What Is A Website Builder [Fundamentals For Beginners]

A website builder is like a digital toolbox that helps you create your own website without needing to know complicated coding or programming. It’s a user-friendly tool designed for people who may not have technical skills but want to build a website for personal or business use.

How Website Builders Work

Think of a website builder as a virtual construction site.

Instead of using bricks and mortar, you use pre-designed elements, like text boxes, images, and buttons, to build your site. The process is often drag-and-drop, meaning you can simply grab the elements you want and place them where you’d like on your webpage. It’s a bit like playing with digital building blocks.

Website builders take care of the behind-the-scenes technical stuff, so you can focus on creating and arranging the content.

They handle things like hosting (where your website lives on the internet) and coding, making it possible for anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to build a functional and visually appealing website.

How to Use Website Builders

Using a website builder is usually straightforward and doesn’t require a manual thicker than a novel. Here are the basic steps:

1. Sign Up: Begin by creating an account on the website builder platform of your choice. This often involves providing an email address, choosing a username, and setting up a password.

2. Choose a Template: Most website builders offer a variety of templates to give your site a particular look and feel. Pick a template that suits your style or business needs.

3. Customize Your Site: This is where the fun begins. You can personalize your site by adding text, images, and other elements. Website builders usually have easy-to-use tools for editing and arranging content.

4. Preview Your Work: Before making your site live, take advantage of the preview option. This lets you see how your website will appear to visitors.

5. Publish Your Site: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, hit the publish button. This action makes your site accessible to anyone on the internet.

Why use a website builder

Now that you know what website builders are and how to use them, let’s explore why you might want to use one.

Using a website builder:

• Saves Time: You don’t need to spend hours learning complex code or design principles. With a website builder, you can have a website up and running in a fraction of the time.

• Cost-Effective: Hiring a professional web designer can be expensive. Website builders provide a budget-friendly alternative, allowing you to create a professional-looking site without breaking the bank.

• User-Friendly: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, website builders are designed to be user-friendly. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for beginners to build and maintain their websites.

• No Software Installation: Website builders operate online, eliminating the need for you to install software on your computer. This makes it accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Examples of Website Builders

Now that you understand the basics of website builders and their advantages, let’s explore some popular platforms that you can consider using:

1. Wix:
   • Features: Wix offers a user-friendly interface with a wide range of templates catering to various industries. It allows extensive customization, making it suitable for both beginners and those with more advanced needs.
   • Highlights: Drag-and-drop functionality, App Market for additional features.
2. WordPress.com:
   • Features: WordPress.com is known for its flexibility and scalability. It’s a great choice for bloggers and businesses alike. While WordPress.org is the self-hosted version, WordPress.com offers a simplified, hosted solution.
   • Highlights: Numerous themes, a vast library of plugins, and a robust blogging platform.
3. Squarespace:
   • Features: Squarespace is renowned for its visually appealing templates, making it an excellent choice for creatives and small businesses. It integrates seamlessly with various third-party tools.
   • Highlights: Responsive designs, built-in e-commerce features, and a comprehensive set of design tools.
4. Weebly:
   • Features: Weebly is known for its simplicity and is ideal for small businesses and personal websites. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop editor for easy customization.
   • Highlights: E-commerce capabilities, mobile-responsive themes, and straightforward navigation.

Types of Website Builders

Website builders can be categorized into two main types:

1. Online Website Builders: These are web-based platforms that operate entirely in your browser. No downloads or installations are necessary. Examples include Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.

2. Offline Website Builders: These are software tools that you need to download and install on your computer. You create your website locally and then publish it to the web. Examples include NicePage, Mobirise and TemplateToaster.