What is a Website Builder?
Website builders are Content Management Systems that simplify website development. Most website builders have a generic drag and drop format to place UI elements on a web page.
It should be noted that there are two main caveats to using website builders. They include over dependence on third party plugins and generic UI elements.
It is also important to note that in order for your website to have specific functionalies or basic interactive UI elements, you'll have to pay a subscription for some plugins.
Core Features...
Fast development
Website builders allow for rapid development and deployment of websites.
Affordable
Since website builders require almost no coding, they are relatively cheap to develop.
Easy maintenance
Website builders are simply plug-and-play and updates for plugins can be automated.
FAQs
What website builders do you use?
There are a number of website builders currently available. The three major ones I am adept in are WordPress, Wix and Shopify.
How much is the development cost?
A standard fee of USD 50 is charged per static page. I charge for the core functionalities seperately.
How long do they take to develop?
They are rapidly developed, therefore they can take as little as a couple of days to have a decent website online.
Why are they regarded as generic?
Well, there are a few reasons for this. The major ones include a lack of UI customisation, poor modular design and an overdependence on plugins. They are limited overall in front and backend customisation, so they almost all look and feel the same.
What are plugins?
Plugins are like small apps you install within your website to add extra UI elements or functionalities. You can find a plugin for almost anything, however since you technically can't see the code behind it, security is not guaranteed. They might also be collecting your data. Majority of plugins that offer core functionalities or specific UI elements have a subscription service. This means that you will always be paying for something for your website to function at 100%. You also run the risk of the plugin you are using not being supported anymore making your website's UI wonky.
What's wrong with using plugins?
Plugins can be resource intensive. Ever visited a website and all of a sudden your laptop/PC fans spin up like jet engines? It's most likely built on a website builder. If a plugin runs on code that collides with another plugin, your website may take forever to load. The security of plugins is also not guaranteed.