I’ve always been a website-from-scratch designer.  I learned some html code, but I cut my teeth on programs like DreamWeaver for designing advanced websites from scratch.  So, although I’m not a purist coder, I have always been skeptical of web design websites and their self-proclaimed ease of use.  Having said that, I rarely use Dreamweaver anymore, except for an occasional update of a Canadian Fishing Lodge website that I still administer, the Lunge Lodge.

These days, I’m more into simple website design programs for simple projects.  There are a few tools that I like.  Google Sites is good, but it’s limited and clunky.  The sites work, look decent, and play well across all browsers, but they’re not fancy.  Plus, the templates are confusing and the themes seem a little cartoonish.  Others, like WordPress and Tumblr are really blog platforms that hope you’ll use them to create pages too.  A recent tool that seems popular around social networks is Vizify.  I really dislike it’s design, but admit that I haven’t worked hard at customizing anything created with Vizify.

My current favorite website design program is Weebly.  The more I use Weebly, the more I like it.  I’m sure the coding purist could find enough html-law-breaking to put me behind Internet bars for life, but I really don’t care.  Weebly allows me to make a professional-looking and detailed website using little or no html coding.  Beginners never need to even look at the code, they can just add elements to their page using a drag-and-drop interface. And of course, it’s free for the basic features. Although the website address is a subdomain of Webbly, like “yourwebsite.weebly.com,” I can easily transfer my Weebly site to my own domain if I wish. I’m a Weebly fan!

Here’s a quick description from Weebly…

Weebly gives millions of people a surprisingly easy and affordable way to create a site that is as unique as they are. With a Weebly site, people can start their own business, communicate with their clients, showcase their achievements, and be an authority on personal and professional interests.

Weebly gives everyone the freedom to start a site, blog or online store that works brilliantly across computers, phones and tablets. Offering a range of pricing options including a free plan and premium plans starting at $4/month, Weebly has everything you need to plan, build, publish and grow a site that meets your goals.

If you’re looking at a simple, inexpensive way to create a more detailed online presence, take a look at Weebly!