WordPress Page Builders – what are they, what are the most popular builders, and how to choose the best one?

Creating a website has become more accessible than ever before, thanks to tools such as page builders. These intuitive plugins allow users to design websites without the need for advanced technical knowledge or coding skills. However, choosing the right page builder can be challenging, given the variety of options available. In this article, we will examine both the advantages and disadvantages of using website builders to help you make the best decision based on your individual needs and goals.

WordPress page builder – what is it?

WordPress page builders are nothing more than plugins that allow you to edit and create pages using the most popular content management system (CMS), WordPress. Page builders (often also called drag-and-drop programs) offer an intuitive interface that enables users to create and design their websites without the need for coding. The functionality of such a builder is based on dragging and dropping elements, including widgets, content, headers, media, etc. Additionally, these builders allow for visual editing of those elements.

There are many builder plugins available on the market. The main functionalities of each of them may include:

1. Template selection: The plugins offer various ready-made templates that can be customized to suit your needs.
2. Drag-and-drop method: Users can easily add and move elements such as text, images, buttons, forms, headers, and others on the webpage.
3. Style customization: The ability to adjust colors, fonts, margins, and other aesthetic aspects.
4. Media integration: The ease of adding images, videos, and other multimedia content to the page.
5. Content management: Entering and editing the website’s content is simple and intuitive.
6. Responsiveness: The templates and pages created with the builder are typically responsive, meaning they automatically adjust to various screen sizes such as mobile phones and tablets.
7. Plugins and extensions: The WordPress page builder can be integrated with various plugins and extensions, which allow for adding additional features and capabilities to the site.

Most popular WordPress builders

Elementor

Elementor is one of the most popular and versatile page builders for WordPress. It has gained popularity due to the range of features it offers and its ease of use. Some of the features Elementor provides include:

• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• A wide selection of ready-made templates
• A real-time visual editor
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• A rich library of widgets
• Content management capabilities
• Integration with other plugins
• Support from a robust community
• Both free and paid versions

Visual composer website builder

Visual Composer (formerly known as WPBakery Page Builder) is a popular page builder for the WordPress platform. Here are some notable features and characteristics of Visual Composer/WPBakery Page Builder:

• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Ready-made templates and support for many themes
• A rich library of ready-made elements
• A real-time visual editor
• The possibility of using extensions and integrations
• The ability to edit the entire website, not just the content (including elements such as menus, logos, etc.)
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• Optimized performance
• Both free and paid versions

WPBakery page builder

WPBakery is a popular page builder for the WordPress platform. After the separation of WPBakery and Visual Composer, the discussed plugin fares slightly worse than its counterpart:

• A drag-and-drop interface
• Access to ready-made templates
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• A library of ready-made elements
• A real-time visual editor
• Integrations with other plugins
• Ability to edit only the page content
• Paid version only

Gutenberg

Gutenberg is the default content editor for WordPress since version 5.0, which was released in December 2018. It is a tool for creating and editing content on WordPress pages, introducing an innovative approach to website design. Here are some key features of Gutenberg:

• Introduction of the “Block” concept (each content element is treated as an individual block that can be edited)
• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• A real-time visual editor
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• A consistent and unified interface
• The possibility to add extensions and integrate with other plugins
• Free version only

Divi builder

Divi Builder is known for its flexibility and advanced tools for designing WordPress websites. Here are some key features of Divi Builder:

• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Access to ready-made templates and elements
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• A real-time visual editor
• The ability to create and save custom page layouts
• Integration with other plugins and tools
• Paid version only

SiteOrigin page builder

This is a popular tool often used by WordPress users, especially those who prefer a simple interface and do not need advanced features. Here are some characteristics of SiteOrigin Page Builder:

• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• Access to ready-made widgets
• A real-time visual editor
• Theme compatibility
• Optimized performance (the tool strives to be lightweight and not overly burden the website)
• Both free and paid versions

tagDiv builder

tagDiv Builder is a dedicated website builder that is often used in conjunction with projects by the tagDiv team (a company specializing in WordPress projects, particularly those such as “Newspaper” or “Newsmag”). Here are some key features of tagDiv Builder:

• An intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Responsiveness of the designed pages
• Access to ready-made widgets
• A real-time visual editor
• The ability to create and save custom layouts
• Integration with other plugins (the plugin is primarily designed to work with tagDiv solutions, but it can also integrate with other WordPress products)

How to choose the page builder best suited to your needs?

Choosing the right website builder depends on many factors and should be tailored to your specific needs and skills. Below are some tips to help you choose the page builder that best meets your requirements:

1. Define the goals of your website: Consider the purpose of your website. Do you want to create a blog, portfolio, company website, online store, or something else? Your goals will help determine which features and capabilities you need.
2. Assess your technical skills: If you lack experience in website design or coding, it is advisable to consider page builders with a simple and intuitive interface that do not require advanced technical knowledge.
3. Check the availability of themes and templates: If you plan to use ready-made templates, make sure that the page builder you choose offers access to the appropriate themes or templates you are looking for.
4. Consider the availability of plugins and extensions: If you need advanced features or integrations with other tools, ensure that the page builder allows for easy addition of plugins and extensions.
5. Budget: Consider your budget. Some page builders are available for free, while others are paid. Decide whether it is worth investing in a paid builder or if you should stick with a free version.
6. Try out several options: Often the best way to choose the right builder is to try out a few different options. Many page builders offer free versions or trial periods that allow you to test the tool before making a final decision.
7. Availability of support and documentation: Ensure that the page builder offers proper documentation and access to technical support if needed.
8. Consult with professionals: If you have doubts or need help choosing a page builder, it’s worthwhile to consult with a professional web designer or WordPress specialist who can advise you based on your needs. Contact us!

Advantages and disadvantages of using page builders

Advantages

• Ease of use: Page builders usually feature drag-and-drop interfaces, which make designing websites easy and intuitive. They do not require advanced technical knowledge or coding skills.
• Faster design process: Thanks to ready-made templates and built-in design elements, using page builders can significantly speed up the website design process.
• Real-time visualization: Many page builders allow you to edit content and design in real time, meaning you can see the results of your work immediately.
• Responsiveness: Page builders often support the creation of responsive websites that adjust to different devices, which is key to ensuring a good user experience.
• Customization options: Page builders typically offer a wide range of customizable options, allowing you to create relatively unique designs that meet your specific needs.
• Extensions and plugins: Many page builders support various plugins and extensions that enable you to add new features and integrate with other tools.

Disadvantages

• Performance: Some page builders can affect website performance, especially if they are not optimized. Unfortunately, an excessive number of plugins and complex designs can slow down the site.
• Complex code: Some page builders generate complex HTML and CSS code, which may complicate long-term maintenance and optimization of the website.
• Costs: Some advanced page builders, especially those with a wide range of features, may require payment, which can be a burden for small businesses or individual users.
• Dependency on the tool: When you use a page builder, you are often tied to its structure and features. Moreover, transferring a website to another platform can be problematic.
• Lack of originality: By using ready-made templates and elements, there is a risk that your website will look similar to other sites that use the same resources.
• Updates and compatibility: Some page builders may require regular updates to remain compatible with the latest versions of WordPress or other tools. Additionally, some elements may become unsupported by their developers, leading to issues with future updates.

Summary

Website builders are an excellent tool for those who want to quickly and easily create their own website. They provide easy access to design and content editing, which can be especially valuable for entrepreneurs, bloggers, portfolio creators, and small businesses. However, it is important to remember that the choice of the right builder depends on individual needs, skills, and priorities.

The advantages and disadvantages of using page builders are important factors to consider before starting your website design. For some, they will be the ideal tools that significantly simplify the process; for others, they may pose limitations. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between the availability and capabilities of the tool to create a website that best meets your goals and expectations.