Designing websites have become so easy, and many platforms are making huge money from sites like Wix and WordPress. WordPress is the more popular choice because it’s an open-source platform so developers can make money from creative plugins. However, even with cool platforms making things easier, you still want to make sure you have made the right choice. For example, how cool would it be to use a platform where you can tweak the font, theme, layout, and menu within seconds.
Today, I’ll be going over some important things to consider when choosing a website builder. I’ve used several of them during my career online, and have narrowed it down to 5-6 important factors. Let’s get started.
Interface
One of the most important things I’ve loved and hated about site builders is the interface. Some platforms make it so easy for you to drag & drop elements while others require you to do more. You must keep in mind that many people starting off a website don’t know anything about coding so you want to make the design process easy. Before choosing to stick with a site builder, it’s important you check out the interface and see how comfortable you feel. The easier you are using the interface, the better your website will look because you’ll feel comfortable trying different things.
When I first started to design websites, it would be Wix vs WordPress, and this battle continues until today. Both are very well known, and both provide a clean interface. Start by trying them both, and stick with the one you feel comfortable with.
Reputable Company
Building a site takes time, and over time it will continue to grow. You want to make sure the platform you choose is reputable and will be around for years. For example, some platforms are amazing, but they can’t sustain the growth so shut down after a few years. This means you’ll lose all your progress too. Do your research beforehand and find a site builder which has been around for years, and has had steady growth. Talk to people and ask questions about why that site builder is popular and what makes them different.
Customization
Choose a site builder that’s different from all the others so you get that competitive edge over everyone else. For example, everyone using the same builder will give everyone the same opportunities. However, if you choose one that gives you additional features, then you can really stand out compared to your competition. Research what makes some better than others and find out which one of your competitors are using the same platform. Find ways to build a site which is unique and customized to meet your demands.
Flexibility
By this I mean you have the flexibility to build whatever type of website you want. You shouldn’t be limited to just a handful of niches, but to design a site fulfilling your dreams. For example, if you want to become a celebrity blogger, then you should be able to design this type of blog with no problem. You shouldn’t have to jump around a change platforms because there are restrictions on the type of blogger you can be.
Affordability
Platforms offer you a lot of flexibility, but some will charge you an arm and a leg to join. When you’re starting out, you might not have the financial backing to pay the monthly fee. For this reason, I use WordPress because it’s free and you have a lot of customization options. Think about cost the next time you join a site builder platform. Keep in mind, when you join and build a massive site with traffic, you’ll be a customer of that platform for a long time. You want to make sure you can afford the monthly costs.
Final Thoughts on Site Builders
Start by doing a quick search on Google for “website builders”, and go through checking out the interface. I would recommend WordPress because it’s free, and you have the customization flexibility.