which is the best ‘online web site builder”?
Hi guys,
I’m seeking the perfect ONLINE web site building software for dummies, so I can profile it in The Wealthy Gypsy book. (The writing is going really well, and it’s time for research 
Anyone should be able to go to a web site, pick a template, upload a picture, type in some text, and BANG – they have their own web site.
SIMPLE. Easy.
Which is the best? (for dummies)
What are the pros and cons?
Please post your answers below.
And much appreciated!
David
www.SolutionBox.com
P.S. Advanced note: if there’s an open source software that I can install on a huge server and give people free or cheap hosting accounts, I’m open to it. But surely there are people out there already doing it, and better than I could.
P.P.S. I know software like Joomla is amazing, but remember this is for dummies – they can’t go installing stuff like that and setting it up. I’m thinking there has to be a third party who has installed it and offers free or low cost accounts.
P.P.P.S. Remember it has to be online….(so not dreamweaver)
Tags: cms, content management system, web design, web site builder
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November 8th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Network Solutions is the easiest. I’ve used them for years
Good Luck
November 8th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
How about answering one for me. When am I going to get a Goals Report to put back up on my website??
Thanks
November 8th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Actually, being a former success coach tuned self-taught professional web designer, I’d have to say that two of my favorites when I was a beginner had to be http://www.homestead.com (BEAUTIFUL professional looking templates for cheap…$4.99 per mo. or $19.99 per mo. if you’d like to use your own domain name) or http://www.synthasite.com is an awesome FREE site with beautiful templates and very easy “walk-through” set-up! I believe that it is even FREE if you use your own domain name. Good luck and if I can answer any other questions or help in some way, please feel free to contact me. I wish that I had someone to go to when I was fumbling across the web. info@designothetimes.com : )
November 9th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Vistaprint website is the best…
I was literally up and running in one day with paypal connected…
I did not need to learn HTML or any other computer jargon to accomplish what I accomplished. I contacted the customer service for something and they walked me through it in seconds. I am thrilled with the results and it also tracks my marketing email list for me…
Have a great one…
CJM
November 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
1and1.com. I have had my site with them for about 2 years. It was very easy to set up. Rather inexpensive, too.
November 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I find Wordpress is the easiest to use, and you can have a free hosting account at wordpress.com, with available upgrades to have your own domain.
The tricky part of Wordpress is pulling together any plugins, shopping cart, and design templates you want/need.
Finding a great free or inexpensive Wordpress template/package would be a great service to the community, and a possible revenue stream.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I have found godaddy.com easy to use, reasonably priced, and their customer support is fabulous.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I have two. One is free, and the other is pretty cheap. The free one — the one I’m with now — is weebly.com. It’s got lots of bells and whistles, but it’s not completely bug-proof. But. . . it’s free, and that’s a good thing. The other is through VistaPrint.com — you know, the free business card folks. It costs 14.95/mo. for EVERYTHING they have. It’s okay, but the support is not great. It doesn’t come out and say how to do stuff. You have to ask, and as a newbie, I didn’t even KNOW what to ask! So, without some sort of a newsletter or “tip file,” I really didn’t get that much out of it. So, there you have it!
Theresa Hartman
http://www.hartmanpromotions.weebly.com
November 13th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
vista print have a very simplified version
for domain names GO DADDY they also have web designs but trick to access
GOOD LUCK
November 13th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
For dead simple, quick, and actually quite useful, I would nominate Tumblr:
http://www.tumblr.com/
You can have a functional blog up in about 2 minutes, and unlike with Wordpress.com (which I would recommend next), there is no learning curve. Posting is dead simple, and the ease and speed with which you can repurpose/quote other people’s content from around the web makes it ideal for anyone just getting started. The barrier to posting often (one of the secrets to a successful blog), is WAY down.
If you install the Tumblr bookmarklet, you can create a post with 2 clicks and whatever annotation you’d like. I have been experimenting with a Tumblr blog of my own, just for fun, check it out here:
http://loosechange.tumblr.com/
As you can see, the visuals are clean and gear the focus toward the content. Anything you want changed (over time), you can change with CSS, including adding HTML/Javascript based widgets in the sidebar, e.g. an opt-in form, or direct links to your “pillar posts”, etc. Unlike Google Sites (which are also worth a mention), you can apparently also have your Tumblr blog show from your own domain if desired.
As for shopping -cart like funtions, creating and embedding PayPal custom order/offer buttons is quick and easy once you have your PayPal merchant account. Only drawback I see with Tumblr: no comments function so far.
I have several self-hosted Wordpress(.org) blogs that are highly customized, but in reality that still isn’t the most novice-friendly solution. Better to just get going and get in the habit of writing and posting daily or several times a week.
Best – Alex
Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/alexschleber
November 14th, 2008 at 1:35 am
I’ve used godaddy for both the domain name and have used their site builder to create my website. I’ve found it to be really easy to use and great for newbies. I created the banner myself and changed that part of it but you can also choose templates which have already been designed.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I’ve used WebPlus by Serif for years. Currently, I have 7 websites, all created in WebPlus. Its very easy to modify a template, change individual or theme colors, add graphics and upload. Its very affordable, support is great. It is perfect for newbies and those who have more technical and creative expertise will be able to use the HTML functions with ease. The company releases regular upgrades that are highly affordable. The software also provides for the development of newsletters.
November 15th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Here’s one that’s totally cool for newbies, and has lots of hand-holding help:
http://www.webpowertools.com
David, you remember Deborah Gallant, right? It’s her tool. I think it’s just what you’re looking for.
Linda
November 15th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Hi David and thanks Linda. This system is built for self-serve.
Optimized for search. Hooked up to Google Analytics. As many pages as you want no more charge. Your own URL. Print manual, audio training, best practices. Would love to discuss with you and your team (again!)
Deborah Gallant 805-991-9660
November 26th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Try http://www.doctopus.com its like dreamweave but online. Been using it for a while now, its pretty good.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
thanks guys – these comments are great.
I’ve found one which seems pretty amazing – in fact I think I’ll buy the license and private label it.
I’ll keep you posted.
D
February 26th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I have a friend of mine that has a websites of tutorials on how to install and configure things like Wordpress, and other CMS’s.
And if you run into problems, you can contact him and ask for help.
He will even do it for you if you need him to, and he works for donations (that means you decide what to pay him for his work, based on what you feel it is worth and what you can afford)
He’s quite honest and trustworthy, too, with references you can check.
http://www.howtotuts.com
His Delicious account is a fantastic resource for the best CMS related links on the web:
http://delicious.com/sridhar
May 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
I am with the below for a long long time. They are very very very stable platform now. With a little bit more HTML skill and photo editing skill, you can take it to the level you want. Huge Value for money. Imagine i am sitting in Singapore and Malaysia but the support is just next door. Not much support you will need from them anyway :p
http://www.cityslide.com for small site.
http://www.citymax.com for business site.
I think they use to call website dynamic.
my site: http://www.speaknutrition.com
Then for free website, I use the below. Going on preference.
1) yola.com (just that i hate their sub domain name- too long)
2) weebly (not as easy to manage but rather stable than 1)
All there other free builder just have a little bit restriction here and there. (ads, …. etc.)
my sites: wmsg.weebly.com & wmsg.synthasite.com
For flash site, i use the below
http://www.sitecube.com (they have quite a bit of resellers)
do check out my site: http://www.joindclub.com
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:00 pm
I always enjoy reading quality articles by an author who is definately knowledgeable on their chosen subject. I’ll be following this post with much interest. Keep up the good work, I will be back