17 Jun What is a Website Builder?
What is a Website Builder?
Whether you’re just starting a business or want to move your existing brick-and-mortar business online, you’ll need to locate a website builder to get you and your brand online.
Website builders come with various options, so it is crucial to find one that fits your needs.
So what is a website builder exactly?
A website builder is a software that allows you to create a website online. The software will reside on a web server at a hosting company or be part of a hosted SaaS (software as a service) platform.
Or in other words, you do not use your local computer (desktop or laptop) to hold software that will build the website. Instead, you’ll make the website online via software designed specifically for website creation.
We answer these questions — and many others — in our exhaustive guide to website builders.
Top small business website builders are:
What is a Website Builder?
Let’s start with the basics.
A website builder is a platform or program that allows you to quickly and easily create a website. These site builders help you get your piece of internet real estate set up so you can start establishing your online presence, a unique .com (or .whatever) outfitted with your brand’s elements, content, and offerings, tailored to your specific business goals.
Website builders typically feature drag-and-drop software that lets you customize elements on a page with layouts chosen from a handful (and sometimes hundreds) of available web page templates.
Website builders exist in online and offline formats, the main difference being an internet connection. An online website builder won’t require software downloads; it’ll simply work through your internet browser.
The plus?
You can work on it anytime and anywhere (with an internet connection), so you can build on the go. Most online builders come with accompanying hosting services, so you don’t have to worry about that extra technical hoop. This is an easy-to-use option for newbies.
On the other hand, offline builders function as downloadable software programs, where your computer hosts your files until you’re ready to upload them to your web host. With this option, you can work on your site offline, but this will require a little more technical know-how. Plus, you need a plan from a web host, which you’ll need to buy separately.
A website builder works basically like this:
- From your website builder’s library, pick a template that best fits your needs.
- Edit the template’s built-in elements with a click and add your own content (like images, video, social buttons, and text) to personalize your site.
- Publish!
Easy-peasy.
What’s the difference between a “hosted” solution or “self-hosted” software?
- In a hosted solution, you pay a monthly fee to have the software housed and managed by a third-party company. You don’t have to worry about finding a hosting company or software updates.
- Website builders that are self-hosted will require you to purchase a hosting plan from a third-party company, install the web builder software from another company, and you’ll need to perform software updates. Don’t let that last comment scare you. Many hosting companies will manage software updates for you; you don’t have to touch anything.
Top Considerations for Picking a Website Builder
- Custom Domain and Branding – Your website deserves a unique domain. A domain is simply the address of your website. Think of a domain like a house number used by the post office to locate you. You want your domain (aka URL) to be unique and memorable. Ensure your website builder allows for this and doesn’t make you use an extension of their URL.
- Content Ownership – You need to own your content. That may seem simple, but some platforms control your data. Like you using Facebook, Facebook has ultimate control of what resides on your profile or page. A website is your window into the world, so make sure the content you add is owned and controlled by you!
- Available Design Templates – Some website builders will offer beautiful templates that are modern in both appearance and functionality. Some others look like they were created a decade ago or, worse yet, were coded by a developer without a graphic artist’s aid. Make sure your chosen builder has a plentiful supply of templates for you to pick from and try out.
- Functionality Options – Think about the website’s purpose before hitting that buy button. Do you need e-commerce, podcast support, video integration, forum management, or lead generation? Make sure your chosen website builder supports the functionality you need and possibly want down the road. While some software options – like WordPress.org – allow you to add plugins and extensions, not all do. So, select a platform that supports your current and future needs.
- Ease of Use – Websites should be kept fresh and serve as living documents. For this to be the case, they must be easy to use and provide a WYSIWYG style editor. WYSIWYG stands for what you see is what you get. Solid website builders will make adding and editing content as easy as working in a Word file. Make sure you review your preferred builder’s content options and make sure it provides a tool you’re comfortable with using.
- Lead Generation Opportunities – A good website will produce positive results for its owners. In many cases, this means lead generation. Not all website builders will make this easy, so consider the software and its ability to add quickly, edit, or customize intake forms.
- Customization Availability – In many cases, the off-the-shelf templates won’t be a perfect fit for your website. You might need to customize the colors or layout slightly. Review your website software’s options and make sure you can edit the design and layout as needed.
- Multimedia Support – We live in a multimedia world. People expect written content, videos, images, and audio files. A quality software package will offer all these and allow you to add such files effortlessly.
- Search Engine Optimization – If you build it, they will come. Well, not exactly. You need quality SEO for your website to rank and increase search traffic. Make sure your software has powerful SEO features as part of the core software or allows you to add features via an extension. You should be able to create SEO-friendly URLs, headers, meta titles, meta descriptions, alt text, XML sitemaps, and appropriate robot.txt file options.
- Mobile Responsiveness – In 2017, Google moved to a mobile-first index because it saw more searches on mobile devices than desktop computers. You must ensure your website is ready for this new mobile and voice-based search world. Not all website builders will do this well, so check out your preferred software on your phone before you start building.
- Speed and Performance – Because mobile is a must-have feature, speed and performance will be too. Your website must load fast and not chew through a ton of mobile data.
- Cost – The cost of website builders and hosted website software will vary from $5 to $100 per month. Know your complete cost structure by looking at all the options carefully. The “free” builders are not free when you consider that you have to upgrade to have basic features like a unique domain.
- Technical Support – At some point, you will need technical support. It is software, after all, and it can be picky sometimes. Check out the software and hosting company’s technical support options and ensure someone has your back should you need them.
- Analytics and Visitor Tracking – Data is an integral part of marketing. A quality website builder will allow you to add Google Analytics code to your website. Don’t accept any software that lacks this option. Google Analytics is free and should be utilized by every website owner.
- Import and Export Options – Relationships ebb and flow, including website software and hosting. Make sure your builder allows you to export your content if needed. This will make breaking up and upgrading much easier.
What are the Pros and Cons of Website Builders?
So who are website builders for, anyway? These platforms are an excellent tool for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to establish a solid online presence — quickly.
Is going with a site builder right for your small biz? Let’s do some decision-making with a pro/con list.
PRO: Website builders don’t require extensive coding or technical skills.
Let’s face it — we’re not all computer whizzes, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be to get a site up and running with a website builder. If you know how to click, you can build a striking website with text, images, videos, and a beautiful layout minus the hiccups of fancy-schmancy DIY web development.
It’s true: You don’t have to write a single line of code.
PRO: They’re low maintenance.
Think of website builders as an easy-going roommate (not the one who spends 45 minutes in the shower). They don’t require tricky or constant upkeep and won’t make you pull your hair out. Because of their simple setup, you don’t have to stress about your website, which is a big win. Your website will still need to be updated with fresh content regularly — all good sites do — but website builders make that easy.
PRO: Website builders set up your site in a snap.
As a small business owner, you’ve got a lot of to-dos and not a lot of time. Save your precious hours by using a website builder to simplify the website creation process. In a matter of minutes, you can create your unique website from a collection of pre-formatted and eye-catching layouts outfitted with your brand’s content, images, and videos.
PRO: Options, options, options.
Worried that you’ll get stuck with a cookie-cutter site that looks just like every other .com out there? Don’t.
A good website builder helps you stand out from the crowd. With a full library of choices, optimized layouts, attractive and user-friendly design elements, and customization options, you can make your site one of a kind.
PRO: You don’t have to be a graphic design genius.
So maybe you weren’t a fan of art in school — no problem. You don’t need to understand color theory, possess Photoshopping skills, or be versed in typography to create an appealing website.
Website builders do the heavy lifting by offering pre-packaged designs that look sharp. They also allow you the freedom of customization to give your site your personal touch within a professionally-designed template.
CON: Web builders may limit more experienced developers.
If you do have some technical know-how, you may want more freedom when customizing your site and may be eager to outfit it with more advanced bells and whistles not offered by website builders.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line option, hiring a web designer or building a DIY website from the ground up may be worthwhile. Plus, with a site builder, you don’t always have control over the code governing your pages.
CON: Builders may have limited pages or functions.
Use a budget-friendly web builder and risk restricting your site’s structure. Because you’re under the rules of your program, they might limit the number of pages a site can have, offer few e-commerce options, or lack responsiveness capabilities.
If you have big plans for an expansive page structure down the road, you’ll want to research providers carefully to ensure you find the best match for your long-term goals.
What Should You Look for in a Website Builder?
It’s clear: Not all site builders are created equal. So what sets apart a so-so builder from a great one? What should you look for when choosing one? Consider this list of must-haves.
Ease of Use
You chose to use a website builder for its ease of use, so don’t get stuck with one that requires a Ph.D. (or even advanced coding skills) to operate. Look for a simple, user-friendly interface that allows you to build a website easily — regardless of your website-building experience. Skip the learning curve and start building a beautiful website immediately.
High-Quality Templates
Your audiences can spot a cheap-looking website from a mile away. Pick a website builder that has high-quality, professional-looking templates that are clean and attractive. This is your chance to make a solid first impression, so avoid website builders with a lack of first-rate options.
Quick Updates
Your audiences can spot a cheap-looking website from a mile away. Pick a website builder that has high-quality, professional-looking templates that are clean and attractive. This is your chance to make a solid first impression, so avoid website builders with a lack of first-rate options.
Social Compatibility
A best-case scenario is that audiences connect with you in more ways than one. Your site builder should allow you to link to and display social media icons to help visitors — whether they’re Instagrammers or tweeters — engage with you further. Make sure whatever builder you choose can seamlessly integrate your social platforms.
Domain and Email Options
In conjunction with your web host, you’ll want to own your piece of internet property — meaning a domain and branded email address. These elements are critical when establishing a trustworthy brand in your field. Choose a site builder that provides options for domains and email registration.
Form Builders
Your visitors will want easy (and straightforward) ways to connect with and contact you — whether to submit a complaint, questions, or compliments (we’ll hope it’s more of the latter). Ensure that your website builder has the tools to create forms audiences can easily navigate.
Customization Options
Even with a preformatted layout, you want to be able to give your site a bit of your brand’s unmistakable flavor. An A+ website builder should provide the freedom to add your personal touches and customization options, like varying fonts, text styles, or color schemes. You do you.
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