Due to the rise of technology, the world has become increasingly small. Information is gathered and shared in real-time around the globe. Communication has been made possible beyond the geographical boundaries that hold societies together. People from all walks of life engage in various issues around the world through websites. From breaking news to events and milestones that shape history, the whole world is there to witness. The entire globe has thus become one thanks to the web. Demand for information is at an all-time high.
As a result, there is a need to develop websites that can enable the dissemination of information to the masses in the quickest way possible and urgently. Website designing tools often come at a fee. For a first-time freelance website developer in Dubai, the cost might be high. The good news is that some website designing resources are free. However, the challenge is how to choose the best among the rest. But not to worry, here are the 6 best designing resources just for you.
6 Best Web Designing Tools In 2020
There are many web designing tools available in the market today. Choosing a good one may not be an easy exercise. Each tool has its benefits and limitations. For a freelance web designer in Dubai, here are the best free web designing resources to get you started.
1. Wix
It is among the best, Wix is particularly useful for small-scale websites under thirty pages and is available for desktop and mobile users. It offers an easy-to-use template editor that requires no coding. Its free version comes with ads and entails that you purchase a domain. Wix is ideal for artists and those who seek to showcase portfolios.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: Over 600
Premium fee: From $11 a month
Online/Offline: Online does not require download.
Pros
- Wide range of tailor-made templates
- Allows access to Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI)
- Fourteen-day money-back guarantee
- Compatible with third-party software.
- Text and other animations occur instantly.
Cons
- Lack of compatibility for export, meaning that in case you want to transfer content to Wix, then you have to do it manually.
- It is not possible to switch themes.
- The free version comes with Wix ads.
- The free domain name is an extension of Wix.
2. Weebly.com
Weebly allows you to build a site by dragging icons, photos, and menus onto pages on your screen. Then you can resize and move the elements around. It also offers a built-in code editor that enables the user to customize his site comprehensively. The advanced theme editor gives full HTML and CSS control and is available in templates.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: Over 50
Premium fee: starts from $12 a month
Online/Offline: Online, does not require download
Pros
- It allows the user to switch themes.
- Regular care and support center.
- Prioritized SEO
- It offers a privacy policy.
- Allows template customization
Cons
- Limits access to Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI)
- Denies user access in case of restoring a site. You must contact Weebly support.
- Drag and drop interface requires advanced coding abilities for ease of use.
- Displays pop up ads that may distract the user
- Lacks eCommerce features on the free plan
3. WordPress.com
All built-in features are conducive for a blog spot, making it ideal for bloggers. Unlike most tools, word press does not come with the ease of drag and drop visual editing. It means that if you wish to expand and create anything other than a blog, then you will require the necessary coding skills. However, it allows any kind of website through free web open-source software.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: more than 11,000
Premium fee: starts from $96 annually ($8monthly, billed yearly)
Online/Offline: Online, does not require download
Pros
- Full ownership and control of the content.
- Offers an extensive collection of plugins and add-ons
- Able to integrate with nearly all third-party tools.
- Free web open source
Cons
- Challenging to navigate if you are not familiar with coding.
- Lack of drag and drop interface
- Hosting is left entirely to the user.
4. Webflow
Spectacular receptive designs render Webflow unique. It operates on a visual interface that allows you to take charge of CSS3, JavaScript, and HTML5. It is suitable for big companies and online traders.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: over 140
Premium fee: starts from $144 annually ($12 monthly, billed yearly)
Online/Offline: Offline, requires download
Pros
- Cutting-edge SEO controls.
- Offers free SSL that provides primary security measures.
- Provides full Content Management system (CMS) support
- Requires least code level customization
Cons
- The support team is available only during working hours, and queries are channeled solely through emails. There is no phone or live chat.
5. Site123
Unlike other web tools, site123 does not work on drag and drop tools or coding. You simply answer a couple of questions about the type of site you want, and the tool automatically creates a template with appropriate features based on your answers.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: above 150
Premium fee: From $5.80 a month
Online/Offline: Online does not require download.
Pros
- Support team available 24/7 via live chat.
- Easy to use, an excellent choice for non-creatives.
- There are no visible ads at first sight when visiting the page.
Cons
- It is not possible to switch themes.
- Limited room for creativity
- Fewer templates available
6. Strikingly
If you are looking to launch your site fast, then this is an ideal tool for you. Strikingly generates a one-page website with a preformed design of your choice and allows you to format as many times as you wish.
Key features
Availability: Free and paid
Templates: above 100
Premium fee: From $49 a month
Online/Offline: Online does not require download.
Pros
- Allows one ad per free plan
- Available support 24/7 through live chat
- Monthly 5GB bandwidth with the free plan.
Cons
- Limited to one page
- No SSL certificate for the free plan
- Limited editing options
- Lacks essential tools to scale a business.
Conclusion
When choosing a free web designing tool, various considerations come into play. However, the most important is its convenience. Based on your knowledge and skills as a freelance web designer in Dubai, study how best you can maneuver through a tool before settling for it.
