Odoo Website Builder: Complete Guide to Create and Manage Websites

1. Introduction to Odoo Website

In today’s digital landscape, having a robust and functional website is essential for any business. Whether it’s a simple brochure site or a complex eCommerce platform, the ability to create and manage a website effectively can significantly impact a company’s online success. This is where the Odoo Website builder comes into play.

Odoo, a comprehensive business management suite, offers a powerful website builder as part of its integrated ERP solution. Known for its flexibility and extensive set of modules, Odoo is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for businesses looking to manage their operations—from CRM and accounting to inventory and now, websites—all within one unified system.

The Odoo Website Builder is more than just a tool for creating webpages. It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Odoo modules, making it possible to integrate your website with eCommerce, marketing, sales, and customer service operations. In this article, we’ll delve into the key features of the Odoo Website Builder, how it benefits businesses, and provide a step-by-step guide on building your site using Odoo. We’ll also explore how it compares with other popular website builders and offer tips for optimizing your Odoo website for search engines.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Odoo Website Builder’s capabilities and how it can help you establish a compelling online presence.

2. What is the Odoo Website Builder?

The Odoo Website Builder is a fully integrated content management system (CMS) that allows businesses to create and manage websites with ease. Positioned as part of the broader Odoo ERP suite, it stands out from other CMS platforms by providing a unified approach to website management and business operations. Unlike standalone website builders such as WordPress or Wix, Odoo’s builder is inherently connected to various Odoo modules, including eCommerce, CRM, and inventory, making it ideal for businesses that want a single platform to handle all aspects of their operations.

With the Odoo Website Builder, users can create visually appealing websites using a drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates, and a range of built-in widgets. These widgets cover everything from image sliders and dynamic forms to embedded social media elements, ensuring that even users without coding experience can build professional websites.

The platform also offers advanced customization options for developers. With access to Odoo’s underlying Python-based framework, users can extend functionalities or create entirely new modules, making it a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.

In essence, the Odoo Website Builder is more than just a tool for creating a digital storefront—it’s a part of an all-in-one ERP system that ties together web presence, eCommerce, sales, and more into a seamless experience.

3. Key Features of the Odoo Website Builder

The Odoo Website Builder comes equipped with a range of features designed to simplify website creation while providing powerful customization options. Below are some of its key features that set it apart:

3.1 Drag-and-Drop Editor

One of the core features of Odoo’s website builder is its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, which allows users to design pages effortlessly. This tool enables users to add elements such as text blocks, images, buttons, and more without touching a single line of code. Simply choose an element, drag it to the desired location, and customize it to fit your needs.

3.2 Pre-built Templates

Odoo provides a variety of professionally designed templates that can be customized to suit different business needs. Users can select a template based on their industry (e.g., retail, services, or corporate) and then personalize it by modifying colors, fonts, and layouts. This flexibility allows businesses to create unique, branded websites quickly.

3.3 SEO Optimization Tools

SEO is critical for any website looking to gain visibility in search engines. The Odoo Website Builder includes built-in SEO tools, such as meta tag editors, automatic sitemap generation, and URL structure optimization. These features help ensure that your site is search-engine friendly right from the start.

3.4 E-commerce Integration

For businesses looking to sell online, Odoo’s Website Builder seamlessly integrates with its eCommerce module. This integration allows for easy management of product listings, payment gateways, shipping options, and inventory tracking—all from a single interface. You can even enable features like abandoned cart recovery and automated follow-up emails to increase sales conversions.

3.5 Multi-language and Multi-website Support

Odoo makes it easy to create multilingual websites, enabling businesses to reach a global audience. The platform supports multiple languages and currencies, and allows for easy translation management. Furthermore, Odoo’s multi-website capability enables businesses to run several sites from one database, each with its own domain, design, and content.

3.6 Blogging and Content Management

Content marketing is an essential part of any digital strategy. Odoo’s blogging tools allow users to create, edit, and publish blog posts directly from the website builder. The built-in blog editor includes features like scheduled publishing, comment moderation, and social sharing options to maximize engagement.

Each of these features is built to ensure that users can create professional-grade websites while leveraging the full power of Odoo’s ERP functionalities.

4. Benefits of Using Odoo Website for Businesses

The Odoo Website Builder isn’t just about creating beautiful websites—it’s about delivering business value through tight integration with Odoo’s ERP system. Here are some of the key benefits of using Odoo Website for your business:

4.1 Complete ERP Integration

Odoo’s website builder is natively integrated with the rest of the Odoo ecosystem, which includes CRM, inventory management, sales, and more. This means that your website isn’t a standalone entity—it’s a part of a broader operational framework that streamlines data sharing and process automation. For instance, customer data collected through web forms can be instantly synced with the CRM module, enabling more personalized marketing and sales efforts.

4.2 User-Friendly Interface

The Odoo Website Builder’s interface is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The drag-and-drop builder, combined with the ability to preview changes in real-time, ensures that even non-technical users can build and maintain websites effortlessly. This reduces the dependency on developers and designers, making it a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses.

4.3 Customizability and Flexibility

Odoo’s open-source nature means that businesses can customize the platform extensively to fit their unique needs. Whether it’s creating custom page layouts, adding third-party integrations, or building new modules from scratch, Odoo provides the tools needed for deep customization.

4.4 Cost Efficiency

Compared to other website builders that often require additional plugins or third-party tools for complete functionality, Odoo offers a cost-effective solution. Because it’s a part of a comprehensive ERP, businesses save on integration and licensing costs that they would otherwise incur by using multiple disconnected systems.

These benefits make Odoo Website a strong contender for businesses looking to build scalable, feature-rich websites that are tightly integrated with their operational workflows.

5. How to Build a Website Using Odoo: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a website using the Odoo Website Builder is a straightforward process. Below is a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Setting Up the Odoo Website Module

• Begin by logging into your Odoo instance and navigating to the Website module.
• If the Website module is not already installed, add it from the Apps section.
• Once installed, you can access the Website Builder from the main dashboard.

Step 2: Choosing and Customizing a Template

• Odoo offers a variety of pre-built templates. Choose one that best matches your industry and business needs.
• Customize the template by adjusting the layout, adding your brand colors, and incorporating your company’s logo.
• Modify headers, footers, and navigation menus to fit your site’s structure.

Step 3: Adding Pages and Content

• Create essential pages like Home, About Us, and Contact using the drag-and-drop editor.
• Use widgets like text blocks, images, and buttons to build each page. You can add forms to capture leads or integrate Google Maps for your business location.

Step 4: Setting Up an Online Store (Optional)

• If you plan to sell products online, install and configure the eCommerce module.
• Add product listings, configure pricing, and set up payment gateways.
• Manage shipping options and connect your store to Odoo’s inventory management system for seamless operations.

Step 5: Launching the Website

• Preview your site to ensure everything is in place.
• Make final adjustments to SEO settings, such as meta descriptions and alt text for images.
• Once satisfied, click the Go Live button to publish your website.

Following these steps, you can have a fully functional Odoo website up and running in no time, ready to support your business goals.

6. Odoo Website vs. Other Website Builders

Choosing the right website builder for your business can be challenging, especially when there are so many options like WordPress, Shopify, and Wix. In this section, we’ll compare Odoo’s Website Builder with these popular platforms to help you decide if it’s the best fit for your needs.

6.1 Ease of Use

• Odoo: The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and requires no coding skills, making it suitable for beginners. However, the full potential of Odoo’s customization options may require some technical know-how.
• WordPress: Offers a user-friendly editor with a vast library of plugins. It’s highly customizable but has a steeper learning curve, especially when managing complex functionalities.
• Shopify: Specifically designed for eCommerce. Very easy to set up and manage an online store, but customization is limited without apps or coding.
• Wix: Best for quick and simple websites. It offers drag-and-drop editing with hundreds of templates, but lacks the scalability of more advanced platforms.

6.2 Customization and Flexibility

• Odoo: Highly customizable due to its open-source nature and modular approach. It allows users to create custom modules and workflows, making it a versatile option for diverse business needs.
• WordPress: Also highly flexible with thousands of plugins and themes. Ideal for complex websites but may require significant maintenance.
• Shopify: Limited customization options unless you use third-party apps or hire a developer.
• Wix: Provides many design options but lacks deep integration capabilities and custom development options.

6.3 Integration and Ecosystem

• Odoo: One of Odoo’s main strengths is its integration with the entire suite of Odoo apps, including CRM, inventory, accounting, and marketing automation. This ensures that your website is not just a digital storefront but an integrated part of your business.
• WordPress: Integrates with a wide variety of third-party services and platforms. However, these integrations can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.
• Shopify: Excellent for eCommerce integrations but limited for broader business management needs.
• Wix: Basic integrations for email marketing and CRM, but not suitable for complex business processes.

6.4 SEO and Marketing Tools

• Odoo: Offers built-in SEO tools like meta tags, URL structure optimization, and Google Analytics integration. You can also use Odoo’s marketing automation tools for lead nurturing and email campaigns.
• WordPress: Highly flexible for SEO with plugins like Yoast and Rank Math. Perfect for advanced SEO strategies but may require more manual setup.
• Shopify: Good SEO capabilities but limited when compared to WordPress. Best suited for product-based businesses.
• Wix: Basic SEO tools available, but customization options are limited.

6.5 Cost and Pricing

• Odoo: Offers a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you only pay for the modules you use. The open-source version is free, but the enterprise version comes with licensing fees.
• WordPress: The software is free, but costs can add up with premium themes, plugins, and hosting.
• Shopify: Pricing starts at $29/month, but costs can escalate quickly with apps and premium features.
• Wix: Plans start at $14/month, making it a cost-effective choice for simple websites, but advanced features require higher-tier plans.

Overall, if your business requires deep integration with various operations like CRM, eCommerce, and inventory, Odoo is a strong choice. For simple, standalone websites, Wix might be more suitable, while WordPress offers the most customization. Shopify remains a top option for dedicated eCommerce sites.

7. SEO Best Practices for Odoo Websites

Having a well-designed website is just the beginning. To attract organic traffic, your site needs to be optimized for search engines. Here are some best practices to enhance your Odoo website’s visibility in search results:

7.1 Optimize Meta Tags and Descriptions

• Ensure each page has a unique title tag and meta description that includes your primary keyword.
• Keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160 characters to avoid truncation in search results.
• Use Odoo’s built-in SEO tools to manage these tags effortlessly.

7.2 Create SEO-Friendly URLs

• Use short, descriptive URLs that include relevant keywords. For example, instead of /page-123, use /custom-software-development.
• Avoid using special characters or numbers in URLs, as they can confuse both users and search engines.

7.3 Use Proper Header Tags

• Structure your content using H1, H2, and H3 tags to create a logical hierarchy.
• Each page should have one H1 tag (the main title) and multiple H2/H3 tags to break down sections.

7.4 Optimize Images and Media

• Add alt text to all images to describe their content, which improves accessibility and SEO.
• Compress images using tools like TinyPNG to reduce load times, ensuring a faster user experience.

7.5 Create an XML Sitemap

• Generate an XML sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console. Odoo can automatically create sitemaps, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages.

7.6 Internal Linking

• Use internal links to connect related pages on your website. This not only helps users navigate but also distributes link equity across your site, boosting SEO.

7.7 Monitor Performance and Analytics

• Use Google Analytics and Odoo’s built-in reporting tools to track visitor behavior and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
• Regularly perform SEO audits to identify and fix any issues that may hinder your site’s performance.

By following these practices, you can improve your Odoo website’s search engine visibility and drive more organic traffic.

8. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the Odoo Website Builder is a powerful tool, users may encounter some challenges when setting up and maintaining their sites. Here are common issues and how to solve them:

8.1 Slow Page Load Speed

• Problem: Websites with large images or too many scripts can experience slow load times.
• Solution: Compress images before uploading, use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and enable Odoo’s caching features.

8.2 Limited Design Flexibility

• Problem: Users might find the default templates and blocks limiting for complex design requirements.
• Solution: Leverage Odoo’s open-source nature to develop custom templates or hire a developer to create unique layouts.

8.3 Module Compatibility Issues

• Problem: Integrating multiple Odoo modules can sometimes lead to compatibility problems.
• Solution: Test new modules in a staging environment before implementing them on your live site to avoid disruptions.

8.4 SEO Limitations

• Problem: Odoo’s default SEO options may not be as robust as dedicated SEO platforms.
• Solution: Use external tools like Yoast SEO in conjunction with Odoo to enhance your on-page optimization.

By understanding these challenges and applying the suggested solutions, businesses can make the most of their Odoo website without compromising performance or usability.

9. Case Studies: Successful Websites Built with Odoo

Here are a few real-world examples of businesses that have successfully built and scaled their websites using the Odoo Website Builder:

9.1 Company A: Streamlined E-commerce Experience

• Industry: Retail
• Challenge: Managing multiple online stores for different product lines.
• Solution: Leveraged Odoo’s multi-website capability to run several sites from a single database, each with unique designs and product catalogs.
• Result: Achieved a 30% increase in sales and reduced operational costs by 20% through streamlined management.

9.2 Company B: Enhanced Customer Engagement

• Industry: Services
• Challenge: Poor lead generation and customer engagement on their existing site.
• Solution: Implemented Odoo’s CRM and marketing automation modules to capture and nurture leads directly from the website.
• Result: Boosted lead conversion rates by 40% within six months.

9.3 Company C: Scalable Digital Transformation

• Industry: Manufacturing
• Challenge: Needed a website that could handle complex supply chain operations.
• Solution: Used Odoo’s website builder integrated with inventory, accounting, and manufacturing modules.
• Result: Reduced manual processing by 50% and improved supply chain efficiency.

These case studies demonstrate the versatility and power of the Odoo Website Builder in transforming business operations and driving online success.

10. Conclusion

The Odoo Website Builder offers a unique value proposition for businesses looking to build a strong online presence while keeping their operations integrated. With its powerful set of features, ease of use, and ability to scale, Odoo stands out as a top choice for companies that want more than just a website—they want a comprehensive solution that ties together sales, marketing, and customer management.

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large enterprise, Odoo’s flexibility and integration capabilities can support your growth and digital transformation. Start by exploring the free version or schedule a demo to see how Odoo Website can help you build a professional site and optimize your business processes.