A good website builder can help you create a stunning website in less than the time it takes to make a good sandwich. But some website builders aren’t very good at all. Some website builders will have you wishing you’d just gone with a web designer, no matter how much they’re charging these days.
So, how do you know you’re choosing a website builder that won’t have you pulling your hair out at the roots?
Here are 12 things to look out for, so you can benefit from all the advantages of a website builder without any regrets along the way:
Table of Contents
12 tips to choose the best website builder
1. Drag-and-drop technology
The whole point of a website builder is that it’s faster than designing a website from scratch. If you have to fiddle around with too many features in order to create the website of your dreams, you need to look for a better website builder. The best website builders have drag-and-drop technology, which makes it ridiculously easy to customise templates and bring your dream website to life.
2. e-Commerce options
If you want to sell products or services on your website, you’ll need to look for a website builder that has e-commerce options. This means basic inventory, compatibility with popular payment gateways, and a virtual shopping cart.
3. Lots of templates
All website builders will have templates to choose from, but the best website builder will have a wide variety of templates. The website of your dreams doesn’t look like anybody else’s website. It will be perfectly suited to your brand and your goals. The more templates your website builder offers, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to create the website you’ve been daydreaming about.
4. Comes with web hosting
The best website builder comes with great web hosting, so that you can quickly get your website up and running. If your website builder doesn’t come with hosting, you’ll need to shop around to find hosting for your newly created masterpiece. Save yourself the hassle by choosing the right website builder from the start.
5. SSL certificate compatibility
An SSL certificate encrypts data that passes between websites, browsers and servers. You use it to protect sensitive data like login credentials and credit card information. If you have an e-commerce website, an SSL certificate is mandatory, so don’t even bother choosing a website builder that’s incompatible with SSL certificates. Even if you don’t have an e-commerce website, an SSL certificate is essential for protecting your website from hackers and cyberthieves. So, choose a website builder that gives you the option of installing an SSL certificate.
6. Simple, streamlined designs
It’s been proven that simple, streamlined designs convert better than clunky, cluttered ones. When your website has too many eye-catching features, your visitors get overwhelmed and click away from your site. That’s why our website builder is equipped with beautiful, uncluttered templates that will have your visitors staying on your site for hours.
7. Affordable packages
There’s no point in choosing a website builder that costs just as much as hiring a web designer. The best website builders will fall comfortably within your budget. (For instance, our website builder packages start at £3 per month!)
8. Easy migration
If you already have a website, you don’t want to have to start over from scratch to begin using a platform. Look for a website builder that comes with a migration tool, so you can import your website and keep tweaking it until it’s perfect.
9. Password protection
Security is more important than ever, and the best website builders will come equipped with password protection, so you can keep your data secure.
10. SEO tools
SEO stands for “Search Engine Optimisation”. A website that’s optimised for search engines will rank higher in search results, which will increase the chances of attracting new visitors. A good website builder will come equipped with an SEO tool, so you can position your website to attract all your ideal customers.
11. WordPress compatibility
Once you’ve finished creating your website, you’re going to want to use a tool that makes it just as easy to maintain your website as it was to create it. That’s why you’ll want to choose a website builder with WordPress compatibility.
12. Great customer support
Some website builders draw you in because they’re free. But because you pay nothing, you also get absolutely no customer support, should you ever run into a problem. And anyone who owns a website will tell you that once you have a website, technical difficulties are just a matter of time. That’s why you need a website builder that offers excellent customer support 24/7. (Even on holidays.)
Conclusion
Every single website builder on the market claims to be the best you can get. To make sure you’re getting good value for money, look for a website builder that has these twelve features and more!
