Tag Archive for: Weebly website

So, why Weebly Websites?

Because I want to offer my clients exactly what they need. What I have found is that for SOME of my clients, WordPress is just too much. It is so robust and offers so many features and settings, that it becomes too much for them to edit, update and manage moving forward. I got turned on to Weebly websites from a fellow website developer who noticed the same thing and is now making Weebly vs WordPress websites for her clients.

Wordpress websites and blogsI am still a firm believer in WordPress. I believe it will continue to be popular and the right choice for some of my clients. But, having this secondary option, is refreshing.

Weebly has about 45 themes to choose from vs WordPress’s 1200 themes, and then there are enhanced WordPress themes and plugins you can purchase.

Weebly websites offer a simple “drop and drag” building interface that makes it easy to see exactly what your site will look like once published.

I use a specific WordPress theme that has several demo templates to choose from and also offers a drag-and-drop style page builder.

With Weebly, you don’t need to worry about adding plugins to your website. You don’t have to make sure the theme and Weebly software are kept updated. Weebly takes care of all of that. You do need to manage these for a WordPress website, but they can be enabled to update automatically. But still, they need to be updated.

WordPress is King when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Plus, it offers almost an unlimited assortment of plugins you can add to the platform to give your site extra functionality. Weebly is a good option if SEO isn’t vital to your site, like you aren’t trying to attraction readers from the entire world, maybe just your geographic location. Weebly’s SEO statistics is built-in, no extra plugin to add. If we use WordPress for your site, I will recommend a Google Analytics account is set up for optimal SEO.

As far as price, it’s less expensive to host a WordPress site than Weebly. $2.95/month (using BlueHost.com) vs $12/month for the Weebly Professional Plan).

Weebly does not offer email services. If your domain is with Weebly, then you will need to sign up for (and pay for) Google Workspace. If your domain is at BlueHost.com, then we can set up your custom domain email account and you can either use BlueHost to check your mail or I can have it imported into a Gmail account and you can check it and send email from your domain email address there. Ask me about email services and I can explain your options and help you decide. Maybe you want to use an email account you already have on your Weebly website, one that is not associated with your domain. That can work and it would be less expensive than using Google Workspace, easier to set up on your site too! We can use a Contact Form, which will allow us not to display your email address on either site builder you choose.

There are tons of other, more detailed comparisons I could make, but I prefer to meet with my clients and listen to what they want from their site FIRST before I recommend one or the other. See my page about How I Work.

If you are considering a new website or blog, or updating a current site, give me a call. We can meet, with no obligation, to determine what’s best for you.

Here’s some info on Website/Blog consultations.

What Do Clients and Customers Think of Your Website?

Do clients and customers ever tell you what they think of your website? Probably not. What about prospects or potential members for your organization? They might share with you if they like it, but if they are turned-off by your website, they just go away and you never even know why you lost them.

First impressions are very important in business and for nonprofit organizations. What does your website say about you?

It doesn’t matter if you dedicate time and resources for nice business cards, brochures and other marketing materials if online users never get past your website.

Need a new website?

I work with clients to review their current websites and discover what’s working and what’s not. I make sure that their message is in alignment with their other marketing materials and that the message is clear and attracts their ideal client.

I have recently worked with several clients where we reviewed their Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, website and print materials to get them all looking and saying the same cohesive message.

I create websites and blogs primarily using WordPress because it’s search engine friendly naturally. Plus, I can customize the design to fit my client’s style. For some clients, Weebly is the best platform for a website. See my post about Weebly vs WordPress.

Clients give me an idea of what features they need like online forms, a calendar for events, videos, password protected pages, shopping cart, downloadable documents, etc. I create a proposal based on my client’s needs. We work together on design style and content until the site is launched.

Once the website is live, I teach my clients how to maintain their site. I offer tips on effective blog posts and how to stay fresh. I do as much or as little as my clients want me to do. Some clients want to take it over and run with it, others want me to make the updates. I’m fine either way. You can read my “How I work” post. I offer advice and training to empower my clients. However, many just don’t have time to work on a website, they are busy serving their customers, members and clients.

I enjoy taking on an outdated website and giving it new life. I love creating websites and blogs my clients are eager to share. If you need a new site, or want to update your current website, I’d love to hear from you.

I have more recommendations on my MembershipWorks profile if you are looking for a website for your nonprofit that includes features like Membership and Event management, online Donations and Custom Forms.

More information at WordPress Websites and Blogs