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

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 21, 2025 —A new Clutch survey shows 83% of small businesses now have a website, up nearly 20 points since 2018, highlighting how accessible tech is reshaping online competition. Affordable no-code builders and smart 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 report 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. 

Media Contact: 
Emily Hannah Fulcher
Brand Marketing, Clutch
press@clutch.co