The Free Website Guys

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of the transcription firm. We do transcription, interpretation, translation, subtitling, etc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The firm applied to the Free Website Guys to help build us a free website.

SOLUTION

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

We did not select them. Someone advertised on Facebook that these guys can build you a free website and I sent in an application. But in order to take advantage of their free-website offer, I must sign up for the same web host which they use, which is Bluehost.

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

They build us a website from scratch to finish. And sent me some video tutorials on how I can manage the website whenever I need to.

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

I don't know their positions, but as far as I can remember about five or six different people worked with me. There was a lady who contacted me through Facebook, introducing the team to me. Second was the lady who sent me a WhatsApp message that the selection process was on going and I stand a chance of being selected.

Third is the main man, Sven, who was sending me regular emails, updating me on the progress of the website. And then, there was another staff responsible for the Youtube tutorials. And finally, once the website had been built, there were two different ladies who made videos, showing me how to manage my website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I cannot give a measurement right now. But I am satisfy that I have an online presence. Now, with the help of this website, my business will be credible in the eyes of potential customers. And I also have a website where I can refer potential customers to learn about our work.

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

They communicated with me through WhatsApp, emails, and Youtube videos.

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

The responsiveness and regular updates were impressive.

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

They need to help their clients more in adding content to the website. For some people, even when they share tutorial videos, they won't be able to add content into their website.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and managing director of ntesports Ltd, a consultancy company working within esports and education.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I have no experience in creating or design websites but needed an online presence with a new website for ntesports.

SOLUTION

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

The Free Website Guys approached me and asked if I would like a website for free. I was in the process of trying to create a website so the decision was an easy one to use them. I also like the fact they are able to offer work to web developers across the global who otherwise might not get those business opportunities.

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

After a few discussions over LinkedIn, WhatsApp and email I was asked to submit an application to explain my business and what I was looking for in a website. After my application was accepted I was asked to choose a Wordpress theme that I liked. At that stage The Free Website Guys began to install and develop the theme with the information I had given them along with some images. Once the site had been installed and created I received a very clear video on how to populate my site with some really useful hints and tips. I was then able to complete my website.

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

Across the project I had dealings with five members of the team from the Founder to a range of web designers and developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My site has only recently gone live but the google analytics they set up have shown me that with very little marketing on my side other than adding a link to my LinkedIn profile my site is already gaining momentum and traffic.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication was excellent throughout, and they facilitated a very simple and efficient process.

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

I think it was the way the site was set up and the support I received after that point. I was a little nervous about populating the site but the video and documentation they sent to me made it very easy to complete.

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

If the process was a little quicker that would be great but for a completely free service it's very difficult to complain about and the time-frame wasn't problematic for me.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Founder of Walk With Dignity. We advocate for Educational Equality, Raise awareness of learning differences and advocate for trauma informed teaching, care and practice. Our goal is to reduce the stigma of child abuse while promoting testimonies of healing, exposure and speaking out.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our organization was just recently started, but there were a lot of barriers that made it hard to have a professional website set up, especially financial ones. The Free Website Guys helped us build a professional website that would make it easier to centralize our information while highlighting our services and making necessary updates.

SOLUTION

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

They are the only organization that I know that helps build professional websites for free.

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

We had preliminary introductions followed by a detailed portfolio with the step by step process. There was a briefing before and after each stage. Various technologies such as blue host were used.

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

I worked directly with two people, a committee member and the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're yet to measure them.

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

They have a client sensitive and inclusive style of management and communication.

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

Their detailed, step-by-step process was impressive.

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

Having a live step step website handover process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a cryptocurrency and Blockchain-based education company called The Commonwealth. We provide new investors free resources, walkthroughs, and guides regarding wallet set-up, receiving digital assets, Web3, and NFTs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We’d just launched our company and set up our social media channels, but we needed help building a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Free Website Guys helped build our company website. First, we filled out an application outlining our project and goals. After reviewing our application, the team contacted us to share their process. They outlined methods to obtain our domain and sent us step-by-step instructions for how to set up the domain name system (DNS) and YouTube. They also provided a list of technology they could use to build our site, which included Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. We opted for a template instead of having The Free Website Guys develop our site from scratch. 

After choosing the template, we asked the team to make adjustments and restructure some of the features, which they did. The Free Website Guys also worked on the site’s backend using WooCommerce and optimized the site for SEO. Additionally, they set up our security and firewalls in the backend. 

Our website has three pages: the home page, the roadmap page, and our e-commerce store. Once they completed the website, they set up Google Analytics and transferred everything over to us. Since then, our team has added pictures, text, and content to the site. We’ve paused our engagement since we haven’t launched yet, but we plan to engage their services further to transform the site from Web 2.0 to Web3. 

What is the team composition?

We had one primary point of contact, but we also had a team of offshore developers supporting our project. We contracted the development team through The Free Website Guys. 

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

We found The Free Website Guys on LinkedIn. We reviewed their profile and value proposition, encouraging us to apply for them to build our site. Initially, I thought they were too good to be true, but after speaking with them and learning how confident they were, I felt comfortable moving forward.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested roughly $500-$750 in the partnership with The Free Website Guys. The cost included Divi, which was our framework and template from Elegant Themes, the domain, and the Yoast SEO plug-in. We opted for the premium version of Yoast SEO. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with The Free Website Guys from June–August 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Free Website Guys did everything we asked and took care of the entire development process, which was incredible. By delivering a well-designed website, they simplified our operations; all we had to do was add content to the site.

We haven’t launched the site yet, but we had a great experience working with The Free Website Guys, and I’m happy with the results. They delivered a beautiful, professional-looking website that reflects the serious nature of our brand. Even though we’re a new company operating in a new space, we can use our site to impress new members and prospects and appeal to them as an established company rather than a new startup. 

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

The Free Website Guys were thorough, transparent, and communicative throughout the engagement. We probably could’ve completed the site in two weeks, but our internal team had some delays. Once we shifted our priority to the website, we worked hand-in-hand with The Free Website Guys to iron out our process. 

Over one month, they delivered everything within budget, precisely on target, and as advertised. Aside from the external tools we purchased, like the domain, they created the site for free, which was cool. We communicated exclusively via email, and Sven was responsive; anytime we requested assistance, the team took care of our needs very quickly. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Free Website Guys did an incredible job talking us through everything. Building a new website can be daunting, but they guided us through each step. They thoroughly explained each step and how long it should take; they left no room for uncertainty. 

Furthermore, they identified an incredible group of global resources to support our project. They afforded us the opportunity to work with people we never would’ve had access to due to their location, which was also fantastic. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The Free Website Guys could improve by scaling their team and offering video conferencing; I think it would speed up the process. Since we did everything via email, I had to send them screen recordings when I wanted to request changes. With the time difference, sometimes email correspondence slowed us down by a day or two. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend The Free Website Guys to anyone who has an idea and wants to get started.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder and President of a non-profit, dedicated to provide critical services to victims of war, poverty, natural disasters and famine.

Our goals are to keep the most vulnerable safe from persecution and/or life-threatening conditions, while simultaneously providing support to prepare them for a better and resilient life.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired The Free Website Guys to develop the front-end and back-end structure of our website, so we could navigate and install content, a donor page, and updates on resources for refugees. Our primary goal is to save lives.

Other goals are to have internet presence to educate, raise funds, and provide valuable resources that are critical to the sustainability of the most vulnerable and persecuted.

SOLUTION

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

The Free Website Guys were highly recommended by a business contact on LinkedIn. Deciding factors were the review of some of the websites they had completed, the selection of several providers of templates I could choose from, quick responses to my inquiries, and most importantly... their humanitarian response to my organizations' needs. They made it affordable.

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

The Scope of Work was to structure the front-end and back-end of the website. Content and media would be handled by the executive staff, and we needed to know how to navigate around WordPress, and learn how to add content, media, and launch it.

So we asked The Free Website Guys to set it up and we'd take care of the rest.

1. The Free Website Guys helped us to set up Bluehost. They sent PDFs and videos on how they would begin work on setting up our back-end (the plugins, security enhancements, SSL, SEO settings, permalinks, etc.). They also installed Google Analytics and Google Search Console, and educated us on its usefulness in determining the effectiveness of our marketing campaign and target markets.
2. They sent us a video on how to Whitelist their email account (to insure we get all of their messages) and a video on how to create our WordPress Admin User.
3. Then they sent us a detailed email on how to pick a template or theme for our website. They provided us with education on how to pick a website theme, how coding can affect a site, and modifying it to our needs. The next step was selecting a website design.
4. They provided several websites they developed and built, and gave us several provider options for templates of which we selected one. Education was provided by several members of the FWG team, covering how to use our website (both back-end and front-end) and how to make changes so we can manage our own website independently. The PDFs, videos, and instructional emails were valuable to learning how to navigate and use all of the tools in WordPress.

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

The Project Manager handled all inquiries and request through emails, and furnished us with training videos and PDFs. One of his developers furnished us with five providers offering free templates. Two other developers provided us with training videos on how to use and navigate around WordPress, in order to customize our website to our needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We anticipate a launch in two weeks. Content comes from the merger of three rescue teams and our executive staff will need to meet to select material from the three teams that will be showcased online.

We are very pleased with the delivery of the services we received. Their responses to our inquiries has been immediate and informative. Most importantly, the education they provided on website development is invaluable.

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

We communicated with The Free Website Guys mostly by email, because of the nature of our jobs. We are global... part-time volunteers working other full-time jobs from the U.S., U.K., Portugal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Most of our correspondence and education is through email of which The Free Website Guys responds quickly.

We had one video conference with a developer who listened to our needs. Based on these needs, The FWG Project Manager provided us with several providers offering templates. Other methods of communication and education came via PDFs and videos.

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

1. They provided education so we could do it on our own, without the expense of hiring a developer.
2. Their humanitarian hearts. We spend all our money on feeding the hungry, paying for their meds, and rents to hide refugees from the Taliban. The Free Website Guys making this affordable gave us a chance to continue our efforts in saving lives. Cannot put a value on that. Its priceless.

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

None. They gave us their hearts.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a freelance strategist and project manager, just starting to build my own business/client roster.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Since I'm just starting out as a freelancer, I needed to have my own website to refer clients to - that both outlined my experience but also showcased some work samples. I worked with the Free Website Guys to develop a website - from backend set-up to design! My goal was to have a website I could update easily, that looked good and was functional based on my needs.

SOLUTION

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

I received a LinkedIn message about the service and was really interested! After a brief conversation with the team, I submitted an application and was really pleased to be selected!

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

We communicated via email to share my goals and make sure there was alignment with the Free Website Guys' goals/capabilities. I received regular updates about what had been completed and what was coming up, as well as the steps I had to take - the team walked me through every step with clear videos & PDFs, and straightforward email instructions. They helped me set up hosting, choose a design using Divi Themes, uploaded it to WordPress and set up SEO. I have all the building blocks, now I just need to update the content.

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

I worked with the Lead Developer, who was my main point of contact throughout the process. There were other designers/developers working behind the scenes who I didn't interact with!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have yet to update the content and fully launch the site but I am so excited to see how it helps me grow my business.

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

We communicated via email. The Lead Developer sent me regular updates about progress, including PDF reports. Whenever, I had to action something, I received really clear instructions (including video walk-throughs) and they were understanding when I needed to take my time. Super impressed with their project management!

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

The level of customer service and detailed project management. They were super friendly, supportive, and professional, and really know how to make your experience seamless.

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

Honestly, I can't think of anything. I am really impressed!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Life Coach and Champion for Mental Health in Kenya and I am the founder of my business

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To build my website

SOLUTION

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

I selected the Free Website Guys because of their expertise

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

We did everything via email and videos

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

I dealt with one person and everything was done via email and through videos

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have not yet launched my site as I have a a few tweaks that I am doing

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

We did everything via email but it all worked really well

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

They are very professional and if I got stuck with anything they were more than able to help. The process was very smooth. It was such a wonderful experience working with The Free Website Guys especially, Sven who is so amazing.

I was very green when it came to anything to do with websites but working with Sven has taught me quite a lot. The process from the beginning to the end has been very smooth and Sven has been very patient and even when I experienced challenges on the way he was very helpful. The videos that they send are so informative and a layman like me was able to follow them.

I had no idea that a website could be created without having to sit down physically with the designer. I love the final product and how amazing my website looks. Thank you Sven and your team for choosing to create my website, you are appreciated all the way from Kenya. Warm Regards

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

If the templates could be a little more flexible to change

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the president of my own "loan out" corporation Megababy Inc., but I am first and foremost an Academy Award nominated writer in the entertainment industry with over 35+ yrs of professional experience. I write movies, TV, video games, books, etc. I also am an adjunct professor at NYU and run a consulting business for writers and film makers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I have never had a dedicated website for my consulting business. I need one. The Free Website Guys "built" my website. This is my first dedicated website for my business.

SOLUTION

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

We connected via linkdn. After a review of their services and an interview process I agreed to work with them. The two biggest deciding factors for me were their assurances of the ease of the process from my end and my out of pocket costs.

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

Sven and the team at Freewebsiteguys guided me through the entire process step by step through their YouTube videos as well as emails. Everything from picking my domain name to picking themes and templates and choosing a server. All I had to do was answer their questions (and if I did have a problem ask my own). They kept it easy on my end while they did the heavy lifting.

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

I'm not sure. But, my point person was Sven. He is who I interacted with directly... Then watched their YouTube videos for guidance.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was so easy, fun, and more importantly, I now have my website up and running. And, The Free Website Guys were telling the truth. They didn’t charge me a cent. All their work was free! Literally free. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Amazing and seamless.

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

The ease of the entire process from my end. I'm not a tech savvy person and they were able to handle all the back of the site building, then explain to me what I needed to do on my end (which was fun). And when I had a question or issue, they were always there to help me with a good attitude and the proper guidance.

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

I loved this process with them. Don't really have any real suggestions. The Free Website Guys ROCK!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

In and the Chief Efficiency Officer of Lumina Armitage Limited. We proffer end-to-end IT service solutions in Alberta, Canada as a start-up.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our reach was not good enough, our digital presence required optimization and The Free Website Guys offered to help,for free!

SOLUTION

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

The listened and identified arrears for improvement in our digital footprints and proferred solutions that were industry standards; a website backed up with analytics.

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

The gathered our business requirements end delivered a solid website that has since improved our digital presence and footfall.

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

One person supported us all through with engagement and constant feedback. However I believed other people supported in the background. Sven Lead Developer, The Free Website Guy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We can track out increasing footfalls, we receive inquiries more than ever and we are getting more business leads and opportunities.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communicated seamlessly and timely.

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

The quality of their work is top-notch and industry standard. The FreeWebsiteGuys reached out to me to support our Calgary, Alberta-based Tech start-up with some web presence and we initially almost rejected it because we couldn't afford one. They then confirmed it was for free and myself and my partners thought it was a joke, but we agreed.

Now we have one of the prettiest websites among our contemporaries despite paying nothing and using absolutely free themes all the way. We look forward to sharing this success story with people who will patronize them, and we look forward to patronizing them ourselves when our business gets bigger with the web and media presence we just got courtesy of their support. Thanks for what you do Guys. We truly appreciate you!!!

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

Nil

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a new Veteran Owned Small Business in the consulting and technical services markets

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Initial web site development. My goals were to have something built on a robust platform that looks professional and easy to manage.

SOLUTION

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

I had several quotes for web development and while going through the process, I was told about Sven and his team and their business model by one of my business partners.

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

The scope covered the development of both the back end and front end of the web site and turnover of site. The steps included interviews, video instructions, security and backend build, template choices and tailoring and turnover

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

3. Primary interface, web backend developer and turnover instructor

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Free Website Guys built a very professional looking website for my new Veteran Owned Small Business. Their business model is unique and the process was straight forward and efficient. I have no experience with web development and found this process to be pretty easy to understand and implement. I would highly recommend Sven and his team.

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

Management style was efficient, used video tools to share data and instructions

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

Their business model is unique....they put their reputation our front and work to gain your trust and appreciation for follow-on work

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

For me, I am not web or IT savvy and this process worked pretty seamlessly for me