Website builders have become extremely popular in recent years because of many reasons, including cost, user-friendliness and e-commerce features. Before we look at all the features that website builders offer, let’s review a few website builder basics.
What is a website builder?

Put simply, it is a program (created by a particular company) that allows you to actually create and launch a website all on your own. Most don’t require any knowledge of website development languages. Before website builders existed, people were forced to hire a web developer to build, maintain and host their website for them. As anyone who has hired a web developer/designer knows, these services are very expensive. These are just some of the reasons that website builders have become so popular.
How does a website builder work?

It is important to note that all website builders, each of which is designed by a different company, vary in features and processes. With this being said, most of them are very, very similar when compared.

First, you will need to choose a website builder. It is important to research different companies to see which one will best fit your needs. Once you have selected a particular program that appeals to you, you will need to either sign up for the free trial (if the company offers one) or sign up for a monthly subscription to the site.

Most website builders offer many helpful tutorials that will show you, in a step-by-step manner, how to use their particular platform. You will either start off with a blank website or choose a template that caters to your website’s needs. Most likely, you will first design your homepage and then move on to other pages that your homepage will link to. Most website builders feature a “drag and drop” tool that allows you to choose what you want to add (i.e. background, text, pictures, etc.), and then drop it in the desired area on your page.

The time and effort it takes to create your website will depend on the features of the tool you’re using, and your needs. After you have created the website you imagined, you will follow a few simple directions to launch your website. Most website builders will even let you host your site on your own domain, usually for an additional fee.
From this point on you will be able to update and change your website whenever you feel the need.

What are the advantages of using a website builder?

No Software Required

One of the most wonderful things about website builders is that they don’t require the user to purchase, download or install any form of software. The whole builder is accessed online. This is beneficial because you don’t have to bother with all the drama that is associated with software downloads and installation, as well as the program taking up valuable space on your computer’s hard drive. One other benefit is that you can access your site, for editing and updating, from any computer that is equipped with internet access.

Advanced Features

Technology is constantly advancing. With this being said, website builders are always offering new features that you can incorporate into your website. These features are usually very complex elements that previously required a lot of internet programming knowledge to build. For example, most website builders have complex contact forms that you can add to a page with the click of a button. Other popular features include: slideshows, Flash elements and e-commerce elements.

E-Commerce Capabilities

A large part of the internet today is based around e-commerce. In other words, a huge number of people use the internet to buy and sell goods and services. In the earlier days of the Web, it was extremely expensive and time consuming to have your own e-commerce website built. This prevented a lot of people from selling their goods and services on the internet. Website builders enable users to drag and drop a whole e-commerce store onto a new website in a matter of minutes.

What does a website builder cost?

In general, website builders are extremely cost-effective. Most companies offer different packages to suit the different needs of various users. Most companies will allows users to pay on a month-to-month basis, but they also offer discounts if you buy a year at a time.

A popular website builder, which has been hailed as the best value within the industry, offers its most complete package for less than $20 per month. This $20 subscription includes a domain, hosting and all of the features that the website builder has. This fee also includes all e-commerce features. Some companies will even allow you to create a free website.

This is a very general overview of the website builder technology. These tools are excellent workarounds for those not wanting to learn how to make a website through traditional coding, from scratch.

Author Bio: Maria Free Website Builder I have been in the online marketing industry for over two years and love all things related to e-marketing, writing for the web, SEO and SEM. I’ve been working for a large company that specializes in web design, and love how dynamic this field is – I am constantly learning new strategies and concepts as the world of online marketing evolves.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: domain name, website creation, basic steps, search engines, website design, website builder, SEO