A website is essential for both businesses and individuals. However, not everyone has the technical skills or resources to build a website from scratch. That’s why website builders come in handy, especially for beginners in web design.
In this article, we’ll explore what website builders are, how they work, and their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
- What is a Website Builder?
- How a Website Builder Works
- Why Use a Website Builder?
- What Can You Do with a Website Builder?
- The Pros and Cons of Using a Website Builder
- Most Popular Website Builders
- The Price of Popular Website Builders
What is a Website Builder?
A website builder is a software tool that allows you to create a website without having any coding knowledge. Website builders typically use drag-and-drop interfaces that let you add and edit content, as well as choose from a range of templates and design options. Using this tool, you can create a professional-looking website that suits your preferences and purpose quickly and easily.
How a Website Builder Works
Website builders work by providing you with a user-friendly interface that lets you design and customize your website. They typically offer a variety of templates and themes that you can choose from, which can save you a lot of time and effort. You can then customize the template by adding your content, such as text, images, and videos. Most website builders also offer widgets and plugins that you can use to add additional functionality to your site, such as contact forms, social media integration, and ecommerce features.
Why Use a Website Builder?
Website builders are an excellent option for anyone who wants to create a website quickly and easily without the need for technical skills or knowledge in coding, helping you not only save time but also money.
What Can You Do with a Website Builder?
With a website builder, you can create a range of websites, from simple blogs to complex ecommerce sites. You can customize your site with a variety of design options, including colors, fonts, and layouts. You can also add functionality to your site using widgets and plugins. With ecommerce website builders like Shopify, you can even set up an online store and accept payments from customers with ease.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Website Builder
Like any tool, website builders have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a website builder:
Pros
- Ease of use: Website builders are designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates that make it easy to create a website swiftly.
- Affordability: Website builders are often more affordable than hiring a professional web designer or developer, making them an attractive option for individuals and businesses on a budget.
- Customization options: While website builders do not offer the same level of customization as a website built from scratch, they still offer a wide range of customization options to make your website unique, functional, and beautiful.
Cons
- Limited flexibility: Because website builders use pre-built templates, there may be limitations to how much you can customize your website’s design and functionality.
- Potential for web bloat: Some website builders add unnecessary code to your website, which can cause it to bloat or slow down and negatively impact its performance.
- Learning curve: While website builders are designed to be user-friendly, there is still a learning curve involved in using them effectively.
Most Popular Website Builders
WordPress
WordPress is a platform that allows you to create and manage your website or blog. It offers a plethora of customizable templates and themes, as well as plugins and other tools for enhancing your website’s functionality, which makes it a great option for those who want more control over their website’s design and functionality. WordPress is also the most popular CMS (Content Management System), powering over 40% of websites all over the world.
Related: Why Choose WordPress? The 7 Benefits of Using WordPress for Your Website
Shopify
Specifically designed for creating online stores, Shopify offers a wide array of customizable templates and features for managing your inventory, accepting payments, and shipping your products.
Related: Why Use Shopify for Your Website: 8 Practical Reasons
Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builders, with over 200 million users worldwide. It offers various customizable templates and design tools that you can utilize to create a beautiful web design. It enables you to create a website for free or choose from a range of premium plans that offer additional features and support, as well as other features such as ecommerce functionality, SEO optimization, and analytics
Squarespace
Squarespace is geared toward creative professionals, artists, and small businesses. Known for its sleek and modern design, it offers a variety of customizable templates and easy-to-use design tools, as well as features for selling products and managing appointments.
Weebly
Weebly lets you create a website, blog, or online store, offering drag-and-drop interface and several customizable templates. This website builder also comes with features such as ecommerce functionality, SEO optimization, and mobile responsiveness.
Here is a comparison table of the features and capabilities, as well as the pricing of the following website builders: WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.
| Feature/Capability | WordPress | Shopify | Wix | Squarespace | Weebly |
| E-commerce functionality | Yes (with WooCommerce plugin) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Customization options | Extensive | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Mobile responsiveness | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blogging capabilities | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SEO optimization | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment gateways | 140+ | 100+ | 20+ | Stripe & PayPal | Square |
| Templates | 10,000+ | 100+ | 900+ | 100+ | 40+ |
| Free plan available | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pricing (starting from) | Free | $29/month | $14/month | $16/month | $6/month |
Note: The pricing listed above is based on the starting price of each website builder’s e-commerce plan as of April 2023. It is subject to change based on the website builder’s updates and promotions.
The Price of Popular Website Builders
Keep in mind that the cost of a website builder will depend on the specific features and tools you need for your website. It’s important to consider your budget, the complexity of the platform, and the specific features you need when choosing a website builder.
Website builders offer a user-friendly and accessible way to create a professional-looking website without needing extensive technical knowledge or experience. With a range of customizable templates and design tools available, you can create a website that is tailored to your needs and goals. Whether you’re creating a personal blog, an online store, or a business website, there are website builders available to help you achieve your goals.
Do you need help with the web design of your business? Contact us today, and we’ll be glad to assist you!