Ask HN: Do any startups use website builders?

[workerdee]

I have the utmost respect for programmers (and all technical professions), but am currently working on a project that is way over my head. I am coding it myself, and learning to code at the same time. Just wondering - are there any startups that were able to scale after starting with a website builder or as a simple WordPress site with plug-ins?

[pacnw]

I would suggest looking at the number of ready templates (e.g. themeforest etc) that you can use as an initial setup while coding the business logic/back end. There is still coding involved, but it's more like taking blocks and assembling your product, rather than having to start from scratch with all the css etc. Many of these are Bootstrap based, but there are Wordpress templates as well if you prefer. Not affiliated with any of these template sites, but have used this approach myself as I'm a one-man shop at the moment.

[astrowilliam]

Groupon: http://www.nextbigwhat.com/groupon-story-297/