Even twenty years ago, most businesses got by just fine without a significant web presence. As high-speed internet became more common and even phones could access the internet, businesses found it ever more difficult to get by without some kind of online presence.

The Pros and Cons of Web Authoring Software: Explained

These days, you need a website for your business if you plan on long-term survival.

Of course, building a website usually means finding the services of a web programmer or design company. For business owners that want a little more control, though, web authoring software provides another option.

Asking yourself, “What is web authoring?” Keep reading for a quick guide on what it is, as well as its pros and cons.

What Is Web Authoring?

Building a website typically means that you need a strong understanding of web design. That starts with programming languages, such as:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript

It also requires a firm understanding of visual design, information architecture, and SEO. Web authoring simplifies the site-building process with software that eliminates the need for writing code.

Instead, you use web authoring tools that typically give you what-you-see-is-what-you-get results. You often drag and drop site elements to where you want them on the page.

Web Authoring Pros

Web authoring tools provide you with several advantages. As a general rule, the tools aim for ease of use. Drag and drop functionality is one example, but they also provide pre-made themes.

The best web authoring software will typically save you time as well. You avoid the need for outsourcing. That saves you time on finding web design companies and selecting one, a process that can take weeks or months.

You also avoid the need for a review process. Once the site looks the way you want, you can simply launch it.

Web Authoring Cons

Web authoring tools also come with some limitations. A major limitation of most web authoring software is that you get locked into the software for all future updates. You can’t hire a web programmer to alter the code of the site after the fact.

Some web authoring providers also make you host the site through their service, which makes it difficult to migrate to your own site later.

Web authoring software routinely offers you only a small number of templates for things like the layout of the site. You may also find it difficult to integrate third-party resources, such as eCommerce options.

Is Web Authoring Software Right for You?

Web authoring software offers you a set of tools for getting your business website online, but is it the right choice for you? Web authoring is a good choice for bootstrapped businesses working on a tight budget. It’s also a good choice for a business that only needs a simple website.

For businesses that need more complex functions, like eCommerce options, you may find web authoring tools too limiting for your purposes.

Looking for more website or tech tips for your business? Check out some of our other posts in our blog section.

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