Weebly is one of the better free self-hosted do-it-yourself drag-and-drop web-based website builders out there. It provides a way to easily and visually build a beautiful and powerful website (based on a pre-selected theme) for your business without needing to know how to code or hire an expensive website design expert. However, if you do know html, Weebly allows you to have access to the html / css for additional customization capabilities. Addition pros and cons are as follows:
ProsThe pros of using Weebly to build your website is the ability to visually design a website via a drag and drop website builder – no coding required. The templates available are beautiful, and mobile friendly - indicative of what is expected of websites today. There are also numerous types of pre-made layouts, objects and apps that can be added to make your website powerful and one of a kind.
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ConsThe cons of using Weebly is at the end of the day – it is still a self-hosted web-based website builder. That is to say you are still relying on Weebly to be a host that is fast and secure with awesome customer service. In addition, it is yet another program that does have a learning curve to maximize its effectiveness. After all, you have better things to do – like run your business.
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The largest limitation of using a do-it-yourself web-based website builder is the learning curve. Each tool has its own quirks and capabilities to master to maximize its potential. Weebly is no different. Instead of using your valuable time trapped behind a computer learning new software, why not use your time more effectively running your business and hire someone who could build you a better website at an affordable rate.
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Another downside to using any self-hosted web-based website builder is that if for any reason you become dissatisfied with the host due to performance of it as a host or staff customer service, and you want to leave, you cannot take your website with you. It must be rebuilt from scratch with your new host of choice. If you are sure Weebly is for you (I have no reason to think otherwise – yet), then read on...
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Steps to building your Weebly website
The first step to building a Weebly website is to go to www.Weebly.com and sign up for an account if you don't have one already. Next - simply choose a theme. Just be advised that some newer themes may not support older browsers such as IE 8. More about seo services here. Next - choose a domain name. It can be either a sub-domain of Weebly, you can register a new domain name with Weebly, or you can connect a domain you already own to Weebly.
The next step will of course be to familiarize yourself with the Weebly dashboard: Build, Pages, Store, Settings & Preview.
The next step will of course be to familiarize yourself with the Weebly dashboard: Build, Pages, Store, Settings & Preview.
Settings
Here is where you choose the site title. It will be joined with the page name to make the title of the website. Do not duplicate keywords. You can also set up sharing for your blog posts here. Under seo, you can add description and keywords, however if also added under each page, it will be overwritten. This is also where you can add your code for Google Analytics / Google Webmaster Tools. A solid plus for Weebly. Settings is also where you can manage your site editors, members, store and blog posts.
Add Pages
Next - go ahead and add your pages. Here is where you can add / delete pages, change header type for each page, change page visibility and password protection, and under advanced - change the page specific page title / description / keywords and add page specific header / footer code. Visibility to se etc. available under advanced settings).
Header Type - If you want, you can go ahead and choose a header type. To change the image of the header type, simply hover over the image and click on the “edit image” button in the lower right of the header. Header type can be changed here by clicking on the gear next to the “edit image” button. If a header type other than splash page is chosen, you’ll be given the option to further choose a layout type by page type and / or drag and drop objects onto the page.
Before adding any content via the “build” tab, choose a “layout” via button located below header. This will enable the columns you wish to have before-hand. Columns can also be added automatically by adding an object next to another object.
The footer of the site cannot be changed with a paid upgrade.
Before adding any content via the “build” tab, choose a “layout” via button located below header. This will enable the columns you wish to have before-hand. Columns can also be added automatically by adding an object next to another object.
The footer of the site cannot be changed with a paid upgrade.
Build Pages
Now you are ready to build your pages. Elements that can be added include paragraph titles (h2, paragraph text, images / galleries / slideshows, maps, contact forms, <code>, dividers, spacers, buttons, search boxes, video / audio / youtube, flash (not recommended), docs / files, ecommerce products, block quotes, social icons, polls, rsvp forms, survey forms, booking forms, forums, rss feeds, and other Weebly apps (free / paid) as added.
As items are added next to each other, they create columns automatically. As items are added above or below each other, they create rows automatically. It is as simple as that. The only downside is each item is added to its own box. That is to say items cannot be overlapped. However, columns can be resized via dragging the divider between columns left or right. The space between rows or the space between columns can we widened by adding a spacer.
Each object you drag onto the page is customizable. Click on the object and additional options are available. You can move the object on the same page (via center), copy / move the object to another page (via upper left corner of the object), or delete it (via upper right corner of the object).
Each object you drag onto the page is customizable. Click on the object and additional options are available. You can move the object on the same page (via center), copy / move the object to another page (via upper left corner of the object), or delete it (via upper right corner of the object).
Preview Pages
There are two preview modes available: Desktop and mobile. Current Weebly templates are responsive and look good on any device (as opposed to being adaptive or generating a separate mobile website like other website builders do). If the template you’ve chosen is responsive (we highly suggest that you do), you have zero control over exactly how the site will look on a mobile device. However, more than likely, the site will look just fine on mobile devices. You should be in good hands with Weebly.
If you get stuck, you can go to the help ? in the upper right of your dashboard. Changes are saved automatically (I have yet to find an under / redo button so build carefully. When ready, hit the publish button and enjoy the fruits of your labor - hopefully.
Paid Upgrades |
Resource Links |
Paid upgrades include removing of Weebly branding, advertising credits, connecting a domain name, analytics, favicon, pictures, videos, footer customization options, ssl, pw protect pages, site search, membership / registration, and additional ecommerce capabilities. Plans.
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Want to learn more about Weebly?
To be honest, as a business owner – you have better things to do than dinker with a website builder – even Weebly. You don’t have to go at it alone. My Services.
Copyright © 2016 - Site built by, owned and operated by Bob The Website Builder (a 3rd party and not associated, or act on behalf of Weebly).
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We have been building websites since 2013. If you are interested in a Weebly site, but are stuck or don't want to go at it alone, contact me - [email protected]. - www.BTWSB.net.
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