The Free Website Guys

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a solo startup. I do primarily freelance writing, cyber safety education and digital media.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys, and what were your goals?

I allowed them to create the framework for my business website. I added the content on my own, with their guidance.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

They offered to create the site for free. That's a pretty unique offer, so I decided to give them a shot.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

They created a WordPress site for my business. They walked me through setting up hosting and analytics. They also provided guidance about SEO.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I only talked to one person, Sven, the Lead Developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The site looks great. They did exactly what I asked with regard to adding and removing elements from the theme.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Sven kept me apprised of the progress of the site and provided frequent status updates. For the few things he needed my participation in, like setting up web hosting, he provided detailed instructions and videos that made things so much easier. He was responsive to emails and answered all of my questions concisely, using layman's terms.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They proactively reached out to me and offered to build me a website for free. That alone is really unique. I also found Sven to be extremely approachable and helpful, which seems to be uncommon for developers.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of. They did a great job.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a self employed working actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild living in New York City.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys, and what were your goals?

I have been in need of a website for some time and had no clue how to go about finding the right person, what I should expect for knowledge, experience, or pricing. I had no idea at all on any level of what it takes to build a successful, easy-to-navigate website. I wanted my website to be a reflection of the professional that I am so that casting directors/agents would have a sense of who they're potentially hiring.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I selected them after being introduced to their website on Facebook. I visited their website and was totally impressed with what I saw. I was also impressed by their use of WordPress as it has become most popular. When we finally touched base one on one I was almost certain that I was in the right place. Their business acumen was definitely on a par with what I expect regarding professionalism, skill, knowledge, and flexibility.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

From our initial conversation via email I was kept informed of every single step necessary; whether it included my input or not. They provided simple step-by-step instructions when my involvement was necessary.

Those steps were accompanied by detailed videos to ensure that I understood clearly what the process needed to be. I cannot speak to the technologies they used because that information is well above my pay grade. All I knew was that I personally did not have the capability to build my own website; in spite of being told how easy it was.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

My main contact was Sven Nielsen, the Lead Developer. Our email feed before the hand-off of my website was well into the 50's.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

My website was just handed off to me two days ago. I now am taking the time to load content so that I'm able to go live. I have no doubt, however, that the responses to my website will be measurable, and will be more than happy to do another review once I'm live.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

At all times professional focused and informative through each and every aspect. If there were any delays I was made aware of what they were and what was necessary to resolve the issue.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

As such a young company they already have in place a social commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve. For them, while they want or need more business, the bottom line is not about money; it is customer service and customer satisfaction they're after.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

The ONLY thing I did not care for was one of the teams who provided the voiceover for several of the videos. He used too many filler words in his videos which ultimately took him longer to get to the point. That said, that's an easy problem to amend. Would I use them again and again? Absolutely Yes!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a freelance editing company. I offer editing services to academics/postgraduate students and to fiction/non-fiction writers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys, and what were your goals?

I hired The Free Website Guys to build a website for my new business. I'm not very technically savvy so it was imperative that I find experts who know exactly how to create a visually appealing website that was also easily to navigate and find on search engines.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I found them through a Facebook group for online entrepreneurs. After looking up some of their reviews, I decided to contact them to see if they could help me with my website.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We started by discussing my vision for my website and then The Free Website Guys took me through a series of steps necessary for bringing this vision to fruition. Each part of the process that required my input was broken down for me in plain English so it was easy to know what to do. Once the website was finished, they supplied handover documents to help me to customise and maintain my website going forward.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

My main contact was Sven, the Lead Developer. He was in regular contact with me to let me know how my website was progressing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The Free Website Guys set up my website in a matter of weeks and helped walk me through each step that required my involvement. It's a real weight off my shoulders to know that all of the complicated backend and visibility aspects of my website have been taken care of by practised professionals. Would definitely recommend them!

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The Free Website Guys were in regular contact with me and always happy to answer any questions I may have. They were also very quick at building my website, which I found very impressive.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their regular contact, quick turnaround, and streamlined process make everything easier, especially for a (largely) technically illiterate person like me.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and founder of Ecotone Digital Solutions, a small digital consulting business located in Chicago and celebrating our 20th year in business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys, and what were your goals?

I hired the Free Website Guys to develop my new website for 2021. I needed a fast site that used a new and lightweight WP theme that would showcase our capabilities to the new client base we wanted to attract.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I was contacted by this FWG by email - cold contact- but the offering and personal tone of the email really reflected the kind of vendor I was looking for. Their no-nonsense approach to fast, effective web development was exactly what I was looking for. It was an easy choice.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

I offer digital project management services so I understand the often laborious steps website development takes. I was happy to see the FWG cut through a lot of that and get right to work on the site. We worked from a start-up template and I was able to start migrating my content almost immediately.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I'm not sure how many people worked on the site but I assume there was at least 2 - lead developer and developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The site was completed professionally (which is something I didn't want to tackle) and I was given a lot of supporting assistance, documentation, screenshots and videos.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Although I could tell they were juggling a number of projects I never got the feeling they forgot about me or had too much to handle. They were very professional from start to finish.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I think the 2 models they have chosen are perfect for my relationship with them. The Free Website model and the White Label model. Also, although I am not a video-oriented person I really thought the video they asked me to make that described what I was looking for was unique and helpful.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

When I work with them next I mentioned to them that I was going to "automate" a few things so our process goes smoothly. If this works they may incorporate some of these things. I think the input process could be done a bit better. A novice might be overwhelmed and that might cause them to spend too much time on that one person.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of a Consulting firm. We work in the area of protocol and events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys?

We needed to create the company's first website. We have limited design skills so approached The Free Website Guys to find out more about their service and to see if they could design our site

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We had been researching web designers for quite some time, as needed to find a professional organisation with an affordable price.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Communication was clear every step of the way. They walked me through the website build process, providing simple guidelines and videos to follow, and answered any questions I had in a timely and efficient manner. It took one month in total to complete.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with one account manager and know that at least one or two other designers were involved in the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The Free Website Guys were very thorough with their documentation and detail required which resulted in a successful website design.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was clear every step of the way and The Free Website Guys were very thorough with their documentation and detail required which resulted in the site It was a user friendly service and our account manager, Sven, was very efficient and professional. We were also prompt with our responses which helped the work flow.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We were impressed at the efficiency and professionalism of The Free Website Guys. They went through every step, provided videos, and created the website in a timely manner. They also answered any questions (which were few, as most elements were covered to a good level of detail from the outset).

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No areas for improvement - we cannot fault their service.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of Mindful Experience, a design and consulting firm on wellbeing in physical, digital and residential environment of urban and major events

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys?

Our new launch is warriors 4 elements, impact circles for spiritual entrepreneurs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I see an add and liked their types and speed of response.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Our new website, from scratch, theme, back end, google analytics, woocommerse etc.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I am not sure. I was in contact with 1 responsible person which made the process much easier for me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The free website guys were excellent in their service! Super professional and structured, they guided me clearly through all steps and options to build my website according to my needs. Their service includes setting up back and front end, google analytics, google search, and woocommerse features if needed so you have a fully operational website. The style and theme depend on what you want, they guide you through the best options though to make it easier to choose and install.

They never forced any purchase nor added any hidden charges to their services, which was something I was initially afraid of. Our communication was personal, fast and clear and I would totally recommend them for anybody who wishes to have a professionally built website. Totally recommended!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very fluent and effective

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The understandable and clear steps that reduced the times of live calls to the minimum and maximised the efficiency for both parts

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I loved their process. Nothing to change, really!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a self-employed freelance designer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Free Website Guys?

I needed a new website to promote my services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed and developed my website using WordPress.

What is the team composition?

I only worked with one person from their team.

How did you come to work with The Free Website Guys?

Someone was promoting them in a freelancer group that I’m a part of; I contacted them, and everything went straightforward from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–July 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

I’m happy with the results of their work, and I'd work with them again.

How did The Free Website Guys perform from a project management standpoint?

They communicated well throughout the project; they were straightforward and answered quickly to my inquiries. In my case, they went in a different direction than what they usually work with, and they also helped me solve all my issues. In terms of communication, we used email and video-recorded messages.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Communication stood out throughout our engagement — they listened to what I needed and were available for my issues.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think there's anything they can improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a copywriter and I also teach copywriting.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys, and what were your goals?

I had a portfolio page but not a true online presence. I reached out to The Free Website Guys to set up a webpage for me.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

My friend had used the Free Website Guys for her site and I was impressed!

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The Free Website Guys have access to amazing programs at low or no cost to set up a website. They guided me every step of the way and delivered in a quick and professional manner.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I had one contact throughout the project which really streamlined the whole process. I got some tutorials and videos from additional staff but Sven was my main contact at the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

I finally have a website of my own. I'm excited to use it for my students and my copywriting projects. It's fresh and new so no major statistics to share but the very fact that it's there is huge progress.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They communicated via email and sent over videos and tutorials. The timeliness was impeccable, and they were super forgiving of any delays on my end. They were a real pleasure to deal with in that sense. Organized, comprehensive and they really walked me through the process.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I did not pay them for their work and yet they did an amazing job, no skimping or cutting corners.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No they did great, I highly recommend them!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Freelance Translator

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys?

I already had a business website with another website provider, and I wanted to “copy” that website and make it a Wordpress site in order to save costs and have more options when it comes to plugins, such as for bilingual sites etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I found their post in a Facebook group.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

As you can imagine, I had literally no idea where to start. The Free Website Guys helped me to create my hosting and my Wordpress account by giving me the exact instructions for each step I had to take. Moreover, they advised my about all the different options out there for bilingual sites and WordPress themes, giving me detailed explanations about the benefits and costs of each one of them. After I chose the theme, they even offered me to access to an AstraPro subscription for a one-time payment of 25 $, which would normally cost 10 times as much. In the next step, they ask you to make a video in which you tell them exactly which elements you would like to change/ add/ delete on your site, creating a basic structure in which you can later add personalized content. I personally did not do that, because I preferred doing the whole design process myself.

As I had a new business idea during that period, I ended up not copying my old site, but creating a completely new one. It was super easy to do so, because The Free Website Guys had previously send me a personalized video in which they explained all the exact functions to edit the website. After finishing the design process of the new site, I had to point the domain from the old provider to the new one. Sven told me exactly what to do, and I honestly have to say that I would have never been able to do that myself without his help. After that, they created a Google Analytics account for me (among other things), sending me a details video customized video about everything I have to know in future.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I mainly worked with Sven, but I there were a couple of other people involved, for example for the creation of the customized videos etc.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I am literally overwhelmed by the effort that the Free Website Guys put into the creation of my site. I would have never thought that creating a new website – or even just copying an existing site – takes so much work and decisions to take – from choosing a hosting service to selecting the right theme, comparing prices, pointing the domain, creating a Google Analytics account.

The Free Website Guys helped me to choose between each option by advising me about the pros and cons as well as the costs, and, as soon as I had taken a decision, they explained in detail each step that I had to take next, even creating personalized videos for that.

Their service goes far beyond only creating a website – they`re advising you about everything you need to know, they´re always there to answer your questions (I had thousands of them) and they´re committed to finding the best solution for yourself. Really recommendable!"

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. They always respond the same day, issues were dealt with immediately.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was impressed by the amount of work they put into not only the creation of the website, but also to advise their clients about all the choices out there. Moreover, I was really impressed by their patience. We started working together in October, and due to personal issues, I couldn´t finish the designing part of my website until June or July. When I came back to them, they were still super nice and helpful, not even asking why it took me so long.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an artist (a painter).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Free Website Guys?

I wanted to build my personal art website for months but I kept postponing it because it seemed too complicated for me.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

When I got selected by the free website guys, I knew it was time for me to finally launch my own website. The fact that they were super professional and free was a huge plus for me.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Sven and his team were super responsive and guided me step by step through the whole process. Sven and his teams are extremely organized and have tutorial videos for each step of the way. Each video is extremely clear and makes the whole process super easy and friendly.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked only with Sven, who is great!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The core of my website is now ready, I just need to upload my content and I will be able to go live in record time!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Super effective and responsive

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Sven and his teams are extremely organized and have tutorial videos for each step of the way. Each video is extremely clear and makes the whole process super easy and friendly.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing I can think of