If you have just one website, or host all your websites in one centralized location, then it makes a lot of sense to have an online website builder. You wouldn't keep your toothbrush in the kitchen, would you? Of course not ? you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom, where you will actually use it, next to the toothpaste.

Downfalls of an online website builder

Some web hosts offer an online website builder bundled in with their hosting package. However, it may not be able to do what you need. Worse yet, you can't get a refund or exchange the builder for another one that better suits your needs. You're stuck with it, and there's nothing you can do.

If you are allowed to install your own application, this opens up a whole new can of worms. The learning curve required just to install an online website builder can be too much for some people to overcome. Even if you understand that you have to match up the letters ? a PHP script to a PHP capable host, for instance ? finding a script that will take care of everything you need and figuring out the server hierarchy can be a more hassle than it is worth.

The upside to an online website builder

However, once you've figured that out, integrating your online website builder with other scripts is very easy. You will have no problem adding massive functionality to your website with the wide array of plug-ins and additional scripts you can install from there.

You also won't have to wait for uploading, or worry if everything is synchronized properly between your computer and the server. So basically, having an online website builder means more initial hassle, but less long-term worry.