Website Builder vs CMS: Which Platform To Choose?

Gone are the days when building a website used to be a job of highly expert and tech-savvy professionals. Thanks to tools like website builders and CMS software, you can build a website in a couple of hours without needing any coding knowledge or technical experience. 

While both are great tools for website building, they have different applications and use cases. For instance, a website builder is much easier and simpler to use than a CMS, which is usually popular among more proficient users. 

Similarly, the best website builders offer their own hosting services, so you don’t need to buy domain name and hosting separately. 

There are many more differences between a website builder and a CMS, which we will explore in this blog. Keep reading!

What is a Website Builder?

While the term “website builder” is self-explanatory, it can be defined as a platform used for creating and publishing a website on the web. In most cases, the website builder from a reputed provider comes with a web hosting plan and sometimes a domain name to facilitate the launch of a website. 

These platforms offer plenty of features like pre-built templates, drag-and-drop features, social media integration, site analysis tools, etc., that make creating a website a breeze for non-technical users. 

What’s more? A reliable Australian website builder can also help you track and enhance your site’s SEO performance once it goes live on the web. 

What is CMS?

CMS is a short form for Content Management System. It is a tool or platform that provides you with a basic to advanced level architecture for setting up various sites on the internet. With CMS, you can build blogs, eCommerce sites, business websites, and more. 

Like a website builder, CMS also offers a variety of website creation features and functionalities. Besides, it also lets you customise your site in any way you like. 

CMS Vs Website Builder: Key Differences

• Ease of Use: Website builders are intended for users with little or no technical knowledge. Hence, they are very simple and easy to use. 

On the other hand, CMS platforms are designed for more advanced users as they have a slightly steeper learning curve. They offer a higher degree of customisation and, thus, are not recommended for beginners. 

• Control and Customisation: A Website builder offers limited control and customisation. For this reason, they can only be used for creating simple and beginner-level websites. 

On the other hand, CMS platforms allow users to sit in the pilot seat and take full charge of their site creation and management. 

• Scalability: Website builders are very user-friendly and can be deployed to create small to medium-sized websites. However, as your website grows, it may start experiencing complexities due to a lack of control in a website builder. 

On the contrary, a site built using a CMS is highly scalable. It can accommodate the increasing traffic and functionalities with the right configuration. 

• Cost: The cost of site builders can vary depending on the provider. Most CMS platforms, on the other hand, are free to use. 

Final Words

Both website builders and CMS platforms are great site-building tools. But as you can see, they are different in terms of features and capabilities. 

If you are a beginner planning to set up a simple site, you can go for the best website builder. It is easy to use and cost-effective as well. However, if you are an advanced user planning to set up a demanding website, then CMS is a better choice.