Creating a website using WordPress has become common practice in this day and age. But a major consideration is “Is WordPress a website builder?”
It goes both ways. WordPress is a website builder. But it has some major differences from conventional website builders which is why people question whether or not it’s indeed a website builder.
I’ll go over the details of WordPress and website builders in this guide. You’ll find this very helpful, so continue reading.
What is WordPress?
WordPress.org, commonly called self-hosted WordPress, is a free, open-source, content management system (CMS) software.
A content management system (CMS) is an interface for creating and managing content with little or no knowledge of code.
This implies that you can install WordPress on your personal computer or from a web host and edit it to create and manage your websites or blogs without coding experience.
The WordPress interface comes with input fields for your content and a menu of several tools to help you add features to your site.
And with a plethora of themes and plugins that you can customize to give your site a professional finish, it’s no wonder that brands like Vogue, TechCrunch, and Time Magazine use WordPress.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a tool that allows online merchants to create and manage websites, without requiring prior code experience.
It falls into two categories which are online and offline website builders.
If you’re using an offline website builder, you can download the software directly on your Windows or iOS device to set up your website.
Conversely, if you’re using an online website builder, this implies that you’re leveraging a web-based builder that’s hosted on the company’s server.
For instance, Wix offers an online website builder known for its in-built drag-and-drop editor. And the website builder is exclusive to Wix’s server.
If at any time you choose to use Wix website builder, you can create and publish your website directly from the platform in a matter of minutes.
This is what website builders are all about.
Is WordPress a website builder?
Yes, it is.
From the explanation I gave earlier, it’s easy to understand that WordPress.org is a content management system (CMS) and a website builder.
In this case, it’s an offline website builder because you can download it on your personal computer and set up your website.
Why WordPress?
Now you know that WordPress is a content management system, and a website builder.
Well, it’s time to highlight some properties like its setup, flexibility, and data control that further explain why it stands out from the pack.
Let’s examine some of these properties closely:
1. Set up
WordPress can be installed on a web hosting service like HostGator, Hostinger, Bluehost, etc. And you can choose from this wide range of hosting services.
However, to use WordPress, you must purchase a hosting plan and a domain name to start.
While WordPress.org is free, web hosting usually comes with a fee – this depends on the host site you choose.
WordPress can also be installed on your local host computer.
Conversely, website builders are pre-installed and hosted on whatever platform offers them like GoDaddy, Wix, Squarespace, etc. You would only require a domain name to get started.
2. Flexibility
Users can access 8000+ free themes and plugins that cut across marketing, email hosting, SEO, forms, eCommerce, social media integrations, etc.
So, you have many tools, whether you’re building a new website, an eCommerce site, or creating a simple personal blog with WordPress.
3. Data control
The great thing about WordPress is that you have 100% control over your data and can store it locally or transfer it at any time.
Unfortunately, you can not transfer or locally save your data from a website-building platform like Wix, which can be a major limitation. You can only access your data on the platform.
This can be quite discouraging for users who prefer more control over their data.
What is the difference between WordPress and website builders?
The primary difference between WordPress and conventional website builders is that you can download WordPress on your personal computer and access over 8,000 themes.
Yes, you can also access WordPress through some web-based website builders like Dreamhost website builder. But generally, WordPress is more scalable and flexible than most if not all other types of website builders.
Alternative website builders
If you are considering website builders, here are a few you should know. Remember, these mentions are online website builders.
1. Shopify
Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform that makes it easy to launch your online store and start selling to your customers, wherever they are.
If you’re planning to build an eCommerce website for your business, Shopify is highly recommended.
Pricing: Their plans are between $29/mo and $299/mo.
2. Weebly
Weebly is an easy-to-use site builder that lets you create and publish attractive, responsive websites, blogs, and online stores.
Pricing: One free and four paid website plans ranging from $0 to $25/mo.
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder tool aimed mainly at small business owners.
Once subscribed, you can create a website, host your content, register your custom domain name, sell products, track your site’s analytics, and more.
Pricing: They offer four paid website plans ranging from $12 to $40/mo.
There is no free plan.
4. Wix
Wix is a simple-to-use website builder with many features, an editor that gives you design freedom, and a website generator.
It is important to note that it is highly limited in the quality of themes it provides. And you cannot export your site after creating it. While these limitations may not be an issue initially, you may find it frustrating in the long run.
Pricing: Wix has a free version, and premium prices range from $16/mo to $59/mo.
5. GoDaddy
GoDaddy website builder is an online editing and publishing tool that helps you create and manage a website without coding experience.
It also has designer-made templates and built-in marketing tools that require no technical experience.
Pricing: GoDaddy prices range from $16.99/mo to $29.99/mo
FAQs
Is WordPress the best website builder?
Yes, it is.
Aside from being the most popular website builder, WordPress is by far the best, most versatile, and most functional. WordPress also allows integrations with Woocommerce for those who need to create eCommerce stores.
Is WordPress free?
Yes, it is. But you need to purchase a web host and a domain name to install it.
These fees depend entirely on the hosting platform you choose.
Is WordPress a good website builder?
Yes, it is. You can build great websites with WordPress. The website builder is also SEO-friendly and has lots of marketing tools and themes to choose from. WordPress is good for building all shades of top-quality websites.
Conclusion
The debate is over, and now you know that WordPress is both a website builder and a CMS, which means a content managing system.
According to W3Techs, WordPress powers up to 43% of all websites on the internet. It’s customizable, versatile, easy to use, and pro-friendly. WordPress seems to have it all and has lived up to its name through the years.
You can start creating your website today using WordPress website builder.
Thanks for reading.
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