Building a website today is different from the early days of the internet, where you needed extensive coding knowledge or a professional web developer to get a simple page online. With the evolution of various website builders and content management systems, almost anyone can create a functional and visually appealing website. But does that mean you don’t need a web developer at all? Let’s explore when you might need a developer and explore some popular alternatives to help you choose the best website creation path.
Understanding the Role of a Web Developer
A web developer is like the architect and builder for your website. They write the code that dictates how your website functions and what it looks like. While large, complex sites often require the expertise of a skilled developer, many standard websites can be set up without diving deep into coding. We’ll discuss the scenarios where a developer is necessary and provide insights based on our experience building dozens of websites using many different methods.
When You Might Need a Web Developer
Here are some situations where hiring a web developer might be the best choice:
- Custom Functionality
If you need specific features not available with basic website builders—like advanced integrations with external databases, custom user pathways, or unique interactive elements—a developer can help you build them from scratch.
- High-Traffic E-commerce Sites
While many e-commerce platforms are user-friendly, high-traffic online stores with hundreds of daily transactions might require a developer to ensure everything from payment processing to inventory management is optimized and secure.
- Custom Design
Suppose brand identity is crucial, and you need an attractive design. In that case, a web developer working alongside a web designer can create a unique aesthetic that differentiates your site from competitors.
What is the Alternative?
A full-fledged web developer might be optional for many users, tiny businesses, bloggers, artists, and small e-commerce operations. Here are some great alternatives that we recommend based on functionality, ease of use, and cost:
Hostinger
Hostinger isn’t just a web hosting service; it also offers a highly affordable website builder. It’s a fantastic option if you’re on a tight budget but still want a robust online presence. It also offers an easy-to-use website builder that you can use to create and launch your website with ease. You can choose to host your website using WordPress or Hostinger’s AI-powered website builder and switch between them whenever you want. With Hostinger, you have everything you need to build a professional and functional website quickly and effortlessly.
Key Features:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Free domain for the first year
- Integrated e-commerce solutions
Pros:
- Affordable with low starting prices.
- Simplifies setting up a site with hosting and domain in one place.
- Good performance and speed.
Cons:
- More limited design flexibility compared to dedicated website builders.
- No free plan is available.
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User-friendly control panel
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30 GB SSD storage
100 GB bandwidth
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Squarespace
Squarespace excels at creating visually stunning portfolio websites. Its sleek and professional templates are perfect for photographers, artists, or designers looking to showcase their work visually compellingly.
With Squarespace, users can easily create a website that looks great and functions smoothly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Beautiful, award-winning design templates
- Built-in SEO and analytics tools
- Mobile-optimized right out of the box
Pros:
- High-quality, aesthetic designs.
- A comprehensive set of features without needing plugins.
- Strong e-commerce capabilities.
Cons:
- It’s cheaper than some competitors.
- It can have a steeper learning curve due to extensive customization options.
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Key Features
Beautiful, award-winning design templates
Built-in SEO and analytics tools
Mobile-optimized right out of the box
Why We Recommend It
Storage and Bandwidth:
Unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing for extensive product listings and high traffic volumes without additional charges
Extras and Inclusions:
Mobile-optimized checkout to ensure a seamless shopping experience on smartphones and tablets
Built-in analytics to track visitor behavior and sales trends
Inventory, orders, tax, and customer management are integrated into the platform
Pros & Cons
- Beautiful, design-focused templates
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- There are no transaction fees on sales
- Limited e-commerce features compared to Shopify
- Fewer payment gateway options
Wix
Wix is a versatile website builder that suits a wide range of needs. It offers flexibility in design and functionality, making it ideal for businesses, personal blogs, and portfolio sites. Its drag-and-drop interface is particularly user-friendly for beginners.
Additionally, Wix provides advanced tools and widgets that help users enhance their website’s functionality and aesthetics.
Key Features:
- Extensive collection of templates
- App Market for adding extra functionality
- Advanced design features like video backgrounds and animation
Pros:
- Great flexibility in design.
- Intuitive user interface.
- Free plan available.
Cons:
- It can become pricey as you add apps and functionalities.
- The site can load slower due to heavy customization.
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Storage and Bandwidth:
- From 500MB storage and 1GB bandwidth on the free plan to 50GB storage on higher plans.
Extras:
- Hundreds of apps for extending functionality.
- Wix ADI for automatic website design.
Starting from $17 per month
Key Features
Extensive collection of templates
App Market for adding extra functionality
Advanced design features like video backgrounds and animation
Why We Recommend It
Storage and Bandwidth:
From 500MB storage and 1GB bandwidth on the free plan to 50GB storage on higher plans
Extras and Inclusions:
Wix offers a wide range of customizable e-commerce templates
Built-in SEO tools to help your store rank better in search results
Multiple payment solutions and business apps through the Wix App Market
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Intuitive site builder with drag-and-drop features
- A wide variety of templates
- Competitive pricing
- Shopify is more scalable for large e-commerce operations
- E-commerce tools need to be more comprehensive
Shopify
For e-commerce websites, Shopify stands out as the best option. It’s designed specifically for online stores and includes features like inventory management, a secure payment gateway, and the ability to scale as your business grows.
Pros:
- Comprehensive store management tools.
- Wide range of themes and apps.
- Excellent 24/7 customer support.
Cons:
- It can get expensive with additional apps and transaction fees.
- Limited SEO capabilities compared to other platforms.
Starting Price: $17/month for the Basic Shopify plan. Get your Shopify here.
Storage and Bandwidth:
- Unlimited storage allows you to upload as many products and images as needed.
- Unlimited bandwidth means your site can handle many visitors and lots of activity without slowing down.
Extras and Inclusions:
- Shopify provides a secure, integrated payment gateway, with transaction fees waived if you use Shopify Payments.
- Access to an extensive app store to add features and functionality.
- Built-in tools for SEO, marketing, and analytics.
Tips for Using Website Builders
Even if you decide to use a website builder, here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your chosen platform:
Plan Your Site
Before you start building, plan out the structure of your site. Know what pages you need, what features are crucial, and how you want the user journey to flow.
Choose the Right Template
Select a template that aligns with your brand and the purpose of your site. Customizing a template is easier than building from scratch, so pick one that meets most of your needs upfront.
Utilize Support Resources
Most website builders offer tutorials, customer support, and user forums. Use these resources to help you through the process and resolve any issues.
Test Before Launching
Before making your site live, thoroughly test it to catch any errors. Check how it looks on different devices and browsers, and ensure all forms and payment systems work correctly.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need a web developer to build your website depends largely on its complexity and specific needs. Website builders offer many standard users a cost-effective, straightforward alternative that can produce excellent results without extensive technical knowledge. However, a professional web developer might need more complex functionalities or unique designs. By understanding your needs and evaluating your skills and budget, you can make the best choice for building your website.
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