Ease of Use
Respectfully, we win this category by a mile. Done-For-You by definition makes things light on your end. We'll look to you for direction and collaboration at times, but we'll certainly do all the heavy lifting.
Integrations
GoDaddy does not offer a library of third-party integrations or apps. Instead, they rely on a much more limited native platform experience. We've intentionally curated a set of third-party integrations and apps, providing a suite of tools that enable us to be surgical and effective in crafting your site.
Design Flexibility
Of the DIY platforms, GoDaddy is the least flexible. They tout the power of their AI editor as a major unlock—and it might enable you to create a basic site the fastest. But its copy is generic, and its designs are rigid with little room for customization.
Customer Service
In comparison to other DIY platforms, GoDaddy's self-help resources can feel rather thin. However, GoDaddy offers 24/7 phone support, which gives it an edge for users who want to talk to a human immediately rather than dig through help articles.
The pattern across GoDaddy and the other DIY builders is the same: support exists, but it's generalized, tiered, and built to handle volume, not your particular site. With Cornerstone21, support isn't a help desk—it's a person who already knows your site.
SEO Tools
GoDaddy and Cornerstone21 share the same SEO philosophy—covering the SEO fundamentals only (title tags, basic meta descriptions, etc.). There is no dedicated SEO app to fill the gaps.
We believe the basics are more than enough for most service-based businesses. The basics enable SEO tools out-of-the-box so you can be SEO dangerous. We'll give GoDaddy a slight advantage, but unlike with GoDaddy—should you need it—Cornerstone21 can extend SEO functionality if necessary.
Ecommerce
Like GoDaddy, Cornerstone21 is best suited for service-based businesses—creatives, consultants, and the trades. Collectively, our ecommerce tools are built for simplicity. Due to their maturity, we'll give GoDaddy a modest edge. But we're an upstart that holds our own against this blue blood.
Intellectual Property
GoDaddy operates its own closed, proprietary system. This means that should you ever want to leave GoDaddy, you must leave your site behind and start all over.
We have no desire to lock you in. From day one, you own your design and the code behind it. If we ever part ways, all the intellectual property is yours.
Security
On this front, GoDaddy and Cornerstone21 are dead even. We both use enterprise-grade security because your site's information and visitors should be protected at all times.