Complete Website Builder Guide
Choose a website builder that not only gives you the tools needed to design and launch a business website, but also makes it easy to grow your website with your business.
Build a Website You Control
What is a Website Builder?
A website builder is a platform that lets you design, customize, and launch a business website without needing advanced programming knowledge. Most builders include templates, visual editors, and drag-and-drop tools, allowing you to focus on your content, products, or services instead of the technical details of building a site.
Some builders are designed for speed and simplicity, letting you create a site with minimal effort. Others, like open source platforms such as WordPress, provide full control and flexibility but may require extra setup—like choosing web hosting, installing plugins, or configuring settings.
Types of Website Builders
Website builders generally fall into two main categories, each suited for different skill levels and business needs:
Proprietary
Proprietary website builders are all-in-one platforms that typically provide drag-and-drop editors, built-in templates, and integrated features that make it easy to launch a site without technical experience.
Because the platform handles most technical aspects, setup is typically fast and beginner-friendly, but customization options may be more limited than with open source sites. These websites are often tied to the provider’s hosting, making it difficult to transfer your site to a different host down the road.
Open Source
Open source builders, like WordPress, give you full control over your website. They allow you to customize layouts, install plugins, and expand your website’s functionality as your business grows.
Open source platforms also allow you to retain full ownership of your website and freely move it to a different hosting provider if needed. While these platforms tend to require more setup and maintenance than proprietary website builders, an open source site offers more in terms of flexibility and growth potential.
For a deeper comparison, see our WordPress vs Web Builders page to explore how proprietary builders compare.
How to Choose a Website Builder
When choosing a website builder, it’s important to find one that balances cost, features, and long-term value. But there are other key factors to consider as well:
Ease of Use
Look for a web builder with intuitive drag-and-drop editors that let you update and design pages with minimal effort. Ready-made templates can save time, especially when they’re modern, customizable, and designed for different industries. Clear navigation and helpful prompts also make the process smoother, allowing you to focus on your content rather than troubleshooting technical issues.
Features and Functionality
Choose a builder that supports essential features, such as e-commerce for selling products online, blog sections for content marketing, and SEO tools to optimize your site for search engines. Some providers (like Northwest) also offer domain registration, web hosting + SSL security, and email service, which can enhance your overall business identity.
Support Resources
Opt for a web builder that offers professional support from real humans and provides step-by-step guides to help you get started. For example, Northwest has an extensive library of free tutorials—everything from planning your site before launch to mastering WordPress features.
Growth Potential
Make sure the website builder you choose can grow with your business. Platforms (like Northwest) that offer flexible plans or expandable tools make it easier to add pages, products, or new features without rebuilding your website from scratch.
Create a Site Using a Website Builder
Most website builders are designed to be straightforward, even if you have little or no web design experience. Most platforms provide step-by-step guides that let you design, customize, and launch your site with visual tools rather than code.
By following a structured approach, you can create a professional website that reflects your brand and supports your business.
1. Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address, so it should be easy to remember and relevant to your business.
Many platforms that advertise free website services require you to upgrade to a paid plan in order to use a custom domain. Without upgrading, your site may be assigned a subdomain (like yourbusiness.webhost.com), which can appear unprofessional. And while upgrading may unlock a custom domain, those service plans can often be expensive.
With Northwest, you get a free custom domain that’s completely yours—regardless of which plan you choose.
2. Select a Template or Design Theme
Most website builders provide a library of professionally designed templates that serve as the foundation for your site. Templates are often categorized by industry or purpose, such as professional services, online stores, or blogs. At Northwest, all of our templates are fully customizable, giving you the flexibility to create a site that stands out.
3. Customize Your Website
Once you’ve chosen a template, the next step is to make it your own. Add your business information, images, text, and contact details so visitors can learn about your products or services. With Northwest’s drag-and-drop editor, you can customize pages, add buttons and forms, and update content without writing a single line of code.
4. Add Essential Pages
Most business websites include core pages that help visitors learn about your business and take action, such as a home page to introduce your company, an about us page to share your story, and a contact page so potential customers can reach you directly. Northwest offers pre-built templates for easy setup, so your website is ready for customers from day one.
5. Optimize Search Engines
Optimizing your website helps it appear higher in search engine results. Simple steps like creating useful, relevant content will help search engines understand what your website is about, making it easier for people to find your business online.
6. Preview and Launch Your Website
Before launching your website, take a few minutes to ensure everything works as it should. Test your navigation and links, check that pages load quickly, scan for spelling errors, and confirm the site looks and functions properly on mobile devices. A quick final review helps ensure visitors have a smooth, professional experience from the moment your site goes live.
Website Builder FAQ
No, website builders are tools for designing a website and focus on design and content, while web hosting stores your website’s files and makes your site accessible online. Some platforms (like Northwest) provide both, but it’s important to understand these are separate services.
What Makes Northwest Different
Northwest combines the best of both worlds, giving you the flexibility of open source WordPress software with the simplicity you’d expect from a proprietary builder.