Website wizards have made our life easier in many ways, although sometimes they can create roadblocks. I have crossed paths with Sitebuilder a number of times as many hosts offer the software as an easy, do-it-yourself, web building tool.
While it simplifies the process in one sense, it does its limitations.
- Immobility: Sitebuilder allows a user to select a template from which to create their website. The problem is that the site is not transferable, exportable, or portable in any way. That means that you are married to the host and, should you choose to end your relationship, you must start anew as with any divorce.
- Slow Load Time: While Sitebuilder is easy on the front end, the backend is heavy in excess code causing two issues:
- A load time that is 15 seconds slower than the average website.
- Deterring search engines who like prefer pages with clean code.
- Amateurish Design: Sitebuilder templates are less sophisticated to start but when a rookie takes control of the design the sites often take a turn for the worse graphically speaking.
When is Sitebuilder a good choice?
For businesses that are in a hurry to establish an online presence but lack the technical knowledge, how a good Sitebuilder template may fit the bill. The key is to make an informed decision and be aware of its limitations in advance.