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WordPress

Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points
Posted by Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points

Using a page builder in WordPress for theme customization vs manual coding? Any web designers/freelancers out there?

Hey everyone,

First off, let me just give some background information. My dream is to travel the world as a freelancer and I would like to start this venture by designing WordPress sites for small businesses. I was hoping someone with any experience in the industry could help me out with a decision.

Should I be using a page builder to design a clients website after choosing a fitting theme or would I best off learning all the useful languages involved in making wordpress sites?

I love to learn, so I don't mind grinding it out to become more knowledgeable in these languages. However, I can't help but wonder if it would be more wise to use a page builder. I've done some research, but haven't really found much advice for a professional WordPress designer. Below, I'll lay out my hopes and concerns. I would be very grateful for any helpful input.

Hopes:

  1. It might increase my efficiency. (Time is money, right?)
  2. It might be easier to make customizations.
  3. It would shorten my learning curve and get me freelancing sooner.

Worries:

  1. It might slow down the website.
  2. It might negatively impact SEO, speed, and user experience.
  3. It would be unprofessional.
  4. I'm leaving something important out right now.

What do you think?

2 Answers

Nick Petersen
Nick Petersen
3,670 Points
Nick Petersen
Nick Petersen
3,670 Points

I think its important to learn the fundamentals of Wordpress and then extend that knowledge using ACF (custom fields) and custom templates. Also Visual Composer is a very powerful tool for laying out pages and saving time.

Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points
Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points

Thanks Nick! I'll have to look into Visual Composer.

ferdiepetalio
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
ferdiepetalio
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 7,532 Points
ferdiepetalio
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
ferdiepetalio
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 7,532 Points

I agree with Nick learn the fundamentals html, css, js and php. Personally my suggestion would be to use page builders then do the tweaks after. But then again, learn the basics and practice.

Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points
Kyle Shamblin
Kyle Shamblin
9,945 Points

Thanks for your advice, Ferdie! Like you and Nick said, I'll just keep learning the fundamentals.