DIY websites are an easy solution for companies and entrepreneurs to quickly take their business online. The best thing about DIY tools is that there is no coding required – you can move your brand online easily, in a matter of hours.
However, with so many website builders available on the web, it can be tricky choosing the one that fits your needs best. This article will focus on the essentials of website builder software and help you pick the right one.
These are some of the most recommended website builder brands:
In a nutshell, a Do-it-yourself website builder is a cloud-based software solution designed to help businesses build their website. This is done with the help of premade templates and easy-to-use drag and drop functionality. There is absolutely no coding required. You simply need to choose the template you like, add the colors, company logo, and fill-in everything with the functionality you require.
Today, close to everything can be found online. Whether it’s a large bookstore or a tiny pizza place, customers expect to be able to get at least some information about your business from the web. When conducting research, 9 out of 10 people will go to Google and type your brand’s name in the search field, expecting to browse your website. If that doesn’t happen, you will be missing out on sales. A TON of sales.
The benefits of having a website are virtually endless if you get to explore all of the possibilities. A well-optimized website can increase e-commerce sales by up to 10 times. Here are some interesting facts to note:
However, even if you don’t have the time to optimize your website for local SEO or invest in perfecting the mobile experience, simply having a website has a plethora of benefits. We’ll mention some of the most important ones below:
The list is virtually endless. While some of the advanced lead generation techniques require experience and may require more funding, the simple benefits package that any website brings under $30 cannot be ignored. Even if you don’t have much to show to your customers, you still want to have a website. If you don’t, you not only risk losing credibility in your customers’ eyes but may also be considered obsolete by many of them.
Source: Wix.com
Over the past couple of years, DIY tools have become very popular among many US-based businesses. For instance, Wix, the most popular DIY website design software, currently has over 150 million users, with the last 30 million users acquired during the last two years. However, the most popular software isn’t necessarily the best for every case.
While all the industry-leading tools like Wix, Site123, and SquareSpace can be used to craft a website, there are a number of differences. SquareSpace offers maximum design flexibility but lacks in certain aspects of functionality, whereas Wix offers a powerful editor with tons of available features.
If your industry absolutely requires breathtaking design but doesn’t need much functionality (e.g. a creative agency website vs. an online store), SquareSpace might be the better choice. It all comes down to the specific business, its needs, customer base, and required features.
The main criteria you want to focus on when choosing a DIY website design software are:
Naturally, the importance of each criterion will vary depending on the type of website you need. For instance, e-commerce websites require many add-ons and integrations like financial management tools, inventory management, multiple payment options, etc.
In contrast, websites that are primarily meant to showcase your brand and educate your audience (like portfolio websites and blogs) require great aesthetics, a smooth user experience, and mobile optimization. Furthermore, the premade templates and drag and drop editors will help you visualize what your website will look like when it’s done. This allows you to transfer your brand identity online with a clear idea of what to expect.
You need to figure out and start prioritizing decisive factors. I’d like to stress the fact that regardless of what type of website you’re looking for, make sure to check the customer support of the vendor you’re considering to use. There will be times when difficulties will arise and it will be up to the brand to help you deal with issues swiftly and efficiently. And because these issues may directly influence your online sales, you need to make sure that the team is always ready to assist you.
Once you have chosen a candidate, do yourself a favor and make use of the free trial before committing to the purchase. Most of the leading DIY website design tools offer an up to 30 days free trial, allowing you to test the feel of the product, familiarize yourself with the templates and design features, and evaluate the usability. Also, use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the customer support team and make sure that they will back you up, should you need any help.
You don’t need much to start setting up your brand new website. Here is a handy checklist of the most important requirements:
Make sure it’s simple to pronounce and type. Try to make it short, easy to memorize, and associate with your brand. If possible, go for the “.com” “.org” “.net” domain extensions, as these have the most credibility among customers.
A clear, unique, and easily recognizable company logo is essential. Create a professional logo and place it on your website. Some website builders, like Wix, have free logo creators.
The content you provide needs to be unique and high-quality. If you’re short on time, we’d recommend going for “less but better” over “lots but poor quality” content. You can keep adding content while being live.
In an easy-to-find place, tell customers how to contact you and where to find you. Make sure to include a phone number(s), email(s), and social media links, along with any other channels you have.
Last but not least, it would be great to keep track of your efforts. If you can find the weak links, you can improve them and get even more out of your website. Some important measurements to keep track of are:
At the end of the day, Do-it-yourself website builders offer a vast array of benefits that are simply too good to pass on. You get to establish an online presence, make it easier for customers to contact and find you, and increase your sales – all in a matter of hours. Furthermore, the fact that no coding is required makes everything even easier and smoother. Remember that choosing the right DIY builder depends on your customers and business needs. In any case, make sure to conduct thorough research and read our expert reviews before making your final decision.