You see web hosts such as HostMonster and WebhostingPad.com offering online site builders to you, but do you really need it? The answer is yes and no. Before you begin building your next site with an online site builder, consider these pros and cons.

Pros of Using Online Site Builders

Whether you are a personal user or a business owner, an online site builder is great for many reasons:

- Convenient to use. Online site builders are very simple and easy to use. The interface is simple on purpose, so that any person of any skill type can use the builder.

- Easy to learn. The interface is visual-only, meaning there are no confusing codes or scripts to learn. Simply click, point, and finish. Site building has never been simpler!

- It doesn’t take up computer space. Because it is an online-only application, you can access it anywhere. It also does not take up any space on your computer, so you can freely edit and create content without worrying about it taking up precious hard disk space.

- Web hosts can help you if you have a problem. Because it is developed, or minimally supported, by the web host, they can help you out if you run into any problems. Simply call their hotline or send an email, explain your problem, and wait for a helpful customer service representative for prompt help.

- Save money on expensive web page creators. Frontpage and Dreamweaver are two very popular web page creators. Unfortunately, they are also very, very expensive and hard to learn. With an online site builder, you avoid spending hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours trying to build your perfect website. Simply use their builder to drag items to their correct location, type in text, and publish.

Furthermore, if you are a business starting out in the online marketing world, this is the solution for you. If you’re looking to advance yourself through Web 2.0, however, this is not the solution.

Cons of Using Online Site Builders

Although there are many pros with online site builders, there are many cons:

- Limited interface. Although the interface is simple and easy to use, you can only do so much with it. Want to set up a really advanced, user-involved site? Not here. You’ll need to hire a web designer or use more advanced programs, such as Dreamweaver or Frontpage.

- Too much time-consuming. Especially if you are a busy business owner, manually building your own website probably isn’t for you. You will need to hire a full-time web designer to do the task for you.

- Interface cannot handle bigger, detailed websites. Most online site builders are only designed for simple websites. It cannot handle bigger, more detailed websites (like a comprehensive site that sells memorabilia, for example).

In a nutshell, online site builders are not ideal for highly robust websites with more features.