What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is an all-in-one web platform that includes every tool you need to build and maintain a website—no experience needed. Good website builders include a variety of pre-built, customizable website templates, drag-and-drop editing tools, blogging and e-commerce features, plenty of photo and video storage, email and social media tools and more.

Top website builder platforms also deliver done-for-you site security, SSL certificates and a domain name. Website builders price their services based on site features and storage needs, and most offer several plans so you can start small and expand as you grow. A few even offer a free plan.

How Much do Website Builders Cost?

Expect to spend from $0 to $39 per month to run a website on a reputable website builder platform. Website builders typically include all of the essentials—from hosting and security to site design and online sales tools—in one monthly fee. Unlike straight hosting services, you don’t pay extra or add-on fees for hosting, SSL certificates, design tools, security protection and other basic features.

Other Website Builder Costs

Most website builders provide a free domain name for your first year or more, but after the introductory period, you might have an added fee of $9 to $20 per year for your domain name. Other costs you might encounter with a website builder are premium design templates, added storage or bandwidth and add-on apps that expand features, such as advanced shipping or email marketing tools.

How to Choose the Best Website Builder

There is no magical one-size-fits-all approach to choose the best website builder. You need to find the right balance of cost and features to fulfill your needs. Answering these questions first can help you narrow the field:

• Do you need specific features, such as a robust blog, portfolio listings, an online store or online appointments?
• Will you be building your site yourself or do you need design and setup assistance?
• Are you willing to pay extra for more features as you grow?
• Do you want to be able to customize every aspect of your site’s design and layout?
• Do you need unique functionality like quizzes, polls, lead forms or members-only sections?

Website Builder Key Features

There are many website builders on the market and most deliver a solid set of hosting, storage, security, design and online sales tools. However, some rise above the rest when it comes to specialty features, and that might make the difference for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when comparing website builders.

Is it Mobile-Responsive?

A mobile-responsive site is one that automatically adjusts images, text and design elements to show up quickly and appropriately for a mobile phone. According to Google Analytics stats, more than 60% of traffic is mobile in the U.S., so it’s important that your site is mobile-responsive.

Is Payment Processing Built-in?

Many top website builders offer secure, built-in credit card processing for e-commerce sales, online form payments, prepaid appointments and other types of online business needs. Even if you don’t sell products or services online yet, it’s a handy feature to have in place if needed.