The IdeaSpot YouTube video provides a tutorial and review of the Hostinger website builder. The video contrasts two methods of website creation: using AI and pre-designed templates, focusing on building a gardening website.
It explores the different Hostinger plans and their features, including e-commerce and AI capabilities, and mentions support quality. The presenter guides viewers through the setup process, customizations, and mobile optimization, while offering comparisons to WordPress.
Ultimately, the video offers recommendations for users based on their needs, highlighting the builder’s user-friendliness, performance, and resource efficiency.
The video concludes by comparing Hostinger’s builder to alternatives like Wix, Squarespace, Shopify and WordPress, and then recommends Hostinger to those seeking cost-effective and low-maintenance website solutions.
Understanding Hostinger’s Website Builder
Hostinger’s website builder allows users to create websites using templates or an AI-driven approach. The AI builder designs a website based on a user’s prompt. The user can customize text and images. The design remains consistent across different topics with content changing based on the AI creation.
Alternatively, users can opt for pre-made templates, offering more design choices. These templates seem to have a more refined aesthetic. The editing process is the same for both AI-generated and template-based sites.
To begin, users need a Hostinger plan, with the website builder included in all plans. The basic plan offers the website builder, while other plans include e-commerce and AI features. The cloud plan stands out for its WordPress performance.
A key advantage of Hostinger is its customer support, considered very good even on plans without priority support. Using the coupon code “idea spot” provides an extra 10% discount.
Setting Up Your Website
To start, access the Hostinger management page and add a website to initiate the onboarding process. Users can choose between WordPress or Hostinger’s website builder, with the latter marked as beginner-friendly. Next, assign a domain or subdomain.
For AI-driven setup, input the website type, brand name, and a description to guide the AI. Personalization settings allow for color palette selection. The AI generates a website based on the provided information, including relevant images and text.
If choosing a template, browse the available options and select one that fits your needs. The selected template loads in the editor for customization.
After selecting a template, begin customizing it using the website builder. You can modify images by uploading your own or selecting from free image sources. The platform also offers an essential website setup checklist to guide users through key tasks.
Customizing Your Website
The checklist guides users through essential tasks like editing heading and paragraph text. The AI writer can assist in generating text based on prompts. Users can also use external AI tools like ChatGPT, particularly on basic plans.
Images can be replaced, and social media icons linked to relevant pages. The platform provides a mobile view to ensure the site looks good on different devices. An “autofix layout” option helps optimize spacing on mobile.
The header can be customized with options for layout, logo placement, and social icons. The logo image can be replaced and resized. Navigation is managed through the “Pages and Navigation” menu, allowing reordering or hiding of pages.
Sections can be copied from one page to another, streamlining the design process. Website settings allow for adding a favicon and link preview image.
Fine-Tuning Design Elements
Customize the website’s style by modifying the color palette. The platform allows users to adjust colors to match their desired aesthetic. A contact form can be added and customized with various fields. A subscription form is also available.
For users with business or cloud plans, the e-commerce feature offers a streamlined online store solution. The platform supports popular payment methods and variable products. The presenter suggests that its performance is better than woocommerce on cheaper plans.
If the builder lacks specific functionality, users can embed code to integrate external services. Once finished, publish the website to make it live.
In the media library, images are served from a content delivery network (CDN), improving network performance. The CDN provides fast speeds for static assets.
Advantages and Considerations
The presenter praises the builder’s user-friendly interface and simple drag-and-drop customization. Hostinger’s website builder uses fewer files compared to WordPress. This allows users to maximize their hosting plan.
The presenter notes that the main drawback is its proprietary nature. Exporting content to WordPress is possible, but requires reformatting. A static HTML export option is not available.
WordPress offers a vast ecosystem of themes and plugins and greater portability. However, WordPress can be resource-intensive and requires ongoing maintenance. Hostinger’s builder offers low maintenance and essential features. The builder includes a content delivery network.
The presenter recommends Hostinger’s website builder for beginners and those seeking a cost-effective alternative to platforms like Wix or Squarespace. It is also suitable for users who do not like WordPress. It is ideal for basic business websites and online stores without extensive plugin needs.
Target Audience and Final Thoughts
For it to be worthwhile, users should plan to stay with Hostinger long-term. Design agencies may find it useful for brochure sites, due to its low resource usage.
The presenter, a WordPress user, enjoyed using Hostinger’s website builder. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments and provides a link to Hostinger with a discount code.
The presenter found the platform to be friendly and customizable, especially with the grid layout. He also notes that the performance was surprisingly good.
In conclusion, Hostinger’s website builder is a user-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient tool for creating basic websites and online stores, particularly for beginners and those seeking a low-maintenance alternative to WordPress.