How to Make a Website Fast & Easy. The Booming Trend of Online Website Builders

It seems that everyone wants a website these days. But how can you "get" a website if you don't know how to build one? Have no fear! There is a booming trend available to those who don't have the desire to learn the ins-and-outs of website creation: online - aka web-based, - website builders and creators.

With an online website builder it is now easier than ever to create a website and have it up and running in less than a day. Offering several cost effective plans from which to choose, an online builder allows for quick and easy website creation, maintenance and management - with no software to download or special skills required. If you want to create a professional website without the graphical or technical skills, and want the added extras of an e-commerce site, then an all-in-one website building package may be your solution. By simply logging onto an account you set up with a selected web-based builder, your new website can be viewable by the public much quicker than if you built the site from scratch or paid someone to build it for you.

So what about security issues? Many online website builders will state that every precaution has been taken to make sure their web-based website creator is as secure as possible. They may also state that measures have been taken to protect the site builder from unauthorized access and to protect website visitors from compromising their shopping cart information. Sensitive date is encrypted.

Many web-based site creators offer several 'plans', all consisting of hundreds - if not thousands - of templates. The basic plan will normally consist of a domain name, a set number of web pages you can create per website, online technical support, a set amount of storage space, a set amount of data transfer (bandwidth), website hosting, and site traffic reports. While this is more than enough resources for a simple informational or small business website, upgrade plans are available. Such upgrade plans may include email accounts, more server space, unlimited web pages, shopping cart and credit card features.

The biggest advantage of using an online website creator is the ability to update your website whenever you want - without having to know the programming language. The downside is the lack of total customization - not being able to change the overall 'feel' as the site evolves.

Comparison of web-based site builders and traditional creation of a website:

Utilizing a Builder

• Cost is as little as $5.00 per month. Price increases if a more specialized website is necessary (online store).
• Many site builders will incorporate the purchase of a domain name.
• Hundreds - or thousands - of design templates from which to choose.
• Easy to customize: add pages, photos, text.
• No programming language or special skills needed.
• They host your site. No need to purchase a separate hosting account.
• Many online site builders offer extras: shopping cart/e-commerce/merchant accounts, forms, image galleried...
• Online and telephone assistance.

Traditional website

• You need to purchase a domain name. Cost as little as $5.00 per month.
• You need to locate and purchase a host account. Average cost per year is $90.00 for a host that supplies analytics and email accounts.
• In most cases, you need to install the software needed for an e-commerce site.
• Your web host may provide general assistance pertaining to hosting issues, but not necessarily for website issues.

Here are a few well-equiped web-based site builders:

• Sitecube.com
• Buildyoursite.com
• CityMaker.com
• Homestead.com
• Designer360.com
• Typepad.com (geared more towards blogs)