I've been a self-taught coder since my teens and have built websites for friends and family for over a decade. I know how to code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but I haven't ventured into selling websites professionally just yet. Now, I'm looking to start freelancing on the side for small businesses. I enjoy the control that comes with building a site from scratch in VS Code, but it can be very time-consuming, especially since I have a full-time job and have to deal with a lot of trial and error. Given this, I'm wondering if it's acceptable for freelancers like myself to use drag-and-drop tools like Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix to save time? If it's okay, which one would be the best? Is there a good option out there that blends drag-and-drop simplicity with the option for custom coding?
3 Answers
You can use those tools, but have you considered static site generators like Astro or Hugo? I find them much more powerful and less dependent on plugins that platforms like WordPress often require. When I need something custom, I usually build it with .NET or Rails.
I wouldn't recommend using those platforms. You lose control, and there's always the risk of vendor lock-in. However, for smaller projects, especially for local businesses, it can be a practical solution if they just need a simple site.
Agreed! Building from scratch gives so much more control and flexibility. It's nice to have that option.
You can definitely find folks who call themselves developers but only use tools like Elementor or Divi or just build sites with Wix without ever writing any real code. It's a bit frustrating when you think about a developer's skill set.
Totally agree! It's a personal choice, but it does bug me too when someone claims the 'developer' title while only using drag-and-drop tools and never coding.
I get that, it feels like there's a disconnect with the term when they're not doing any coding at all.
I've only used HTML, CSS, and JS and came from a design background, so I'm kinda lost when it comes to static site generators. Are they really that hard to learn?