I built my first and current web site using what is now Dreamweaver back in 2006.
"Time to update my sites look" was a random thought that flashed through my mind, and one I unfortunately decided to focus on.
I want a drag and drop building experience, no coding required, that give me flexibility and I own and control the code to build and modify my site.
Here is what I have found:
Word Press is the "shell" that is in favor at this time to build your personal photography web site under that is open code.
To do anything professional looking and not learn a lot of coding, you need to buy a WP Site Builder.
There are numerous "site builders" out there to choose from
After studying at least half a dozen, I first tried Divi from Elegant Designs.
I was disappointed and learned that embedded in my site that I was building are what is called "short links".
This makes it extremely difficult to move to another builder program, so you are basically captive to Divi.
That I didn't like.
Then I tried and are using now (2 weeks tomorrow) a program called Beaver Builder. (yes, I did let out a big laugh when I saw the name!)
Like it more than Divi, but I am finding it interesting that the WP model is built on the purchase of "plug ins" to do the most simple of tasks that are absent in WP.
Thus, curious how many of us are actually building, expanding and maintaining our own sites?
If you are, what tools have you been using, and what is your degree of satisfaction.
I'm not looking for a site such as Wix, at least not yet. A bit more frustration and I may be! :-)
Jack
PS: Here is what I have accomplished in 3 days of working with Beaver Builder - REMEMBER, I am no where near done, just sharing where I am at. The need for "nesting" topics in the pull down for Photography is yet to be resolved.
dev.shadowsdancing.com