When it’s time to build a website, you have two options: hire someone and fork out hundreds of pounds (plus hidden fees) or do it yourself and save the money!
That last option sounds like it.
But there’s one big problem. Not everyone knows how to code!
To create a website, you need to understand HTML, CSS, and Javascript. And if you are like most of us, that’s not an option.
Then enters website builders in the UK!
They are the tools promising to make the website creation process simple and straightforward. But are they worth it?
In this article, we will reveal some of the most crucial information you need to know before you jump on that decision to use a website builder.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a platform that allows users to create a website without any coding knowledge.
Website builders are usually drag-and-drop, meaning you can simply add content and images to your site without having to write any code.
There are both free and paid website builders available, though the free ones typically have more limitations than the paid options. However, even the most basic website builder should be able to help you create a professional-looking website in the UK.
So, are website builders worth it in the UK?
It really depends on what you need from your website. If you need a simple, straightforward site that doesn’t require any customization or special features, then a website builder could be a good option for you.
Unfortunately, the answer is not as simple as above. You need to weigh both the pros and cons. Then take a pick!
That said, let us look at the pros and cons and then, later on, talk about what to consider when looking for a website builder in the UK.
Read also: The GoDaddy Free Website Builder: Why Use It?
Advantages of using a website builder in the UK
1. Zero tech skills required for a beautiful site
Having a great website is important for any business or individual looking to establish an online presence. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech expert to create a beautiful site.
Website builders have made it possible for anyone to create a professional-looking website in the UK with no need for design experience or coding skills.
With a drag-and-drop interface, website builders make it easy to add content and customize your site without having to learn HTML or other programming languages.
You can also find templates and themes that give your site a professional look with just a few clicks. Best of all, you can usually get started with a website builder for free or very little cost.
So if you’re thinking about creating a website, don’t let a lack of tech skills hold you back. With today’s user-friendly website builders, anyone can create an attractive and functional site.
2. It’s a fast and efficient way to get your site online
If you’re looking to get your website up and running quickly and efficiently, using a website builder in the UK is the way to go. Website builders streamline the process of creating and managing a website, so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
As we mentioned in the introduction, with a website builder, there’s no need to hire a separate web designer or developer – everything can be done within the platform itself. This saves time and money, as well as simplifies the process overall.
Additionally, most website builders come with a range of templates and tools that make it easy to create a gorgeous website, even if you don’t have any previous experience.
And if you do need any help along the way, most platforms offer 24/7 customer support.
That’s what efficiency means, I think?!
3. You can start with a very small budget
A website builder can be a great tool for those with a limited budget to create a website in the UK.
The freemium model offered by many website builders in the UK allows users to test out the features and functionality of the builder before upgrading to a paid plan. This can be a great way to get started on a small budget.
Once you have determined that you need the additional features offered by a paid plan, you can upgrade when needed.
With a free plan, you get a chance to test-drive the tool and see if it tickles your itch.
Read also: 5+ Best Godaddy Website Builder Alternatives.
4. You get access to a variety of templates and designs
A web design template is a premade website layout that you can customize to fit your brand and business.
Most, if not all of these website builders use a template system to help you create a website you will be proud of.
Now, there are a few important things to consider when choosing a web design template:
- The template should be responsive, meaning it will adjust to any screen size.
- The template should be easy to edit, so you can make changes as needed.
- The template should be compatible with the platform you’re using to build your website.
Remember, choosing the right site template is important because it will help ensure that your website looks great and functions properly.
When you use a website builder, you get access to a variety of templates and designs. This is important because it allows you to create a website that is unique and stylish.
With so many different options available, you can find a template that is perfect for your business or personal website.
On top of that, these templates help you to keep your website looking consistent. If you use the same template for all of your pages, then visitors will be able to navigate your site more easily. This can help to increase traffic and make your site more successful.
The drawbacks of using a website builder in the UK
a). It can be difficult to scale
Scaling a website means making adjustments so that the site can handle more traffic or larger amounts of data. This can be difficult to do with a website builder because builders typically generate code that is not easily editable.
Without access to your site code, it can be hard to add new features or make other changes that might be necessary to support a larger number of users.
At the same time, website builders in the UK often do not provide access to the server where the site is hosted, making it difficult to make changes that would be necessary for scaling.
b). You do not have complete control over your site
When you use a website builder, you do not have complete control over your site, which almost goes hand in hand with the previous point.
Yes, website builders are great for those who want to create a website quickly and easily, without having to learn coding or design.
However, you are limited in what you can do with your site. You cannot make custom changes or add certain features, and you may find that your site does not look exactly how you want it to.
If you want complete control over your website, then a website builder is not the right choice for you.
c). Limited functionalities
A website builder in the UK may seem like a good option for someone who wants to create a small website with limited functionality. However, this is not a good option for a robust online business.
You get what you see with a website builder – there are no customization options and you are limited to the templates and features that are available.
This can be very limiting if you want to create a complex website.
Although some builder tools like OLITT allow you to add custom code to your site. This makes it easy to add functionality to your site by integrating it with other tools.
d). Your website may not be as unique as you would like it to be
If you’re looking to create a website in the UK with a unique design, you may be disappointed to learn that website builders offer limited customization options.
You have access to the same templates as other users, so your site may not look as unique as you’d like.
Additionally, you won’t be able to make as many changes to the design and layout of your site.
If you are hoping to create a truly one-of-a-kind website, you may want to consider hiring a web designer instead of using a website builder.
And some builders like Wix restrict switching templates. This means that your only option to be unique is to play around with elements of your site including colors and fonts.
e). Hard to switch
If you are unhappy with your current website builder or looking to switch to another platform, you may have to start from scratch.
Well, some website builders allow for export and import, but you will still be limited to that single platform. This can be a huge drawback if you’re looking to switch builders or move your site to a self-hosted solution down the road.
Key factors to consider when choosing a website builder in the UK
Now that we’ve talked about the pros and the dark side of using a website builder in the UK, it’s still the next best thing to create a website fast!
Looking at the cons, most of them can be avoided by doing your homework before diving in.
To help you know where to start, here are some of the key things to look for.
1. Check the pricing.
As we’ve already mentioned, most website builders usually have a free plan, but that only gives you limited features and options. To get the most out of it, you’ll need to sign up for one of their paid plans.
The best place to start is with their free plan.
Why?
This will give you a good idea of what the website builder can do and if it’s something that you’re comfortable using. Once you know this, then you can decide if their paid plan is worth the investment.
While testing, also takes note of the following:
- Are there any hidden costs?
- What features are included in each plan?
- How easy is it to upgrade or downgrade your plan?
2. Consider your needs.
Before you start using a website builder, take the time to consider what kind of website you need and what features are important to you.
This will help you narrow down your choices and find the best website builder for your needs.
Here are some things to consider:
- Do you need a simple website or something more complex?
- What kind of features do you need (e.g., eCommerce, contact forms, blog)?
- How much control do you want over the design of your website?
- Do you need 24/7 support in case something goes wrong?
3. Read reviews from other users.
One way to get an idea of how good a website builder is, is to read reviews from other users.
You can find these by doing a quick Google search or checking out review sites like Capterra and G2 Crowd.
When reading the reviews, pay attention to both the positive and negative ones to get a well-rounded view of the website builder.
Also, take note of how recent the reviews are since things can change over time (e.g., new features may be added or bugs may be fixed).
One interesting thing about reviews is the negative ones. Look at what the person didn’t like and see if it’s a dealbreaker for you.
For example, someone may not like that a certain website builder doesn’t have ecommerce features. But, if you are not planning on selling anything online in the UK, then it wouldn’t be a big deal for you.
4. Customization features.
We talked about how most websites created by tools look the same.
If you want your website to stand out, then you need to find a builder that offers customization features.
The best way to see what kind of customization options are available is by checking out the builder’s templates.
If you like what you see, then it’s a good sign that you can create a unique website with that particular tool.
At the same time, look for other features that can help you customize your sites, such as the ability to add custom CSS or HTML code.
These features will come in handy if you want to make minor changes to your website’s design without having to rely on a web designer.
5. Ease of use.
Website builders should be easy enough for anyone to use, even those with no technical skills.
The best way to see how easy a builder is to use is by taking it for a test drive.
Most website builders offer free trials, so take advantage of that and create a dummy site to get an idea of how the tool works.
You can also read online reviews (like the ones we mentioned earlier) to see what other users have said about the builder’s ease of use.
There’s this technology, drag-and-drop. It’s very intuitive. You can literally drag and drop elements to where you want them to be on your page without having to write a single line of code.
Also, look for builders that come with step-by-step tutorials or video guides. These will come in handy if you ever get stuck while using the tool.
Who should use a website builder?
I guess it’s been established so far that a website builder is not for everyone. If you’re not confident in your ability to design a website or don’t have the time, then it might be a good idea to use one.
However, if you are able and willing to put in the work, building your own site from scratch will give you much more control and allow you to create something that is truly unique.
- Building your first website: If you’re looking to build your first website and have no prior experience, a website builder will likely be the best option for you. This is because they are easy to use and require no technical knowledge.
- Building a simple website: If you’re looking to build a simple website (such as a blog or portfolio), then a website builder can also be a good option. This is because they usually come with pre-built templates which make it quick and easy to get started.
- No technical skills or experience: If you don’t have any technical skills or experience, then a website builder is probably your best bet. This is because they are designed to be easy to use and require no prior knowledge.
- Limited budget: If you have a limited budget, then a website builder can be a good option as they are usually cheaper than hiring a web developer.
Who shouldn’t use a website builder?
If you need a complex website or want full control over the design and functionality of your site, then a website builder is probably not for you. This is because they can be limiting in terms of what you can do with them and often don’t allow for much customization.
Are website builders worth it in the UK?
If you are thinking about building a website, you may be wondering if a website builder is worth it. In the UK, there are a few different options available, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here s what you need to know about website builders in the UK.
Website builders can be a great option for small businesses or individuals who want to create a simple website without spending a lot of money. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before choosing a website builder.
First of all, make sure that the website builder you choose offers good customer support. This is important in case you run into any problems while building your website.
Secondly, take a look at the features offered by the different website builders. Some builders may offer more features than others, so it s important to choose one that offers the features you need.
Finally, make sure to read the terms and conditions of each website builder before signing up. This will help you avoid any unexpected charges or problems down the road.