There are many factors you should consider if you are looking to start a website. One of the most crucial factors in building a site is the type of tool you will use to build it.
A website builder or WordPress is one of the top tools that people consider. In this article, we will explain the benefits that each of these tools has to offer, so you can make a well-informed decision.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source system that allows its users to easily build a website and manage published content. It was released in 2003, and since then, it has become the most popular content management system in the world.
It is a really versatile platform that allows you to create online shops, business websites, galleries, forums, directories, blogs, and much more!
If you want to know more about CMS WordPress, make sure you read our blog!
What are Website Builders?
A website builder is a tool that allows you to create and design a website without needing any knowledge of coding. It is fit for beginners since it uses a drag-and-drop editor and pre-made templates that customize your website.
There are dozens of tools that website builders offer; you just need to pick the ones that best suit your vision for the website.
If you’re interested in website builders, make sure you read all about the advantages and disadvantages of using website builders.
Key Differences Between WordPress and Website Builders
To figure out what each of these tools offers, we are going to look through the differences between website builders and WordPress.
Content ownership
With website builders, your data lives on the servers of the website builders. You don’t have full access to the database of your site. So, the right to your content is usually retained by the website builders.
With self-hosted WordPress, you have complete control and ownership over your site and full access to the database and underlying code of your site.
Manageability
If you want a simple website that will be available for viewing on the internet, then you should consider a Website Builder.
If you want to develop your website over time and publish lots of content, then WordPress is a better option for you.
Ease of Use
Most website builders include drag-and-drop features, which makes this tool very easy to use.
WordPress doesn’t include a drag-and-drop editor, so you will have to work a little harder to modify the content on your website.
Plugins, themes, and extensions
WordPress gives you access to more extensions, and it has a huge library of themes that you can use on your site.
With website builders, you can only use the add-ons they offer, which means that there is a smaller number of add-ons.
Hosting
WordPress needs to be installed on a PHP and MariaDB/MySQL web host, which can be a little frightening for users that aren’t tech-savvy. However, the upside of uploading WordPress to a host is that you can easily move your website to another host if you want to.
With website builders, there is hosting included, so if you buy a domain name with your website builder, you don’t have to configure hosting.
Design and look
Like we mentioned, WordPress offers thousands of themes, both free and paid, which can satisfy the taste of any user of the platform.
Website builders have templates that are built-in and can directly be used to the layout of the site but are fewer in quantity.
SEO
When it comes to SEO, WordPress is much more flexible. Although website builders also come with their own SEO tools, these tools are more suitable for beginners, which means that they aren’t as flexible as the ones WordPress offers. WordPress also gives you options like setting automatic SEO descriptions and titles that include dynamic data.
Control
Since website builders are tools that are hosted, you will have access only to the features that the website builder gives you access to.
On the other hand, with WordPress, you will have full access to the database and the underlying code of your site, so you can adjust every part of it to your needs.
Cost
The software for WordPress is free, and there are many hosting providers that offer affordable web hosting plans. Usually, this makes using WordPress cheaper than a website builder.
With website builders, you typically get several plans, and the cheaper will limit you in storage, bandwidth, and other features that are essential for your website.
How to Decide Whether to Use WordPress or Website Builders?
So, which of these two tools should you use? Consider the following things when making a decision on how to build your website.
Time
If you have more time available on your hands and you want to build a website that is heavier with features, WordPress is a great choice for you.
Your level of knowledge
If you’re not a person with a technical background in a website builder, you can build a site in minutes. WordPress might be overwhelming for those who aren’t that tech-savvy.
Your goal
Think about what your goal is. Website builders are great for one-page or brochure-style websites. WordPress is more suitable for a corporate website, large-scale eCommerce website, websites that include a database, or websites that require a membership.
Website scalability
If you want a larger website, then WordPress is probably a better option. A website builder is a great alternative if you’re looking for a simpler and smaller website.
Summary
In conclusion, web builders make a good choice if you’re looking for a simple and quick way to make a basic website. However, remember that you will limit yourself in terms of scalability and flexibility of the website.
On the other hand, WordPress is much more scalable and flexible, and it gives you control over the data of your site. Besides these things, WordPress is also cheaper. Keep in mind that WordPress requires a higher time investment and a larger learning curve.
Both of the platforms have their owns pros and cons, so it is up to you to decide which one better suits your needs. We hope that this article will help you in making the right decision.
