Hi Nancy,
Both are really great ways.
I am more of a control freak so, while the GDI site builder makes it really easy, there are some things it doesn't let me do. So, I prefer to build my own and then use FTP to upload it.
However, I have seen some people use the GDI site builder and make some amazing sites. Perhaps they just put a little more time into really learning the editor while I mostly just played.
I think it really comes down to what produces the results you want and what you enjoy doing. You could always give the GDI site builder a try and if you don't like it switch back to uploading it yourself.
And of course you also have the option of using WordPress or Drupal to build the site too. They don't actually have to look and behave like a blog.
Let us know what you come up with and give us a link so we can ooh and ahhh at your creativity.
Vincent Parker