How to Choose the Right Website Builder

Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels

When you first decide to build a website, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the massive range of options out there.

In 2021, it’s no longer necessary to write a single line of code in order to get an awesome-looking website.

However, in return you have to pick one of a considerable number of website builders, from WordPress over Squarespace to Wix. Most of them offer the same basic service: an intuitive, drag-and-drop website design interface, along with plugins for additional functionalities.

But which is the best for your particular needs? How do you go about deciding which one to go with? Here’s the run-down.

Define Your Goals

To begin with, set your goals for your website. Do you want a virtual CV while you’re on the hunt for a job? Are you a freelancer who needs a portfolio to showcase for potential clients? Or do you want to expand your physical business with an online shop?

The answer to all of these questions decides what sort of website functionalities you need. For example, e-commerce or membership plugins are not always compatible with all the website builders out there.

Clarify Who Will Build and Maintain Your Site

Next, you need to clarify who will be the one to design and maintain your site and what their technical capabilities are.

Some website builders are easier to handle than others.

Squarespace and Weebly, for instance, both pride themselves on being great options for novices. However, both builders could seem a little too limited for experienced web-design professionals, who often prefer the flexibility that WordPress’ tools offer.

If you’re unsure, look into how portable sites created with a particular builder are. That way, you can migrate to a different builder if your needs change in the future.

Get an Overview of Your Budget

As a next step, get an overview of which website builders fall within the range of your budget.

Many website builders offer free plans but charge you for certain additional functionalities. Some include hosting and domain costs, others don’t.

Make sure to consider all the elements you’ll ultimately need.

For example, WordPress is entirely free, but many useful plugins charge subscription fees and you have to pay for a domain name and hosting separately. In contrast, it’s possible to get a domain directly on Wix as part of its all-in-one business solution.

Prioritize Your Selection Criteria and Get Free Trials

Finally, once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to get explicit about which criteria matter most to you.

Do you want a large range of templates for instant set-up? How important is speed? Or are flexible plugins and universality more important to you?

If you’re not sure, it’s always best to get some hands-on experience before making your final choice. Many website builders offer free basic plans or free trials so you can get a feel for how they work and how easy to handle they are.

If you’re burning to get started building your amazing site, it’s tempting to go for the first website builder you come across. However, this choice fundamentally influences how your site looks and what its future capabilities are - so it’s well worth taking the time to do some digging first.