website builders are tools that allow the construction of websites without manual code editing. They fall into two categories: online proprietary tools provided by web hosting companies, typically intended for users to build their private site; and software which runs on a computer, creating pages offline and which can then publish these pages on any host. The latter are often considered to be "website design software" rather than "website builders".
Online website builders typically require customers to sign up with the web hosting company. Some companies provide examples of fully functional websites made with their website builder. The range of services varies anywhere between creating basic personal web pages or social network content to making complete business and e-commerce websites, either template based or, on the more flexible platforms, totally design free.
The main advantage of an online website builder is that it is quick and easy to use, and often does not require prior experience. Often a website can be built and be up and running live on the Internet quickly. Technical support is usually provided, as are how-to video and help files. This makes online website builders ideal for the beginner.
Sites are generally created using either HTML or Adobe Flash. HTML is a standard format supported by all browsers. Flash has a growing popularity, mainly since it has overcome some limitations such as not being seen by web crawlers such as Google and Yahoo, and thus being indexed. Flash is more resource intensive than HTML. HTML tools are divided into those that allow editing of the source code and those that only have a WYSIWYG mode.
When choosing a website builder software you must pay attention to the features of the software. You need to make sure this software can do what you want it to do. Is there any WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors? A general easy to use interface? How about a step by step guide introducing you to the software? Definitely it will take some time to learn to use the website builder but is there a feeling telling you that this is the software you need? Also, before deciding to spend any money on it see if there's a free trial version that will let you test the product.