Website Builder Platforms
Above: Illustrated image of a web site being built (image courtesy of Reshot)
Having a credible, impactful online presence is essential for creative and cultural organisations and individual artists alike. Fortunately, building a website has never been easier thanks to modern website builder platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly. These platforms allow users to create professional-looking websites without needing in-depth technical skills. But how exactly do they work, and how do they compare with traditional Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress?
What Are Website Builders?
A website builder is a software platform or tool that allows you to construct websites using a visual, drag-and-drop interface. These tools typically come with pre-designed templates, built-in features like contact forms, image galleries, and ecommerce support. All websites need hosting (a service that allows you to publish your website online by storing its files on a server and making them accessible to users through a web browser). Hosting is integrated with most website builders, saving you the hassle of organising this yourself.
The core philosophy of website builders is ease of use. They are designed for people who don’t have coding experience. Instead of writing HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, users can simply click and drag elements (like pictures or forms) onto a page, customise them, and publish their website with a few clicks.
Key Features of Website Builders:
- Pre-made templates tailored for various industries
- Drag-and-drop webpage editors for intuitive customisation
- Integrated hosting, domain services, and SSL (Secure certification)
- Responsive design for effective layouts on mobile, tablet and desktop computers
- Ecommerce capabilities for selling online
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) tools to help get found on search engines like Google
Website Builders vs Content Management Systems (CMS)
Although both website builders and CMS platforms are used to create websites, they differ significantly in terms of flexibility, complexity, and control. Below is a list of the most notable differences / considerations when it comes to choosing the right platform to suit your needs:
Website Builders (e.g. Squarespace or Wix):
- All-in-one platforms that bundle design, hosting, and tools
- Designed for beginners with little to no coding skills
- Limited in customisation due to their templated nature
- Typically subscription-based (monthly or yearly plans)
Content Management Systems (e.g. WordPress):
- Website hosting needs to be organised and maintained separately
- Offer greater flexibility and scalability
- Users can install plugins (tools that adds features or functions to a website) or edit code directly
- More suited for developers or users willing to learn
In summary, CMS platforms provide more freedom and power, but they come with a steeper learning curve. Website builders, on the other hand, offer speed, simplicity, and convenience, making them ideal for users who want a site up and running quickly.
Pros and Cons of Using Website Builders
Pros:
- Ease of Use
No coding knowledge required. The intuitive interfaces allow users to build and manage websites with minimal effort.
- Quick Setup
With a bit of planning and content preparation, you can get your site launched in a day or less
- All-in-One Solution
No hassle organising hosting, domain names and Security (SSL) certificates – these are typically integrated into one platform.
- Affordable for Small Projects
Some website builders offer free plans or affordable entry-level subscriptions.
- Mobile Responsiveness
Templates are automatically optimised for mobile devices.
Cons:
- Limited Flexibility
While easy to use, builders can feel restrictive to advanced users who want full control over layout and functionality (not suitable for unusual or highly bespoke creative concepts).
- Template Lock-in
Some platforms don’t allow you to switch templates after launch without starting from scratch.
- Less Scalable
For large or complex websites or complicated ecommerce requirements, builders are probably not the way to go.
- Performance Issues
Sites built on certain builders can suffer from slower load times compared to custom-built or professionally hand-coded CMS websites.
- Ownership and Portability
Migrating a site away from a builder (e.g., from Wix to Squarespace) is not really feasible without starting again.
Top 3 Website Builders: Features, Strengths & Weaknesses
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most popular website builder platforms: Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly.
1. Wix
Wix is one of the most widely used website builders, known for its highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface and rich feature set. It boasts over 900 designer-made templates and a wide variety of apps available through the Wix App Market.
Above: Irina Pandeva website build using Wix (copyright Irina Pandeva)
Strengths:
- Highly customizable drag-and-drop editor
- Extensive template library covering virtually every niche
- Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) quickly builds sites for users based on a questionnaire
- Robust App Market to add features like live chat, bookings, or ecommerce
- Free plan available (with Wix branding and ads)
Weaknesses:
- Limited template switching – can’t change template after selection without rebuilding
- Heavy, inefficient code – will slow down the site
- Free plan limitations – includes ads and doesn’t allow for custom domain
Artist websites created using Wix >
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is renowned for its sleek, modern design templates and is particularly popular among creatives, photographers, artists, and designers. It offers an all-in-one solution with powerful built-in features.
Above: Sophie Khan website built using Squarespace (copyright Sophie Khan)
Strengths:
- Elegant and professional templates
- Excellent image and gallery handling – great for portfolios
- Strong blogging capabilities
- Built-in ecommerce – for small to medium online stores
- Integrated SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and analytics tools
Weaknesses:
- Less flexible drag-and-drop interface – compared to Wix
- No free plan – only a 14-day free trial at present
- Limited third-party app integration – compared to Wix
- Cost, – slightly more expensive than competitors
Artist websites created using Squarespace >
3. Weebly
Weebly is a beginner-friendly website builder known for its simplicity and solid ecommerce features. It is a good choice for smaller cultural organisations and individual artists who want to get online quickly.
Above: Cori Jacobs website built using Weebly (copyright Cori Jacobs)
Strengths:
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve
- Affordable pricing – includes a free plan and competitive ecommerce features
- Good for small stores with built-in inventory and shipping tools
Weaknesses:
- Design flexibility is limited
- Fewer template options
- Outdated interface – compared to Wix and Squarespace
Websites created using Weebly >
Conclusion
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly have changed the way people build smaller websites. They are ideal for people with limited technical knowledge and experience of building websites. By offering intuitive design tools, integrated hosting, and a wealth of pre-made templates, they enable users to launch attractive, functional websites easily and cost effectively.
However, they are not without limitations. Compared to traditional CMS platforms, website builders can lack scalability and flexibility. Users planning large, complex sites or expecting high traffic volumes may eventually outgrow these tools and need to migrate to more robust solutions.
Further support
If you’re thinking of building a website, we recommend you try two or three web builder platforms available and select the one you are most comfortable with. Before you do so, watch this webinar which covers some of the planning steps you need to do in advance.
Ultimately, the best website builder depends on your goals, technical skills, and future plans. Whatever type of website you’re considering, there’s a builder out there that fits your needs, providing you don’t need anything overly complex or bespoke.
The Digital Culture Network is here to support you and your organisation. Our Tech Champions can provide free one-to-one support to all creative and cultural organisations who are in receipt of, or eligible for, Arts Council England funding. If you need help or would like to chat with us about any of the advice we have covered above, please get in touch. Sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) @ace_dcn for the latest updates.
