This does not apply to just
you. There are tons of online, do-it-yourself website builders that sell their platforms touting two main things:
• It’s quick
• It’s easy
All of the popular online website builders have their own proprietary templated design platforms. They are usually drag n’ drop, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) web builders. They all have pre-made templated designs to offer. The reason why they say it is easy and quick to do is based on the idea that you simply pick a template that best suits you, replace the filler text and media with your own, and voila! There you have your own website. They take care of everything else. No need to know any code like HTML or CSS.
Depending on who you use, there are trade-offs that come with the ability to build your website so easily. This day and age, most pre-made website templates are designed to be mobile responsive. However, again, depending on who you choose, there can be very little ability to customize how your web page will look in different viewpoints. There is no “one size fits all” approach to mobile responsiveness with websites. Different types of content and layouts will require precise tweaking in order for them to look right, function right and give your visitors a good mobile experience. These trade-offs can have negative consequences to your site’s
mobile responsiveness and
SEO.
Another problem with many web builders is the lack of ability to customize the templated designs beyond color themes and perhaps some font changes.
Then there are
your limitations. If you don’t have skill with HTML and CSS, you are missing some pretty important tools in your tool box. Some website builders actually allow you to customize your CSS in your designs. Some even allow you to edit the HTML. Both of these come in pretty handy if you want to customize your design so it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
Aside from code, it is pretty important to have a good understanding of the proper of the following:
• Title tags
• Strategic (and proper) use of keywords
• Alt. information on images
• Image editing and optimization
• Mobile optimization
If you don’t possess these basics, you will want to take some time to learn about them before build your own website. After all, your website’s performance is at stake.
