Have you ever visited a website that caught your eye and wondered, “What website builder was used to create this?” Whether you’re researching options for your own business website or analyzing your competitors, identifying the platform behind a website can provide valuable insights. As a website strategist working with small business owners, I’m often asked how to determine what tools were used to build specific websites.
In this guide, I’ll share some straightforward methods to identify what website builder or platform powers any website you’re interested in. You won’t need technical expertise โ just a web browser and a few simple tools that anyone can use. Let’s explore how you can become a website platform detective in just a few minutes.
The manual way to see what website builder was used
Before turning to automated tools, let’s look at the hands-on ways to identify a website builder. As someone who regularly analyses websites for clients, I find these manual methods more reliable and actually quicker in most cases.
While these won’t be as comprehensive as some of the automated tools mentioned further down, checking the source code can give me exactly the key information I need – in most cases I’m simply looking to see what platform a site is built with.
This can be easier than you expect, as most Content Management Systems (CMSs) are easily identifiable through specific bits of code.
Check the footer
Before jumping into the code, it’s worth checking the footer, which is the section at the bottom of the website. Lots of website platforms will include a link here such as ‘Powered by’, or show a logo or message.
Looking at the source code
Right-click anywhere on the webpage and select “View Page Source” (or press Cmd+Shift+U on Mac). Once the source code opens, press Ctrl+F to open the search function Search for these specific terms:
- WordPress: Look for “wp-content” or “wp-includes”
- Wix: Search for “wix.com” or “_wixCssLink”
- Squarespace: Try “sqsp” or “static1.squarespace”
- Shopify: Search for “shopify” or “cdn.shopify”
You can also look for a meta tag called “generator” which can show you exactly what platform a site is built on. This can however often be disabled for security purposes.
Online tools – the easiest way to see what website builder was used
Sometimes a website’s platform isn’t immediately obvious through manual checks. Maybe the site owner has removed common identifiers, or they’re using a less common platform.
Or maybe – you just don’t want to have to look through code and want a simpler option. When this happens, there are some helpful online tools you can turn to.

WhatCMS (whatcms.org)
What CMS is another useful tool that specifically focuses on identifying content management systems. It claims to detect 1,540 different website powering technologies, so it should pick up almost any common CMS out there.
- Visit whatcms.org
- Enter the website URL
- Review the results, which often include the platform version
The benefit of What CMS is its simplicity – it does one job and does it well.
Live test with my site – Worked perfect, identified the CMS, page builder, core technologies used and the CDN I’m using. A nice touch it also displays social profiles (that are correctly linked with meta tags).

Built With (builtwith.com)
Built With is my go-to tool when I want a bit of extra information outside what CMS the site is using. As well as working out what website builder was used, you can also
- Visit builtwith.com
- Paste the website URL you want to check
- To find what builder was used, as well as many other technologies , look in the Technology Profile area.
- Look under the “Content Management System” section to see what CMS was used.
One advantage of Built With is that it often reveals many additional technologies the website uses, like marketing tools, analytics, and hosting providers. This can give you valuable insights beyond just the website builder.
Live test with my site – Very thorough, and accurate breakdown of almost everything on my website.

Wappalyzer (wappalyzer.com)
Wappalyzer is commonly known as a browser extension, you can also use their website directly:
- Go to wappalyzer.com
- Enter the website URL
- Look for “CMS” or “Website Builder” in the results
Wappalyzer tends to be more straightforward than Built With, making it ideal when you just need to identify the main platform quickly.
Live test with my site – Worked well, though required an account signup. Great for basic data, and some nice touches pulling in metadata, keywords etc. Lots of more marketing based insights require a paid account.
Understanding what the builder or CMS tells you
Once you’ve identified a website’s platform, what does this information actually mean for your business? Let me break down how to interpret and use these findings effectively.
Common Platform Indicators
When you spot certain platforms, here’s what it typically suggests about a website:
WordPress
- Highly customisable site with potential for extensive features
- Likely working with a specialist WordPress developer or designer
- Regular maintenance and updates required
- Within WordPress could be using one of many common page builders such as:
- WordPress default block editor
- Bricks Builder
- Elementor
- Divi
- Breakdance
- Oxygen
- WP Bakery Builder
Quick note about page builders – Your page builder makes a huge difference in the quality, speed and maintainability of your website. Many page builders are bloated and don’t follow web design best practices so it’s important to choose the right one. Chat your website developer or designer to find the right option for your business.
Wix or Squarespace
- DIY approach or small agency build
- All-in-one hosting and maintenance
- Limited custom functionality
- Generally easier to manage independently
Shopify
- Focused on eCommerce capabilities
- Could be via a Shopify web design agency, or DIY
- Built-in payment processing
- Standardised security features
- Monthly subscription costs
Red Flags to Watch For
During your research, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Outdated platform versions (if they are visible)
- Excessive third-party plugins or apps
- Free hosting subdomains
- Mixed content warnings in the source code
These could indicate maintenance issues or security vulnerabilities you’ll want to avoid in your own website.
Making an informed decision
After learning how to identify website builders, you’re better equipped to make decisions about your own business website. But remember – just because a competitor or industry leader uses a particular platform doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for your business.
Consider these factors when evaluating your options:
Your business needs differ from others in your industry. While investigating other websites can provide valuable insights, your choice should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, technical capabilities, and plans for the future.
If you’re wondering whether your current website platform is still serving your business well, or you’d like help choosing the right platform for a new website, I’d be happy to help. With years of experience helping business owners navigate these decisions, I can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Next Steps
Ready to make the right choice for your business website? Here are your options:
- Book a free consultation to discuss your website platform options
- Download our free guide “7 Key Factors for a Successful Website“
- Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular website tips and advice
Remember, the right platform isn’t just about the technology – it’s about finding a solution that helps your business grow while giving you peace of mind.