Sep 14, 2024 | Website Builders
Choosing the right website builder is essential to your business’s online success. While popular website builders can offer a range of features, they often come with limitations that may not suit every business. In this article, we’ll list the top 10 website builders, weigh their pros and cons, and explain why working with a local web designer like Sandy Rowley is a better option for many small businesses.
With Sandy, you not only own your website but also get quick, personalized support via phone, unlike many large platforms that offer only chat or email. Plus, many large website builders have removed their phone support, making it harder to get timely help when you need it.
Top 10 Website Builders: Pros and Cons
1. Wix
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop functionality makes it user-friendly.
- Extensive customization options.
- Free plan available.
Cons:
- Once your site goes live, you cannot change the template.
- Limited scalability for larger websites.
- Slower page load times, which can hurt SEO.
2. Squarespace
Pros:
- Sleek, professional templates.
- Integrated e-commerce features.
- Great for creatives like photographers and designers.
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to other builders.
- More expensive than most alternatives.
- No free plan after the trial period.
3. WordPress.com
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use, with built-in SEO tools.
- Extensive range of plugins for added functionality.
- Highly customizable.
Cons:
- Customization is limited unless you upgrade to the premium version.
- Can be complex for beginners.
- Requires ongoing maintenance and updates.
4. Weebly
Pros:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop builder.
- Affordable pricing plans.
- Good for small online stores.
Cons:
- Limited design customization.
- Not as robust for blogging or large websites.
- Basic SEO features.
5. Shopify
Pros:
- Tailored specifically for e-commerce.
- Strong integrations with payment gateways.
- Large app marketplace for additional features.
Cons:
- Can get expensive with add-ons and premium themes.
- Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
- Limited design flexibility outside of e-commerce.
6. GoDaddy Website Builder
Pros:
- Extremely fast setup and easy to use.
- 24/7 support.
- Integrated with GoDaddy domain services.
Cons:
- Very basic features compared to other builders.
- Limited design flexibility.
- Not the best option for SEO or larger websites.
7. Webflow
Pros:
- Advanced design capabilities for creative professionals.
- Clean, fast-loading code ideal for SEO.
- Flexible for both simple and complex websites.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve, not beginner-friendly.
- Expensive compared to other platforms.
- Some features require technical know-how.
8. Jimdo
Pros:
- Simple, straightforward interface.
- Free plan available.
- Good for simple websites like portfolios and blogs.
Cons:
- Very basic design options.
- Limited scalability for growing businesses.
- Lacks in-depth SEO tools.
9. BigCommerce
Pros:
- Best for large online stores with high sales volume.
- No transaction fees.
- Strong SEO features for e-commerce.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other e-commerce platforms.
- Not as intuitive as Shopify.
- Limited customization without coding knowledge.
10. Duda
Pros:
- Excellent for agencies and freelancers.
- High-quality templates and design flexibility.
- Strong mobile optimization.
Cons:
- Higher pricing tiers.
- Limited app marketplace.
- Lacks extensive SEO features compared to WordPress or Shopify.
Why Working with a Local Web Designer Like Sandy Rowley is the Better Choice
While these website builders are convenient, they often come with limitations that could hinder your business in the long run. Here’s why working with a local web designer like Sandy Rowley offers a superior experience:
1. You Own Your Website
When you work with a website builder like Wix or Squarespace, you don’t fully own your site. You’re tied to their platform, meaning if you ever want to leave, you may lose your design or content. When you work with Sandy Rowley, you own everything, from the website files to the design, ensuring you have full control.
2. Personalized Support
One of the biggest frustrations with using large website builders is their lack of customer service. Most have removed phone support, forcing users to wait for email or chat responses. With Sandy Rowley, you can speak to her directly over the phone when you need immediate assistance. This saves time and minimizes downtime for your business.
3. Quick and Fast Updates
Need a quick update or change? With Sandy, there’s no waiting for approval from a large company or dealing with slow email chains. You can call, discuss your needs, and have your website updated promptly. Her local presence in Reno ensures that you’re not just another faceless client in a long queue.
4. SEO Expertise
Many website builders have basic SEO tools, but they often lack the flexibility to fully optimize your site for search engines. Sandy Rowley is an SEO expert who ensures your site is not only functional but also optimized to rank high in search engines. From keyword optimization to technical SEO, she has the knowledge to help your site succeed.
5. Custom Design
Large website builders are limited by templates that may not fully capture your brand’s uniqueness. Sandy creates custom designs tailored to your business’s needs and goals. A personalized design ensures that your website stands out from the competition.
Conclusion
While website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com are convenient for beginners, they often fall short when it comes to customization, support, and SEO. If you’re looking for a more personalized approach, working with a local web designer like Sandy Rowley is a smart investment. Not only will you own your website outright, but you’ll also benefit from quick, reliable support and advanced SEO strategies to help your business grow.
Looking to build a website or enhance your current one? Contact Sandy Rowley today for a consultation and see how she can help bring your online presence to the next level!
Sep 14, 2024 | Google Domains, Squarespace
Google Domains and Squarespace Expert in Reno: What You Need to Know About the Transition and How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
If you’re a website owner who relies on Google Domains, you might already know that Squarespace has recently acquired Google’s domain registration business. This acquisition could have a significant impact on how you manage your website, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Squarespace’s platform. Whether you’re a business owner in Reno or elsewhere, making sure this transition goes smoothly is critical for maintaining your online presence. Here’s what you need to know about the common issues website owners may face and how working with a Google Domains and Squarespace expert in Reno like Sandy Rowley can help.
Why This Acquisition Matters to You
Squarespace, known for its website-building platform, is set to integrate Google Domains into its suite of services. While this might sound convenient for Squarespace users, it raises several concerns for website owners who aren’t using their platform or who have tailored their domains specifically for Google’s ecosystem. If you don’t stay on top of the changes, your website, email, and SEO performance could be negatively affected.
Common Issues to Be Mindful Of
As you transition from Google Domains to Squarespace, here are some of the key areas where website owners could encounter issues:
1. DNS Settings
- Check DNS Configuration: DNS settings are essential for directing traffic to your website. If these settings aren’t transferred correctly, your site could experience downtime.
- Propagation Delays: Be aware that DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, meaning your website might be temporarily inaccessible during this period.
- Custom Domain Redirects: If you’re using any custom redirects or subdomains, make sure these are carried over seamlessly.
2. Email Service Issues
- Reconfigure Email Accounts: Many business owners use Google Workspace for professional emails. If your domain is being moved to Squarespace, you will need to ensure your email settings are updated, or you could experience service interruptions.
- MX Records Accuracy: Ensuring that your MX records are correctly set up is critical for keeping your emails flowing smoothly.
- Email Forwarding Interruptions: Be mindful of potential disruptions in email forwarding rules and ensure they transfer correctly.
3. Website Functionality Problems
- Website Downtime: Anytime you’re transferring domains, there’s a risk of website downtime. This can affect not only user experience but also your SEO rankings if the downtime is prolonged.
- Broken Links: After the transition, it’s essential to check for broken links or missing pages, which can lead to 404 errors.
- SSL Certificates: Without a valid SSL certificate, your website could display a ‘Not Secure’ warning to visitors, damaging your credibility.
4. SEO Rankings
- Google Analytics & Search Console Setup: After the transfer, ensure your Google Analytics and Google Search Console accounts are correctly tracking your website’s performance.
- SEO Metadata Loss: If your site has been optimized for SEO with meta tags, title tags, and alt text, verify that none of this data is lost in the migration.
- URL Structures: One of the most common SEO issues during a domain transition is broken URL structures. If the URLs change or redirect incorrectly, you could lose valuable traffic and rankings.
- Update XML Sitemap: After the migration, it’s important to resubmit your XML sitemap to Google Search Console to help Google re-index your website’s pages.
How a Google Domains and Squarespace Expert in Reno Can Help
Navigating the complexities of this transition can be tricky, but working with an expert like Sandy Rowley ensures that every step is handled properly. Here’s how she can help:
1. DNS Configuration and Setup
Sandy Rowley will make sure that all your DNS settings transfer seamlessly to Squarespace without any issues. Her expertise will help prevent downtime and other technical difficulties that could otherwise cost your business visitors and revenue.
2. Email Service Maintenance
Whether you use Google Workspace or another provider, Sandy will handle the reconfiguration of your email settings to make sure there are no interruptions in your business communications.
3. SEO Optimization and Maintenance
Sandy is a well-known SEO expert in Reno with over 26 years of experience. She will audit your website for any potential SEO losses during the transition and implement fixes to preserve and improve your rankings. This includes addressing issues with URL structures, metadata, and Google Analytics tracking.
4. Ongoing Support
Beyond the transition, Sandy offers ongoing support to ensure your website remains updated and secure. This includes SSL certificate management, link monitoring, and any additional updates you might need as Squarespace continues to integrate Google Domains.
Conclusion
If you’re a business owner or website manager transitioning from Google Domains to Squarespace, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential issues that could arise. From DNS configuration to SEO rankings, the process involves a lot of moving parts that, if not handled correctly, could negatively impact your online presence.
By working with Sandy Rowley, a Google Domains and Squarespace expert in Reno, you can rest assured that your website will continue to function smoothly and maintain its competitive edge. Contact Sandy today to discuss how she can help you navigate this transition and ensure your website stays on top.
Aug 29, 2024 | Rural Nevada Roadshow
Rural Nevada Roadshow: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Rural Communities
About the Program
The StartUpNV Rural Nevada Roadshow is a dynamic initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth and success among small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in rural Nevada. This program is brought to life through a partnership with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and sponsorship from the USDA. Throughout the year, the Roadshow will travel to eight different communities across seven counties, delivering a series of educational events designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
These events will cover essential topics crucial for business growth, including developing robust business models, understanding customer needs, assessing market size, and crafting compelling value propositions. In addition to these key learnings, participants will gain insights into local resources and programs, such as GOED’s international trade and export initiatives, and receive access to StartUpNV’s online incubator, IncubateNV.
2024 Rural Nevada Roadshow Schedule
The Roadshow is scheduled to visit the following locations:
- May 15th: Laughlin
- Time: 12:00-2:30 PM
- Venue: Laughlin Community Center, 101 Laughlin Civic Way, Laughlin, NV 89029
- May 17th: Alamo
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Venue: Nevada 4-H Camp Alamo, 1536 Alamo W Rd, NV 89001
- May 17th: Caliente
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Venue: University of Nevada, Reno Extension – Lincoln County Office, 360 Lincoln St, Caliente, NV 89008
- June 12th: Tonopah
- July 9th: Elko
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Venue: Great Basin College, 1500 College Pkwy, Elko, NV 89801
- August 13th: Pahrump
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Venue: Valley Electric Association, 800 State 372, Pahrump, NV 89048
- September 26th: Moapa Valley
- Venue: Overton Conference Room, Overton Community Center, 320 N. Moapa Valley Blvd, Moapa Valley, NV 89040
- Registration required
- October 2nd: Ely
- Venue: White Pine High School, 1800 Bobcat Dr, Ely, NV 89301
- Registration required
Stay Updated
Locations and venues may be updated regularly, so be sure to check back frequently for the latest information.
This Roadshow offers a unique opportunity for rural Nevada entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, the Rural Nevada Roadshow provides valuable resources and networking opportunities to help you succeed.
