What is the best website builders tool for agencies overall?

For most digital and marketing agencies, Elementor is the strongest all-round pick because it a flexible visual builder.

Do I need to pay for website builders software as agencies?

Several options here offer a free or low-cost entry plan, so you can start small and upgrade later.

How often should I revisit my choice?

Re-check once a year or whenever your volume, budget or team changes. Pricing and features move quickly.

Category: Website Builders & Design

Best Website Builders software for agencies in 2026
Home / Website Builders / Guides / Website Builders software for agencies

Roundup · Website Builders · updated 2026

Best Website Builders software for agencies in 2026

If you are digital and marketing agencies, these are the website builders tools worth your time, what each does best, and how to choose without overspending.

Independent analysis. This page may contain affiliate links. Some links here are referral links; if you sign up through one we may earn a reward at no extra cost to you, and it never changes what we recommend. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Elementor page builder (image: elementor.com)

TL;DR
- 1. Elementor — WordPress users building custom pages.
- 2. Divi — agencies building many WordPress sites.
How we picked

We weighed price against everyday usefulness, looked at how steep each tool is to learn, and checked how well it fits digital and marketing agencies. We favour tools with clear pricing, a sensible entry plan, and room to grow.

Elementor homepage (image: elementor.com)

1. Elementor

Drag-and-drop WordPress page builder.
- A flexible visual builder
- A huge template library
- A large community
Best for: WordPress users building custom pages. Read the Elementor review.

Divi homepage (image: elegantthemes.com)

2. Divi

WordPress theme and visual builder with lifetime pricing.
- A lifetime licence option
- A powerful visual builder
- A large preset library
Best for: agencies building many WordPress sites. Read the Divi review.

Elementor pricing (image: elementor.com)

Comparison

Tool Starting price Free plan Best for
Elementor Free; Pro from about $59/yr Yes WordPress users building custom pages
Divi From about $89/yr or $249 lifetime No agencies building many WordPress sites

How to choose for agencies
- Start with the smallest plan that covers your current volume.
- Check the renewal price, not only the intro discount.
- Prefer a tool that already integrates with what you use today.
- Leave room to upgrade — switching costs more than upgrading.
Ready to try Elementor? Check current plans and pricing on the official site. Visit Elementor → (affiliate link)

Divi pricing (image: elegantthemes.com)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best website builders tool for agencies overall?

For most digital and marketing agencies, Elementor is the strongest all-round pick because it a flexible visual builder.

Do I need to pay for website builders software as agencies?

Several options here offer a free or low-cost entry plan, so you can start small and upgrade later.

How often should I revisit my choice?

Re-check once a year or whenever your volume, budget or team changes. Pricing and features move quickly.
Related guides

Keep reading:

Best Website Builders software for ecommerce stores in 2026
Best Website Builders software for coaches in 2026
Divi for agencies: is it worth it in 2026?
Divi for bloggers: is it worth it in 2026?
Related reading
October 10, 2026

Tool	Starting price	Free plan	Best for
Elementor	Free; Pro from about $59/yr	Yes	WordPress users building custom pages
Divi	From about $89/yr or $249 lifetime	No	agencies building many WordPress sites

Common Divi problems and how to fix them

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / Common Divi problems

Problem · developer tools · updated October 9, 2026

Common Divi problems and how to fix them

Most Divi problems fall into a few areas: a builder that will not load, changes that do not show on the live site, layouts that break on mobile, modules that go missing, or conflicts with other plugins. Here are the ones that come up most, and what to check first.

Independent analysis. This page may contain affiliate links. If you sign up through a link on this page we may earn a reward at no extra cost to you, and it never changes what we recommend. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of any tool mentioned. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Divi by Elegant Themes homepage and visual builder — Divi official homepage (image: elegantthemes.com)

TL;DR

A builder that will not load is usually a memory, cache or plugin issue.
Changes that do not appear are often a caching problem between the builder and the live page.
Layout that breaks on mobile usually traces back to per-device settings.
Missing modules are about the theme version or an add-on.
Check the exact step that failed before you rebuild anything.

On this page: Why things go wrong · Builder will not load · Changes do not appear · Layout breaks on mobile · Modules are missing · Conflicts and speed · Symptom to fix · Where this fits

Why things go wrong

Divi sits on top of WordPress, so a problem can come from the builder, the theme, another plugin, the host or the browser. The useful first move is to work out which of those changed.

Another habit that saves time: check whether the issue follows the page or follows the browser and account. That tells you whether to look at content or at your setup.

Divi product page describing the visual builder — Divi product overview (image: elegantthemes.com)

The builder will not load

A blank or endless-loading builder is usually about resources or a clash. The visual builder is heavier than the default editor, and a tight memory limit or a plugin that hooks into it can stop it loading.

Work through the likely causes in order and note the first error you see rather than rebuilding the page.

Changes do not appear on the live site

You edit a page, save, and the front end still shows the old version. Most of the time a cache is serving the earlier copy, either a plugin cache, the host cache, the CDN or the browser.

Clear those layers in order, then reload in a private window. If the change shows there but not in your normal window, the browser is the one holding the old file.

Divi layout library with prebuilt page designs — Divi layout library (image: elegantthemes.com)

Layout breaks on mobile

Divi lets you set values per device. A size chosen on desktop does not always suit a phone, and a value that was never set can inherit an awkward default.

Switch to the mobile preview and check each level from section down to module, looking for fixed widths and large padding that do not shrink.

Modules or saved layouts are missing

If a module you expect is not in the list, the theme is probably out of date, or the module belongs to an add-on or a layout pack you have not imported.

Update the theme and its plugins, then check whether the item belongs to something you actually have installed.

Elegant Themes pricing page with Divi plans — Divi pricing and plans (image: elegantthemes.com)

Conflicts and performance problems

A slow or broken page is often the result of several builders, caches or optimisers pulling in different directions. Two plugins doing the same job is a common cause.

Disable overlapping tools one at a time and measure the page after each change, keeping a note of what you turned off.

Symptom to fix

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Builder will not load	Memory limit or plugin clash	Raise the limit and test plugins
Changes do not appear	A cache is serving the old page	Clear plugin, host, CDN and browser caches
Broken mobile layout	Per-device settings not set	Check each level in mobile preview
Module missing	Outdated theme or missing add-on	Update the theme and add-ons
Slow or unstable page	Conflicting plugins	Disable overlapping tools one by one

General guidance, checked October 9, 2026. Confirm specifics inside your own Divi setup.

Divi marketplace with third-party modules and layouts — Divi marketplace (image: elegantthemes.com)

Where this fits

Start with the developer tools hub. For the basics read what Divi is, and for the setup steps see how to set up Divi.

Frequently asked

Is my content lost if the builder will not load?

No. The content is stored by WordPress and Divi. Once the builder loads again it should still be there; the failure is usually in loading, not in saving.

Why does the preview look right but the live page does not?

The builder can render slightly differently from the front end, and caching adds another layer. Check the live page in a private window after clearing caches.

Should I disable all plugins to test?

Do it briefly and one at a time, on a staging copy where possible, so you can tell which plugin is responsible without disturbing visitors.

Does Divi need a special host?

It runs on ordinary WordPress hosting. A host with decent memory limits and a staging option makes troubleshooting easier.

Divi documentation and help center — Divi documentation (image: elegantthemes.com)

Get the builder loading again

Fix the common clashes and get back to building.

See Divi

Some links on this page may be referral links — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

What is Divi?

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / What is Divi

Knowledge · developer tools · updated October 9, 2026

What is Divi?

Divi is a WordPress theme and page builder made by Elegant Themes, built around a visual builder plus a growing library of modules. This guide explains what it does, how it is organised, and what it is not.

TL;DR

Divi is a WordPress theme and page builder from Elegant Themes.
Pages are built from sections, rows, columns and modules.
A visual builder and a backend builder cover the same content in different ways.
It comes with an Elegant Themes membership, so check the current pricing.
It is not a hosting service and it does not replace WordPress.

On this page: What Divi is · How it is organised · What it is good at · What it is not · Concept cheat sheet · Where this fits

Divi home page — Divi home (image: divi.com)

What Divi is

Divi is a theme that ships with its own builder. Once it is active, you can lay out pages visually rather than by writing blocks in the default editor.

The builder is the product. It lets you assemble a page from nested containers and style each one with controls instead of code, and it saves that structure so it can be edited or reused later.

It sits on top of WordPress. The theme handles site-wide behaviour while the builder stores the page layout, and both render as normal markup for visitors.

Divi blog page — Divi blog (image: divi.com)

How Divi is organised

A page is built from four nested levels: sections, rows, columns and modules. A section spans the width, rows divide it, columns split a row, and modules are the actual content such as text, images and buttons.

The Divi Library stores saved layouts and modules so you can drop them onto other pages. Global defaults and presets hold colours and fonts so a change in one place flows through the site.

You can work in the visual builder in the front end or the backend builder in the dashboard. Both edit the same content, and the responsive settings let you tune each level per device.

Divi docs page — Divi docs (image: divi.com)

What Divi is good at

Building and editing pages without writing code.
Reusing saved layouts and modules across a site.
Adjusting layout separately for desktop, tablet and mobile.
Extending the builder with extra modules from Divi and third parties.
Keeping one membership across several WordPress sites.

Divi layouts page — Divi layouts (image: divi.com)

What Divi is not

Not a host: you still need a server and WordPress.
Not free on its own: it is sold with an Elegant Themes membership, so check the current pricing.
Not a one-click replacement for a developer on custom work.
Not immune to plugin conflicts and performance trade-offs.

Concept cheat sheet

Concept	Meaning	Why it matters
Section	A full-width container	Sets the overall structure
Row	A horizontal band inside a section	Groups columns
Column	A vertical slice inside a row	Holds modules side by side
Module	A single content element	The heading, image or button
Builder	The visual or backend editor	Where you assemble pages
Divi Library	A store of saved layouts and modules	Reused to start a page quickly

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 9, 2026.

Divi marketplace page — Divi marketplace (image: divi.com)

Where this fits

Start with the developer tools hub. For the practical steps see how to set up Divi, and for everyday usage read how to use Divi for a small business.

Divi pricing page — Divi pricing (image: divi.com)

Frequently asked

Do I need to know code to use Divi?

No. The point of the builder is that you assemble pages with modules and controls. Some custom styling still benefits from knowing CSS, but it is not required to start.

Does Divi work with any WordPress site?

It runs on WordPress as a theme. Other plugins that also replace the editor can clash, so test them together before rolling out.

Is there a free version?

The theme and builder come with a paid membership. Features and terms change, so check the current pricing on the maker’s own site.

Can I use Divi on more than one site?

The membership tiers differ in how many sites they cover. Check the current plan details for the count you need.

Will Divi slow my site down?

It adds its own assets, so the effect depends on the page and the host. Test your own pages after you build them.

Design without code

A visual builder for WordPress sites.

See Divi

Some links on this page may be referral links — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Common Elementor problems and how to fix them

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / Common Elementor problems

Problem · developer tools · updated October 9, 2026

Common Elementor problems and how to fix them

Most Elementor problems fall into a few areas: an editor that will not load, changes that do not show on the live site, layouts that break on mobile, widgets that go missing, or conflicts with other plugins. Here are the ones that come up most, and what to check first.

Elementor homepage with the drag-and-drop website builder — Elementor official homepage (image: elementor.com)

TL;DR

An editor that will not load is usually a memory, cache or plugin issue.
Changes that do not appear are often a caching problem between the editor and the live page.
Layout that breaks on mobile usually traces back to per-device settings.
Missing widgets are about the plugin version or an add-on.
Check the exact step that failed before you rebuild anything.

On this page: Why things go wrong · Editor will not load · Changes do not appear · Layout breaks on mobile · Widgets are missing · Conflicts and speed · Symptom to fix · Where this fits

Why things go wrong

Elementor sits on top of WordPress, so a problem can come from the editor, the theme, another plugin, the host or the browser. The useful first move is to work out which of those changed.

Another habit that saves time: check whether the issue follows the page or follows the browser and account. That tells you whether to look at content or at your setup.

Elementor website builder editor canvas — Elementor website builder (image: elementor.com)

The editor will not load

A blank or endless-loading editor is usually about resources or a clash. The editor is heavier than the default one, and a tight memory limit or a plugin that hooks into it can stop it loading.

Raise the WordPress memory limit if your host allows it.
Deactivate other plugins briefly to see whether one is the cause.
Try a different browser or a private window to rule out extensions.
Check the browser console for errors and note the first one.

Changes do not appear on the live site

You edit a page, save, and the front end still shows the old version. Most of the time a cache is serving the earlier copy, either a plugin cache, the host cache or the browser.

Clear those layers in order, then reload in a private window. If the change shows there but not in your normal window, the browser is the one holding the old file.

Elementor Theme Builder for headers, footers and page templates — Elementor Theme Builder (image: elementor.com)

Layout breaks on mobile

Elementor lets you set values per device. A size chosen on desktop does not always suit a phone, and a value that was never set can inherit an awkward default.

Switch to the mobile preview in the editor and check each setting.
Look for fixed widths and large padding that do not shrink.
Confirm the theme’s breakpoints and use the ones Elementor exposes.

Elementor template library with ready-made blocks and pages — Elementor template library (image: elementor.com)

Widgets or templates are missing

If a widget you expect is not in the panel, the plugin is probably out of date or a template kit has not been installed. Some widgets also belong to add-ons rather than the core plugin.

Update the plugin and any add-ons, then check whether the widget belongs to a plan or kit you actually have.

Conflicts and performance problems

A slow or broken page is often the result of several builders, caches or optimisers pulling in different directions. Two plugins doing the same job is a common cause.

Disable overlapping tools one at a time, and measure the page again after each change. Keep a note of what you turned off so you can restore it.

Symptom to fix

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Editor will not load	Memory limit or plugin clash	Raise the limit and test plugins
Changes do not appear	A cache is serving the old page	Clear plugin, host and browser caches
Broken mobile layout	Per-device settings not set	Check each level in mobile preview
Widget missing	Outdated plugin or missing kit	Update the plugin and add-ons
Slow or unstable page	Conflicting plugins	Disable overlapping tools one by one

General guidance, checked October 9, 2026. Confirm specifics inside your own Elementor setup.

Elementor pricing page with plan tiers and feature limits — Elementor pricing and plans (image: elementor.com)

Where this fits

Start with the developer tools hub. For the basics read what Elementor is, and for the setup steps see how to set up Elementor.

Frequently asked

Is my content lost if the editor will not load?

No. The content is stored by WordPress and Elementor. Once the editor loads again it should still be there; the failure is usually in loading, not in saving.

Why does the preview look right but the live page does not?

The editor can render slightly differently from the front end, and caching adds another layer. Check the live page in a private window after clearing caches.

Should I disable all plugins to test?

Do it briefly and one at a time, on a staging copy where possible, so you can tell which plugin is responsible without disturbing visitors.

Does Elementor need a special theme?

No, but a theme built around it will integrate more smoothly. If the layout looks off, the theme is a reasonable suspect.

Elementor account sign-in screen — Elementor account sign-in (image: elementor.com)

Get the editor loading again

Fix the common clashes and get back to building.

See Elementor

Some links on this page may be referral links — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

What is Elementor?

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / What is Elementor

Knowledge · developer tools · updated October 9, 2026

What is Elementor?

Elementor is a visual page builder that plugs into WordPress and lets you lay out pages by dragging widgets onto a canvas. This guide explains what it does, how it is organised, and what it is not.

TL;DR

Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress.
Pages are built from sections, columns and widgets on a canvas.
A free core plugin covers the basics; paid plans add widgets, templates and support.
A hosted cloud version exists for people who do not want to run WordPress themselves.
It is not a hosting company and it does not replace WordPress on its own.

On this page: What Elementor is · How it is organised · What it is good at · What it is not · Concept cheat sheet · Where this fits

Elementor home page — Elementor home (image: elementor.com)

What Elementor is

Elementor is an editor that replaces the default WordPress block editor with a visual canvas. Instead of writing blocks in a list, you drag elements onto a page and see the result as you go.

The idea is to let someone who does not write code build a professional-looking page. You choose a structure, drop in widgets such as headings, images, buttons and forms, then style them with controls rather than CSS.

It sits on top of WordPress. The theme still controls some site-wide behaviour, but the page content is stored by Elementor and rendered as markup when a visitor loads the page.

Elementor academy page — Elementor academy (image: elementor.com)

How Elementor is organised

A page is built from three nested levels: sections, columns and widgets. A section spans the width of the page, columns divide it, and widgets are the actual content inside a column.

Templates and blocks let you save a layout and reuse it. You can apply a page template to a whole page, or drop a saved block into a single section.

Global styles and site settings hold colours and fonts so a change in one place updates everywhere, and the responsive controls let you adjust each level per device.

Elementor blog page — Elementor blog (image: elementor.com)

What Elementor is good at

Building and editing pages without touching code.
Reusing saved templates and blocks across a site.
Adjusting layout separately for desktop, tablet and mobile.
Extending the editor with extra widgets from Elementor and third parties.
Working with most WordPress themes without a rebuild.

Elementor hello theme page — Elementor hello theme (image: elementor.com)

What Elementor is not

Not a hosting service: you still need a host and WordPress for the self-hosted plugin.
Not entirely free: the core plugin is free, but advanced widgets and support sit behind paid plans, so check the current pricing.
Not a one-click replacement for a developer on complex custom work.
Not immune to plugin conflicts and performance trade-offs.

Concept cheat sheet

Concept	Meaning	Why it matters
Section	A full-width container	Sets the overall structure
Column	A slice inside a section	Divides content side by side
Widget	A single content element	The heading, image or button
Template	A saved full-page layout	Reused to start a page quickly
Global style	Site-wide colour and font rules	Keeps pages consistent

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 9, 2026.

Elementor library page — Elementor library (image: elementor.com)

Where this fits

Start with the developer tools hub. For the practical steps see how to set up Elementor, and for everyday usage read how to use Elementor for a small business.

Elementor login page — Elementor login (image: elementor.com)

Frequently asked

Do I need to know code to use Elementor?

No. The point of the editor is that you build with widgets and controls. Some custom styling still benefits from knowing CSS, but it is not required to start.

Does Elementor work with any theme?

It works with most themes, though some are built around it and integrate more tightly. A theme designed for the block editor may need small adjustments.

Is there a free version?

Yes. A free core plugin covers the basics, and paid plans add tools and support. Plans change, so check the current options on Elementor’s own site.

Can I use Elementor without WordPress?

There is a hosted cloud version for people who do not want to run WordPress. The plugin route requires a WordPress site.

Will Elementor slow my site down?

It can add weight, because it loads its own assets. How much depends on the page and the host, so test your own pages.

Start building visually

Drag-and-drop design for WordPress.

See Elementor

Some links on this page may be referral links — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

How to Use Divi for a Small Business

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / How to use Divi for a small business

Use case · developer tools · updated October 8, 2026

How to use Divi for a small business

A small business rarely needs a sprawling website. It needs a handful of pages that load quickly, look consistent and are easy to update without a developer on call. Divi is built for exactly that middle ground between a rigid template and a custom build.

Divi by Elegant Themes WordPress theme and visual page builder — Divi by Elegant Themes (image: elegantthemes.com)

Independent analysis. This page may contain affiliate links. Some links here are referral links; if you sign up through one we may earn a reward at no extra cost to you, and it never changes what we recommend. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of any tool mentioned. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

TL;DR

Start from saved templates so every page shares a consistent structure.
Keep one clear action per page instead of several competing buttons.
Use the Divi library to reuse sections across campaigns and pages.
Assign global headers, footers and post templates in the Theme Builder.
Document your setup so anyone can edit pages later.

On this page: What this covers · What a small business needs · Getting the foundations right · Landing pages that do a job · Reusable layouts and the library · Theme Builder across the site · Maintenance and handover · Keeping effort and cost in check · Where this fits

What this covers

A small business rarely needs a sprawling website. It needs a handful of pages that work hard, look consistent and are quick to update.

This guide looks at how Divi fits that reality: where it saves time, where it needs discipline, and how to keep the site easy to maintain.

Elegant Themes homepage (image: elegantthemes.com)

What a small business needs from a builder

Not every feature matters equally. These are the priorities that usually decide whether a builder earns its place.

Priority Why it matters How Divi helps
Fast page creation	You need pages live without a long build cycle	Layout packs and the Visual Builder get a page up quickly
Consistency	Your brand should look the same everywhere	Global defaults and Theme Builder templates apply styling site-wide
Low maintenance	You may not have a full-time developer	Visual edits and a library reduce the need to touch code
Reuse	Similar pages should not be rebuilt each time	Saved sections can be dropped into new pages
Cost control	Budgets are tight	One licence covers design and layout without a stack of separate tools

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 8, 2026.

Getting the foundations right

Set your brand colours, fonts and button styles once, then leave them alone. Consistency is what makes a small site look considered rather than assembled.

Decide on a simple set of page types: home, a service or product page, about, and contact. Build each from a saved template so they share structure.

Divi Marketplace with layout packs — Divi Marketplace (image: elegantthemes.com)

Landing pages that do a job

Most small business pages have one job: to get a call, a form fill or a purchase. Keep the primary action obvious on every page. One clear button beats five competing calls to action.

Build a reusable hero section and reuse it, changing only the headline and image. That keeps campaign pages quick to ship without losing consistency.

Divi Layouts library of reusable layouts — Divi Layouts library (image: elegantthemes.com)

Reusable layouts and the library

Save the sections you like to the Divi library and give them clear names, such as Hero Services or CTA Contact.

A tidy library is the difference between a ten-minute page and an afternoon of rebuilding. It also makes it easy to reuse a layout across campaigns.

Elegant Themes blog with Theme Builder tutorials — Elegant Themes blog (image: elegantthemes.com)

Theme Builder across the site

Assign a global header and footer so navigation and contact details stay consistent on every page.

Add templates for blog posts and archives if you publish content, so new posts inherit the right layout automatically.

Maintenance and handover

Document which template controls which part of the site. A short note saves time when a colleague or a freelancer edits a page later.

Keep a staging copy for larger changes and push them live once checked. It is far cheaper than fixing a live page in a hurry.

Keeping effort and cost in check

The main cost is your time plus the licence. Compare that with what a custom build would take. Check the official pricing page for current licence options.

Avoid buying add-ons you do not need. A focused setup is easier to maintain than a large stack of overlapping plugins.

GreenGeeks hosting/Div plan page — Elegant Themes pricing (image: elegantthemes.com)

Where this fits in your wider stack

For a fuller picture, read the independent Divi review and browse the developer tools hub. If you are filling gaps around the builder, see best WordPress plugins for small business, or step back and compare best website builders for small business.

Frequently asked

Is Divi a good fit for a small business site?

It suits teams that want visual control and consistency without a developer for every change. Large, highly custom projects may still need code.

Can I reuse one design across several pages?

Yes. Save sections and pages to the library and assign templates in the Theme Builder to apply styling site-wide.

Do I need extra plugins with Divi?

You can run a functional site without many. Add plugins only when a specific need, such as SEO or forms, is not already covered.

How do I know which licence to buy?

Licence tiers and site limits change. Check the official pricing page to match a plan to the number of sites you run.

Put Divi to work on your site

Review the current plans and what each licence covers.

See Divi plans

Referral link — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

October 8, 2026

How to Set Up Divi: Step by Step

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / How to set up Divi

Tutorial · developer tools · updated October 8, 2026

How to set up Divi: a practical walkthrough

Divi is a WordPress theme and visual builder from Elegant Themes that lets you design pages on the front end without writing code. This guide walks through a clean setup: installing the theme, opening the Visual Builder, setting global defaults, and publishing a first layout. The aim is a working, maintainable starting point rather than a tour of every module.

TL;DR

Install Divi from your Elegant Themes account and activate the licence in WordPress.
Learn the section, row and module hierarchy before you start building.
Set colours, fonts and buttons once in the Theme Options and Customiser.
Save sections and pages to the Divi library so you can reuse them.
Use the Theme Builder for headers, footers and post templates.

On this page: What this covers · Before you start · Step 1 – install and activate Divi · Step 2 – the Visual Builder · Choosing how to build · Step 3 – set global defaults · Step 4 – build a first layout · Templates and the Theme Builder · Where this fits

What this covers

Divi is a WordPress theme and visual builder that lets you design pages on the front end without writing code. This guide walks through a clean setup: installing the theme, opening the Visual Builder, setting global defaults, and publishing a first layout.

The goal is not to cover every module. It is to get a working, maintainable starting point you can build on, whether you are redesigning an existing site or starting fresh.

Before you start

A WordPress site on a recent version, with administrator access.
Your Elegant Themes account details, or a licence to activate.
A staging or local copy if the site is already live.
Your brand colours, fonts and logo files to hand.
A rough sitemap of the pages you plan to build.

Elegant Themes plans to get Divi — Elegant Themes plans (image: elegantthemes.com)

Step 1 — Install and activate Divi

Download the Divi theme package from your Elegant Themes account.
In WordPress, go to Appearance, then Themes, then Add New, and upload the theme zip.
Activate the theme and enter your username and API key when prompted.
Confirm the update settings so Divi can receive future releases.

Step 2 — Open and learn the Visual Builder

Open a page and click Enable Visual Builder. Divi loads the page on the front end with editing controls overlaid, so what you see is close to what visitors get.

Learn the three-part structure: sections hold rows, and rows hold modules. Almost every layout question comes back to that hierarchy.

Save early and often, and use the history panel to roll back a change that did not work out.

Choosing how to build

There is more than one way to work in Divi. Pick the one that matches your experience and the time you have.

Approach What it means Choose it when
Visual Builder	Edit the real page with drag-and-drop controls	You want precise, visual control of a live layout
Backend builder	Use the same modules in a classic admin screen	You prefer a distraction-free editor or a slower connection
Pre-made layout pack	Import a full page and adjust it	You need a solid starting point quickly
Blank canvas	Build each section from scratch	You have a clear design and want no leftover demo content

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 8, 2026.

Divi Layouts library of ready-made page layouts — Divi Layouts library (image: elegantthemes.com)

Step 3 — Set global defaults

Open the Divi Theme Options and the Customiser. Set your logo, primary and secondary colours, fonts and button styles once.

Global defaults save time and keep pages consistent. When you later change a brand colour, updating it in one place propagates across the site.

Decide the default content width and a simple spacing scale here too. Consistency early avoids a patchwork feel later.

Divi Marketplace with child themes and layout packs — Divi Marketplace (image: elegantthemes.com)

Step 4 — Build your first layout

Create a page and add a section, then choose a column structure.
Add modules such as text, image and button, and adjust spacing under the Design tab.
Use the responsive controls to preview mobile and fine-tune padding per breakpoint.
Publish, then review the live page on a phone as well as a desktop.

Elegant Themes blog with Divi tutorials — Elegant Themes blog (image: elegantthemes.com)

Templates and the Theme Builder

Save a section or a full page to your Divi library so you can reuse it. A small library of well-made blocks is faster than rebuilding each page.

The Theme Builder assigns templates to headers, footers, blog posts and archives, so styling applies everywhere without editing each page by hand.

If you install pre-made layouts, remove anything you do not need. Leftover demo images and unused modules add weight and maintenance.

Where this fits in your wider stack

If you are still deciding, read the independent Divi review and start from the developer tools hub. Weighing the two big builders? See Elementor vs Divi, and for a broader shortlist read best website builders for small business.

Frequently asked

Do I need to know code to use Divi?

No. You can build layouts visually, though basic CSS helps when you want to fine-tune a detail. A Custom CSS box lets you add small tweaks without a child theme.

Can I try Divi before paying?

Pricing and any trial terms change over time. Check the official pricing page for the current options before you commit.

Will Divi slow down my site?

The theme itself is reasonably lean, but large images and a very long page add weight. Optimise images and keep layouts focused.

Can I use Divi on more than one site?

Licence terms depend on your plan. Check the official page for how many sites your plan covers.

Ready to build with Divi

Compare plans and see what the current licence includes.

Explore Divi plans

Referral link — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

October 8, 2026

How to Use Elementor for a Small Business

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / How to use Elementor

Use case · developer tools · updated October 8, 2026

How to use Elementor for a small business

Elementor is only useful if it solves real jobs for your business. This post looks at how a small business uses it in practice: landing pages, a theme you can maintain, reusable blocks, freelancer handoff and ongoing upkeep.

Elementor official homepage for the WordPress page builder — Elementor official homepage (image: elementor.com)

TL;DR

Use Elementor for landing pages when speed to launch matters.
A theme builder removes the need for custom header and footer code.
Reusable blocks keep repeated sections consistent.
Clear naming and structure make freelancer handoff easier.
Budget time for updates and performance checks each month.

On this page: What this covers · Where Elementor earns its place · Landing pages for campaigns · A theme you can maintain · Reusable blocks and global widgets · Deciding what to build first · Working with freelancers · Keeping it healthy · Where this fits in your wider stack

What this covers

A page builder is a tool, and the return comes from the jobs you point it at. For a small team, that usually means shipping pages faster, keeping site-wide elements consistent and avoiding a developer bottleneck for routine changes.

This post stays practical. It covers the patterns that tend to pay off and the maintenance that keeps a built site from drifting.

Where Elementor earns its place

Small teams rarely need every feature a builder offers. These are the jobs where it tends to pay off.

Campaign landing pages built and shipped in hours.
A custom header, footer and blog template without code.
Reusable hero and call-to-action sections.
Client-friendly editing for non-technical staff.
Rapid redesigns when the brand or offer changes.

Elementor template library for building campaign landing pages — Elementor template library (image: elementor.com)

Landing pages for campaigns

When a campaign needs a focused page, Elementor lets a marketer assemble it from sections, then duplicate and adjust for the next offer. The win is turnaround time, not novelty: the same page template can serve several campaigns with small edits.

Elementor Hello theme page for a maintainable WordPress theme — Elementor Hello theme (image: elementor.com)

A theme you can maintain

The theme builder lets you design headers, footers, archive and single templates visually. That means a small business can change site-wide elements without waiting on a developer for every tweak, and it keeps those elements consistent across the site.

Elementor Theme Builder for global templates and widgets — Elementor Theme Builder (image: elementor.com)

Reusable blocks and global widgets

Save a section as a template or promote a widget to global, and an edit propagates everywhere it is used. This is the difference between a tidy site and one where five versions of the same button slowly drift apart.

Elementor pricing plans to match scope — Elementor pricing (image: elementor.com)

Deciding what to build first

A simple priority order keeps the first build phase focused and avoids rework.

Job Priority Why it comes first
Landing page for the current campaign	High	Directly tied to revenue this month
Header and footer templates	High	Touches every page on the site
Reusable call-to-action block	Medium	Reused across many pages
Blog and archive templates	Medium	Needed once content volume grows
Full redesign of old pages	Low	Better done once patterns are settled

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 8, 2026.

Elementor blog resources for working with builders — Elementor blog (image: elementor.com)

Working with freelancers

Naming conventions and saved templates make a site easier to hand to a freelancer. A short document listing global colours, fonts and template names saves billable hours later, because the next person is not reverse-engineering your layout decisions.

Elementor Knowledge Hub for maintenance tutorials — Elementor Knowledge Hub (image: elementor.com)

Keeping it healthy

Schedule a monthly pass: update the plugin and its add-ons, check a live page for layout drift, and confirm images are still reasonably sized. Small habits prevent the slow accumulation that makes a site feel heavy.

Where this fits in your wider stack

If you are still choosing, read the independent Elementor review and the Elementor vs Divi comparison. For the wider context, start from the developer tools hub, compare best website builders for small business, and review website performance tools.

Frequently asked

Is Elementor good for a small business website?

It suits teams that want to ship pages without a developer, as long as they keep plugins lean and images optimised.

Do I need a developer to use Elementor?

No, but a developer is useful for the initial theme setup and for anything involving custom code.

Can my staff edit the site safely?

Yes. Assign appropriate user roles and rely on saved templates so edits stay consistent.

How do I keep an Elementor site fast?

Compress images, limit plugins and test a real page with a performance tool.

Elementor website builder product page for WordPress — Elementor website builder (image: elementor.com)

Put Elementor to work

Start with the pages that matter this month, then build templates from them.

See Elementor plans

Referral link — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

October 8, 2026

How to Set Up Elementor: WordPress Page Builder, Step by Step

Home / Developer Tools / Guides / How to set up Elementor

Tutorial · developer tools · updated October 8, 2026

How to set up Elementor: a practical walkthrough

Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress, and setting it up properly saves hours later. This walkthrough covers installation, global styles, your first page, reusable templates and the performance settings worth touching on day one.

TL;DR

Install Elementor from the WordPress plugin directory, then activate it.
Connect a license so the extra widgets and templates become available.
Set global colours and fonts once, before you build any pages.
Save repeated layouts as templates instead of rebuilding them.
Check performance settings and image sizes before you launch.

On this page: What this covers · Before you start · Step 1 — Install and activate the plugin · Step 2 — Connect a license if you need more · Step 3 — Set global colours and fonts · Step 4 — Build your first page · Step 5 — Save reusable templates · Step 6 — Cover performance basics · Choosing how you build · Where this fits in your wider stack

What this covers

Elementor replaces the classic WordPress editor with a visual canvas. You drag widgets onto a page and style them without writing CSS, which is why it is popular with small teams that do not have a full-time developer.

This guide assumes a working WordPress install and administrator access. It walks through a clean setup so your styles, templates and performance settings are sensible from the start rather than patched in later.

Before you start

A WordPress site on hosting that meets Elementor’s requirements.
Administrator access to the WordPress dashboard.
A staging copy if the site is already live and busy.
Your brand colours and font names written down.
A recent backup, so a failed experiment costs minutes rather than days.

Step 1 — Install and activate the plugin

In the dashboard, open Plugins and choose Add New.
Search for Elementor and locate the plugin by its publisher.
Install it, then activate it and follow the onboarding prompt.
Confirm the Elementor menu appears in the sidebar.

Elementor pricing plans including Pro licenses — Elementor pricing and Pro licenses (image: elementor.com)

Step 2 — Connect a license if you need more

Elementor has a free core plugin and paid plans. If you need the additional widgets, the theme builder and support, connect a license from the account screen inside Elementor. Do not guess at what a plan includes; check the official pricing page and match the tier to the features you actually plan to use.

Elementor Theme Builder for site-wide templates and styles — Elementor Theme Builder (image: elementor.com)

Step 3 — Set global colours and fonts

Open Site Settings and define your global colours and typography first. Every widget then inherits those values, so a brand refresh later is a handful of edits rather than a hunt through dozens of pages.

Elementor template library of ready-made website sections — Elementor template library (image: elementor.com)

Step 4 — Build your first page

Create a new page and choose Edit with Elementor.
Pick a container structure that matches the layout you have in mind.
Drag heading, text and image widgets into the container.
Style each widget in the panel on the left.
Preview on a mobile width before you publish.

Elementor Knowledge Hub with tutorials and reusable resources — Elementor Knowledge Hub (image: elementor.com)

Step 5 — Save reusable templates

When a section works, save it as a template so you can drop it into future pages. Reusable sections keep spacing and styling consistent, and they cut the time spent rebuilding the same hero or call-to-action block.

Elementor blog with performance and optimization guides — Elementor blog (image: elementor.com)

Step 6 — Cover performance basics

Page builders add markup, so a few habits keep pages fast: compress images before upload, avoid stacking background videos, and enable the performance features your stack supports. Test with a real page rather than an empty one.

Elementor Hello theme page for a lightweight WordPress theme — Elementor Hello theme (image: elementor.com)

Choosing how you build

A quick way to decide what to install and how much to configure up front.

Situation What to do Why
New site, no theme yet	Use Elementor with a lightweight theme	Keeps markup lean and lets the builder own the layout
Existing site with a custom theme	Add Elementor to specific templates first	Limits risk while you learn the builder
Marketing landing pages	Enable the theme builder on paid plans	Lets you design headers and footers without code
Tight performance budget	Keep plugins minimal and optimise images	Addresses the main sources of slow pages

Based on publicly documented behaviour, checked October 8, 2026.

Where this fits in your wider stack

If you are still comparing builders, read the independent Elementor review and the Elementor vs Divi comparison. To see the wider picture, start from the developer tools hub, weigh best website builders for small business, and keep an eye on website performance tools.

Frequently asked

How much does Elementor cost?

Pricing depends on the tier and changes over time, so check the official pricing page for current plans and what each one includes.

Do I need a paid plan to start?

No. The free core plugin covers the basics, while paid plans add widgets, the theme builder and support.

Will Elementor slow down my site?

It adds markup like any builder, but sensible image sizes and a lean plugin stack keep the effect small.

Can I use Elementor with my existing theme?

Yes. You can enable it per page or template, which is a safe way to test it on a live site.

Build your first page with Elementor

Install the plugin, set your globals once and design from there.

Explore Elementor plans

Referral link — we may earn a reward if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent publisher. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

October 8, 2026

Category: Website Builders & Design

Best Website Builders software for agencies in 2026

TL;DR

How we picked

1. Elementor

2. Divi

Comparison

How to choose for agencies

Frequently asked questions

What is the best website builders tool for agencies overall?

Do I need to pay for website builders software as agencies?

How often should I revisit my choice?

Related guides

Related reading

Common Divi problems and how to fix them

TL;DR

Why things go wrong

The builder will not load

Changes do not appear on the live site

Layout breaks on mobile

Modules or saved layouts are missing

Conflicts and performance problems

Symptom to fix

Where this fits

Frequently asked

Get the builder loading again

Related reading

What is Divi?

TL;DR

What Divi is

How Divi is organised

What Divi is good at

What Divi is not

Concept cheat sheet

Where this fits

Frequently asked

Design without code

Related reading

Common Elementor problems and how to fix them

TL;DR

Why things go wrong

The editor will not load

Changes do not appear on the live site

Layout breaks on mobile

Widgets or templates are missing

Conflicts and performance problems

Symptom to fix

Where this fits

Frequently asked

Get the editor loading again

Related reading

What is Elementor?

TL;DR

What Elementor is

How Elementor is organised

What Elementor is good at

What Elementor is not

Concept cheat sheet

Where this fits

Frequently asked

Start building visually

Related reading

How to use Divi for a small business

TL;DR

What this covers

What a small business needs from a builder

Getting the foundations right

Landing pages that do a job

Reusable layouts and the library

Theme Builder across the site

Maintenance and handover

Keeping effort and cost in check

Where this fits in your wider stack

Frequently asked

Put Divi to work on your site

How to set up Divi: a practical walkthrough

TL;DR

What this covers

Before you start

Step 1 — Install and activate Divi