I try every website builder – so you don't have to
Watch on YouTube
"Greatest video I've found on youtube about free website builders"
- @bleakScreams, YouTube
"Humorous, informative, visually fun and well delivered."
- @shegogomala, YouTube
"Honestly, this is the best video I found on YouTube for [making] websites."
- BeatBound, YouTube
And not just trying it for a few days – I should actively maintain a website using this tool. If I don't use the tool, why should I expect others will?
No website project is the same – and so different tools will work better than others depending on the project. The trick is to match the right tool to the project.
It's boring to spend an afternoon researching software – so I try my best to make videos fun & entertaining. I'm no Ryan Trahan but I do my best.
I do not allow companies to sponsor videos in exchange for editorial control.
I need to make money. I make all my money from YouTube ads and affiliate links – an affiliate link basically means I might earn a commission if you try a tool based on my recommendation. You should exercise caution when clicking affiliate links.
In 2012, I launched a website builder but soon realized the market was already crowded with competitors. Rather than adding yet-another website builder, I saw a need to help people navigate the existing website builders and find the best ones. That insight led me to create Site Builder Report in 2013, where I began reviewing website builders. In 2017, I added a YouTube channel called Steve Builds Websites. And while I still continue to write at Site Builder Report, my real passion has shifted towards creating videos for Steve Builds Websites.
No, I don't let companies influence my ratings in exchange for higher affiliate payouts. That doesn't stop them from trying, though! One company once offered to increase my payouts 10x for a better rating. I turned it down. I declined because it would undermine the quality of my videos. I think my audience would quickly catch on if my reviews were biased or paid for. Plus I only recommend tools I use in real-life – and I don't personally want to use tools I don't like. That said, I do need to earn an income to keep creating videos, so I include affiliate links where appropriate. It's important to be skeptical of any YouTuber using affiliate links. Pay attention to the substance of their reviews—are they thoughtful and well-reasoned, or vague and evasive? If their content doesn't seem genuine, don't click their affiliate links!
I'm Steve Benjamins! I've been building websites for the last 25 years – starting when I was 10 years old! Over the years, my websites have been featured in Wired, The Next Web, Smashing Magazine, The Huffington Post and Forbes. I live in Toronto, Canada with my family of four. I'm also the cofounder of Atlist and for many years I made music in my evenings. Unfortunately I haven't had much time for music since we had our two kids. 👶👶 You can learn more about me in this podcast interview.
Glad you asked! Some affiliate links here: • Screen Recording: CleanShot Screen Recorder and Screen Studio • Microphone: C414 • Camera: Canon R5 • Sound Effects & Music: Epidemic Sound
Send it to me! I'm happy to review all kinds of website tools, but I get especially excited about ones that offer something truly unique.
Ah – sorry, I can't. I used to give personalized recommendations but the amount of requests became overwhelming. It's just not practical for me to reply to each.
I currently have websites on several website builders and SSGs: • Squarespace: Steve Benjamins, The Humanities, IDR Therapy, Bamboo • Webflow: Atlist, My First Cottage • Carrd: Good Harvest, Happy Birthday Buddy • Shopify: The Happy Burlap • Jekyll: Site Builder Report, Village Toronto • Ruby on Rails: ArtworkUp, Stack Up • React: Atlist (contributor)
But heads up: I'm not able to respond to requests for personalized recommendations, sponsored videos or any email that feels low-effort or automated.