Building websites used to be hard. But now, thanks to website builders, agencies can launch and manage tons of websites without breaking a sweat. But if you’re an agency handling 5, 10, or even 100 clients, you need a solution that goes beyond drag-and-drop tools made for solo users.
TLDR:
- Agencies need website builders that can handle many projects at once.
- The best tools allow for team collaboration, fast scaling, and client permissions.
- Look for builders with automation, white-label options, and powerful integrations.
- We’ll show you top choices and must-have features below.
Why Scale Matters for Agencies
You’re not just building a single website. You’re building a whole city of them. Each client wants custom features, fast turnarounds, and reliable performance. Without the right builder, things start to fall apart.
Managing just five clients manually? Doable. But once you hit 20 or more, it’s chaos — unless you have the right platform.
What to Look for in an Agency-Grade Website Builder
Let’s break down what makes a website builder “agency-friendly.” These aren’t just nice features—you’ll *need* them.
- Multi-site Management: You should be able to see, edit, and manage all your websites from a central dashboard.
- User Roles & Permissions: Clients only need access to their site, not your whole system.
- White-labeling: Slap your agency brand on the builder—it looks professional and keeps your brand front and center.
- Automation & Templates: Reuse layouts, SEO settings, and widgets to work faster.
- Team Collaboration: Invite designers, developers, and marketers with different access levels.
- Integrations: From CRMs to analytics and email tools, plug in your entire system.
Top Website Builders for Agencies
Let’s look at the top contenders that agencies love. They’re smart, fast, and built for pros like you.
1. Webflow
Design freedom + CMS power + scalability
Webflow is the go-to choice for design-focused agencies. It’s a visual development platform that gives you full control with clean code underneath. Its CMS is powerful, and you can build complex interactions without coding.
- Fast prototyping with animation tools
- CMS for blogs, product pages, and dynamic content
- Team plans with role-based permissions
- Client billing and easy handoff options
Downside: Slight learning curve for newbies. But once you get it, you’ll love it.
2. Wix Studio
Pre-built templates + intuitive editor + client access
Wix leveled up with Wix Studio, made just for agencies. It bridges design flexibility and scale. Your team can spin up sites fast, and there’s plenty of room for custom coding if needed.
- Multi-site dashboard to manage all clients
- Auto layout and responsive design tools
- Integrated dev tools like Velo for custom apps
- White-labeled client portal for a pro touch
Downside: While flexible, some advanced devs may feel it’s too simplified.
3. Duda
Agency-focused from the ground up
Duda isn’t just agency-friendly—it’s literally built for agencies. Everything from templates to user management screams: “Scale me!”
- Shared asset libraries and smart widgets
- Client feedback tools built into the site
- Team permissions and white-label builder
- Internal CRM to manage client communication
Downside: Less flexibility for advanced/unique layouts.
4. WordPress + Multisite + ManageWP
The classic combo – powerful, but DIY-style
If you like building from the ground up, WordPress gives unmatched flexibility. With ManageWP, agencies can update, secure, and report on dozens of websites at once.
- Unlimited creative freedom with plugins/themes
- Multisite lets you run multiple sites under one install
- ManageWP offers centralized updates and backups
- Great for SEO-heavy or content-rich sites
Downside: Requires more maintenance and security work.
Bonus Tools You’ll Want
Using a website builder is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some extras to boost your workflow and wow your clients.
- Client Portals: Tools like Notion or SuiteDash let you offer a branded, one-stop-shop for clients.
- Proposal Builders: Tools like PandaDoc or Better Proposals speed up your sales process.
- Content Management: GatherContent or Google Docs integrations help your writers and clients collaborate smoothly.
Tips for Managing Many Websites at Once
You’ve got the builder. Now how do you stay organized and efficient with 15+ live sites?
- Use Templates: Start every site with a core layout, then customize.
- Automate Reports: Clients love monthly updates. Set it up once and schedule it automatically.
- Centralize Communication: Slack, Trello, or ClickUp can help manage tasks and messages from clients.
- Don’t Skip Hosting: Use fast, secure hosting with backups. Many builders include this.
- Maintain a Launch Checklist: QA, SEO, speed tests—double-check everything before hitting publish.
Should You Build Your Own Framework?
Some larger agencies consider building their own CMS framework. This can work if you have hundreds of clients and want full control.
But remember:
- It’s expensive to build and maintain.
- You’ll need devs on staff constantly.
- Updates and security become your job forever.
If building is your main gig, building a tool might be fun. But for most, using a smart website builder is the better move.
Wrapping It Up
There are tons of website builders out there. But only a few are ready for agencies juggling multiple clients and projects. Whether you want design control (Webflow), speed (Duda), simplicity (Wix Studio), or full flexibility (WordPress), pick the platform that matches your team’s strengths.
Remember, it’s not just about building websites. It’s about *scaling them smartly*.
Go build some amazing stuff — at scale!