What Is a Website Builder: Guide, Types, Popular Options, FAQs and More

Key takeaways:

• The right website builder can impact the potential success of your business and online presence.  
• A drag-and-drop website builder is ideal for small business owners since it allows quicker changes without added expenses, even without coding experience.  
• When evaluating website builders, account for scalability by considering factors based on your present and future needs.  

An internet presence is a must for small businesses that want to connect with customers. A website can go a long way since it can help you reach both local and global audiences on a 24/7 basis. 

However, according to a Clutch.co study, 28% of small businesses in the US don’t have a website and 14% cite lack of knowledge and time as reasons why they don’t have one. 

This is where a website builder comes in handy, as it can help you create your website even if you don’t have coding knowledge or advanced technical skills.  

What is a website builder?  

A website builder allows anyone to create a website without coding experience. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and other design customizations for a seamless website building experience. With the user-friendly platform taking care of the technical aspects, your focus can be dedicated to creating captivating content and aesthetically pleasing designs without any concerns.   

Of course, website builders have a variety of features depending on what your provider offers. But, generally, features such as responsive layouts, eCommerce functionalities, and online marketplace selling comes bundled in. With its intuitive nature, these builders enable anyone, regardless of their technical background, to establish a strong online presence.  

Revolutionizing the process of creating websites, website builders offer a user-friendly alternative to traditional web development methods. Here’s why: 

• Coding expertise not required. Unlike traditional web development, website builders eliminate the need for learning to code. You don’t have to grapple with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to build your website. 
• Accessibility and speed. With a streamlined approach to web development, website builders enable anyone to quickly build a website. With pre-designed templates and customizable elements, you can create a visually appealing website in a matter of hours.  
• Cost-effectiveness. Traditional web development can be costly, as it often involves hiring a professional developer or a team. Website builders offer cost-effective solutions, with affordable subscription plans and all-in-one packages that include hosting, support, domain name, and security.  
• User-friendly experience. Website builders prioritize user experience, making it easy for beginners to navigate the website creation process. Clear interfaces and extensive customer support ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when using it.  
• Flexibility and control. While traditional web development offers more flexibility for complex customizations, website builders provide a balance between flexibility and ease of use. You can personalize your website’s design, content, and functionality without diving into intricate coding. 

Why choose a website builder over hiring a developer 

A website builder beats hiring a developer by being more affordable with monthly subscriptions versus developer fees. This makes it ideal for small businesses and basic online stores since it delivers direct control and quick results. 

Read on for other website builder benefits.  

Cost-effectiveness and affordability of website builders

• No expensive developers. You can say goodbye to hefty developer fees. This platform offers all the necessary tools, templates, and features in one package, saving you the expense of hiring a professional.  
• All-in-one packages. A website builder has comprehensive packages that include hosting, domain registration, and security. By bundling these services together, you can enjoy cost savings and avoid the hassle of managing multiple subscriptions.  
• DIY approach. A website builder empowers you to take matters into your own hands. Instead of paying for ongoing web development services, you can create and update your website independently, eliminating the need for costly outsourcing.  
• Scalability options. Website builder platforms offer tiered pricing plans that allow you to start with a basic package and upgrade as your website grows. This scalability ensures that you only pay for the features and resources you currently need; therefore, optimizing your budget. 

Types of website builders

Different website builders offer various features and user interfaces that cater to different needs. Knowing their differences can help you find the right one for your website.  

Drag-and-drop and What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) 

Drag-and-drop and WYSIWYG website builders define modern-day website creation. They work together to provide website building experience that doesn’t require coding. With their intuitive tools, you can choose pre-designed elements, place them where you want, and immediately see how your site will appear. This real-time visual editing approach made website development accessible to everyone.  

Popular platforms like Network Solutions, Wix, Weebly, Hostinger, GoDaddy, and BigCommerce implement this user-friendly approach.  

Content management and visual builders  

Content management systems like WordPress and Drupal blend visual builders with content management features, enabling you to develop and maintain dynamic websites without coding expertise. They provide intuitive design interfaces alongside easy-to-use backend systems for managing your digital content. You can add, modify, and organize various content types including blog entries, articles, and product catalogs with remarkable ease. 

Specialized eCommerce store builders 

Modern website builders combine artificial intelligence with eCommerce tools to simplify online store creation. Platforms like Squarespace, Webflow, and Dorik use AI to analyze your preferences and automatically generate optimized store layouts, reducing manual design work. They integrate selling features including shopping carts, inventory management, payment processing, and secure checkout systems—all without requiring coding expertise. Some even come with built-in search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing capabilities to boost your store’s online visibility and performance. You can quickly launch and grow your online store. 

Customization options and design flexibility offered by website builders  

• Pre-designed templates. Website builders provide a vast selection of professionally designed templates to kick-start your website. These templates cover various industries and styles, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. Drag-and-drop functionality.  A website builder simplifies the customization process with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, and simple interface. Easily rearrange page elements, add new sections, and customize the look and feel of your website without any coding knowledge.  
• Font styles and color palettes. A website builder provides access to a wide range of font styles and color palettes. Personalize your website’s typography and color scheme to reflect your brand identity.   
• Image and media integration. You can seamlessly integrate images, videos, and other media elements into your content. Upload your own media or choose from a library of stock images to make your website visually appealing.  
• Mobile responsiveness. A website builder automatically ensures that your site is mobile responsive, with the ability to adapt its layout and design to provide an optimal user experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops. 
• Professional design. A website that has the right balance of looks and functionality delivers credibility and brand recognition. Some even have full customization tools for fonts, colors, and layouts. Allowing you to build brand identity by delivering a professional look.  
• SEO features. Today’s website builders come with SEO tools that help websites rank without technical skills. They allow the implementation of customizable meta data elements and keyword-optimized uniform resource locators (URLs). Some even have proper heading structure tools, automatic image optimization with alt text support, schema mark up, and speed optimization. 

How to choose a website builder 

Most companies offer free trials or limited plans, which means you can check or test features before you commit. 

Consider the following when choosing a website builder:

• Purpose. Knowing your site’s purpose is key to tapping the full potential of your business since it gives an idea of the features that you need. eCommerce sites need robust security features to protect customer data, while portfolio sites need clean designs to showcase work. If you don’t have a clear purpose, you may select a builder that doesn’t align with your business goals. 
• Required features. Identify your needs upfront and take note of audience demographics, content requirements, and functionality. Ignoring them may harm your online marketing efforts since having a website builder with limited features may force you to use workarounds and third-party tools. Increasing costs and reducing efficiency. 
• Pricing. When comparing platforms, look beyond the monthly subscription cost and consider transaction fees, feature upgrades, renewal costs, and add-ons. Examine the billing structure carefully. For example, many offer annual plans with discounts but require an overall bigger upfront investment. While there are free website builders (e.g., Google Sites) that are generally usable, you may face some limitations on features like storage, loading times, and mobile optimization. That’s fine for simple websites, portfolios, or landing pages, but for business sites, paid ones are better.
• Ease of use. A user-friendly website builder makes creating a website a breeze and can help you save time and effort, especially if you lack technical knowledge. Some even offer expert design support and AI tools that deliver a seamless experience. Allowing you to focus on content, website structure, and SEO. 
• Customization options. A website builder with more customization options enables you to control visuals and features.  Therefore, you can reach your target audience, build your brand, and accomplish business goals with better efficiency. You can also update your site as your requirements change.   

Popular website builders for small businesses 

Looking for a way to establish your online presence without spending a lot? There are free website builders out there that you can turn to. 

Some of the most notable ones include:  

• Network Solutions. With Network Solutions’ DIY Website Builder, you can create a professional website without technical skills. Our user-friendly platform eliminates coding challenges while giving you complete control over your site. You’ll get a simple interface for all experience levels, a free domain (one year) name to establish your online identity, and a custom email address matching your domain for professional communication. The builder includes comprehensive tools for building an engaging website, secure storage for your files, access to high-quality stock images, and professional design templates you can customize to match your brand. 
• Google Sites. Ideal for basic websites, project sites, and blogs. Google Sites balances ease of use with professional results. It also prioritizes functionality over design.  
• Yola. Yola is a platform that, on top of its simple drag-and-drop functionality, packs basic AI features. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a balanced solution that delivers secure sockets layer (SSL) and SEO tools.  
• Wix. Wix stands out when it comes to versatility and user-friendliness. It combines artificial design intelligence (ADI) with professionally designed templates to deliver creative freedom.  
• HubSpot. This platform is ideal if you’re already invested in the HubSpot ecosystem. In addition to a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, it has built-in personalization tools, landing page templates, and SEO applications. 
• Webflow. This is a website builder for those who are familiar with web design principles. Thanks to its visual design canvas, built-in CMS, and SEO tools, you can build a custom website that has clean codes and interactive visual elements.  
• Webnode. It packs a simple drag-and-drop editor that’s complemented by responsive templates that adapt to mobile devices. Its multilingual support and affordable pricing make it ideal for international users seeking a simple and effective builder.  

Step-by-step guide to Network Solutions’ website builder

With Network Solutions’ premium website builder, creating a website is much easier than you think. Unlike free options, it gives you access to features to enhance your online presence. From customizable templates to advanced SEO tools to responsive design, Network Solutions’ website builder ensures a seamless website creation experience.  

Step 1: Select the right website builder plan for your needs 

First, choose a website builder package that meets your business needs. You can upgrade to advanced website builder plans as your business needs grow.   

Note: Prices are current at the time of writing but can change without prior notice.

Step 2: Register a domain name and choosing a hosting provider 

You must register a domain name for your website. Network Solutions offers a free domain name registration for a year with annual builder plans. Built-in hosting is included in all website builder plans ensuring fast loading speeds and reliable backup tools.

Step 3: Set up your website and selecting a template 

You can start selecting a template for your website. Once you have access to your website builder, you can choose from the numerous industry-specific designs to start your website building. Don’t worry, you can modify them as you see fit.    

Step 4: Customize your website’s design and layout 

Customize your chosen template by changing its position and layout. You can also change its colors, fonts, and content to your heart’s content until it represents your brand best. Its drag-and-drop feature makes your template personalization a breeze.

Step 5: Add content, images, and multimedia elements 

Content, images, and multimedia elements make your website engaging and active. For images, you can choose to upload them or choose from the free stock images that come with the website builder. You can also embed your YouTube and Vimeo videos if you want.   

Step 6: Optimize your website for search engines 

Network Solutions improves your search ranking with our SEO tool. It’s easy to use and can maximize your online potential by enhancing your website’s visibility on Google and other search engines. It also doesn’t require experience or prior knowledge.  

Step 7: Publish your website and making it live 

Once you’re done designing your website, you can publish it and make it available online. Remember that your changes and edits within the website builder will not be live until you publish your site. If you chose a premium design template, but haven’t purchased yet, you’ll be required to buy a plan prior to publishing. 

Additional tips and best practices for website builders 

A website is the result of following proven practices that maximize the full potential of website builders. While they make technical aspects of site creation accessible to users, knowing how to approach the website-creating process can improve your results. 

Include website security and backups 

Website builders offer a limited number of backups. If you reach the maximum limit, you have to delete the previous backup to make space for the new one.  

Aside from that, your website security is also a top priority. Website builder plans usually include an SSL certificate to secure sensitive data such as IDs, passwords, and credit card information. 

Update and maintain your website regularly 

Since this is a do-it-yourself, you’ll be responsible for the website update and maintenance. This can improve your search rankings since search engines favor active sites. They help searchers with the most relevant results; it’s up to you to ensure you’re on top of search results. Website builders simplify this, but if you need help, you can always contact support. 

Integrate third-party tools and plugins for enhanced functionality 

Third-party tools and plugins provide additional benefits and features. Here are some of the common ones that help enhance your website:  

Third-party tools and plugins provide additional benefits and features. Here are some of the common ones that help enhance your website:  

• Google My Business (to create a page, monitor, and respond to reviews)  
• Google Ads and Bing Ads (to create and monitor pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns)  
• Amazon (plus international Amazon marketplaces) 
• Etsy 
• eBay (plus international eBay marketplaces) 
• Google (sell product catalogs) 
• Walmart (plus Walmart Canada) 

Utilize customer support and community resources offered by website builder platforms 

Customer support (email, phone, or live chat) is available in website builder platforms. You can contact them anytime if you need help with your website builder or if you have questions. 

Build your website with Network Solutions 

Network Solutions’ one-stop-shop eliminates the need to manage various services and subscriptions, allowing you to manage your online presence with ease. 

Learn how we can help you grow your business online.   

• Promote your website through digital marketing channels. Once you’ve published your website, what better way to make the public know about it than by promoting it on your digital marketing channels? You can promote your new website through social media marketing, email marketing, and other channels. 
• Implement SEO strategies to improve search engine rankings using Network Solutions’ website builder. Network Solutions’ website builder makes it easy to set the title tags, meta descriptions, and XML sitemaps of your website. These help the search engines understand your website’s content better, allowing them to crawl your website effectively. Furthermore, the website builder’s designs are responsive on different devices such as smartphones, tablets, and desktops, which affects your search engine ranking. 
• Incorporate social media integration to increase engagement. Network Solutions’ website builder plans include Facebook and Instagram integration to help sell and advertise products, schedule social posts, and respond to messages and reviews. Additionally, you can also integrate LinkedIn and Twitter to schedule social posts. 
• Track website performance and making data-driven improvements. We merge basic website analytics and Google Analytics into the website builder. There, you can see how your website is performing, to make data-driven decisions to improve your website. 

In a very competitive digital space, features such as social media embeds, eCommerce functionalities, and analytics tools are important when deciding on a website builder. 

Find an affordable and scalable website builder plan from Network Solutions. Choose your plan today. 

Frequently asked questions