Website builders are online tools which generally enable the building of websites using computer-programming languages like HTML, XHTML, CSS and JavaScript. These tools are of great help when it comes to the management of a website since you can modify your website’s appearance as well as its functionality with the help of these programs. Website builders usually come in two categories: WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) and DIY or the do it yourself method. Both have their pros and cons, but for those who want a website with the maximum amount of features, especially options for customization, the DIY method is recommended.
If you are into designing sites using complex markup language, then the WYSIWYG website builders will be of some use to you. You can also avail of ready-made templates, though they are only offered by a few WYSIWYG builders. These templates are already optimized for search engines and contain all the necessary features that are needed for the creation of search engine friendly sites. The downside, however, is that such templates require the use of Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design software.
If you want a website builder which allows you to create sites in a manner similar to the professional website builders, then the DIY method is the way to go. There are a number of good free WYSIWYG site builders available online, which allow you to use the basic tools and drag and drop features of a WYSIWYG web-based site builder, while allowing you to modify the appearance of your pages and customize your content with the help of several add-ons. These website builders come in the form of free software, either downloaded completely for free from the internet or bought as freeware or shareware.