Why Use a WordPress Page Builder?

In my journey of front end web design and development, I started off working with an old school ‘code-only’ CTO who insisted we develop in pure code. I used bootstrapped code, taking code snippets from different pockets of the internet (including Stack Overflow and Get Bootstrap, to name a few). I then checked out WordPress, but pure WordPress, without a page builder. I know what you’re thinking ‘Huh, that’s a thing?’

I then found page builders, and they blew my mind! I couldn’t believe that you could get the flexibility and power of WordPress, but with the ease of the drag and drop usage of Wix.

I don’t like Wix, but I love page builders on WordPress! They are flexible, dynamic, beautiful and easy to use. What’s more, they coexist within an ecosystem of themes and plugins native to WordPress. Elementor and Divi and my favourite WordPress page builders and I’ll dig into each one in due course, but first off, a little secret.

Secret alert: this website uses Divi page builder and a theme that’s all included within the Elegant themes package. Don’t tell anyone. 

Elementor WordPress Page Builder: An Overview

Live Editor Experience: Elementor’s live editor, providing real-time feedback, is easy to use intuitive and enables you to see results with your website development at a quick pace. It’s visual composer demonstrates the art of designing captivating pages in WordPress.

Template Library Dynamics: The page builder’s template library is impressive, continuously updated to reflect modern design trends, catering to the evolving landscape of WordPress Page Builders.

Widget Abundance: Elementor’s widget library is extensive, offering a variety of elements for web pages which ensures that users have all the building blocks they need for a visually stunning website.

Responsive Design Features: Elementor’s focus on responsive design aligns with modern standards in the “WordPress Page Builders” landscape. However, Divi’s responsive design options are equally robust, making it a strong competitor in this aspect.

Theme Compatibility Flexibility: Elementor can work with any WordPress theme, although it doesn’t include the same ‘bundling’ aspect that Divi does.

Divi WordPress Page Builder: An Overview

Intuitive Design Interface: Divi’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface ensures a seamless website creation process, ideal for beginners entering the world of WordPress page builders. As I’m writing this sentence out, it feels like I am writing it directly to the web page.

Diverse Template Library: Divi boasts an expansive library of templates and modules, catering to various website styles. This diversity allows users to tap into a plethora of design options, saving time and effort in the creation process. I was impressed by the power of Divi’s modules and how they enhance website functionality.

Integration with Divi Theme: Divi’s bundled theme ensures a blend between the builder and the theme, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing website using the Divi WordPress page builder. This website uses one of Divi’s theme. I like the simplicity of it.

Responsive Design: Divi’s focus on responsive design options allows optimisation for all device sizes, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable user experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. One example of how I use this feature is with images. I duplicate the image and size it to 60-80% width for desktop, and 100% width for tablet and phone. I then make the former only visible on desktop, and the latter only visible on phone and tablet. Simple!

Advanced Design Capabilities: For users seeking advanced design options, Divi offers a high level of creative freedom. This makes it a great tool for both amateurs and seasoned designers alike.

Built-in Split Testing: Divi provides a built-in split testing feature, enabling users to experiment with different design variations and optimise websites for enhanced conversion rates, a crucial aspect of successful WordPress website development.

Community and Support: Divi’s has a very active and supportive community, and response times with support are pretty good! 

Advanced Customisation: For users seeking advanced customisation, Divi’s styling options and custom CSS capabilities provide a comprehensive toolkit.

Pop-up Builder: Divi’s dedicated pop-up builder provides users with a set of tools for creating engaging and conversion-focused websites.

What About Alternative WordPress Page Builders?

You might be thinking “but aren’t there lots of other WordPress page builders that I should take a look at? Are there other doors I should open?”

There are a lot of alternative WordPress page builders, but I didn’t focus on them in this article to keep things more streamlined in your search. That said, here are a few alternatives with a quick soundbite as to why I didn’t focus on them:

Beaver Builder: Beaver Builder WordPress page builder is well liked for its straightforward approach and seamless usability, which can make it a good option for newcomers and experienced developers. However, it has limited features when it comes to advanced customisation. You might feel limited with Beaver Builder.

Visual Composer: Visual Composer WordPress page builder is targeted for designers. If that is is you, then it is worth exploring this option. It is like having a seasoned designer by your side, with a vast array of design options at your fingertips. However, to unlock the full potential of Visual Composer, you need the patience and finesse of an art enthusiast.

SiteOrigin: SiteOrigin WordPress page builder is unpretentious, simple, and in some senses, great at what it does. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles like its competitors, but it can get the job done without any fuss. The reason I haven’t focused on SiteOrigin is that I do like the bells and whistles, the templates, the widgets, the modules, and how they all come together, with the more comprehensive options like Elementor and Divi.

Brizy: Brizy WordPress page builder is a newcomer to the scene. It has a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to use for beginners to start their website development journey. Yet, being the new kid on the block, it has a fair amount still to go before it can compete with the likes of Elementor and Divi. 

Which WordPress Page Builder is Right for You?

Both Elementor and Divi are excellent WordPress page builders, and you will be happy with either choice. Prefer Divi since I find the user interface more intuitive and I love the preset widgets, templates and themes. These are top features that set Divi apart in the WordPress builder landscape, and create an excellent starting point that allow you to create web pages in a way that is massively time saving.

Divi’s intuitive interface also makes it accessible for users of all skill levels. The design experience ensures that even beginners can create professional-looking websites with ease. Divi’s template library, covering diverse styles and industries, provides users with a broad palette for creative expression. The sheer variety ensures that users can find a template that suits their specific needs. Whether you are a blogger, setting up a consulting practice, a legal firm, an ecommerce site or a new and exciting piece of tech, Divi has themes and templates that will get you started.

Divi’s advanced design features are extremely useful for both novice users and experienced designers. The builder strikes a balance between user-friendly tools and intricate customisation options. It does this while making it easy for you to create a responsive website for different device sizes.

My pick is Divi: the ultimate WordPress page builder for modern websites.