A website builder is a platform that lets you create your own website without the need for coding expertise or design skills. They can be used to create all kinds of websites, whether it’s a blog, an e-commerce store, a business site, or an artist’s creative portfolio.  Many website builders also come with hosting services, meaning the website can be published directly from the builder. 

There are a few main types of website builders, and your choice should depend on the scope and intention of your website, as well as your experience level and willingness to learn. 

1. Drag-and-Drop Builders — These platforms typically offer a selection of pre-built templates along with customizable features, so you can create a professional-looking site very quickly & easily. Simply move elements around on the page by clicking and dragging them to where you want them. 
2. Content Management Systems (CMS) — They come with a higher learning curve but allow for greater customization. They let you manage the content of your website easily and provide a range of customizable themes and plugins.‍
3. Smart Website Builders — These website builders leverage AI to create websites super quickly with minimal input from the user. AI can help to design the layout, make content suggestions, and even adjust the website according to user preferences and behaviors. This is a great option if you want a personalized website fast, without too much effort from your end.

Benefits of website builder software include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Cost Savings — Website builders are a lot less expensive than hiring a team of web designers and programmers. They typically offer solutions that include hosting, domain registration, and all the other tools you need to update and maintain your site. 
2. Ease of Use — Website builders are designed with beginners in mind. If you want to build out an entire professional site in just a few days, you can feel confident in doing so without any coding or design expertise. ‍
3. Customization & Flexibility — The flexibility of website builders empowers you to create a site that suits your exact need, without compromising on design or functionality. You can choose from a wide variety of templates, adjust the layout and feel of your website to your liking, and add features like contact forms, galleries, or e-commerce functionality.

Website builders often include, but are not limited to, the following features.

• Pre-Built Layouts —Ready-made design templates for various sections of the website, such as headers and content blocks.
• Web Hosting — Includes website hosting or easy integration with third-party hosting services.
• E-Commerce Hosting —  Enables online store functionality, including product management and payments.
• SEO Tools — Tools to optimize content for search engines and improve ranking.
• Forms Builder — Create and customize forms for lead generation, contact, or surveys.
• Social Sharing — Easy options to integrate social media sharing buttons on the website.
• Integration Capabilities —  Supports integration with third-party apps and services, such as CRMs and analytics.
• Built-In Blog —  Includes pre-built layouts and tools for creating and managing blog posts directly on the website.
• Mobile Optimization — Ensures the website is fully optimized for mobile devices with responsive design.
• Analytics & Reporting — Tracks website traffic, user behavior, and website performance.
• Customizable Themes — Allows users to personalize existing themes to match their brand's style.‍
• Drag-and-Drop Editor — Lets users build and edit websites by dragging and dropping elements.

The price of a website builder will vary depending on its capabilities and whether you need hosting included. A basic or standard website builder will often range from free to $30 per month, while an advanced website builder can cost between $30 and $300 a month.