The tools and technologies used for designing, publishing and managing websites have changed greatly over the years. One of the most popular tools used nowadays is the website builder. This is basically a tool which allows you to choose from a variety of pre-designed themes or templates. A good example of a website builder solution is the Website templates by MotoCMS. Since the website builder requires no coding, you don’t need any technical knowledge to use it. Most of these tools allow you to tweak the design to various extents.
Many people have been reluctant to use website builders previously due to the limitation on design customization. However, providers are increasingly responding to the demand for more control and flexibility. As a result, the more recent website builder tools are less restrictive, thus giving designers more freedom to be creative.
Here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a website builder:
1. Detailed design control
For your website to stand out among many other template sites online, you need to customize it sufficiently. Therefore, avoid templates which only allow you to make basic alterations such as changing fonts, colors or background colors. Find a website builder which will enable you to alter the design of your pages to achieve the precise look you desire. Ideally, you should be able to change margins and spacing, choose from different fonts, add custom backgrounds, apply rounded corners, gradients and drop shadows. In addition, you need to consider how you might want to tweak the site much later. This will save you the trouble of having to carry out a total redesign.
2. Exact layout customization
The layout is a very important element of your website’s design. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a template which has a fixed preset layout. This is especially vital if your site has content that changes over time, thus necessitating a modification of the layout. Find a template which allows you to make changes such as splitting up your pages or adjusting the width of columns.
3. Box model
The free-form model of design allows you to place design elements and objects anywhere on your web page. On the other hand, the box model divides your page into various divisions (boxes). Since web content is likely to change form, it would be advisable to work with a box model rather than free-form. Find a website builder which allows you to compartmentalize your web pages, as opposed to one where content is just placed in a random way.
4. Flexible content management
Content plays a major role in the design of a website. A good website builder should allow you to easily add and adjust text content on your site. In addition, you should be able to insert and alter navigation menus, photo galleries, social media feeds, videos, audios, and other kinds of content. From the onset, you need to think about the kind of content you would want to have on your site. This will enable you to choose a website builder which can accommodate your needs.
Charles Mburugu has a great passion for sharing blogging and web development tips. At the moment, he is writing for MotoCMS website templates