If you’re creating a website yourself, website builders are a quick way of getting up and running.
Don’t just pick any site builder though – there are good ones, very basic ones, and ones that will have you tearing your hair out in frustration!
Here are some things you should think about:
Online site builder:
How do I backup my files? Are my files kept on the servers of an online company? If so, is the company solid and dependable? What happens if the company goes out of business – do I lose my website? What kind of uptime does the company offer?
Having a builder only accessible online can also present difficulties if your internet connection is slow or slow at times.
Offline site builder:
Will the builder work with my computer’s operating system? How do I save my files? How do I publish my pages? Having a site builder on your hard drive means you are not reliant upon the the internet to work on your website. It might mean a larger learning curve in finding out how to manage your files, design your site and publish.
General:
Does the builder create search-engine-friendly URLs?
Can I choose what kind of URLs are created for my pages?
How many pages can I create? Limited or unlimited?
Does it come with a photo gallery? A form maker? Shopping Cart? Pay Pal facilities?
Does it come with templates? Are the templates customizable? Can I import templates? Can I design my own templates?
If I want to create additional websites with the builder, can I do this–or do I have to purchase another instance of the builder?
How do I use HTML or outside scripts with the site builder?
Is the website builder being updated on a continuing basis? Are the updates free?
How does the site builder manage search engine optimization for users? Are there instructions on how to use the builder to achieve optimal results with search engines?
What kind of support is offered for the builder?
Is there an active support forum where I can pick up tricks and tips, and receive feedback on my website?
Important:
Not all of the above questions apply to every website builder, and you might have additional questions according to your own specific needs.
