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Having to choose between an online site builder and standalone web editor? Honestly, the debate is endless!!! There is enough number of people supporting each camp. It is important for everyone to know the advantages and disadvantages of using each of these.
Online Site Builders:
Amateurs often are tempted to use web site builders provided to them by the web host. They are not wrong in wanting to do so as the web host provides a variety of easy options like:
- Ready-made Templates: Since design is an important aspect of developing successful web pages, the users have “ready-made templates” in place which are provided by the web hosts. They are easy and can be readily used by the developer.
- Step by Step Guide: The site builders provide step by step guides that help the user navigate and select his designs while helping him fill the content on the page. This seems to be pretty easy, convenient and comes across as a hassle free procedure.
- Publish files: There is no necessity to publish the web site and images, as this is done through your online web hosting account. A newcomer will find his task difficult and time consuming if he has to publish as well as web hosting; therefore, he would opt for a simpler method provided by the site builders.
Standalone Web Editor:
Designing standalone web editors hones the skills of a web designer even though it may seem cumbersome initially. There are long term benefits attached with this skill. Here are few advantages of using the services of standalone web editors:
- Flexibility: Web designing is not just about using ready-made visual templates, but actually tapping the creative ability of the designer. When you opt for a web builder, you actually surrender flexibility in a way. The designer can design dynamic and visual friendly pages on his own. Your standalone web knowledge remains with you throughout and can be put to use even if you want to avail the services of any renowned web builders.
- Content of the page: One of the important aspects of web designing is writing content for the web. The sales pitch, conversions and product options can be effectively done through proper content writing. Now the designer has to spend time writing the content even if he opts for web builders. The web builders do not have any idea of what your web site needs and what is the pitch for.
- Transferability: With many web builders entering the market every day, competition has reached a feverish pitch. It won’t be a surprise if you end up losing your web builder suddenly due to any unforeseen circumstances. Generally, web builders don’t allow the user to transfer templates or files to other web hosts as this would violate the existing copy rights and create licensing issues. Imagine a situation when you become a virtual prisoner to that site until you spend time and money redesigning your web page with another host.
Web designing is using your sensibility. Weigh the pros and cons and then decide if you want to use ease over creativity or vice-versa and take a step.
Having to choose between an online site builder and standalone web editor? Honestly, the debate is endless!!! There is enough number of people supporting each camp. It is important for everyone to know the advantages and disadvantages of using each of these.
Online Site Builders:
Amateurs often are tempted to use web site builders provided to them by the web host. They are not wrong in wanting to do so as the web host provides a variety of easy options like:
- Ready-made Templates: Since design is an important aspect of developing successful web pages, the users have “ready-made templates” in place which are provided by the web hosts. They are easy and can be readily used by the developer.
- Step by Step Guide: The site builders provide step by step guides that help the user navigate and select his designs while helping him fill the content on the page. This seems to be pretty easy, convenient and comes across as a hassle free procedure.
- Publish files: There is no necessity to publish the web site and images, as this is done through your online web hosting account. A newcomer will find his task difficult and time consuming if he has to publish as well as web hosting; therefore, he would opt for a simpler method provided by the site builders.
Standalone Web Editor:
Designing standalone web editors hones the skills of a web designer even though it may seem cumbersome initially. There are long term benefits attached with this skill. Here are few advantages of using the services of standalone web editors:
- Flexibility: Web designing is not just about using ready-made visual templates, but actually tapping the creative ability of the designer. When you opt for a web builder, you actually surrender flexibility in a way. The designer can design dynamic and visual friendly pages on his own. Your standalone web knowledge remains with you throughout and can be put to use even if you want to avail the services of any renowned web builders.
- Content of the page: One of the important aspects of web designing is writing content for the web. The sales pitch, conversions and product options can be effectively done through proper content writing. Now the designer has to spend time writing the content even if he opts for web builders. The web builders do not have any idea of what your web site needs and what is the pitch for.
- Transferability: With many web builders entering the market every day, competition has reached a feverish pitch. It won’t be a surprise if you end up losing your web builder suddenly due to any unforeseen circumstances. Generally, web builders don’t allow the user to transfer templates or files to other web hosts as this would violate the existing copy rights and create licensing issues. Imagine a situation when you become a virtual prisoner to that site until you spend time and money redesigning your web page with another host.
Web designing is using your sensibility. Weigh the pros and cons and then decide if you want to use ease over creativity or vice-versa and take a step.
Josh Anderson is a well known web designer and an avid blogger who shares tips for a easy yet creative web design. He has been using some free website builders for some really impressive designs.
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