DIY Website Builders: Build Your Own Site Without Code

You no longer need to hire a developer or learn to code to create a professional website. Modern website builders have democratized web design, putting powerful tools in the hands of entrepreneurs, creators, and small businesses. This guide helps you navigate the options and choose the right builder for your needs.

What Website Builders Offer

Website builders provide an all-in-one solution that typically includes:

  • Drag-and-drop editors: Visually design pages without touching code
  • Templates: Professional designs you can customize
  • Hosting: No need to find separate hosting
  • Domains: Often included or easily connected
  • SSL certificates: Built-in security
  • Mobile responsiveness: Sites that work on all devices
  • Basic SEO tools: Help getting found in search

Top Website Builders Compared

Wix

Wix is known for flexibility and design freedom:

Best for: Creative professionals, small businesses wanting design control

  • 500+ templates across industries
  • True drag-and-drop with pixel-perfect control
  • Wix ADI can build a site for you from questions
  • App market for extended functionality
  • Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans $16-45/month

Considerations: Once you choose a template, you can't switch without rebuilding. Free plan shows Wix ads.

Squarespace

Squarespace focuses on beautiful, design-forward templates:

Best for: Portfolios, creative businesses, e-commerce

  • Award-winning template designs
  • Built-in e-commerce functionality
  • Excellent for photography and visual portfolios
  • Blogging and podcasting features
  • Pricing: $16-54/month (no free plan)

Considerations: Less flexibility than Wix—you work within template constraints. No free plan, but they offer a free trial.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com offers the power of WordPress with managed hosting:

Best for: Bloggers, content-focused sites, those who might want more control later

  • Built on the world's most popular CMS
  • Can export to self-hosted WordPress if you outgrow it
  • Strong blogging and content management
  • Free plan available, paid plans $4-45/month

Considerations: Free and lower tiers have limitations. Full WordPress power requires Business plan or higher.

Webflow

Webflow bridges the gap between visual builders and custom code:

Best for: Designers, agencies, those who want CSS-level control without writing CSS

  • Visual control over HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Clean, exportable code
  • Powerful CMS for dynamic content
  • Interactions and animations without code
  • Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans $14-39/month

Considerations: Steeper learning curve than other builders. Best if you understand basic web design concepts.

Shopify

For e-commerce, Shopify is the dedicated leader:

Best for: Online stores of any size

  • Purpose-built for selling online
  • Integrated payments with Shopify Payments
  • Inventory management and order processing
  • App ecosystem for extended functionality
  • Pricing: $29-299/month

Considerations: Primarily for e-commerce—if you're not selling products, other builders may be better suited. Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments.

How to Choose

Consider Your Primary Goal

  • Portfolio/showcase: Squarespace, Wix
  • Blog/content site: WordPress.com
  • Online store: Shopify, Wix eCommerce, Squarespace Commerce
  • Business website: Wix, Squarespace
  • Custom design: Webflow

Think About Growth

Where will your site be in a year? Consider:

  • Can the platform scale with your traffic?
  • Does it support the features you'll eventually need?
  • Can you export your content if you need to switch?
  • What happens to your domain and branding?

Budget Considerations

Beyond the monthly fee, factor in:

  • Domain costs (often separate)
  • E-commerce transaction fees
  • Premium plugins or apps
  • Email marketing integrations
  • Paid themes or templates

Getting Started Tips

  1. Start with a free trial: Most builders offer 14-day trials—use them
  2. Choose your template carefully: It's easier to customize than switch
  3. Plan your pages first: Sketch your site structure before building
  4. Gather your content: Photos, copy, and logos ready before you start
  5. Mobile-check everything: Over 50% of traffic is mobile
  6. Don't overcomplicate: Simple sites often perform better

When to Hire a Professional Instead

DIY builders are powerful, but sometimes professional help makes sense:

  • Custom functionality beyond what builders offer
  • Complex e-commerce with specific requirements
  • Integrations with business systems
  • Time constraints—learning any tool takes time
  • When your site is a critical business asset

The best website builder is the one that fits your needs, budget, and time. Start with the goals for your site, match them to a builder's strengths, and don't be afraid to try a few before committing.