9 Best DIY Website Builders in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

But don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert! You don’t need to know how to code or hire an expensive developer to create a great website. DIY website builders have made it easy for anyone to build a professional-looking site.

In this guide, We will look at nine great website builders for 2024. Each one has its own good points:

• Elementor is best if you want to customize everything and you’re okay with using WordPress.
• Wix is great for beginners because it’s easy to use and has lots of designs to choose from.
• Squarespace makes beautiful websites.
• Shopify is the top choice if you want to sell things online.
• GoDaddy is the budget-friendly choice, offering affordable plans for those on a tight budget.
• Weebly is simple to use but can grow with you as your needs expand, good for beginners who might need more features later.
• Jimdo uses AI to help you create a website quickly, offering suggestions for design and content.
• Webflow is for design professionals who want powerful customization options without coding.
• WordPress.com is great for bloggers, offering an easier-to-use version of WordPress with built-in hosting.

What Are DIY Website Builders?

DIY website builders are online tools that help you create a website without coding. 

• You can move various parts of your website, such as text, images, and buttons, by simply dragging and dropping them.
• They offer pre-made designs (templates) to get you started.
• You don’t need to know how websites work behind the scenes—the builder does that for you.

Why Use a DIY Website Builder?

There are several good reasons to choose a DIY website builder:

1. Save money: Building your own site is much cheaper than hiring a professional.
2. Save time: You can make changes to your site right away without waiting for someone else to do it.
3. Easy to learn: Most builders are made for beginners, so you can start quickly, even if you’ve never made a website before.
4. Be in control: You decide how your site looks and works without relying on others.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a website builder, keep these important features in mind:

• Drag-and-drop editor: This lets you move things around on your page easily.
• Pre-made designs: A good selection of templates gives you a professional starting point.
• Mobile-friendly: Your site should look good on phones and tablets, not just computers.
• SEO tools: These help people find your site on search engines like Google.
• Online store options: If you want to sell things, look for e-commerce features.
• Blog tools: If you want to write blog posts, make sure the builder supports this.
• Social media connections: Easily link your site to your social media accounts.
• Help when you need it: Good customer support can be really helpful if you get stuck.
• Affordable Options: Pick a builder that won’t break the bank and has the features you really care about.

Top 9 DIY Website Builders in 2024

Now that you know what features are essential, let’s explore the top website builders in 2024. These platforms are really good at different things, so you can choose the one that works best for you and what you like.

1. Elementor: Best for Customization

Overview: Elementor is a top choice for creating a unique website. It works with WordPress and lets you design your site visually without coding. Elementor is open-source, which means lots of people constantly contribute to improving it.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use visual editor
• Lots of pre-made designs to choose from
• Control over your whole site’s look (headers, footers, etc.)
• Works well on mobile devices
• AI helper for creating content and designs
• Good for online stores (works with WooCommerce)
• Many add-ons (called widgets) for extra features
• Large community for support and resources

Pros:

• Very flexible for creating custom designs
• Lots of pre-made designs and add-ons
• Complete control over your site’s look
• Works well with online stores
• Helpful community and resources
• AI tools to help you work faster

Cons:

• It might be too much for complete beginners
• It needs WordPress to work
• The free version has some limits
• Some advanced features take time to learn

Ideal for:

• People who want a unique, custom-designed site
• Those comfortable with WordPress
• Sites that need complex layouts or special features
• Growing businesses that need a scalable website
• Users who like having community support

2. Wix: Easiest to Use

Overview: Wix is known for being very easy to use. It offers a wide range of pre-made designs and a simple drag-and-drop editor. Wix has a super cool AI tool that can whip up a website for you in no time! All you have to do is answer a few questions, and bam, you’ve got a website.

Key Features:

• Very easy drag-and-drop editor
• Over 800 pre-made designs
• AI website designer (Wix ADI)
• App store for adding extra features
• Mobile-friendly designs
• Built-in SEO tools
• Easy-to-use blogging tools

Pros:

• Very easy to learn and use
• Lots of professional-looking designs
• AI can design a site for you
• App store for adding more features
• Works well on mobile devices

Cons:

• It is hard to change designs once you’ve started
• It can be slower than some other builders
• Limited access to the site’s code
• Online store features aren’t as advanced as some other platforms

Ideal for:

• Beginners who want an easy website-building experience
• Small businesses looking for an all-in-one solution
• Creative professionals who want lots of design options
• Users who prefer ease of use over deep customization

3. Squarespace: For Design Lovers

What it is: Squarespace helps you make beautiful websites. It’s great for people who want their site to look really good.

Key Features:

• Pretty templates: Choose from many good-looking designs.
• Easy editor: Move things around on your page without knowing the code.
• Works on phones: Your site will look good on computers and phones.
• Blog tools: Write and share posts easily.
• Online store: Sell things on your website.
• SEO helpers: Make your site show up in Google searches.
• Marketing stuff: Grow your audience with email and social media tools.
• Always-on help: Get support any time you need it.

Good things:

• Beautiful, professional designs
• Easy to use
• Looks great on phones
• Good for blogs and online stores
• Built-in SEO and marketing tools
• Help available 24/7

Not-so-good things:

• Can’t change designs as much as some other builders
• It might cost a bit more than others
• Not many extra apps to add

Best for:

• Artists and creative people
• Photographers showing their work
• Small businesses that care about how they look
• Bloggers who want a nice-looking site
• People are okay with paying more for a professional look

4. Shopify: The Online Store King

What it is: Shopify is all about helping you sell things online. It has everything you need to start and grow an online store.

Key Features:

• Easy store builder: Make your online store without knowing the code.
• Safe payments: Let customers pay you securely.
• Keep track of stuff: Manage what you’re selling and shipping.
• Get more customers: Use tools to help people find your store.
• Remind forgetful shoppers: Send messages to people who left items in their carts.
• Add extra stuff: Use apps to add more features to your store.
• Sell on phones: Let people buy from you on their smartphones.
• Always-on help: Get support when you need it.

Good things:

• Powerful tools for online stores
• Easy to use
• Safe way to accept payments
• Lots of apps to add features
• Works well on phones

Not-so-good things:

• It can cost more than other options
• Not as flexible for changing designs
• Fees for transactions unless you use Shopify Payments
• It might be time to learn all the features

Best for:

• People starting online stores
• Businesses that want to grow big
• Those who need all the tools for selling online in one place

5. GoDaddy: The Budget-Friendly Choice

What it is: GoDaddy helps you make a website without spending a lot of money. It’s simple and quick to use.

Key Features:

• Quick setup: Get your website running fast.
• Phone-friendly designs: Your site will look good on all devices.
• SEO tools: Help people find your site on Google.
• Blog stuff: Share your thoughts easily.
• Sell things: Set up a simple online store.
• Always-on help: Get support when you need it.
• Cheap plans: Start your website without spending much.

Good things:

• Affordable, especially for beginners
• Easy and quick to set up
• Works well on phones
• Has basic SEO tools
• Support available 24/7

Not-so-good things:

• I can’t change designs much
• Fewer features than some other builders
• It might not work for complex websites
• Online store features are basic

Best for:

• People on a tight budget
• Beginners who want something simple
• Those who care more about ease and price than fancy features
• Websites with basic needs

6. Weebly: Simple But Grows With You

What it is: Weebly is easy to use but can do more as your needs grow. It’s good for beginners who might need more features later.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop editor: Build your site by moving things around.
• Phone-friendly designs: Your site looks good on all devices.
• App center: Add extra features to your site.
• SEO tools: Help people find your site online.
• Blog platform: Share your thoughts easily.
• Online store: Sell things on your website.
• Members-only areas: Create special parts of your site just for members.

Good things:

• Easy to learn and use
• As you make progress, additional elements may be incorporated.
• Has SEO and blogging tools
• Can create members-only areas

Not-so-good things:

• It cannot change designs as much as some others
• Limited choices for changing themes
• Online store features might not be enough for big sellers

Best for:

• Beginners and small businesses who want something easy
• People who think their website needs might change over time
• Bloggers who want something simple but useful
• Groups that want to build a community with member areas

7. Jimdo: The AI Helper

What it is: Jimdo uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you create a website quickly. It offers suggestions for design and content.

Key Features:

• AI website creator: Answer questions and get a personalized website.
• Easy editor: Change your site by dragging and dropping things.
• Phone-friendly designs: Your site looks good on all devices.
• Blog tools: Share your stories easily.
• Sell stuff: Set up a simple online store.
• SEO helpers: Make your site show up in Google searches.
• Logo maker: Create a simple logo for your brand.

Good things:

• AI helps you start quickly
• Easy to use
• Works well on phones
• Has basic blogging and SEO tools
• Can make a simple logo

Not-so-good things:

• It might feel limited for advanced users
• I can’t change designs as much as some others
• Not many extra apps to add
• Online store features are basic

Best for:

• Beginners who want help making a website
• Small businesses looking for a quick solution
• People who like getting suggestions from AI
• Those who want a simple online store or blog

8. Webflow: For Design Pros

What it is: Webflow lets designers make custom websites without coding. It’s powerful but takes time to learn.

Key Features:

• Visual editor: Design your site by moving things around on the screen.
• Cool effects: Add interesting movements and animations to your site.
• Content manager: Easily update your site’s text and images.
• Online store: Sell products on your Webflow site.
• Mobile-Friendly: Your website will look great and function smoothly on any device, whether you’re browsing on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
• Clean code: Webflow makes good code that helps your site run fast.
• Team tools: Work with others on your website projects.

Good things:

• You can make your site look exactly how you want
• Powerful tools for adding cool effects
• Makes good code that helps your site work well
• Has tools for managing content and selling things
• You can work on projects with a team

Not-so-good things:

• It takes longer to learn than some other builders
• It can cost more than simpler options
• You need to know more about web design to use it well

Best for:

• Designers who want total control over how their site looks
• Web pros who are okay with spending time learning new tools
• Projects that need fancy layouts and cool effects
• Businesses that want a unique site that can do a lot

9. WordPress.com: Great for Bloggers

What it is: WordPress.com is a website builder that’s really good for blogs. It’s easier to use than setting up WordPress on your own.

Key Features:

• Quick start: Make a website in just a few minutes.
• Easy editor: Write and edit your posts without knowing the code.
• Blog tools: Schedule posts, manage comments, and share on social media.
• Design options: Choose from many site designs and change how they look.
• SEO helpers: Make your site show up in Google searches.
• Sell stuff (on paid plans): Add an online store to your site.
• Community help: Get advice from other WordPress users.

Good things:

• Easy to set up and use
• Great for making blogs
• Has basic SEO tools and design options
• You can get help from other WordPress users

Not-so-good things:

• Free plans don’t let you change designs much
• You can’t add as many extra features on free plans
• You need to pay to sell things on your site
• Not as flexible as setting up WordPress yourself

Best for:

• Bloggers who want an easy way to share their writing
• Small businesses that want a simple website
• People who like using WordPress
• Those who don’t want to deal with technical stuff like hosting

How to Choose the Right Website Builder

Picking a website builder is like choosing a new phone – you want one that fits your needs and is easy to use. Here’s how to find the right one for you:

1. Know what you need:
   • What’s your website for? Selling stuff? Showing off your work? Sharing your thoughts?
   • Who will visit your site? What do they want to see?
2. Think about your skills:
   • Are you good with computers? Pick a builder that matches your skill level.
   • If you’re new to this, look for builders with easy drag-and-drop tools and good help guides.
3. Set a budget:
   • How much can you spend on your website?
   • Remember, you need to pay for the builder, a web address, and hosting.
   • Free plans are good to start, but they might have ads or fewer features.
4. Try before you buy:
   • Most builders let you try them for free. Give them a test run!
   • See if you like how they work and if you can make the kind of site you want.
5. Check the extras:
   • Does the builder have the tools you need, such as a blog, online store, or email signup forms?
   • Can you add more features later if you need them?
6. Read what others say:
   • Look at reviews from other users. They can tell you what’s good and bad about each builder.
7. Think about the future:
   • Will this builder work for you as your site grows?
   • Can you easily move your site to another platform if you need to?

Remember, the best builder for you is the one that helps you make the site you want without giving you a headache. Take your time, try a few options, and pick the one that feels right for you.

Why Good Hosting Matters

Think of your website as a shop. You’ve made it look nice inside, put cool stuff on the shelves, and made awesome signs. But what if the building is falling apart? That’s what bad hosting can do to your site.

Hosting is where your website lives online. Good hosting makes sure:

• Your site loads fast
• It stays online all the time
• Your information is safe

Why is this important?

• Speed: If your site is slow, people will leave. Even a one-second delay can cause visitors to leave.
• Search engines: Google likes fast sites. A speedy site can help you show up higher in search results.
• Security: Good hosting keeps hackers away from your site and your visitors’ information.

Elementor Hosting: A Good Choice

If you’re using Elementor to build your site, Elementor Hosting might be a good choice. Here’s why:

• Fast servers: It uses Google Cloud, which is known for being quick.
• Global speed: Your site will load fast all over the world.
• Keeps you safe: It has tools to protect your site from bad guys.
• Makes your site faster: It does tech stuff automatically to speed up your site.
• Help when you need it: You can get help 24/7 if something goes wrong.

Why pick Elementor Hosting?

• It works really well with Elementor
• .Everything you need is already set up
• You can manage your whole site from one place
• It has tools to make your site better and faster
• You get help from people who know Elementor really well

If you’re using Elementor, this hosting makes things easier. You can focus on making your site look great and let Elementor Hosting handle the technical stuff.

Tips for Building a Successful Website

Making a website is just the start. To do well online, you need a site that’s well-planned, easy to use, and set up to be found on search engines. Here are some tips to help you make a great website:

1. Plan Your Content

Before you start building, think about what you want on your site:

• What do you want to tell people?
• How will you organize your information?
• What’s the main message you want to share?

A well-organized site with clear menus and good content will keep people interested. To help you plan, try making a site map (a list of your pages).

Remember: Good content is the most important part. Focus on making helpful, interesting information that your visitors will like.

2. Make Your Site Easy to Use

A pretty website is only so good if people can find what they need. Make sure your site is easy to use:

• Use clear menus
• Make it easy to move around your site
• Use buttons that tell people what to do (like “Buy Now” or “Learn More”)
• Make sure your site loads quickly
• Make it work well on phones and tablets

When people enjoy using your site, they’ll stay longer and are more likely to come back.

3. Help People Find Your Site

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps people find your website when they search online. Here’s how to do it:

• Find out what words people use when they search for things like your site
• Use these words in your content, headings, and behind-the-scenes stuff (like page titles)
• Write good, helpful content
• Make sure your site is fast and works on phones
• Try to get other good websites to link to yours

Remember: SEO is something you do only once and remember. Keep learning about it to help people find your site.

4. Tell People About Your Site

Building a great website is only half the job. You also need to let people know about it:

• Share your site on social media
• Use email to tell people about new stuff on your site
• Put your website address on business cards and flyers
• Consider using online ads to reach more people

The more people who know about your site, the more visitors you’ll get.

5. Check How Your Site is Doing

It’s important to see how well your site is working. Use tools like Google Analytics to:

• See which pages people visit most
• Find out how long people stay on your site
• Learn where your visitors come from

This information helps you improve your site. Review the data regularly to understand what’s working and what needs fixing.

Wrapping Up: Choosing Your Website Builder

We’ve looked at nine great website builders for 2024. Each one has its own good points:

• Elementor is best if you want to customize everything and you’re okay with using WordPress.
• Wix is great for beginners because it’s easy to use and has lots of designs to choose from.
• Squarespace makes beautiful websites.
• Shopify is the top choice if you want to sell things online.

No matter which one you pick, remember to:

1. Make your site easy to use
2. Create good content
3. Help people find your site on search engines

With the right tools and some effort, you can make a website that looks great and helps you reach your goals.

So why wait? Start building your website today!