Guide to Website Builder Software
Website builder software is a type of application that allows users to quickly and easily create websites without the need for extensive coding or design knowledge. It is often used by individuals, small businesses, and organizations who require a basic website but do not have the resources or time to hire a web designer.
Website builders typically consist of two components: a visual editor (or builder) and hosting. The editor feature allows you to build your website with ease by dragging and dropping elements such as images, text boxes, galleries, contact forms, and more onto the page canvas. Once you’re happy with your work, you can publish it on the web in just a few clicks thanks to included hosting services.
The user interface offered by each website builder software varies from vendor to vendor; however, generally speaking they focus on keeping things simple so that even beginners can quickly get up and running. Most include features such as WYSIWYG editors that allow users to drag-and-drop their content into place; integrations with popular image libraries; access to hundreds of professionally designed templates; built-in SEO tools; and eCommerce functionality if you wish to sell products or services through your website. Furthermore many will also offer help resources such as step-by-step video tutorials so even those without any prior web development experience can learn how to build an attractive website in minutes.
Of course one key advantage of using website building software is cost savings compared with hiring a professional web designer. However it’s important not be too hasty when selecting an app – different providers offer different levels of support, customization options, templates etc., so it’s best to weigh up all your needs before committing yourself for the long run!
What Features Does Website Builder Software Provide?
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: This feature allows the user to quickly and easily customize the website layout. Rather than having to manually code elements, the user can simply use their mouse or trackpad to drag and drop elements into place on the page.
- Responsive Design: Responsive design ensures that a website looks great on all types of devices, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones. Website builder software can help create websites with responsive layouts so they always look as good as possible no matter what device or screen size they’re being viewed on.
- Theme Selection: Most website builders will come with a library of themes that can be used to create a unique brand identity for a website. Themes usually come with different color schemes and page layouts, allowing users to customize their websites in just a few clicks.
- Built-In Widgets & Plugins: Widgets and plugins are small pieces of code that add extra features or functionality to a website such as photo galleries, contact forms, eCommerce stores, etc. Many website builder softwares include these widgets and plugins so users don’t have to manually install them from third-party sites.
- SEO Tools & Analytics: Website builder software often includes basic SEO tools such as keyword optimization tools and analytics dashboards so users can track how well their site is performing in terms of traffic and search engine rankings. These tools are invaluable for improving visibility online and generating more visits from potential customers.
- Easy to Use CMS: Website builders typically include a content management system (CMS) that allows users to easily manage and update their website without having to learn how to code. This makes it easy for any user, regardless of experience level, to quickly make changes or add new content.
What Types of Website Builder Software Are There?
- WYSIWYG Editor: A WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor is a visual website builder that allows users to easily design webpages without needing to know any code. This type of software typically includes the ability to drag and drop elements onto the page, and may also include features such as customizing templates, image galleries, forms, etc.
- Template-Based Website Builder: Template-based website builders provide pre-built website designs for users to customize for their own needs. These software solutions allow users to create professional-looking websites with little technical knowledge required.
- Content Management System (CMS): CMSs are more complex website-building software packages that allow users not only to add content but also manage it in a secure environment. CMSs usually feature multiple authoring, workflow and customization capabilities, making them ideal for larger-scale projects and enterprise application development.
- Mobile Website Builder: This type of web builder is specifically designed for mobile devices rather than traditional computers or laptops. It's tailored to fit different screen sizes and resolutions while still featuring all the same functions as traditional website builders do such as responsive design options, contact forms, social media integration, etc.
- eCommerce Website Builder: This type of website builder is specifically designed for creating online stores. Features typically include payment gateway integrations, product catalogs, product management and inventory tracking, shipping gateways and secure checkout pages.
Website Builder Software Advantages
- Convenient: Website builder software is designed to make website creation quick and effortless. It offers an easy-to-use interface that allows you to drag and drop elements onto your webpages, customize their appearance, and create a fully functional website in minutes.
- Cost Effective: Building a website from scratch requires the services of a professional web designer or developer. This can be expensive — especially if you need frequent changes or updates made to your site. Website builder software drastically reduces development costs by providing a range of templates for different types of businesses, allowing you to set up quickly without having to start from scratch each time.
- Comprehensive: Many website builders offer an extensive suite of features designed to help you launch and manage your website with minimal effort. These features include domain name registration, hosting services, analytics tools, eCommerce functionality, content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM), plugins and more.
- Customizable: Most website builders allow users to customize layouts and color schemes according to their personal preferences. Additionally, they provide access to free image libraries so that users can easily add images and multimedia clips on their webpages with just a few clicks. Users may also use HTML code snippets or CSS frameworks to add custom styling elements for further customization options.
- Supportive: Good quality website builder software provides comprehensive customer service support as well as tutorials and online FAQs for beginners who are just getting started in building websites. Additionally, many providers offer additional services such as SEO optimization tools or third-party integrations with popular payment processing platforms like PayPal or Stripe which can help boost traffic for better visibility online.
Types of Users that Use Website Builder Software
- Business Owners: Often use website builders to create a professional online presence for their business.
- Freelancers: Take advantage of website builders to show off their skills and link potential employers directly to a portfolio page.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Leverage website builder software to easily craft a web presence that promotes their cause and drives donations.
- Bloggers & Content Creators: Use website building software as an easy way to put content quickly online and create pages such as "About Me" or "Contact Us".
- Hobbyists: Find website builders helpful for creating small but functional websites about their hobbies or interests without requiring any coding knowledge.
- Photographers/Videographers: Easily showcase photos and videos with the help of user friendly templates, tools, and plugins available on most website builders.
- Musicians & Bands: Utilize website builders to build attractive websites where they can stream audio tracks, post upcoming shows, and even sell merchandise.
- Ecommerce Sellers: Set up online shops in minutes by using the drag & drop editors available with many website building platforms.
- Event Planners: Showcase upcoming events and attract more guests by building a site with website builder software.
- Students: Students may need a website builder to showcase their achievements. More specifically, a student may use a student portfolio builder.
How Much Does Website Builder Software Cost?
Website builder software can range in price from free to hundreds of dollars per month depending on your particular needs. Many companies offer a variety of plans with different features and price points, so it is important to shop around to find what works best for you. For non-technical users, there are many intuitive website builders with easy drag-and-drop tools available at basic subscription levels that cost between $5-$20 per month. Premium plans with more advanced features usually cost up to $50 or more depending on the number of pages and features offered. Higher-priced options may include custom domain names, email addresses, eCommerce capabilities and access to technical support teams. Depending on your level of expertise and website goals, these investments can be highly advantageous. Additionally, there are several open-source tools available for free that allow users who have some coding experience more freedom in designing their websites from the ground up - although this option typically requires more time investment than using an out-of-the-box solution.
What Does Website Builder Software Integrate With?
Website builder software can integrate with a variety of types of software. This includes integrations with other content management systems, eCommerce platforms, analytics programs, marketing automation tools and CRMs (customer relationship management systems). These integrations allow website owners to track their visitors and customers easier, automate their email marketing campaigns and add online stores to their websites. In addition, website builder software can also integrate with social media sharing and tracking tools such as Facebook Pixel, Twitter Ads and Google Analytics. Integrations like these are essential for gaining more insight into who is visiting your site and for driving more traffic to the website.
Website Builder Software Trends
- Increased Ease of Use: Website builder software is becoming increasingly easy to use, with simplified and intuitive user interfaces. This allows users to quickly create a website without needing to know complex coding languages or have technical knowledge.
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Drag-and-drop functionality is becoming increasingly popular in website builder software. This allows users to simply drag and drop elements onto the page to design their website in a matter of minutes.
- Mobile Responsiveness: As more people are using mobile devices to access websites, website builder software is adapting by providing templates that are designed for mobile devices and ensuring that websites created using the software are mobile responsive.
- Pre-Built Templates: Many website builder software packages provide pre-built templates that make it easy for users to customize their website without needing to start from scratch.
- Advanced Features: Despite being easy to use, many website builders are also incorporating advanced features like e-commerce capabilities and analytics tools into their platforms. This allows users to easily integrate these features into their websites.
- Seamless Integration: Website builder software packages are also integrating seamlessly with other services like content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools. This makes it easier for users to integrate multiple systems into one cohesive website.
How to Select the Best Website Builder Software
On this page you will find available tools to compare website builder software prices, features, integrations and more for you to choose the best software.
When selecting the right website builder software, there are several factors that should be taken into account.
- Platform: Consider which platform the software is compatible with and if it supports your current technical infrastructure.
- Features and Functionality: Consider what features and functionalities the website builder has to offer – such as a drag-and-drop editor, mobile responsiveness or ecommerce capabilities – to ensure it meets all of your needs.
- Budget: Compare pricing models to find an option that fits within your budget constraints without sacrificing on quality or features.
- Support: Make sure you have access to high-quality customer support should any issues arise while building or operating your website.
- User Experience: Read reviews from other users to make sure the software is intuitive and easy to use so that you can quickly build a high-functioning website with minimal effort.
By taking these points into consideration, you can ensure that you find the best website builder software for your individual needs.