Using Website Builders: Two Sides of the Coin

Website builders have made it very easy for people to create their own websites. With only a few clicks, you can set up a fully functional site at a minimal cost. Website builders are ideal especially for people who have little to no technical knowledge of web design. Here are some of the benefits and downsides of using website builders:

Benefits of using website builders

1. Functionality

Most website builders come with a wide range of functionalities. These include:

• Google Maps – Add Google Maps to your pages
• Audio, video and photo – Listen to audio, upload videos and images, and create galleries
• Forms and surveys – Collect feedback from your visitors
• Forums, blogs and newsletters – Facilitate discussions, write posts and send newsletters from your site
• Limited access – Allow access to specific content using passwords
• Design changes – Alter the appearance of your site with a few clicks
• Ecommerce – Sell various services and products online

Providers are continually releasing improved and modified website builders. This means that you can enjoy more advanced functionalities from newer products.

2. Cost

Even with the wide range of functionalities provided, website builders are very affordable. Since there is no coding required, you don’t have to pay an expert to do the work for you. However, even if you opt to hire a professional designer to set up your site, it will be much cheaper than paying for a custom-made site.

3. Design

Website builders allow you to choose from a wide range of design templates. Although the templates have a standard design, you can customize and tweak certain elements to achieve a unique look for your site. With only a few clicks, you can alter the colors, fonts, background or layout of your design template.

4. Support

Most providers offer support along with their products. In case you have problems with the website builder, you can get help from experts.

Downside of using website builders

1. Time consuming

Most providers say that their products can be used even without any technical knowhow of coding. However, this is not always the case. As a result, setting up and maintaining your site can end up being a very long and frustrating process. Eventually, you might have to pay an expert to help. In addition, though providers offer support, it might take a while before you get a meaningful response.

2. Poor user experience

When designing your site, you need to ensure that it offers visitors a pleasant user experience. This will require a proper planning of your site’s navigation and structure. However, this is not always possible when building your site using website templates. If you don’t have technical expertise, you might end up having a site which is poorly planned.

3. Compromised brand identity

Some providers require you to feature their ads on your pages. Others give you a sub-domain, rather than a personalized domain, e.g. www.provider.yoursite.com. This can end up having a detrimental effect on your brand identity and leave visitors with a poor impression. It is therefore advisable to buy a custom domain and avoid having irrelevant ads on your pages.

4. Rigidity

As you set up your site, you might want to change a few elements to suit your needs. However, some website builders are rigid and only allow you to make limited changes. This means that your site will end up having a generic look and feel. Therefore, website builders would not be ideal if you want to create a complex site with advanced functionalities.