Key Takeaways

  • Automated Tools Speed Up the Process: Browser extensions like Wappalyzer and sites like BuiltWith can instantly reveal a site’s tech stack, saving you hours of manual research.
  • Source Code Never Lies: Learning to inspect a page’s HTML source code allows you to spot specific file paths (like /wp-content/) and CSS classes that identify platforms like WordPress or Shopify.
  • Elementor Leaves a Distinct Footprint: High-performance sites often reveal elementor-section or elementor-widget classes in the code, signaling a robust, scalable platform choice.
  • Context is Key: Identifying the builder is just step one; understanding why a competitor chose a specific platform (e.g., Shopify for pure eCommerce vs. Elementor for design freedom) is where the real strategic value lies.
  • From Observation to Action: Once you identify a superior platform, tools like Elementor’s AI Site Planner and Hosting services allow you to pivot and replicate that success efficiently.

The Strategic Value of “Site Forensics”

Why should you care what technology another website is using? It’s not just about curiosity; it’s about business intelligence. In the digital age, your website is your storefront, your salesperson, and your brand ambassador. Understanding how successful competitors—or simply successful sites in other industries—are constructed gives you a roadmap.

If you notice a competitor’s site loads instantly and ranks high on Google, finding out they use a specific managed hosting environment or image optimization plugin gives you actionable data. If an eCommerce store has a unique, high-converting product page layout, knowing if they used a rigid SaaS template or a flexible builder like the Elementor Website Builder helps you decide your own path.

Furthermore, this knowledge helps in resource planning. If you see a feature you love, and you discover it requires a specific enterprise-level platform that costs thousands a month, you can adjust your expectations. Conversely, you might find that a stunning, “expensive-looking” site was actually built with accessible tools like Elementor Pro, proving that you can achieve pixel-perfect results without a massive budget.

The Fast Track: Automated Detection Tools

For most users, the quickest way to get an answer is through automated lookup tools. These services scan the public-facing code of a website and match it against a database of known “fingerprints” for various technologies.

BuiltWith

BuiltWith is arguably the heavyweight champion of technology profiling. It doesn’t just tell you the “what”—it often tells you the “when” and “how much.” By entering a URL, you get a comprehensive report that lists the Content Management System (CMS), hosting provider, email services, analytics tools, and even active plugins.

  • Pros: Extremely detailed. It can detect obscure plugins and server-side technologies.
  • Cons: The sheer amount of data can be overwhelming for beginners.

Wappalyzer

If you prefer on-the-fly analysis, Wappalyzer is a browser extension that is indispensable. Once installed, it sits in your browser bar and displays icons of the technologies running on the site you are currently visiting.

  • How it works: It analyzes the headers, global JavaScript variables, and meta tags of the page load.
  • Why use it: It’s passive and instant. You don’t have to leave the page to get the answer.

WhatCMS

As the name suggests, WhatCMS focuses specifically on the Content Management System. If you just need to know if a site is WordPress, Shopify, or Wix, this is a lightweight and fast option. It claims to detect hundreds of different CMS platforms and provides a high-level overview without the clutter of ad-tech or analytics data.

IsItWP

Targeted specifically at the WordPress ecosystem, this tool answers a binary question: “Is it WordPress?” If the answer is yes, it goes a step further, often identifying the specific WordPress Theme being used and listing popular plugins detected on the site.

The Detective Work: Manual Source Code Inspection

While tools are great, they aren’t infallible. Custom headless setups or heavily modified themes can sometimes trick automated scanners. This is where manual inspection comes in. Learning to read the “DNA” of a website—its source code—is a superpower for any web professional.

Accessing the Source Code

Every web browser allows you to view the raw HTML sent by the server.

  • Chrome/Edge/Firefox: Right-click anywhere on the page (avoiding images) and select “View Page Source” or press Ctrl + U (Windows) / Cmd + U (Mac).
  • Safari: You may need to enable the “Develop” menu in Preferences first, then select “Show Page Source.”

Do not be intimidated by the wall of code. You don’t need to write it; you just need to search it. Use Ctrl + F / Cmd + F to open the find bar.

The “Generator” Meta Tag

Many website builders proudly announce themselves in the page’s <head> section. Developers often leave a “generator” meta tag that explicitly states the platform and version.

  • Search for: name=”generator”
  • What you might see: <meta name=”generator” content=”WordPress 6.4″ /> or <meta name=”generator” content=”Squarespace” />.
  • Nuance: Savvy developers often remove this tag for security reasons to hide the specific version number, so if it’s missing, don’t give up.

File Directory Structures

The way files are organized on the server is one of the biggest giveaways.

  • WordPress: Look for the folder /wp-content/. This is the hallmark of a WordPress site. You will often see paths like /wp-content/themes/ (which tells you the active theme) or /wp-content/plugins/ (which reveals the functionality stack).
  • Shopify: Look for paths containing cdn.shopify.com. All assets on Shopify stores are served from their global Content Delivery Network (CDN).
  • Squarespace: You will often see file paths referencing static1.squarespace.com.

CSS Classes and IDs

This is the most reliable method for identifying visual builders. Builders attach “classes” (labels used for styling) to HTML elements. These classes often carry the brand name of the builder.

  • Elementor: Search for the word elementor. You will likely see classes like elementor-section, elementor-column, or elementor-widget. These indicate the site was built using the Elementor Website Builder.
  • Webflow: Look for classes like w-section, w-container, or the data-wf-site attribute on the <html> tag.
  • Bootstrap: While not a “builder” in the SaaS sense, seeing classes like col-md-6 or d-flex often indicates a custom theme built on the Bootstrap framework.

Identifying the Major Players

Now that you know how to look, let’s discuss what you are looking for. Each major platform has a distinct signature.

WordPress: The Open Source Giant

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, so statistically, it’s the most likely answer.

  • The Signature: As mentioned, /wp-content/ is the smoking gun.
  • The Vibe: WordPress sites vary wildly because the platform is open-source. A site could be a simple blog or a complex enterprise portal. The presence of WordPress confirms the owner values ownership and flexibility.
  • Deeper Dive: If you verify it’s WordPress, your next question should be “How was it built?” Is it a custom theme, or are they using a platform like Elementor? (More on this later).
  • Resource: Learn more about the power of WordPress.

Shopify: The eCommerce Specialist

Shopify is a closed ecosystem, meaning everything is hosted by them.

  • The Signature: Look for Shopify.theme in the JavaScript variables or URLs containing /products/ and /collections/. The checkout URL will almost always direct to checkout.shopify.com unless they are on a high-tier Plus plan with a custom checkout domain.
  • The Vibe: These sites are purely transactional. The structure is often rigid because the platform prioritizes standardized eCommerce flows over unique design expression.

Wix & Squarespace: The SaaS Contenders

These are “all-in-one” hosted platforms, similar to Shopify but for general websites.

  • Wix Signature: Look for wix.com in the source code or comments that say <!– Wix.com Website Builder –>. The code is often heavy with JavaScript.
  • Squarespace Signature: Look for static1.squarespace.com for images and templateId in the source code, which identifies the specific template family being used.
  • The Vibe: These platforms are often used by smaller businesses or portfolios where ease of setup was prioritized over scalability or custom functionality.

Spotting Elementor: The Signs of a Pro Platform

When you inspect a site and find the tell-tale signs of Elementor, you are looking at a site built on a different philosophy. Unlike rigid SaaS templates or raw custom code, identifying Elementor means the creator chose a “Website Builder Platform” that sits perfectly between the two worlds.

The Technical Footprint

If you search the source code for “elementor”, you will find it in the CSS classes attached to the structure of the page.

  • elementor-section: The main container for a row of content.
  • elementor-column: The vertical dividers within a section.
  • elementor-widget: The individual elements (images, text, buttons).

You might also see references to Elementor Pro assets, such as pro-elements.css, indicating the site is using advanced features like the Popup Builder or Form Builder.

Why This Discovery Matters

Finding Elementor on a competitor’s site tells you something important about their strategy:

  1. They Value Design Freedom: They likely aren’t using a cookie-cutter theme. They are using a visual editor that allows for pixel-perfect placement.
  2. They are Scalable: Unlike basic page builders, Elementor powers over 18 million websites. It’s an ecosystem, not just a plugin.
  3. They use Integrated Marketing: You might see classes related to popups or forms. This suggests they are using the platform’s native tools for lead generation rather than paying for expensive external SaaS tools.

The “Hello” Connection

If you see the theme listed as “Hello Elementor,” you are looking at a site built on a performance-first foundation. The Hello Theme is a lightweight framework designed specifically for the builder. It acts as a blank canvas, meaning every visual element you see on the screen was intentionally designed by the creator, not inherited from a bloated theme.

Watch this video to understand the accessibility features often found in these modern setups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2ig5D348vo 

Analyzing the Tech Stack Beyond the Builder

Knowing the builder is just the start. High-performing websites are ecosystems. When you are snooping around the source code or using BuiltWith, look for the supporting players that make the site fast and effective.

Hosting Infrastructure

You might spot headers or IP addresses related to Google Cloud Platform. If you see this in conjunction with Elementor, it often points to Elementor Hosting. This is a managed hosting solution that includes the Cloudflare Enterprise CDN.

  • Why it matters: If a competitor’s site is blazing fast, it’s likely not just their code; it’s their infrastructure. Knowing they use a managed hosting solution optimized for their builder gives you a benchmark for your own site’s performance requirements.

Optimization Tools

Do you see images served in .webp or .avif formats? Check the source for plugins like the Image Optimizer. This suggests the site owner is serious about Core Web Vitals and SEO. Large, unoptimized images are a primary cause of slow websites, so spotting an optimization plugin explains why their visual-heavy site still loads quickly.

Marketing & Communication

Look for script tags related to email marketing. Are they using Mailchimp, or do you see integration with Send by Elementor? Native integrations often mean better data reliability and site performance because the data doesn’t have to travel between disparate third-party systems.

Also, check for accessibility features. Are they using tools to ensure compliance? The Ally Web Accessibility plugin is becoming a common find on professional sites that need to adhere to regulations like the ADA or EAA.

From Observation to Action: Leveraging Your Findings

You’ve done the detective work. You know your competitor is using WordPress with Elementor, hosted on a managed cloud platform, and utilizing specific optimization tools. What now?

1. Benchmark Your Performance

If their site is faster than yours, and you now know their stack, you have a target. If you are on a shared hosting plan and they are on a managed cloud plan, that is likely the difference. Consider upgrading to a comparable solution like Elementor Hosting to match their infrastructure.

2. Replicate the Design (Better)

Did you love their layout? Since you know they used a visual builder, you know that layout isn’t locked behind complex PHP code. You can replicate similar structures using the Elementor Library. You don’t need to copy them; you can take the core UX principle (e.g., a sticky header or a motion-effect hero section) and implement it yourself.

For help with planning, you can even use the AI Site Planner to generate wireframes based on the structures you admired.

3. Improve Your Workflow

If you noticed they are using a unified platform for forms, popups, and design, but you are paying for three different SaaS subscriptions to do the same thing, it might be time to consolidate. Switching to a comprehensive platform can lower your overhead and simplify your management.

Watch this video on how AI is changing the workflow for web creators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvuy5vSKJMg 

The Role of AI in Modern Web Creation

As you analyze modern websites, you might wonder how much of the content or code was generated by AI. While it’s hard to definitively “spot” AI in the source code, the efficiency of the site often gives it away.

Sites that have frequent content updates, unique imagery that doesn’t look like generic stock photos, and complex custom CSS effects often leverage AI tools.

  • Elementor AI allows creators to generate code, images, and text directly within the editor.
  • If you see a site with perfectly written custom CSS for a unique hover effect, the creator might not be a coding wizard—they might just be using an AI assistant to write the snippets for them.

This democratization of “pro-level” features is why knowing the builder matters. It reveals that the barrier to entry for high-end web design has lowered significantly. You don’t need a dev team; you need the right platform.

Conclusion

Finding out which website builder was used is more than a parlor trick for techies. It is a fundamental part of market research. It demystifies the success of others and provides you with a concrete list of tools and strategies to improve your own digital presence.

Whether you rely on automated tools like BuiltWith or dive into the source code yourself, the goal is the same: clarity. You will often find that the most impressive, flexible, and high-performing sites are not built on rigid, closed systems, but on open platforms that empower creators.

The shift from simple “page builders” to comprehensive “website builder platforms” is evident in the code. When you see a site built with a robust stack—integrated hosting, AI tools, and dynamic design capabilities—you are looking at the future of the web.

Ready to build your own masterpiece? You can Download the Free Version of the platform that powers millions of pros, or claim a Free Domain Name to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hide which website builder I am using? Yes, to an extent. Security-conscious developers often remove the “generator” meta tag to prevent automated bots from identifying version numbers, which can be a security risk. However, it is very difficult to completely hide the underlying technology. Unique CSS classes (like elementor-section), directory structures (like /wp-content/), and JavaScript variables usually remain visible in the source code to anyone who knows where to look.

2. Is there a single tool that detects every website builder? No single tool is 100% perfect. BuiltWith is incredibly comprehensive, but even it can be tricked by headless architectures or custom caching layers. Wappalyzer is excellent for quick checks but might miss server-side technologies that don’t expose headers. The most reliable method is a combination of an automated tool and manual source code inspection.

3. Why do some sites show multiple builders or CMSs? This is common in enterprise environments. A company might use WordPress for their blog (for its superior content management) but use Shopify for their checkout/storefront (for its transactional security). This “headless” or hybrid approach allows them to leverage the best features of each platform. You might see wp-content paths on the blog pages and cdn.shopify.com assets on the product pages.

4. Does the website builder affect SEO rankings? Indirectly, yes. Google ranks pages based on performance, mobile-friendliness, and content quality. Some older builders generate “bloated” code that slows down page load times, hurting SEO. Modern platforms like Elementor Hosting are optimized for speed, offering features like built-in caching and CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) to ensure high Core Web Vitals scores, which positively impact rankings.

5. How can I tell if a site is using a custom theme or a pre-made template? In WordPress, look at the /wp-content/themes/ folder path in the source code. If the folder name matches a popular theme sold on marketplaces (e.g., “avada”, “divi”), it’s a pre-made theme. If the folder name is generic or matches the brand’s name (e.g., “nike-2024”), it is likely a custom theme. If you see “hello-elementor,” they are using a lightweight starter theme and likely built the design visually using a builder.

6. What is the difference between a CMS and a Website Builder? A CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress is a database-driven platform for managing content. A Website Builder (like the Elementor plugin) is a visual tool that sits on top of the CMS to control the design and layout. Often, the two work together. However, some SaaS platforms like Wix bundle the CMS, builder, and hosting into one inseparable product.

7. Can I copy a website’s design once I know the builder? You should never copy a design purely for legal and ethical reasons. However, knowing the builder allows you to understand how a specific effect was achieved. If you see a competitor using a “sticky scroll” effect and know they use Elementor, you can look up a tutorial on “sticky scrolling in Elementor” to implement a similar user experience on your own site using your own assets and branding.

8. Why do so many professional sites use WordPress? Freedom and ownership. Unlike closed SaaS platforms where you rent your site, WordPress is open-source, meaning you own your data and code. It also has a massive ecosystem of plugins. Professionals prefer it because they can extend functionality almost infinitely—adding complex custom fields, membership areas, or unique animations—without hitting the “hard limits” often found in closed website builders.

9. How do I switch my website builder if I don’t like my current one? Migrating depends on your source and destination. Moving from one WordPress builder to another (e.g., Divi to Elementor) often involves rebuilding the design, though your content (posts/pages) remains safe in the database. Moving from a closed platform like Wix to WordPress is more complex and may require exporting content via CSV files or using migration services. It is often a great opportunity to redesign using a modern tool like Elementor AI to freshen up the look.

10. What if I can’t find any info in the source code? If the source code is minified or obfuscated, and tools like BuiltWith return nothing, the site might be a custom-coded “static” site (HTML/CSS/JS) or built with a headless framework like React or Vue.js. In these cases, there is no “builder” in the traditional sense; the site was hand-written by developers. This is common for web applications but less common for standard marketing websites due to the high cost of maintenance.

Citation: This article was reviewed by Itamar Haim, a digital marketing and web development expert.