Over my freelance career, I have experimented with several website builders to showcase my work and create a professional online presence. These tools are invaluable for designers and freelancers, offering ways to create stunning websites without needing extensive coding knowledge. Below, I share my thoughts on four popular options I’ve tried.

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adobe portfolio

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Adobe Portfolio is a fantastic starting point, especially if you’re just beginning your design journey or want a no-fuss way to showcase your work.

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PROS

• Completely code-free, making it accessible for beginners.
• Seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, so you can showcase Behance projects or Lightroom galleries effortlessly.
• Offers clean, visually appealing templates designed specifically for portfolios.
• Cost: Free with an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, making it a cost-effective solution if you’re already paying for Adobe’s software.

CONS‍

• Limited customization options compared to other builders.
• Not ideal for creating anything beyond a basic portfolio - no blogging features, e-commerce, or advanced site functionality.
• The design templates, while clean, lack flexibility if you want something highly unique.

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squarespace

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Squarespace is another beginner-friendly platform, offering a more robust set of tools compared to Adobe Portfolio.

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PROS

• Extremely user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, ideal for those who want to design their own site without coding experience.
• A wide variety of beautifully designed templates suitable for portfolios, blogs, e-commerce, and more.
• A helpful support forum and live chat make troubleshooting and learning a breeze - especially with css styling!
• Built-in SEO tools and analytics to help your site gain visibility online

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CONS‍

• Limited flexibility if you want to create a truly unique site without relying on custom code.
• Advanced functionality (e.g., creating dynamic elements) often requires external code injections or third-party integrations.
• Slightly pricier than some alternatives, which might deter those with a tight budget.

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Squarespace is an excellent option if you’re looking for something user-friendly yet versatile, with just enough customization to make your website stand out.

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wix

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Wix is a strong contender for beginner-friendly website builders, with a balance of simplicity and customization options.

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PROS

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to place elements exactly where you want them.
• Over 800 customizable templates to suit various industries and styles.
• Features like Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can help you generate a website quickly based on your needs.
• Supports blogs, e-commerce, and basic portfolio sites, making it versatile for freelancers and businesses.

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CONS‍

• While customization is a key selling point, it can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of options.
• Once you select a template, you can’t switch to a new one without starting over.
• Websites built on Wix can sometimes struggle with performance and SEO compared to competitors.
• The wix editor (in my experience) can be quite slow, even with good hardware

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Wix is perfect for creatives who want full control over their website design without getting bogged down in technical details, but it’s worth considering its limitations before committing.

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webflow

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Webflow is the most advanced platform of the four and is ideal for those who want complete creative control over their website.

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PROS

• Offers unparalleled customization and design flexibility - you can control every pixel of your site.
• A great option for those with some coding knowledge but also accessible to beginners willing to learn.
• Features advanced tools for animation, interactivity, and responsive design.
• Combines design, CMS (Content Management System), and hosting into one powerful platform.

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CONS‍

• Steeper learning curve compared to the other builders - might not be ideal for absolute beginners.
• Pricing can be higher, especially if you need additional CMS features or e-commerce functionality.
• Some users may find the interface overwhelming if they’re used to simpler platforms.

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Webflow is the go-to choice for designers or developers who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a website builder. While it takes more effort to master, the creative freedom is unmatched.

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CONCLUSION?

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Choosing the right website builder depends on your needs, technical expertise, and goals for your website. For a simple portfolio, Adobe Portfolio or Squarespace are great choices. If you want more customization, Wix offers a happy medium. And for those looking to create something truly dynamic and unique, Webflow is a powerful tool.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so take some time to explore their features and decide which one aligns best with your vision.

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