To successfully build and launch a website, you need more than a domain and hosting plan.

 

In case you don’t already know, a domain is your address online. The name that visitors can use to find you.

 

And to make your site live and available to the world you need a hosting.

 

That said, you’re actually renting digital storage space from a web hosting provider to store all content and images of your website.

 

To simplify your understanding, website hosting is like the land where you build your house on while domain name is your home address.

Here comes the question: How are you going to build your website?

 

Similar to a physical house, aside from having a hosting and domain, you’ll need to decide how are you going to create and design your website.

Are you planning to take the do-it-yourself route or hire a professional?

 

Truth be told, these days life is lot easier.

 

Even a complete beginner that has little or no technical background can easily set up a brand new website in minutes.

 

All it takes it having the RIGHT tool that best suits your needs.

 

If you want to go the do-it-yourself route, there are two common options: WordPress and website builders.

 

So what’s the difference between WordPress and a website builder?

Which one should you use to build a website?

 

Well, it depends- mostly on you.

 

I know choosing between these two popular options can be overwhelming and confusing especially for tech novices.

 

I don’t want you to start using a tool that you’ll regret later. This will cost you more -you’ll have to go through the troubles of moving your content, redesign your website or even rebuild your site from scratch.

 

Due to that, today, I’m going to explain and explore the pros and cons of using WordPress and website builders.

 

I hope I can shed a light on this matter and perhaps help you make a better-informed decision.

 

Without further ado, let’s get started.

 

WordPress vs Website Builders

What is WordPress

 

WordPress is not a website builder, but rather it’s a free open-source software.

 

Initially started out as a free platform for hobby bloggers, WordPress has gained immense popularity over the years. At present, it’s a content management system (CMS) which can be used for building any type of site, from hobby blogs to large corporate websites and everything in between.

 

Since WordPress is free software, you’ll need to install and host it on your own server OR through a web host.

 

The process of setting a WordPress website is fairly simple.

Here’s is a step-by-step guide on starting a self-hosted WordPress site + Free Domain

What is a Website Builder

In general, website builder is the easiest and quickest way to launch a website for beginners who are looking to launch their first site.

 

It’s a service that provides drag-and-drop software as well as hosts your website. Some of the popular website builders are:

• Six
• Square Space
• Weebly
• Gator

 

You don’t need any knowledge or experience of programming. Simply pick a template and customize it to match your taste.

 

Most of these platforms offer one-in-all packages which you don’t have to pay for domain or web hosting when you start a website.

 

Here’s a comprehensive guide on starting a website using Gator Website Builder + Free Domain + Free Hosting

 

Now, let’s compare these two methods in a few core areas:

1. User Interface

The biggest advantage of website builder is its modern, intuitive and user-friendly user interface.

 

For example, this is Gator, a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) website builder.

With the visual page editor, building your website has become easier than ever before.

 

To start building your website, simply drag-and-drop elements (shopping cart buttons, pictures, maps, paragraphs, etc) and place them into the website builder.

 

How you place the content and elements on the editor is how it’ll look like on your site once you hit the publish button.

 

Contrary to most website builders, WordPress doesn’t have the drag-and-drop functions.

 

Instead, it’s has a page editor. For beginners who are first introduced to WordPress, there’s a learning curve required to use the software effectively.

 

What you see on the backend editor isn’t necessarily what the web page will look like when the site is published.

 

But WordPress developers and community have been working to improve on the user interface by offering a better visual experience with the new Gutenberg editor.

It’s expected to see more improvements from WordPress in the near future.

 

2. Ease of Use

Website builders tend to be easier to use. It’s especially helpful for those who are not so tech-savvy.

 

The process of making changes and updates to your website is pretty straightforward.

 

Just log in to your backend dashboard and tweak your design, layout and content as you like. You can do this easily without reading any lengthy tutorial or contacting support.

 

On the other hand, you may need to learn some basic HTML and take some time to become familiar with WordPress.

Non-technical users may find the system a little confusing and overwhelming.

 

Managing the WordPress, sometimes, can be as easy as just one simple click to update plugins. Go to your WordPress dashboard, click “Plugin” on the left menu bar then click “Update Plugins”.

But on rare occasions,  you may have to deal with technical maintenance, broken functionality or compatibility issues. For example, some of the WordPress plugin and theme customizations require you to tweak codes for them to work.

3. Hosting

Many website builders come in a package which includes free web hosting and free domain.

 

Be getting your domain and hosting with your website builder, you have all you need to make a website in a single platform.

 

While it’s free to use WordPress on your website, you need to get a web hosting plan and install WordPress on your site.

 

Technically, WordPress stores its information in a database. And thus, it needs to be installed on a MySQL or PHP web host. You may need File Manager or FTP to upload WordPress.

 

Well, it’s okay if you don’t understand this technical aspect.

 

In fact, it shouldn’t be too complicated because web hosting providers usually will offer a one-click WordPress installation. This means you can easily install WordPress with your web hosting with just a simple click, at least in theory.

 

Here’s the good thing about WordPress: If you wish to change your web host, for whatever reason, you can easily do so by export your website to the new host.

 

But if you use a website builder to build your site, you can never export and migrate your website. Which means that if you want to change web host, be ready to rebuild your website from scratch! It’s a real pain in the neck.

 

4. Design Flexibility

As thousands of dedicated programmers and designers are constantly working on developing new apps (plugins) and skins (themes) on WordPress.

 

There are tons of free and paid plugins that you can use to expand the functions and design of your website. Such as SEO tools, scheduling, social media optimization tools, survey forms, donations and many more.

You can also change the appearance of your website by using a theme that best fits your business.

 

While website builders can’t match WordPress in term of the wide selection of plugins and themes. Most of the website builders provide a full range of basic features, elements and designing tools that you need to create a professional and fully functioning website.

 

With website builders, you don’t have to tweak any code. Just click, drag and drop the elements you like and move around them you’re satisfied.

 

So which website building tool should you choose?

As you can see, both WordPress and website builders are great, have its own unique features and benefits.

 

But there’s no ONE tool that’s right for everyone.

 

To make the best choice here, you have to first know what’s your needs.

 

Here’s a general guideline:

Website builder is a better choice for you, if:

• You don’t know how to code
• You want to build and launch a website in the easiest and fastest way possible
• You want to focus on content
• You’re looking for a one-in-all package for website creation

 

WordPress is perfect for you, if:

• You know have some basic knowledge of coding
• You’re willing to learn and get yourself familiar with the system
• You’re looking for advanced customizability and sophisticated functions
• You plan to build a scalable website

 

So I let you make the best choice for yourself.

 

If you’re ready to build a website with WordPress, my guide here might be helpful to you.

 

If you choose a website builder, you might want to check out my step-by-step guide for beginners here.

 

Before we part ways, I’d like to say that just don’t get hung up on making the decision.

 

Pick a choice, test it out and keep improving.

 

What are your thoughts on WordPress vs. Website Builders?

 

Which option are you using for your website creation?

 

Here’s something related that you can read next:

• How to make a website without coding skills
• How to start a self-hosted WordPress blog
• Why you should use WordPress for blogging
• How to choose a domain name for your blog

 

I live and breathe making an income online. 

I’ll be sharing more ideas and guides soon. Stay tuned.

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