As much as knowing how to create a website using HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and the likes is a valuable skill, technology has found a way to bring the concept of DIY (do-it-yourself) into the website creation process. The pleasant thing about such a resource is that it eliminates code scripting, learning the languages, and saves you money by using the free plans especially if one is looking for a way to save cost as a business – new or existing.
In reality, these are generally called Content Management Systems because they do more than just creating a website, it is very easy to confuse them for simply being website builders but they are not.
The limitations to using some of these platforms, however, is that you are stuck with only what is available, in the sense that things such as the font options or the colour palette given would be the only choices one has and this is in contrast to if one knows how to write in HTML or CSS, as the options to edit on these platforms do exist but they cannot be fully optimized if one does not know-how. Therefore, without prior understanding of the web design languages, one can only make do with the pre-formatted templates with no chances of serious playing around, for bespoke creation purposes, unless the services of a web developer are employed.
There are a plethora of such applications which also come in premium and free plan variances, some strictly one or the other, others a mixture of the two – to allow users get a feel of what is possible before finally deciding to go the whole nine yards with it.
Some of these builders also offer hosting plans, along with the provision of brand domain names, and other web design shenanigans for a fee and some for free – one can easily be spoiled for choice.
Websites come in different flavours – static one-page sites to informational to e-commerce to social media to contacts and directory to blogs – you name it. It is advisable that one properly assess what a website is needed for as this would determine the best fit for both web builder and web type.
This article solely focuses on the web design applications that have free plans, to give a good head start for those who want to have a go at web design right after this. It should be noted that this list is not arranged in terms of best to worse or better performing to underperforming, as earlier stated, an individual’s need will determine which one works best for a website. Each of the builders listed has some unique features and some features that cut across the board.
Unlike using HTML and the other languages to design a website from scratch, all these applications require internet access to use – they are strictly online-based.
- WixTM, for instance, is suitable for a business – both big and small, that needs a website where buying and selling transactions can occur. This software is a winner when it comes to making a site truly yours – a total embodiment of your brand.
- On the other hand, Weebly TM can be used for different types of websites and a particularly attractive feature is its integrative abilities, which simply means that you get other app resources that are beneficial to the all-round success of your website.
WordPress, WebflowTM, and open ElementTM are other useful resources in this regard. Get building!
