Low-code/No-code Website Builders Guide
#websitebuilders Guide
I recently got transported into the “magical” world of low-code/no-code website builders when I was looking to build a website and landing pages to test out a few ideas!
Ended up trying 7 different tools before settling on 1. So, sharing my learnings along the way to help beginners pick the right tools.
Starting with Webflow…
Webflow
Webflow is a nifty tool to build responsive and attractive websites. Webflow’s toolbox is a great starting point for anyone who wants to save time on building a website ground-up or use a single tool for design, building, and publishing.
However, this is possible only if you have some background in website design and/or website development. Beginners may feel a steep learning curve when using Webflow as the Webflow UI can feel rigid and the terminology can seem daunting.
The good news is that Webflow has a great resource bank for anyone who wants to learn how to use Webflow and how to build websites in general.
But if you are a beginner and looking to launch something quickly, keep reading. :)
Pricing- Webflow offers a Freemium model that allows you to get your hands dirty with a simple account sign-up. You can even launch your website publically with a Webflow URL for free.
Figma+Webflow Plugin
Having dabbled with Figma and Webflow quite a bit, I was super excited to learn about this plugin. When installed in Figma, this plugin allows you to design your website in Figma and (literally) convert the design into a functional and responsive website with a simple copy-paste from Figma to Webflow. This eliminates the friction of using the Webflow designer to design the website. So if you know “how to Figma” but not really website development, this tool is for you.
As a beginner, however, you will still need to get a crash course in Figma design and have visual acumen to find success with this tool.
Pricing - Free! Free!! Free!!!
GoDaddy
I bought a few domains with GoDaddy and ended up trying out their website builder for a landing page. The website builder was easy to use, especially for a beginner, but the reason I moved on from GoDaddy was their vague pricing model. Felt like I was hitting the paywall every step of the way. Also, I reminded myself that GoDaddy primarily is not a website builder! It’s great for other things like domain, but this.
ConvertKit
As I kept looking for simpler alternatives to launch web pages quickly, I decided to give Convertkit a shot and was pleasantly surprised to see how intuitive the overall onboarding experience was. Especially, their templates! Converkit’s templates are beautiful, on-point, and a great starting point for any beginner.
However, while you don’t need to be a pro at website development you still need the design acumen to customize the templates which in my experience, Converkit has been the opposite of Webflow- too few knobs to tweak!
I do recommend this tool for anybody starting out, you may just find a template that fits your needs!
Pro tip- Don’t be intimidated by words like Marketing Platform, Landing Pages, Lead Generation, etc. If you are putting out a website, you are trying to market or sell something to your audience which makes you a Marketer by extension! :)
Pricing - Freemium model that allows you to get your hands dirty with a simple account sign-up. You can even launch your website publically with a Convertkit URL for free.
10Web AI
It’s 2023 and we cannot-not talk about AI to solve a given problem at hand! I tried 10Web’s AI website builder and, lo and behold, with just 3 inputs and 3 minutes later, the platform outputs a fully functional website, with a relevant copy! Mind-officially-blown!
I could not stick to the product, however, for 2 reasons- 1) Pricing - No free tier to launch the website and 2) The template seemed too simplistic with little room for customization, at least in the trial version.
But as a beginner, if cost is not an issue and if the template works for your needs, 10Web AI can be a great tool! Not to mention, it will only get better in the future.
SquareSpace
With that, we have arrived at my MOST FAVORITE tool for website building to date! SquareSpace offers an extremely user-friendly experience and stylish design templates that make website building not only a business requirement but also a pleasurable design experience. The frictionless drag-n-drop, UI options, and highly intuitive design interface take away the need for anyone to be a design or development expert.
It’s a truly beginner-friendly tool to build websites, landing pages, portfolios, you name it! Highly recommended!
Pricing - 15 days of free trial before buying a monthly/yearly subscription.
Wix
<Too early to provide a verdict on Wix but so far it seems at par with SquareSpace’s offerings, but at a cheaper price. More on that later!>
Parting thoughts
Website design and building is only one aspect of Website launch. One should also consider other factors such as Content Management System, eCommerce, Blogging, Analytics, Domain & Hosting, Customer Support, to name a few. Good news is that all the above platforms fulfill these business requirements in some form or the other.
Happy publishing!
