Compare Tools to Create a Website
Looking to create a website? We have a few different tools for you to build a website - anything from a basic blog for a class assignment to a sophisticated department portal.
Challenge
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding what technologies to use to build your website:
- Who will contribute content to your site?
- How much and how frequently will you change the content or layout?
- What types of content or features will you include?
- Who should have access to your website?
Solutions
There are several technologies available for you from easier-to-use Google tools to more complex web hosting tools. For a specific breakdown on the features that each website tool has to offer, read over our Website Solution Selection Guide. For further consultation and help deciding which tool is best suited to meet your needs, please contact [email protected].
Google Blogger
Google Blogger is a basic and easy-to-use platform for sharing information in a blog-type format.
Recommended Resources
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Allows for multiple people to contribute and collaborate on content
- Offers very little customization of layout without help of a web developer
- Publishes large number of pages that can be frequently updates
Google Sites
Google Sites offers a variety of website templates and designs for you to easily create a website for your team or department.
Recommended Resources
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Allows for multiple people to collaborate on content
- Google-powered search finds content across Sites
- Comes with many different template designs to choose from
Drupal Lite
Drupal Lite is an alternative to the University’s Drupal Enterprise content management platform and offers a quicker and simpler website development solution.
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Simplified interface means fewer options for customizations but a faster and easier website creation process
- What-you-see-is-what-you-get (“WYSIWYG”) editing
- Especially well suited for smaller and simpler websites
- Requires little to no prior web creation experience/skills
Drupal Enterprise
Drupal Enterprise, an open source content management platform, is the official content management system (CMS) of the University of Minnesota.
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Full-featured website design with very few limitations
- Well suited for larger or more complex sites
- Highly customizable (with a learning curve)
- Offers both development and production environments
New Google Sites
The new Google Sites offers enhanced collaboration and better integration with Google Drive.
Effort Required
Key Considerations
- Template and layout designs automatically adjust for screen size
- Easily arrange content sections on each page