In an age where every business should have a website, website builders have emerged as essential tools for simplifying the process of creating a professional website without the need for technical expertise.
Website builders are, by their very nature, designed to be user-friendly, making them accessible to non-technical users who wish to build and manage their own websites. Ease of use and accessibility for anyone who wants to make a website from scratch, are the key features of website builders.
In 2025 it was estimated that upwards of 18 million live websites were built with website builders. Wix websites accounted for 45% of those sites.
Not sure why you need a website? Our guide can help.
What is a website builder, exactly?
A website builder is a tool that allows you to create a website without needing to write code. These platforms provide all the necessary components to design, build and launch a website, making them an ideal solution for businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently. Well-known examples include Wix.
How does a website builder work?
Website builders typically offer a drag and drop editor and interface, allowing you to select elements like text boxes, images and buttons and place them on your webpage. This makes it easy to customize the layout and design of your website according to your preferences.
But just because they’re easy to use, doesn’t mean they’re limited in terms of design or functionality. You can use a website builder to start a blog, an ecommerce website, online store, service business website and more.
Whether you're looking for simplicity or advanced customization options, there's a website builder out there that can help you bring your business to life online.
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Why use a website builder?
Cost-effectiveness
Website builders are a budget-friendly option for small to medium businesses. They eliminate the need for hiring professional web developers, which can significantly reduce costs. Most platforms offer affordable subscription plans that include hosting, domain registration and design tools. Monthly paid plans with Wix start from $19 and include a customizable domain name.
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Drag and drop functionality
One of the standout features of website builders is their drag and drop functionality. This allows you to easily arrange elements on your site without any coding knowledge. Additionally, customizable options enable you to tailor your website's appearance and functionality to match your brand identity.
"As a creator or entrepreneur, you’re often wearing multiple hats. You’re designing the website and optimizing for SEO. This means you need a website builder that makes it easy and intuitive for you to do all those things on the same platform while still delivering results as if you were working with experts in those fields." Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix
Quick setup and launch
With a website builder, the timeframe from concept to launch is significantly shortened. You can have your website up and running in just a few hours or days, depending on the complexity of your design — shortening the time it takes to build a website. This rapid deployment is ideal for businesses eager to establish an online presence swiftly.
If time is really of the essence an AI website builder may also be a good option to consider. These allow you to create stunning sites in minutes without a lot of fuss.
"I think the biggest game-changer is the fact that you can easily create a stunning website, and you don’t need to understand layout, design or anything to get a great working website. You can get the creative juices flowing with AI’s help and Wix’s expertise until you get exactly what you want." Yaara Asaf, head of product (Wix Editor)
What are some key features to look for in a website builder?
Customizable design
Having access to a wide range of website templates is crucial. These templates serve as the foundation of your website, allowing you to choose a web design that aligns with your brand. The ability to customize these templates ensures that your website stands out and reflects your unique business identity. Wix, for example, has over 900 customizable templates that can be used for a wide range of uses and businesses.
Design flexibility
Look for website builders that offer flexibility in design elements. This includes options to adjust colors, fonts and layouts, enabling you to create a visually appealing site that captures the attention of your audience.
Mobile-friendly
Today, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. A responsive design is what determines if your site looks great on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. This capability improves the overall user experience on your site.
eCommerce functionality
If you're planning to sell products or services online, e-commerce functionality is vital. Website builders should offer tools for setting up an online store, including product listings, shopping carts and secure payment gateways. Effective e-commerce platforms provide inventory management and order tracking features. These tools help streamline operations and ensure smooth transactions for both you and your customers.
Tools and apps integrations
The ability to integrate with other tools can enhance your website's functionality. These integrations allow you to add features such as analytics, marketing automation and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Some website builders include some of these tools within their editors, examples include Wix Analytics.
"Choose a website builder that allows you to make fast pivots based on your business needs. If, from one day to the next, you need to add events or an online store, make sure your website builder makes that possible for you." Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix
Explore the Wix app market for more options.
Site infrastructure
The website infrastructure of the builder you use is essential when it comes to the security and performance of your site. You should prioritize a website builder that includes enterprise grade website security for all sites, including SSL certification, 24/7 monitoring and automatic updates.
You also need to know that your builder includes secure web hosting, domain name registration and guarantees such as high uptime. Wix delivers 99.99% for example.
"What often gets forgotten when talking about choosing a website builder is the capabilities of the infrastructure that’s promised to you—the reliability of the hosting, the level of security in place to protect your visitors’ data and, of course, your site's speed. Even if infrastructure is not the first thought that comes to mind when creating a website, if it’s not robust enough, it can cause major headaches for website owners when trying to scale a website later on." Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead (outbound) at Wix
How to choose the right website builder
Determine your business needs
Start by identifying your business goals and requirements. Consider factors such as the type of website you need, whether it's a simple informational site or a complex e-commerce platform. Understanding your specific needs will guide you in selecting a website builder that offers the necessary features and functionalities.
Finalize your budget
Set your budget for building and maintaining your website. Different website builders offer various pricing plans, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your financial constraints while still providing the features you need.
How to use a website builder like Wix
Sign up: Visit Wix and create an account. You can sign up using your email or social media accounts.
Choose a template: Browse through Wix’s extensive library of templates and select one that fits your business style and needs.
Customize your site: Use the drag and drop editor to add elements like text, images, and videos. Adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand identity.
Add features: Incorporate additional features such as contact forms, social media links or an online shop if needed.
Preview and publish: Once satisfied with your design, preview your site to ensure everything looks perfect across devices. Then, hit
Tips for using a website builder effectively once your site is live
SEO optimization
Keyword research: Identify relevant keywords related to your business and incorporate them naturally into your website content, titles, and meta descriptions.
Quality content: Create informative and engaging content that provides value to your audience. Regularly update your site with fresh content to improve search engine rankings.
On-page SEO: Use headings, alt text for images and internal linking to enhance the structure of your site.
Regular updates and maintenance
Regularly update your website’s content to keep it relevant and engaging for visitors. This includes blog posts, product listings and company news. Monitor your website performance using analytics tools to identify areas for improvement, not just site speed but traffic and engagement as well.