There are really no two websites that are quite alike – nor are there two designers so similar they would be looking for the exact same resources. That being said, all designers have similar needs when buildings websites, and all believe they know the best place to look for these tools.
If that were true, then there would be no need to go any further. But that’s not the case! As our research has turned up, there are a vast number of excellent web designer tools out there, most available for little or no cost.
Today we’ll search through these resources, from web builder sites, to hosting services, resources like fonts and vector images, in addition to stock photo’s and icons. Additionally we’ll look for tools like project management services, Photoshop to HTML conversion sites, even e-commerce solutions.
Website builders
The right website builder will allow you to create beautiful websites with the click of a button. Templates should be attractive, flexible, and easy to use, without having to deal with the headache of HTML coding. This is why ALLYOU.net is such a powerful solution – it provides you with exactly this, and then some. Their large selection of templates are stunning and well thought out, which makes them a treat to use.
Their site was largely developed with your average user in mind – its not geared solely towards web pros. Founded in 2011, this site is truly exceptional – it will work for you! Your website will end up being unique and creative – just like you! And of course, the best part is that their service is totally free.
Bursting onto the web builder scene like wildfire, wix.com is one of our favorite web builder services. This site as really taken off! Their cloud based tool is incredibly simplistic in design and therefore easy to use. You’ll really be able to show off your skills with this site!
Just like the other excellent website builder tools we are discussing today, you don’t need to know complicated HTML coding to work with their site. Another great part of wix.com is that they work with a ton of 3rd party companies who offer applications to enhance your template. You can plug-in great features like e-commerce, email marketing, contact forms, and social media tools!
Although Moonfruit can take a little more skill to master than other template building sites, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be excited that you did. Moonfruit unlocks a large selection of website building tools on their awesome site. There’s no doubt you’ll be satisfied with their selection and quality.
Additionally, their site offers some unique features to enhance your website like search engine optimization, which is a huge plus and will help get you well on your way to a popular website!
WordPress themes
CrocBlock’s extensive selection of website builders contain the all coveted responsive element – which allows your website to automatically format to whatever size device your working with – smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You’ll find their themes very easy to use and get comfortable with.
No matter what type of website you’ll looking to build, they have a variety of template types that will work for you. Also their service is constantly being updated, which is always important in order to keep up with the latest in web design. They also have a lot of great enhanced features on their site, ranging from built-in SEO tools to short codes.
One of the most versatile website builders online is WordPress. No matter what you are looking for – a professional blog, portfolio, or an online shop, they have the template for you! You can find a lot of WordPress theme stores online, but by far the best is X-Theme. They are truly unique! They have many exciting features you can use to enhance your website – one of the best being their “stacks” feature.
Created by the developers at Theme.co, X-Theme allows you to find the perfect template for you and really mold it into the best site for your company. In addition to all their other great features, X-Theme gives you the ability to see a live preview of your site while your working on it, which can be handy indeed!
There’s no bigger selection online for website templates then what you will find on Template monster. As their name implies, their selection is HUGE – they have over 20,000 templates – literally! No matter what format you are looking for – HTML, CSS with built in flash, Photoshop.. if you need it, they have it!
Regardless of the size company you are designing for, they will provide you with the tools you need. They also have a unique option of allowing you to get a private license for your website template, which means you have exclusive use of that template – forever!
Hosting
Now that you’ve built the perfect website, you must decide where to host it. Finding a reliable hosting service can be difficult, which is why Hearthinternet is such a valuable resource! Regardless of your website size, their service will work for you. They provide high quality customer service and are available to assist you 24/7. Based out of the United Kingdom, they don’t outsource any of their work – its all done locally.
Another excellent web hosting provider based in the United Kingdom is Pixeno. Easy to use, their site allows you to try them out commitment free for thirty days. Additionally, their re-seller hosting platform is incredibly simple and easy to use – its an excellent tool for hosting websites of all sizes.
They also offer a cPanel account and web host manager tool. Pixeno won’t steer you wrong! They are also growing, and currently have plans to expand into the US. If you want to try Pixeno out, we can hook you up with a special deal – enter the promo code “DESIGN15” onto their site and enjoy 15% of their great service.
Design deals
Sometimes all you are looking for is a great deal, right? How about a MIGHTY deal?! Look no further than mightydeals.com for all the best deals for web developers. If you sign up for their frequent email newsletters you will stay up to date on all their killer offers.
Their discounts can range from 50% all the way up to 90% off on services like professional templates, art files and images, software tools, even web development lessons! The only catch is you is need to act quickly on their deals – they are only available for a limited time!
Don’t be scared off from trying all the best services online, even if some of them aren’t free. One website that’s well worth your hard earned cash that offers excellent service is Medialoot.
For either $14 a month or $99 a year, you will have unlimited access to their extensive library of images. Their artwork is really top of the line, it’s worth the small investment to have access to it. They also offer a huge variety of services for you to choose from – icons, fonts, web, UI and vector kits, mobile friendly design kits, illustration kits.. you name it, they got it! You won’t be disappointed with their selection – promise!
Font resources
What do you think is the most important aspect of your website? Some might say the layout, others the art. But for me, its hard to think of anything as important as a good font.
When your font is off, your whole website is off – that’s hard to recover from. For a great source of fonts, look no further than UrbanFonts. You’ll find incredibly cool, stylish and crisp fonts on their site. They have over 8,000 to choose from for free, and offer thousands more with their premium service.
Tell me this hasn’t happened to you: You find the perfect font for your website, search everywhere for it, but simply can’t track it down?! THE HORROR!!! Well, if this happens to you, next time you’ll have the solution: WhatFontIs!
This one of kind tool will save you hours of hunting hopelessly for your precious font. Their site is one of a kind and incredibly easy to use. You can either type in the fonts URL to find it, or you can upload a simple screen shot of the font – its that easy. Check out their service today!
Vector resources
They say a picture is worth a thousand words – so how much is beautiful art for your website worth? You can’t find a substitute for impressive art, and you’ll find the most impressive art around at shutterstock.com. They are one of my personal favorites – this site will not disappoint you. Best of all they are always adding to their gallery so you will never run out of new and exciting artwork to choose from.
Looking for the best selection of FREE vector files on the web? Check out Vector Open Stock for all the best and latest in vector images – they have over 7,000 for you to choose from. Be aware that some of their images are only available for limited use as they are subject to a Creative Commons License. But most of their images are available under an Open Stock License, which means anyone can use them. One unique aspect of their site is their social networking tie in, which allows you to “like” other users work and to follow them!
Stock images
Sometimes it can really be a challenge to find the right images for your site. When your stuck and don’t know where else to turn, look to Unsplash for the solution. There’s a lot of art out there that really isn’t that good. Don’t waste your time with other sites when Unsplash is at your disposal. They have top notch content and they are frequently adding to their library. Also their artwork is license free, so it can be used by anyone, providing you with maximum flexibility.
One last resource for images you must explore is PicJumbo. They have some really cool images that they have added to their collection that are of the highest quality. Their images are not only some of the best on the web, they are also among the most creative. For only $6 a month they offer you a full selection of quality content. They also have many free images, so you can always start there before opening your wallet.
Project management
It sure can be hard to navigate your project alone. Sometimes you really need a helping hand! The solution that many web designers turn to is a great project management service. And for my money, I’d bet on Azendoo. Their service is really top notch and works on a variety of platforms – desktop, mobile – you name it.
Their free version is extensive and incredibly easy to use – but they also have a paid version with additional features and extended storage capacity if you need it. Another benefit of Azendoo is that they integrate their software with other popular companies likes Dropbox, Google and Evernote. This can really help get your team on the same page and get to work!
Let’s face it – creative people aren’t always the most organized. Chances are if your a web designer, organization skills are not your greatest strength. Don’t worry! Casual is the solution for any organizationally challenged designers out there.
Their product is very visually friendly and incredibly easy to use. You won’t have any trouble getting started with their service and putting it to work for you! Their interface is very intuitive – they offer a unique “mind map” feature that is one of a kind and will really help you to visualize your work!
Icons
There aren’t many sources out there for icons better than Picons! Once you stroll through their site you won’t want to go anywhere else! They have a HUGE selection of cool icons to help you dress up your website, and their icons are just as unique as they are creative.
Also, all of their icons are made in Adobe Illustrator, which means they are vectorized – how cool is that? This really makes their site the best destination for icons with the most flexibility. Best of all, their service is 100% free to use. Follow them on Twitter to keep up with their latest promotions!
For the one of the best sources of icons around, check out roundicons.com. Their huge selection offers substantial variety – and their quality is unmatched. They have over 5,000 icons! No matter what you are looking for, you are bound to find it on their site. And not only do they have an excellent variety, but their icons are available in various formats, making them incredibly easy to work with.
On top of that, their icons come with an extended license, which means you don’t have to worry about any limitations when using them. And lastly, once you’ve purchased a set, if they ever add icons to that set, they will email the new icons to you, at no additional charge!
PSD to HTML services
Who would want to take the time to convert their beautiful Photoshop website into HTML? NO ONE! That’s why services like Direct Basing exist, so you don’t have to deal with that headache!
They are a first rate source for PSD to HTML conversion and are by far one of the fastest. From Magento eCommerce to Joomla to WordPress, they are able to work with a wide variety of web builder templates. Their service and coding team are really first rate, and offer you tons of ways to optimize your site during the conversion process with things like enhanced project layouts and JavaScript features.
Another excellent source for PSD to HTML conversion is XHTMLized. They make the process so easy! They’ve been in the business a long time – their experience is really unmatched. They have over ten years experience in the conversion industry. Additionally, they provide you with a non-disclosure agreement when you use their services, so your data and property are protected.
E-commerce solutions
What’s the one name you need to know in eCommerce solutions? Shopify! Shopify is the best – they really have the most affordable, easiest to use, most comprehensive eCommerce solution on the web. They allow you to try out their service free of charge for the first seven days of use, which gives you a chance to test drive them before putting any money down.
Their platform is re-ally second to none, and will work perfectly for all your clients, big and small. No messing with dif-ficult HTML to create the perfect online shop – their templates and features will make your store sparkle. And did I mention easy? Their site is also incredibly easy to use – the best of both worlds!
When you’ve already created a beautiful WordPress site, the last thing you want to do is start over with a whole new site, just because you need to add e-Commerce. Well thanks to WooCommerce, you don’t have to! For no money down, they will help you embed a versatile e-commerce store right into your WordPress site. Their template are versatile no matter what industry you are in – food, games, clothing – you name it, they have a solution for you.
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