsive without extra work.
• Support: 24/7 chat support is included, even on the free plan.

Compared to WordPress, which requires hosting setup, plugins, and maintenance, Strikingly feels less stressful. Beginners don’t have to worry about backups, updates, or security patches because everything is handled by the platform.

What type of website I can make with strikingly

To see Strikingly in action, let’s look at some real examples:

1. Personal portfolio: Freelancers use Strikingly to showcase work with simple one-page layouts. A photographer can show a gallery, client reviews, and booking link.
2. Small online shop: Strikingly supports eCommerce with product listings, checkout, and payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal. Good for selling crafts, digital products, or local services.
3. Startup landing page: Many entrepreneurs create quick launch pages for new apps or SaaS products. The builder lets you capture leads with email forms.
4. Non-profit or community site: NGOs and clubs use Strikingly to share events, collect donations, and display stories.
5. Local business page: Restaurants, gyms, or salons can set up simple sites with maps, menus, and contact options.

These examples show Strikingly’s flexibility. While it may not replace advanced platforms for large projects, it works well for small-scale websites.

“Want to try it yourself? You can create your first website with Strikingly for free here

Strikingly free plan explained — what’s included?

One reason Strikingly is popular is its free plan. Let’s break down what you actually get without paying:

• One free website with Strikingly branding in the footer.
• 500 MB monthly bandwidth and 100 MB storage. Enough for a basic site.
• Free SSL certificate for secure browsing.
• Basic analytics to track visitors.
• Ability to sell one product. Perfect if you just want to test online selling.
• 24/7 live chat support. Rare to see on free tiers.

What you don’t get on the free plan: custom domain, unlimited bandwidth, multiple products for eCommerce, or advanced integrations. To remove branding and connect your own domain, you’ll need a paid plan starting around $12/month.

Still, the free plan is one of the most generous among website builders. It’s enough for personal projects, portfolios, or testing ideas.

“If you want to see all Strikingly’s features unlocked, I suggest trying their Pro plan

Who should use Strikingly? (entrepreneurs, bloggers, small businesses)

Strikingly is not for everyone. But it fits specific groups well:

• Entrepreneurs: Need a quick landing page for a startup idea, product launch, or event? Strikingly works fast. You can capture emails, link to social media, and validate your idea before investing more.
• Bloggers: If you’re starting a simple personal blog and don’t want complex plugins, Strikingly is easy. However, for advanced SEO and monetization, WordPress is better long term.
• Small businesses: Local shops, gyms, salons, or freelancers who just need an online presence can benefit. A clean one-page site with contact info is often enough.
• Students and job seekers: Strikingly is good for resumes, portfolios, or personal branding sites. You can share your link on LinkedIn or job applications.

Who should avoid it? Medium to large businesses that need complex eCommerce, heavy blogging, or custom integrations may find Strikingly too simple.

Buyer’s Guide Summary

When choosing a website builder, focus on three things:

1. Ease of Use – If you’re a beginner or non-native English speaker, Strikingly’s interface is clean and straightforward. You can launch a site in under an hour.
2. Pricing – Free plans are good for testing, but custom domains require paid plans. Strikingly’s Pro plan (about $12/month billed yearly) is cheaper than Wix or Squarespace.
3. Features – Strikingly prioritizes one-page layouts. That means limited deep navigation but faster loading, great for mobile users.
4. Support – 24/7 live chat and community forums help if you’re stuck.

For freelancers, students, and small service businesses (photographers, tutors, consultants), Strikingly gives you just enough tools without extra complexity.

In-Depth Strikingly Review

Strikingly pricing plans explained (Free, Limited, Pro, VIP)

Pricing matters for anyone comparing website builders. Here’s how Strikingly stacks up in 2025:

1. Free Plan – Great for testing. You get unlimited free sites but with a Strikingly subdomain and limited features.
2. Limited Plan – Connect your own domain, get 1 GB storage, and access to basic features.
3. Pro Plan – The most popular. Offers 3 sites, unlimited bandwidth, custom forms, password protection, and full template access.
4. VIP Plan – Premium support, advanced analytics, newsletters, and priority response from customer service.

For most small businesses and freelancers, the Pro Plan is the sweet spot. It balances cost with enough features to build a solid website.

🔑 Features of Strikingly

Strikingly is built to make website creation as simple as possible. Instead of giving you endless menus and confusing design tools, it focuses on the essentials that most small businesses, freelancers, and creators actually need.

1. Templates & Design

• Over 200 clean, modern templates
• All templates are mobile-first and responsive
• Sections for hero banners, services, testimonials, galleries, and calls to action
• Templates can be switched without losing content

2. Drag-and-Drop Editor

• Beginner-friendly, block-based editing
• No coding required, but custom HTML/CSS/JS allowed on Pro plan
• Real-time editing: what you see in the editor is exactly how it looks live

3. Domain & Hosting

• Free subdomain (yoursite.strikingly.com) on the Free plan
• Custom domains available on Limited plan and above
• Managed hosting with SSL security included

4. Built-in Online Store

• Free plan lets you sell one product
• Pro plan supports up to 500 products
• Payments via PayPal, Stripe, or Square
• Digital downloads, coupons, and shipping options available

5. Blogging Capabilities

• Add a blog section for updates, news, or SEO content
• Posts automatically styled to match your template
• Supports images, videos, and embedded content

6. SEO & Analytics

• Custom meta titles, descriptions, and alt text
• Built-in visitor analytics (traffic, devices, location)
• Easy integration with Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel

7. Third-Party Integrations

• Mailchimp for email marketing
• Google Maps for local businesses
• Social embeds (Instagram, YouTube, Twitter)
• Appointment scheduling via Calendly
• Live chat widgets

8. Collaboration & Membership

• Invite team members to edit sites
• Password-protected pages for exclusive content

Membership sites available on higher-tier plans

“Not sure which plan to choose? Start free and upgrade later if you need more features here

Strikingly pros and cons compared to other builders

Pros	Cons
Easy to use for beginners	Limited deep customization
Free plan available	Not great for complex e-commerce
Mobile-optimized templates	SEO tools are basic compared to WordPress
Affordable pricing	Multi-page sites only from Pro plan
Fast setup (under 1 hour)	Limited third-party app store

👉 Try Strikingly Free

⚖️ Why Choose Strikingly Over Other Builders?

When people look for a website builder, they usually compare Strikingly to Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly. But here’s the thing: those platforms are heavier, more complex, and more expensive. Strikingly wins by focusing on what beginners and small businesses need most—speed, simplicity, and affordability.

1. Ease of Use

• Strikingly is designed so anyone can publish a site in under an hour.
• Competitors like Wix and Squarespace give more control, but that also means more confusion.
• If you don’t want a steep learning curve, Strikingly is the easiest path.

👉 Verdict: Strikingly is the simplest to learn and launch.

2. Templates & Design

• Strikingly offers 200+ mobile-ready templates built for one-page layouts.
• Unlike Wix with 900+ templates, Strikingly keeps things straightforward—no overwhelming design options.
• Squarespace has beautiful designs, but they require more setup.

👉 Verdict: Strikingly gives clean, mobile-first designs without complexity.

3. Selling Products

• Strikingly’s built-in store lets you start small (1 product free, up to 500 on Pro).
• Competitors like Wix and Squarespace support larger shops, but that’s often overkill for freelancers or local businesses.
• If you want to test digital or physical product sales quickly, Strikingly is enough.

👉 Verdict: Strikingly is ideal for small-scale e-commerce and digital sellers.

4. SEO & Marketing

• Strikingly offers all the basics: titles, descriptions, alt text, and simple analytics.
• Wix and Squarespace provide advanced SEO, but for most small sites, the basics are all you need.
• Strikingly also integrates easily with Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and Facebook Pixel.

👉 Verdict: Strikingly covers essential SEO without overwhelming you.

5. Pricing

• Strikingly’s Pro plan starts at $12/month (yearly), which is cheaper than Wix or Squarespace at $16/month+.
• Free plan is generous—unlimited sites, though with Strikingly branding.
• Perfect for testing ideas before upgrading.

👉 Verdict: Strikingly is the most budget-friendly way to own a custom website.

Final Take on Comparison

Strikingly isn’t trying to be everything for everyone. Instead, it’s the best option for beginners, freelancers, and local businesses who need a clean, mobile-friendly website without wasting time or money.

If you want an easy-to-manage one-page site that works, Strikingly beats the heavyweights every time.

💡 Use Case Scenarios for Strikingly

Strikingly isn’t just about making a pretty website. Here’s how real people use it to make money, build authority, and connect with audiences:

1. Freelancers & Creatives

• Showcase your portfolio with a one-page design
• Add a “Hire Me” button with direct PayPal payments
• Use blog posts to show expertise and attract clients

2. Small Local Businesses

• Restaurants: post your menu, opening hours, and Google Maps location
• Salons or gyms: add appointment forms and package pricing
• Tutors or coaches: display services and collect leads via forms

3. E-Commerce Entrepreneurs

• Test a product idea with a single-page shop
• Sell digital products (ebooks, templates, online courses)
• Offer recurring subscriptions with Stripe

4. Event Organizers

• Simple RSVP pages for weddings, conferences, or workshops
• Embed Google Maps for venue directions
• Collect attendee emails for future promotions

5. Affiliate Marketers & Bloggers

• Build quick product review landing pages with affiliate links
• Add SEO-focused blog posts for organic traffic
• Grow email lists using embedded sign-up forms

6. Students & Personal Branding

• Create a resume site that works as a digital CV
• Highlight academic projects and LinkedIn profile
• Showcase side hustles or freelance services

Side by Side Feature Comparison

Feature	Strikingly	Wix	Squarespace	Weebly
Free Plan	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Ease of Use	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
E-commerce	Up to 500 products (Pro)	Full store	Advanced store	Limited
SEO Tools	Basic	Strong	Strong	Moderate
Templates	200+	900+	150+	80+
Mobile Ready	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best For	Simple sites	Small biz, blogs	Creatives, design	Local stores

Verdict: Strikingly is best if you want speed + simplicity. For complex stores or deep blogs, go with Wix or Squarespace.

Strikingly vs Wix: Which is better for beginners?

Both Strikingly and Wix are popular drag-and-drop website builders. The difference comes down to simplicity versus flexibility.

• Strikingly is designed for one-page websites and quick launches. If you’re building a personal portfolio, startup landing page, or event website, it feels straightforward. The editor is minimal, and you won’t get lost in options.
• Wix, on the other hand, gives you more design freedom. You can customize layouts, add complex widgets, and build multi-page sites. But with that freedom comes complexity. Beginners may feel overwhelmed with so many tools.

Verdict: If your priority is speed and ease, Strikingly wins. If you want full design control, Wix is better.

Strikingly vs Squarespace: Which one should you choose?

Squarespace is known for its stunning templates and powerful CMS features. Designers love it for visual projects like photography portfolios or online magazines.

• Squarespace strengths: Beautiful template designs, advanced blogging, strong SEO tools, and built-in marketing integrations like email campaigns.
• Strikingly strengths: Faster setup, mobile-responsive by default, and easier for non-tech users.

Where Squarespace requires some learning, Strikingly is about getting online quickly. For small businesses that just need an online presence without heavy content management, Strikingly is more practical.

Verdict: Go with Squarespace if brand aesthetics and advanced content matter. Choose Strikingly if you just need to launch and keep things simple.

Strikingly vs WordPress: Is simple better?

WordPress is the industry standard for building websites. It powers more than 40% of the internet. But it’s not always beginner-friendly.

• WordPress offers unmatched flexibility. With plugins and themes, you can build anything from a blog to a large e-commerce store. But you must handle hosting, security, and plugin management. That adds complexity.
• Strikingly handles all the technical parts for you: hosting, domain setup, SSL, and updates. You only focus on content and design.

If you want control and scalability, WordPress is unbeatable. But if you just want a website that works without touching code, Strikingly is a smarter choice.

Which Strikingly plan is best for small businesses?

Strikingly offers several pricing tiers: Free, Limited, Pro, and VIP. Choosing the right plan depends on what stage your business is in.

• Free Plan: Good for testing, but it comes with Strikingly branding and a “.mystrikingly.com” subdomain. For a professional business, this looks unpolished.
• Limited Plan ($12/month annually): Lets you connect a custom domain and remove most branding. Best for solo professionals who just need a portfolio or a single service page.
• Pro Plan ($20/month annually): Unlocks ecommerce, multiple pages, pop-ups, and more bandwidth. This is the sweet spot for small businesses, especially if you want to sell products, book appointments, or capture leads.
• VIP Plan ($59/month annually): Includes priority support, unlimited sites, and extra storage. Mostly suited for agencies managing multiple websites.

Verdict: For most small businesses, the Pro Plan is the best balance of features and price. You get ecommerce tools, analytics, and the ability to scale without heavy upfront costs.

Strikingly free vs paid plans — should you upgrade?

The free plan is attractive if you’re just experimenting. You can create one-page websites, use free templates, and get SSL security included. It works fine for personal projects or a quick landing page.

But here’s what you miss with free:

• No custom domain (you’re stuck with yourname.mystrikingly.com).
• Strikingly branding stays visible.
• Limited features for SEO and ecommerce.

When you upgrade to a paid plan, you unlock key benefits:

• Custom domain connection (vital for branding).
• More storage and bandwidth (important as traffic grows).
• Ecommerce features (sell up to 300 products on Pro).
• Access to live chat support.

Should you upgrade? Yes, if your site is for business or professional use. Free works for a hobby, but a brand with its own domain always looks more trustworthy.

Strikingly Pro plan review — is it worth it?

The Pro Plan is Strikingly’s most popular choice. At around $20/month (cheaper if billed yearly), it opens up everything small businesses actually need.

Here’s what you get:

• Multiple pages (instead of just one scrolling page).
• Online store with up to 300 products.
• Membership features to build a small community.
• Custom forms and popups for lead generation.
• Third-party app integrations (Google Analytics, Mailchimp, PayPal, etc.).
• 24/7 support via live chat.

The real value is that you don’t need to touch a line of code. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy, and all templates are mobile responsive by default.

Who should choose Pro?

• Ecommerce shops with fewer than 300 products.
• Consultants and agencies needing client forms.
• Local businesses that want a professional, fast site without hiring a developer.

Verdict: If your site is central to your business, the Pro Plan is absolutely worth it.

I personally recommend the Pro plan — it unlocks the best features for business owners. Sign up today

How to create your first website with Strikingly (step-by-step tutorial)

One of Strikingly’s strongest points is speed. You can have a working site live in less than an hour. Here’s how:

1. Sign up — Create a free account on Strikingly.com.
2. Pick a template — Choose from niches like business, portfolio, ecommerce, events, or personal branding. All are responsive on mobile.
3. Edit with drag-and-drop — Add text, images, videos, forms, or a store section. You don’t need any coding.
4. Customize branding — Upload your logo, set brand colors, and adjust typography.
5. Add a custom domain — If you’re on a paid plan, connect your own domain or buy one directly from Strikingly.
6. Set up ecommerce or booking — Add products, services, or appointment forms if needed.
7. Enable SEO tools — Add meta titles, descriptions, and keywords to improve Google visibility.
8. Publish — Hit publish, and your site is live instantly with SSL encryption.

The learning curve is almost zero compared to platforms like WordPress. That’s why non-tech users love it.

✅ Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Strikingly?

Best for:

• Freelancers and consultants who need a portfolio fast
• Students building personal resume sites
• Local businesses like salons, restaurants, or gyms
• Event organizers who need landing pages with RSVP forms
• Beginners who want a no-stress entry into website building

Not recommended for:

• Large online stores with thousands of products
• Bloggers who need advanced SEO or content management
• Agencies managing multiple complex websites

👉 If you want a lightweight, professional website without headaches, Strikingly is a fit.

Strikingly discounts, coupons, and promo codes

Strikingly regularly offers discounts if you pay annually instead of monthly. For example:

• Save up to 50% with a 5-year plan.
• Occasional promo codes during holidays (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year).
• Student discounts if you apply via Strikingly EDU program.

Tip: If you’re on the free plan, keep an eye on your dashboard. Strikingly often shows exclusive upgrade coupons there.

Strikingly Anniversary Sale – 30% Off!

Strikingly is offering a limited-time discount — grab it here before it’s gone.

Strikingly refund policy explained — is it risk-free?

Yes, Strikingly offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. That means if you upgrade and realize it’s not right for you, you can request a full refund within two weeks.

Important details:

• Refund only applies to the first purchase.
• Renewals or domain registrations usually aren’t refundable.
• You need to submit a request via their support team.

So while it’s not “risk-free forever,” you do get a trial window to test paid features without long-term commitment.

Strikingly customer reviews: What real users say

Looking at user feedback helps to understand how Strikingly performs in practice. Here are common themes from customer reviews:

• Ease of use: Most users praise the simple editor. They like that they can build a site in under an hour without coding.
• Customer support: Many highlight the 24/7 live chat as responsive and friendly.
• Limitations: Advanced users often mention the lack of customization. Some wish for more plugin options and deeper SEO controls.
• Pricing value: Reviews show that freelancers and small business owners find the Pro plan worth it. But large businesses see the VIP plan as expensive for what it offers.

Overall, the sentiment is positive among beginners and entrepreneurs who value speed over complexity.

End Recap

Strikingly keeps things simple: one-page sites, clean templates, and quick setup. It’s best for freelancers, students, and small businesses who need an online presence without coding. If you want to launch fast and focus on your work instead of web design, Strikingly is a smart choice.

👉 Start with the free plan, then upgrade when you’re ready to connect your domain or sell products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Strikingly free forever?
Yes, but free sites show Strikingly branding and don’t allow custom domains.

2. Can I sell products with Strikingly’s free plan?
Yes, but only one product. If you want to sell multiple items or run a small store, the Pro plan lets you list up to 500 products with PayPal, Stripe, or Square integration.

3. Is Strikingly good for SEO?
Basic SEO settings are available (titles, meta tags, alt text). For local SEO, adding a custom domain and business keywords works well.

4. Do I need coding skills?
No. Drag-and-drop editing is beginner-friendly. Pro users can add custom code if needed.

5. Can I blog on Strikingly?
Yes. You can add simple blog posts, but it’s not as advanced as WordPress.

6. Is Strikingly cheaper than Wix or Squarespace?
Yes. Strikingly’s Pro plan starts at $12/month, while Wix and Squarespace start at around $16/month or more. For beginners or small businesses, Strikingly is the most budget-friendly choice

7. Does Strikingly have enough SEO for small businesses?
Yes. Strikingly covers the basics—meta titles, descriptions, alt text, and Google Analytics integration. For local SEO or small business sites, this is usually enough. If you need advanced SEO features like schema or advanced blogging, you may outgrow it.

8. Can I create a multi-page website with Strikingly?
Yes, but only on the Pro plan or higher. The Free and Limited plans focus on one-page websites, which are perfect for portfolios and landing pages.

6. Who should use Strikingly?
Strikingly is best for:

• Freelancers needing a fast portfolio site
• Local businesses (cafés, salons, gyms, tutors)
• Students creating resume websites
• Event organizers building RSVP pages
• Beginners who want to avoid technical complexity

7. How fast can I launch a website with Strikingly?
Most users can launch a simple site in under an hour. Pick a template, replace text and images, add a contact form, and hit publish.

8. Does Strikingly support mobile optimization?
Yes. All Strikingly templates are responsive and designed with mobile-first layouts. This ensures fast load times and better Google rankings.

Final verdict: Is Strikingly worth using in 2025?

Here’s the thing: Strikingly isn’t trying to compete with WordPress or Wix on complexity. Its entire value lies in speed, simplicity, and affordability.

• If you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business, Strikingly is more than enough. You get a polished website with ecommerce, forms, and SEO tools for a reasonable price.
• If you’re an agency or need advanced customization, you might feel limited compared to Squarespace or Webflow.
• But for the majority of small businesses worldwide, Strikingly hits the sweet spot between ease of use and functionality.

In short: Strikingly is perfect if you want to launch fast, look professional, and focus on your business instead of learning web development.

👉 Ready to launch your site? Get started with Strikingly today Jump Here

Best Strikingly templates for small businesses

Templates are the heart of any website builder. Strikingly offers clean, mobile-ready designs across categories:

• Startup & Tech: Templates with modern layouts and call-to-action buttons, perfect for SaaS or app landing pages.
• Retail & E-commerce: Product-focused designs with space for images and pricing.
• Consulting & Services: Professional layouts with contact forms and testimonials.
• Creative Portfolios: Minimalist styles that highlight photography, design, or writing.

The standout feature is that all templates are responsive. Your site looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile without extra work.

Strikingly for e-commerce — is it good for selling online?

Yes, but with limits.

Strikingly includes a Simple Store feature where you can sell digital or physical products. It supports PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay for payments. Inventory management and product variations are available in paid plans.

• Strengths: Easy setup, no need for plugins, supports up to 500 products in Pro plan.
• Weaknesses: Limited compared to Shopify or WooCommerce. No advanced marketing features like abandoned cart recovery.

If your goal is a small online shop or testing products, Strikingly is fine. For a full-scale e-commerce brand, you may outgrow it.

Can you build a blog with Strikingly?

Yes. Strikingly has a built-in blogging feature, but it’s basic compared to WordPress.

• Pros: Easy to add posts, SEO settings for titles and descriptions, supports images and videos.
• Cons: No advanced categorization, limited plugin support, and fewer design options for blog layouts.

If you’re running a personal blog or adding a blog to a business site for SEO, it works. But if you plan to scale into a content-heavy publication, you’ll feel the limits.