Building a WordPress website has never been easier, thanks to the proliferation of page builders. These tools allow users to create visually appealing and complex layouts without touching a single line of code. Popular page builders like Elementor, Divi, and Beaver Builder have become household names in the WordPress community, offering drag-and-drop functionality and a wide range of customization options. However, the question remains: Should you use a page builder for your WordPress website? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using page builders, providing insights and examples to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Page Builders?
Page builders are WordPress plugins that enable users to create and customize website pages through an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface. They typically come with a variety of pre-designed elements (such as text boxes, images, buttons, and sliders) and templates that can be easily added to a page, rearranged, and customized. The primary appeal of page builders lies in their ability to allow non-developers to create professional-looking websites without needing extensive coding knowledge.
The Pros of Using Page Builders
1. User-Friendly Interface
One of the most significant advantages of using a page builder is its user-friendly interface. Page builders like Elementor and Divi are designed with ease of use in mind, making them accessible to beginners and non-technical users. The drag-and-drop functionality allows users to create complex layouts by simply dragging elements onto a page and positioning them as desired. This eliminates the need to understand or write HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, making web design more approachable for everyone.
Example: With Elementor, even a complete novice can build a fully functional landing page in just a few hours. The interface is intuitive, with real-time previews of changes, so users can see exactly what their site will look like as they design it.
2. Speed of Development
Page builders can significantly speed up the website development process. Instead of spending hours coding a layout from scratch, users can take advantage of pre-designed templates and ready-made elements. This allows for faster iteration and experimentation, enabling users to try different designs and layouts quickly.
Example: Divi comes with a library of over 800 pre-made templates covering a wide range of industries and purposes. This allows users to kickstart their projects by simply importing a template and customizing it to fit their brand.
3. Customization and Flexibility
Page builders offer a high degree of customization and flexibility. Users can tweak virtually every aspect of a page, from typography and colors to margins and padding. Advanced users can even add custom CSS directly within the builder, allowing for more granular control over the design. This flexibility makes page builders suitable for a wide range of websites, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms.
Example: Beaver Builder provides a robust set of design options, allowing users to customize elements such as background images, column layouts, and even global settings that affect the entire site.
4. No Coding Required
For many users, the biggest draw of page builders is the ability to create a website without any coding. This opens up website design to a broader audience, including small business owners, bloggers, and freelancers who may not have the budget to hire a developer. Page builders democratize web design, making it possible for anyone to create a professional-looking website.
Example: A small business owner using Elementor can build a full-fledged website, complete with contact forms, image galleries, and pricing tables, without ever needing to learn how to code.
5. Responsive Design
Most modern page builders offer built-in responsive design tools, allowing users to create websites that look great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. These tools often include options to adjust layouts and elements specifically for different screen sizes, ensuring that the site provides a consistent user experience across devices.
Example: Elementor’s responsive editing tools allow users to adjust font sizes, column widths, and element visibility based on the device type, all within the same interface.
The Cons of Using Page Builders
1. Potential for Slow Performance
One of the most common criticisms of page builders is that they can negatively impact website performance. Page builders often generate bloated code, which can slow down page load times. This is especially problematic for users who prioritize speed and SEO, as slower websites can lead to higher bounce rates and lower search engine rankings.
Example: Websites built with heavy use of page builders like Divi or WPBakery can sometimes suffer from slower load times, especially if the pages are filled with numerous widgets and elements. This can be mitigated with performance optimization, but it’s a consideration that users need to keep in mind.
2. Learning Curve
While page builders are designed to be user-friendly, there is still a learning curve, particularly for users who are entirely new to website design. The sheer number of options and customization settings can be overwhelming, leading to frustration or a cluttered design if not used carefully.
Example: Despite its intuitive interface, Elementor can take time to master, especially for users who want to make the most of its advanced features like custom CSS or dynamic content integration. Beginners may find themselves spending hours learning how to use the builder effectively.
3. Compatibility Issues
Another potential drawback of page builders is compatibility issues, particularly with themes and other plugins. Not all WordPress themes are fully compatible with all page builders, and conflicts can arise, leading to broken layouts or functionality. Additionally, some plugins may not work well with specific page builders, requiring workarounds or alternative solutions.
Example: A user might find that their chosen theme doesn’t fully support Elementor’s features, resulting in misaligned elements or incomplete layouts. While this can often be resolved, it may require additional time and technical knowledge.
4. Limited Design Uniqueness
While page builders offer a wide range of design options, they can also lead to websites that look similar, especially when users rely heavily on pre-designed templates. This can be a disadvantage for users who want a truly unique website design. Over-reliance on page builders can result in cookie-cutter websites that lack distinctiveness.
Example: A website built using a popular Elementor template may look almost identical to another site using the same template, with only minor differences in color schemes or fonts. This lack of uniqueness can be a drawback for brands that want to stand out from the competition.
5. Long-Term Maintenance
Using a page builder can sometimes complicate long-term website maintenance. Because page builders add layers of abstraction over the standard WordPress editor, users may face challenges when trying to make future changes, especially if they switch themes or decide to remove the page builder altogether. Additionally, updates to the page builder plugin itself can occasionally introduce bugs or compatibility issues, requiring careful management.
Example: A website built with WPBakery may face challenges if the user decides to switch to a different page builder or theme. The site might require significant rework to ensure that all elements display correctly, which can be time-consuming and costly.
When to Use Page Builders
Given the pros and cons, when is it appropriate to use a page builder for your WordPress website? Page builders are particularly useful in the following scenarios:
- Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: For small business owners or entrepreneurs who need a professional website quickly and affordably, page builders are an excellent choice. They allow users to create a fully functional website without needing to hire a developer.
- Landing Pages and Marketing Sites: Page builders are ideal for creating landing pages and marketing sites that need to be built quickly and are often updated or tested for different campaigns.
- Freelancers and Agencies: Web designers and developers who work with multiple clients can benefit from page builders by speeding up the design process and offering clients an easy way to make their own updates.
When to Avoid Page Builders
Conversely, there are situations where it might be better to avoid using a page builder:
- Performance-Critical Websites: If your website requires optimal performance and speed, such as an e-commerce site or a large-scale corporate website, the added bloat from page builders may be detrimental. In these cases, a custom-coded solution may be more appropriate.
- Complex Custom Functionality: If your website requires highly specialized functionality or integrations, a page builder might not provide the flexibility needed. Custom development might be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
- Unique Branding and Design: For businesses or individuals seeking a completely unique and bespoke design, relying on page builders may lead to limitations. Custom design work, potentially paired with minimal page builder use, might be a better route.
Conclusion: Should You Use a Page Builder?
Page builders like Elementor, Divi, and Beaver Builder offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for many WordPress users. They democratize web design, allowing anyone to build a professional website without extensive coding knowledge. However, they also come with potential drawbacks, such as performance issues, a learning curve, and compatibility challenges.
Ultimately, the decision to use a page builder depends on your specific needs, goals, and resources. For small businesses, freelancers, and marketers looking for a quick and efficient way to build a website, page builders are an excellent choice. However, for performance-critical sites or those requiring unique, custom functionality, a traditional development approach might be more appropriate.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can determine whether a page builder is the right tool for your WordPress website in 2024 and beyond.
Cover Image: Igor Starkov
