From Weebly to Webflow - An Overview of Todays Top Tools

Before we begin take note that pretty much all specific information such as costs and functions for each tool can be found on their websites. My goal with this guide is to help you understand what tool is a good fit for you and where you should start looking and why. Trust me if you know what an H1 is then you dont want to go near Weebly but if you dont want to learn what Classing and load order is then I suggest you start with Wordpress or Wix. 

Beginner Tools

Weebly and Godaddy
Great for beginners, Easiest to use
Pros
  • Easiest to learn
  • Template based
  • Drag and drop
  • No coding needed
  • Package pricing

Cons
  • ​Ultra limited on functions
  • Limited editability
  • Very limited future scalability
  • Limited SEO
  • Limited bang for your buck

Mid Range Tools

Wix and Squarespace
​Better Options, Better Websites
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Far more editability
  • Best prices for beginners
  • Little or no coding
  • Best bang for your buck

Cons
  • Not as capable as Pro Tools
  • More learning required
  • Limited or no Free Trials
​

Pro Tools

Wordpress and Webflow
Easy to Learn, Pro level sites, No code
Pros
  • Amazing looking websites
  • Minimal HTML and coding
  • Excellent editability 
  • DIY Pro quality sites
  • Excellent community

​Cons
  • Steeper learning curve

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**Tip for the web pros- If youre looking for a good client system I highly highly suggest Webflow. Its built for designers who build websites for clients. Next best option is Wordpress and then Im even going to suggest Wix. Im surprised by how good the tool has become but note that the load times on Wix are massive so I only suggest Wix for lite builds when you need an extremely quick turn around. 

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Beginner Tools

Weebly and Godaddy

Who are they best for?
These tools are best for people who are just starting out. If its your very first website or you just want to keep things as simple and basic as you can, these tools are for you. The pros and cons go hand in hand with these tools where the ease of use makes things easy the limited options can often lead to much frustration. However, if limited editability and less is more works for you then these are your best options to start out with. After signing up these beginner tools allow you to get started right away. Just pick your template and start plugging in the info. They have very basic learning curves and are a great option if you just want to have a very simple and clean website.

A fair warning
Though these tools are great for beginners and for learning the ropes I highly recommend you start out with either a free trial (if offered) or take the time to learn a proper tool such as Wordpress. These beginner tools are not good for long term websites. If you plan on growing your website and you want more professional functions such as Blogs, Search Engine Optimization, Scrolling Header Images or something as simple as being able to change the color of the buttons on your website then the Mid Level  or Pro Tools are what you want to look into. 

Mid Level Tools

Wix and Squarespace

Who are they best for?
These tools are best for people who are just starting out but would like to grow their website or for people who have some experience with web building but dont want to get too advanced. These tools offer tons more options than the beginner tools at comparable prices. Wix has grown over the past couple years and the website editor is excellent for anyone just starting out who has a vision of what they would like their website to look like and is willing to take the time to learn the tool. Im surprised at how good the drag and drop function of the tool is and how easy it is to use and though you wont come near the professional quality and feel of a Wordpress or a Webflow website you will definitely be able to make a nice looking, long lasting website with these Mid Level Tools.

Note- Wordpress can fit within the Mid Leve Tool category as well. Its just as easy to use and learn as Wix and Squarespace but since it has so much more to offer I wanted to cover it in the Pro Tools section below. 

**At this time I couldnt find any deals or offers to promote however both Wix and Squarespace offer free trials and versions of the tool that will allow you to sign up and start learning. I highly suggest giving this option a go and really making sure that you want to invest in the cost of a web build tool such as Wix before you drop the money. This way if you find its a bit too much for you or you find out that its not enough for you then you wont be financially invested. 

Pro Level Tools

Webflow and Wordpress

​Pro level sites with so much editability and functionality that I have no idea where to begin. If you are just starting out or if youve been building for years I highly suggest you take the time to learn more about Webflow and Wordpress. The tools are amazing and are as close to straight coding an entire site as it gets with the peace of mind that drag and drop tools have to offer. I personally use both for my personal sites and for my clients. These tools are what I use when I need pro level results at an affordable price. The tiniest details can be edited such as roll over and mouse animations all the way to building complete CMS and even advanced Ecommerce functions. (coming soon for webflow) Wordpress is the tool of choice for Blogging and Articles and Webflow is what I highly suggest if you have clients or want to get into designing websites for others. Mobile, Tablet, Tons of SEO and more. The options are so abundant that the tools are like playgrounds for designers. The learning curves are a bit higher for Wordpress than they are for Wix but I mentioned above Wordpress is, in terms of difficulty to use and learn, a mid level tool where as Webflow takes the most learning and getting used to. I used to do research and development for corporations who needed tools for the website solutions and 9/10 we ended up going with Webflow. Once you get the hang of it the tool is excellent for new designers up to seasoned vets. Custom code and plugins are go as well as a very easy and pleasing diy html interface if you want to just hand build the sites. So if youre looking for excellence at an affordable price with all the room in the world to expand your websites then look no further than Wordpress and Webflow. 

*Note- if youre debating which to choose then Ill suggest thinking of it like this. Wordpress is great for articles and is more Theme and plug in based where Webflow (though it offers themes and blank start layouts) is best for start from scratch builds where you want to influence every aspect of the site. 

​*Note- I love Webflow and Wordpress and lamp