If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Canva, you know how addictive it can be. You hop on to make one little Instagram post… then two hours later you’ve designed a flyer, a business card, and maybe even a mood board for your dream kitchen. Canva makes things feel effortless. And now, they’ve added a website builder.
So… can you build a website on Canva?
Yes.
But here’s the real question: should you?
As a web designer and SEO strategist who works with health and fitness professionals running their own businesses, I’ve seen plenty of people try to make Canva their “forever” website. And while Canva has its place, it’s not always the right fit if you want a site that actually helps you grow your business.Let’s break this down
What Canva’s Website Builder Actually Is
Canva’s website builder is basically an extension of what you already know from designing graphics on their platform. You pick a template, drag and drop text and images, and with a few clicks, you can publish it. You don’t need coding skills, hosting setups, or complicated tech.
They even offer free hosting and a share link so you can get your site live fast. If you want to connect your own domain, you’ll need Canva Pro. It’s all very user-friendly… which is why so many people are curious about it.
A lot of people hear “website” and assume it means the same thing as what you’d get from WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify. But Canva’s version is more like a digital poster or brochure.
It’s beautiful and simple, but it’s not built to handle advanced features. You won’t find a content management system for blogging, in-depth SEO tools, or a built-in store to sell your workout plans or supplements.
There are times when a Canva website makes sense. Maybe you’re running a short-term promotion or event and just need a quick landing page. Or you’re a personal trainer putting together a simple portfolio to share with potential clients.
It’s also great for proof-of-concept sites… like a visual mockup you’ll later have developed into a full website.
The biggest mistake is using a Canva site as your main, long-term business hub when you want to grow.
If you rely on your website to bring in leads through Google search, run an online store, or publish regular content… Canva will hold you back. Mobile responsiveness can also be hit or miss, and if you skip getting your own domain, it can look less professional than you’d like.
Better Platforms for Long-Term Business Websites
If you’re serious about using your website as a true business tool — one that brings in leads, builds trust, and helps you grow — you’ll want a platform that can handle more than Canva can. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” here… the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be with updates.
WordPress
Think of WordPress as the powerhouse of website platforms. It’s insanely customizable, which means you can create anything from a simple service-based site to a massive online membership hub. Its SEO capabilities are unmatched… if ranking on Google is important to you, WordPress gives you the flexibility and control to make that happen. It’s also scalable, so you can start small and keep adding features as your business grows. The trade-off? It has a bit of a learning curve and usually works best with a designer or developer helping you set it up right from the start.
Squarespace
If you want something sleek, simple, and “all-in-one,” Squarespace is a fantastic choice. It comes with hosting, security, and beautiful templates built right in. You don’t have to worry about installing plugins or updating software… it just works. It’s perfect for health and fitness professionals who want a professional look without spending hours tinkering. The downside? It’s less flexible than WordPress, but for many business owners, that’s actually a plus — fewer decisions to make, less tech to manage.
Showit
Showit is like the dream platform for people who care a lot about visual design. You can move things exactly where you want them on the page… no rigid “drag here, drop there” rules. I love it for personal trainers, yoga instructors, or wellness coaches who want a truly one-of-a-kind site that reflects their personality and brand. Showit also integrates with WordPress for blogging, which means you get that strong SEO foundation along with the freedom to design without limits. It’s more of an investment, but if brand personality is a big deal for you, it’s worth considering.
Shopify
If selling products is your main goal — whether that’s supplements, workout gear, or downloadable training programs — Shopify is your best friend. It’s built for e-commerce from the ground up. Inventory tracking, secure payments, shipping integration… it’s all baked in. Plus, it scales beautifully whether you’re selling 10 products or 1,000. The main thing to remember is that Shopify is for stores first and foremost. If you want a content-heavy site with complex service pages, you may want to pair it with a blog on another platform or build it out strategically.
I often help my health and fitness clients choose one of these platforms, then design and optimize their site so it’s not just visually appealing… it actually works behind the scenes to bring in leads and sales. Your website should be more than an online brochure — it should be your hardest-working team member.
Signs You’ve Outgrown Canva’s Website Builder
Here’s the thing… Canva’s website builder is great for getting something up quickly, but it’s not built to be a long-term home for a growing business. If you start to feel like you’re working around your website instead of with it, that’s a big red flag.
You might have outgrown Canva if:
- You want to blog regularly to attract organic traffic
Canva doesn’t have a true blogging feature. You can technically make new “pages” for articles, but it’s clunky, hard to organize, and missing all the tools you need for SEO-friendly content. If part of your growth plan is publishing consistent blog posts to get found on Google, you’ll be frustrated fast. - You need a store with checkout built in
Canva has no built-in e-commerce tools. If you want to sell a workout program, branded merch, or supplements, you’ll have to link out to another platform for payment — which isn’t the smoothest customer experience. - You’re serious about SEO
Canva gives you minimal control over the technical side of SEO. You can’t easily set up proper meta descriptions, headings, or alt text for images the way you can on platforms like WordPress or Squarespace. And those small details are what help your site actually show up in search results. - You want to integrate booking systems, email marketing, or other tools directly into your site
Canva doesn’t offer the same level of integration as other website builders. You can drop in links or embed a few things, but it’s limited. If you want clients to book a session right on your site, join your mailing list without leaving the page, or access a members-only area… Canva can’t deliver. - You want more control over mobile design
Canva websites are “responsive” in the sense that they’ll adjust for smaller screens, but you can’t customize the mobile view separately. That means what looks good on your desktop design might look cramped or awkward on a phone.
If any of these hit close to home, it’s probably time to invest in a platform that matches your business goals. Canva can be a fun starting point, but if your website is meant to be a lead-generating, client-booking, product-selling machine… it needs a stronger foundation.
FAQs About Canva Websites
Can Canva websites rank on Google? Yes… but it’s an uphill climb with their very limited SEO tools.
Can I use my own domain? Yes, but only with Canva Pro.
Are they mobile-friendly? Kind of. They’ll adjust for mobile, but you can’t customize the mobile view like you can with other builders.
Can I sell products on a Canva site? Not directly. You’d have to link to an outside payment page.
Final Thoughts
So yes… you can build a website on Canva. And in some cases, it’s a great choice. But if your website is meant to be the heart of your business, to bring in clients, sell services, and grow your reach… you’ll quickly hit a wall.
As someone who’s been designing websites and helping health and fitness professionals with SEO for years, I can tell you… your website is an investment that pays off when it’s built on the right foundation. Canva is a fun starting point, but it’s not the long-term solution for most business owners.
If you’re wondering what platform would work best for you, I’d love to help. Let’s chat and figure out a plan that sets your business up for growth.
