Instead of using the tools and templates included with WordPress, Elementor aims to help you create something different, showing you the result of your design as you put your page together. This WordPress plugin does not require prior knowledge of HTML or CSS coding and it pairs easily with any WordPress theme. It includes useful browsers and menus, which makes it simple and easy to understand.
Packages and prices
Elementor includes free and paid versions. The free version includes over 30 different template options that will help your website look more professional, over 40 widgets to choose from, and a built-in page editor. When it comes to website builder plugins, Elementor offers plenty of options to pair with your WordPress themes.
The paid options come with more templates and more detailed website features on several different plans. The Essential package costs $ 49 per year, can be used on a single website, and includes over 300 Pro templates (which offer more detail than the free options), over 90 widgets, and over 10 website template kits.
The Advanced package costs $ 99 per year and lets you install it on up to three websites, while the Expert plan covers $ 199 for up to 25 websites. More professional businesses might consider Studio ($ 499 / year) or Agency ($ 999 / year) which include VIP live chat support, and increase the number of websites Elementor can be used on to 100 and 1000 respectively. .
The great thing about the free version is that it still includes Elementor’s drag-and-drop building tools, making building a website quick and easy. However, if you’re looking for something more detailed, Elementor Pro comes with more features and support, which means it may be worth spending a bit more, especially if you want to build and manage multiple websites.
Interface
Like any plugin, Elementor is installed through your WordPress dashboard. Its interface is clean and easy to understand. When you create a new page, you now have the option to “Open with Elementor”. Traditional WordPress tools are then replaced by those of Elementor.
The front and the center are two main buttons. A dark red + one (“add a new section”) and a dark gray folder (“add a new template”).
These pages are made up of sections, within sections are columns, and within these columns are widgets.
Elementor offers various widgets, elements, and settings, and you can choose between a pre-built page or start building your own. The drag and drop feature of the interface allows you to choose what you want from the left column and then drag to any section of your webpage.
Note that you cannot access any of Elementor’s templates, whether for pages or blocks, without first creating an account with them. However, this process is free and simple: all they need from you is your email address and a password.
Characteristics
When you build your website, Elementor allows you to see everything during this process. Instead of working on a website and guessing what the end result will look like, you can add features and see updates live. Each change is exactly what it looks like. This is a huge advantage over the traditional WordPress editor which almost always requires you to “preview” your page to see the result.
Some sections, like headers, allow you to edit text directly on the page, while text boxes need to be filled in through the sidebar on the left.
This sidebar is contextual. This is where you can see all the available widgets, for example, but select an item on the page, and it will change to reflect the tools available for the item you clicked. For example, if you’ve selected a button, the sidebar is where you can customize it, change its title, color, action, link it to a URL, etc.
The number of tools at your disposal is quite impressive, from the basics like alignment to more advanced features like motion effects and responsive rulers. You can design really unique pages.
Elementor comes with over 150 pre-built SEO optimized pages which can be extremely useful if you are looking for a quick, professional, and already put together style. 40 of them are available in the free version, but they are not that easy to find as they are scattered around the list. You can’t really miss the ones that need to be paid, as they have a “Pro” tag at the top right of their thumbnail, but you have no choice but to scroll down to locate the free ones.
It’s clearer with widgets: only Basic 10 are free. As you might expect, the most interesting ones, such as Accordion, Social Icons, and Menu Anchor, are located in the Pro section and require an annual plan to use.
When it comes to templates, it’s also possible to download some from third-party clients to use in Elementor, giving you even more variety if you’re looking for a specific design but want to use the drag and drop features of the platform.
As you build your page, you’ll notice how useful this drag and drop feature is: Want to move a section, column, or widget? Just drag it to its new location. It really is that simple. Column widths can be changed by dragging them. Everything is very intuitive and it is not difficult to achieve pixel level precision.
The competition
There are many different website builder plugins out there – with Divi Builder, Beaver Builder, and SiteOrigin Page Builder just a few.
One of Elementor’s main competitors, Divi builder allows you to work from a front-end interface (see exactly what it will look like on your website) as well as work through code. However, Divi Builder does not include a free option, only a 30 day free trial – with the annual subscription for Divi Builder is $ 89, but includes unlimited websites. Elementor’s free option lets you try out its templates and start building your website right away, without having to sign up for an annual subscription.
Final verdict
Elementor is one of the top rated website building platforms out there, and it’s easy to see why. With its useful front-end builder, live editor, and wide variety of pre-designed templates, Elementor is a useful tool for building your own professional website. The front-end builder approach makes it easy to see the changes you make to your website as you change it, rather than blindly blasting your way through WordPress and hoping for the best, even making it happen. This free option is an ideal partner for anyone looking to build a site.
