Website builders have torn down the technical walls that used to make creating a website tricky.
A website builder is a tool that can be used to create a range of websites without the need to code. Website builders typically come with built in web hosting and drag and drop editors. Many website builders offer AI tools to help you create and manage your website quickly and easily.
Long gone are the days of having to spend countless hours coding entire websites from scratch. Now simply sign up for one of the best website builders, drag and drop the elements you want (or ask AI to do it for you), hit publish, and just like that - your website is live.
This has made website building easier, cheaper, and significantly faster than ever before. So, it is little wonder why the website builder market has exploded in growth in recent years.
But what is a website builder? How do website builders work? And what can a website builder do for you?
We answer these questions in this article.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a tool designed to allow you to set up, create, and design a website without any need for coding skills or experience.
The goal of a website builder is to make it as easy as possible to create a website whilst offering enough flexibility to ensure that your website looks and works in the way you want. All whilst removing the need to hire a designer or developer, helping you save money.
Depending on the website builder you pick, you will be able to create a website by dragging and dropping the elements you want onto a page, selecting and editing a predesigned template, or describing the website you want to an AI bot and then letting it create your website for you - although many website builder let you do all 3.
Although some website builders allow you to edit your website's code, offering you a greater level of flexibility, the majority of platforms require zero coding knowledge. So, you can easily create a website in the comfort of your home while sipping your coffee.
How do website builders work?
There are two types of website builders: Online and offline. You will need to download an offline website builder to your computer to use it, online website builders can be used directly through your browser. The majority of the most popular website builders are now online.
Getting started with a website builder depends on the builder you pick. As described earlier, there are 3 main routes to creating a website via a website building platform:
Drag and drop
With a drag and drop website editor, you will be offered a blank web page and then provided with a list of elements such as text blocks, titles, images, and videos which you can drag and drop into pre-defined areas. This can be a simple approach and allows for some customization, but can occasionally lack the flexibility people are looking for.
Templates
Another approach is to select from a list of predesigned templates. Once you have found and selected the one you like, you will then be able to customize the text and other content to achieve the website you are looking for.
Again, this can be a great approach to website building, but can limit your design.
AI-powered
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the most recent addition to modern website builders. With these builders, you will usually start be asked several questions by an AI bot. That bot will then use the information you provide to create a website for you, complete with text and images.
Although some website builders just offer one of these options, many, such as Wix and Squarespace, offer an all-in-one approach, allowing you to create and edit your website in the best way for you.
Why use a website builder?
There are dozens of reasons why you need and should use a website builder. In this section, we will be unveiling the top five reasons why you should use a website builder:
1. Cost-effective: Using a website builder can save you a fair chunk of cash over time. This is because you will no longer have to pay a huge amount of money to a website developer to build your website.
Website builders come with various affordable plans for you to choose from, although the more advanced the tool, typically the more it costs.
2. Easy to use: Nothing is more complicated or confusing than wanting to build a website that requires technical know-how when you do not know coding.
A website builder makes it easier and less complicated to build your website without any technical know-how. You can simply choose from a list of professionally designed templates to start your website design journey. Its drag-and-drop interface makes designing easier for anyone to create a website.
3. Low maintenance: You don't have to worry about how to maintain your website because your website builder will do this seamlessly behind the scenes.
This ensures that your website is secured, allowing you to focus more on building and growing your online presence. A website builder helps to cut you off from any maintenance hassle.
4. Customization: One feature users love about website builders is their customization power. Website builders offer a wide range of themes, templates, colors, fonts, and layouts to choose from which enables you to create a stunning website that reflects your brand.
Customization levels differs from each website builder, making it possible that you won't create a website that looks just like everyone elses. This is a unique feature. Many builders also allow you to add extra features to your website like forms, subscribe buttons, galleries, blogs, etc. Most also come with some plugins for easy customization of your site.
5. Support and resources: The majority of website builders provide customers with enough support and resources to assist them with whatever issue they might have.
This typically comes in many forms ranging from lie chat and email support to community forms and how-to resources.
10 things to look for in a website builder
1. Ease of use: Make sure the website builder you choose makes is easy to navigate and has user-friendly tools.
2. Template and design: Check the diverse design options it offers. Look for one that aligns with your website's purpose.
3. Price & Fees: This is the first thing you should check before choosing a website builder. When looking for a website builder, look into things like domain registration, and hosting, and then choose the most reasonably priced plan depending on your budget. It is also worth checking any additional fees you may need to pay such as transaction fees on ecommerce sales.
4. Features: Before choosing a website builder, you need to consider the features it offers and the features you need. These features might include powerful SEO tools, website analytics, ecommerce functionality, and an SSL certificate.
5. Mobile responsiveness: This is very important as more internet users access the web via mobile devices.
6. Customization: You need to be sure you can easily customize any template into something stunning and exceptional. Make sure the website builder you choose provides an easy and less complicated way to edit, organize, and add pages to your website.
7. Scalability and growth: You need to choose a website builder that can accommodate your future needs and growth plans for your website as it evolves.
8. Third-party integration: Third-party integrations are often available through built in app stores. These can be a great way to expand the functionality of your website with ease. So, check out what your chosen website builder has to offer before you buy.
9. Marketing tools: Marketing your website is essential to success. Check what marketing tools the website builder has. Some worth noting include built in email marketing, social media scheduling, and blogging tools.
10. Support: Access the quality of support providers offered by the website builder. Run away from the website builder without any support system set up.
Should I use a website builder?
The answer to this depends on your requirements.
Using a website builder makes it easier and faster to build a website that requires less effort and no technical knowledge. Taking this approach is typically easier and cheaper than hiring a website developer or designer.
However, in some cases, picking a website builder can limit your website’s abilities and leave you subject to potential price rises.
Which website builder is right for me?
Again, it depends on your goals and circumstances. We have created a host of helpful guides to help you find what you are looking for.
For those looking for something that covers all the bases, we have created a list of the best website builders on the market, making it easy to find the one that meets your needs.
Small businesses will typically be looking for something with plenty of power that doesn’t break the bank. In this case, our list of the best small business website builders would be a valuable resource for you.
Those looking to create a great website quickly and easily would benefit from checking out our guide to the best AI website builders. Agencies and freelancers that need plenty of power and control over the website building process can review our list of the best website builders for agencies.
Finally, if you are looking to build a website on a shoestring budget, then our list of the best free website builders is what you need.
Final thoughts
If you are looking to get online quickly, easily, and at an affordable price then a website builder is what you need. As website builders continue to develop, they expand the website building capabilities of those with little or no coding knowledge.
This article has told you everything you need to know about what a website builder is, how website builders work, and which one might be right for you. All there is to do now is get started!
