WordPress is a great website builder. And it powers almost 40% of the web, not without reasons.
It is free and fast.
Web admins trust it.
It offers unprecedented creative control.
You can keep your website as simple or as loaded with bells and whistles as you want.
But, when it comes to ease, WordPress still has a lot to learn from its contemporaries.
The primary reason why WordPress has a steeper learning curve, and it scores less on ease-of-use, is the lack of a drag and drop page builder.
You have everything you need on your website, but to get that, you have to be able to code. And that’s what makes things tough.
But WordPress has got provisions to counter that too. You can add drag and drop builders for WordPress as an additional attachment.
They make life simpler for website owners and designers. Just drag what you need and drop it where you need it.
Even After Gutenberg Update and The Block Editor?
Yes.
The team of developers behind WordPress has constantly been working on feature and form updates.
And the Gutenberg plugin that was initially made available was good.
The block editor, which is now a standard, is even better. But drag and drop page builders truly remain the best option out there.
The customizable blocks that you have today are no match for the ability to drag and drop elements.
So, even after the block editor update, a drag-and-drop page builder would be a welcome addition for you.
Types Of Page Builders
When choosing a page builder, the first choice you need to make is about the type of page builder you need.
Here are your options:
1. Page Builder Plugins
Whatever WordPress lacks out of the box, plugins make up for it. Drag-and-drop page builder plugins for WordPress also do that for you.
Just install and activate the plugin to turn your block editor into a drag-and-drop builder. Quick, simple, and easy. Plus, these plugins have site-wide applicability. So no matter what part of your website needs editing or customization, these plugins will let you drag, drop, and do it right.
2. Page Builder Themes
Some WordPress themes come with a drag and drop editing functionality. If you create a website using a page builder theme, you don’t have to install a plugin and then a theme. It works two-in-one.
However, such themes are far and few. And if the theme doesn’t fit your design goals, you’ll have to do away with the page builder and editor too.
Choosing A Drag-And-Drop Page Builder For WordPress Website
Whether you are going for a plugin or a theme, the basic process of choosing a page builder remains the same.
Follow the steps to find the page builder that makes working with WordPress an even better experience for you.
Step 1: Know What You Need
When choosing page builders for WordPress, you need to know what you are looking for.
You need it to be a drag-and-drop builder, right. But what else?
Do you want a live preview too?
Do you want to be able to edit the header and footer as well?
Do you want something that can help you drag and drop elements in your navigation panel?
Create a list of benefits that you want from your drag-and-drop page builder.
Once that list is made, you’d know what features to look for.
Step 2: Prepare Your Budget
A drag and drop web builder like Wix or Squarespace would have cost you much more than WordPress.
WordPress is a free, open-source solution. And it fits everyone’s budget. But that’s not always the case with page builder themes and plugins.
Though free options are there, paid counterparts exist too.
And you need to prepare a budget before you start choosing.
If you are absolutely firm on using a free tool, remove all the options that require a fee payment. However, if you are willing to spend some cash, check out the options that fall in your budget. Your options will be more, and you can certainly expect perks and conveniences that free options might lack.
Step 3: Compare The Different Options
To find the best drag and drop page builders for WordPress, ask the following questions.
The page builder that offers satisfactory answers to all these questions will be the best match for you.
What features are available?
Bring out the list of features you drafted in Step 1. Eliminate all page builders that don’t have the features that you are looking for.
How are the reviews and ratings?
Are other users of the page builder theme or plugin satisfied? What do they have to say about the option you are considering?
The people who have made a choice you are contemplating are the best qualified to guide you.
Is it easy to use?
The primary reason for using a drag-and-drop page builder instead of the default block editor is the need for ease, right?
Does the plugin or theme meet that need? If using it is difficult, it defeats the very purpose for which you needed it.
What level of support is available?
Will you find tutorials online?
Is there a customer support system?
What documentation is available for beginners? Where can you report a bug?
If support isn’t available, you could find yourself stuck with the page builder. And that’s a situation that you don’t want.
Is the page builder compatible?
Is the theme compatible with your version of WordPress?
Is the plugin compatible with the theme of your choice?
Will the page builder clash with other additions to your website?
You want your page builder to work in sync with your website. You don’t want website crashes and compatibility issues later on, do you? So, always check compatibility before installing a page builder plugin or theme.
What add-ons are supported?
No, you aren’t selfish if you want add-ons. Check what add-ons are supported by the theme or plugin you are considering.
If you believe that you might be stuck with limited features, it’s time to drop that option from your list.
Will it slow down the site?
Plugins and themes have an effect on site load speed.
Trading fast loading speed for ease of use isn’t a fair deal. Make sure your page builder doesn’t slow down your site.
If it is optimized for speed and can enhance load times, it would be even better.
Step 4: Try The Top Picks
Dummy websites are popular for a reason.
Before installing a page builder theme or plugin on your website, try it out on a dummy site.
Changing the plugin or theme on your site later would involve a lot of reworks. Or worse, your website could crash.
Trying out options on a dummy site is your best bet.
It will let you know if you are actually comfortable using it or not.
Also, it is a good way to find out if the tool delivers what it promises.
What? Your plugin/theme of choice doesn’t have a free plan or trial? Well, then the option isn’t good anyway.
The trial, moneyback guarantees, and free starter plans prove that developers believe in their offering. If they don’t trust the tool enough, you cannot either.
Step 5: Get Started
Once you have done a test drive, you’d know which page builder is the best match for you.
Take a backup of your website, and install the theme or plugin to get started.
Unleashing Creativity With The Best Drag-And-Drop Page Builder
A suitable WordPress drag and drop page builder can be the difference between a custom-designed website built with ease and hours spent learning to code or a dull and drag website.
Make the right choice with this guide and unleash creative ease.
