How to create a website or blog, there are many options to go with, so what is the best option, using an all in one website builder, or a content management system (CMS) like WordPress?

Website Builders vs WordPress

It’s pretty easy these days to get a website online. However, easy is not necessarily the best or cheapest way. There are a few things to consider before committing to one of the many options out there. Some options require more technical skill than others, so, let’s go through some of the options.

Website Builder or WordPress?

Website Builder

There are a few website builders out there, such as Squarespace, Webflow and Wix. These type of website builders are the simplest and easiest way to get a website online. There are differences between these web builders, however, the setup process will be similar.

Set-Up Steps

  • Select your website builder based on your needs and requirements.
  • Select a plan from a list of options.
  • Choose your domain name.
  • Select one of the available designs.
  • Now start adding your content.
  • Publish that content and your website is now up and running.

This is by far the simplest and quickest way to get your website up and running. They include everything you need in one place to set up your website.

WordPress

The next main option is WordPress. WordPress is a very popular way to create a website, around 30% of all websites are built on the WordPress content management system. There are a large amount of themes and plugins available to customize and add functionality to your website, including WordPress security and virus scanners. Also, if you are more technically minded you can add custom html, or directly edit the websites PHP code.

Some companies like GoDaddy offer a managed WordPress package. This works more like the website builder option. They provide domain name registration, website hosting, and the automatic installation of WordPress. They also manage certain maintenance aspects, such as updating the WordPress platform and performing backups. Also, you don’t have full access to the core files, so you can’t mess it up. This type of managed package is also likely to be more expensive.

If you don’t want this option, you can choose your domain registrar and hosting account separately. This option is a little more complicated and technical. However, it will give you more control, and work out cheaper, depending on the host you choose.

Set-Up Steps

  • Get you domain for a domain registrar.
  • Find a host and select a plan.
  • Update the DNS on your domain registrar to point to the name servers on your host.
  • Install WordPress on your hosting account (Many hosts do this for you).
  • Select a theme and customize to suit your needs.
  • Create some content, and then publish that content.

Final Comments

WordPress also allows you to move your website to a different host if required (website migration). WordPress will give you far more control, which for me is a priority. There are a few deciding factors when choosing which one to go for, your budget, your level of computer literacy, and your passion for the technical side of things. You also need to think about your future plans for the website, and what type of website it will be.