Using a website builder, rather than design software, can make the website process quicker and easier to tackle.  If you are contemplating your choices, here are a few reasons why you should consider using a site builder.

 

Using a site builder can save you money in the beginning.  Design software can easily run upwards of $200 or more.  Many website builders will cost less than $20 per month, and that will usually include your hosting.  And, since your website builder and web host are connected, publishing your site will be as easy as pushing a button.

 

Website builders are designed to be easy to use.  They will feature a “what you see is what you get” editor (known as WYSIWYG). This allows you to see exactly what your website will look like while you create it.  You will not need to know HTML at all.  When you look at the editor, you will see something similar to a word processing screen.  You simply type away and are able to apply text formatting, insert pictures, and more.  What you see on your screen is what your website visitors will see when they pull your website up into their browser.

 

Most website builders will come loaded with various templates and graphics that you can use.  While web design software programs will usually have some templates or themes installed, they do not usually come packaged with any graphics.  If you want to include pictures on your website, you can use stock images found online.

 

A stock image is an image that has been submitted to a website by the photographer or illustrator who created the image.  There are some very affordable stock image websites, but there are also some expensive ones.  If you plan on using lots of graphics, using a website builder could potentially save you some money.

 

As mentioned above, the monthly fee you pay for your website builder will include your web hosting service.  Other features, such as message boards, online photo albums, shopping carts and more may also be included.

 

Website builders will also include some type of technical support.  This may include phone and email support, or just one of the two.  Either way, it will be much easier to get in touch with them for help, rather than calling Microsoft for help with FrontPage.

 

This Website Builder will have you up and on the web tonight. No HTML needed. Complete with a hosting set-up, shopping cart, autoresponder, and web site submission software. 10-day free trial. http://snipurl.com/o1mz.  If you want to get started online almost immediately and have no web building skills, this is an expedient way to get started.

 

NACWIB is a site that was built using this website builder.

 

You don’t have to use just this web builder.  In fact, you can do a search online and find various web builders.  Just enter “web builder” into your search engine and look at the various options, pricing, services. Be sure to select a site builder with good support services.