The Free Website Guys

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and managing director of non-for-profit, vocational hospitality education center. We provide vocational training for underprivileged youth in Vietnam and preparing them for a career within one of the fastest developing industries in the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed to create a bilingual website for the education center. Since we didn't have any IT knowledge in-house we needed someone to build a website that is esthetically appealing, easy to navigate and fast to load. The website back office had to be set up for us to be able to make simple modifications to the content down the road.

SOLUTION

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

As a non-for-profit organization our main objective was to keep down cost, for the creation of the website, as well as in the future. Which meant a website that we could maintain and modify by ourselves and not have to pay someone for every alteration.

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

It was all very clear and easy to grasp, and made sure expectations were kept real. They sent regular emails with status updates and step-by-step guides (often including video tutorials) whenever our team had to take action. Each step was clearly outlined with expected time frame and explanation on how and why’s. Whenever we had to make a decision (example: choosing the template), they sent us a list of a few selected recommendations including free and paid options.

Always transparent with any partnerships they may have with the suppliers and what they would gain from it. You never felt obliged to use any of their paid options. Their team build the back-end infrastructure of our website in Wordpress using a Divi template (recommended choice), optimized it for secure, quick loading, and search engine ranking to name a few. They made the basic layout to the Divi template and gave us a full tutorial on how to use the tool ourselves.

They installed TranslatePress (recommended choice) to make the site available in dual languages and helped point MX records to Google to link the domain to our Google workspace.

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

Our main point of contact was the Lead Developer, all email communication was with him. Prior to being accepted, we were in contact with one member of the reviews committee to complete our application.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have not yet gone live with the website since we're still working on the content. So far, our updates are smooth and easy, all tools and plug-ins are running well and are easy for us to manage. There is little room to make mistakes which is reassuring. And all changes we've made so far look professional and load well.

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

The Free Website Guys offer a free service of building your website, and they have a large number of clients inquiring them. We were lucky our application was accepted. Although all communication was done via email and WhatsApp, there was never any miscommunication, it was flawless.

The acceptance email included detailed information about their working process, time frame, what we could expect from them as included in the free service, and the rates for any additional services offered. It was all very clear and easy to grasp, and made sure expectations were kept real. When our team fell behind the time line, they sent reminers to make sure we had received their latest emails.

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

Not only did they created a professional and slick website that’s easy to maintain, FREE OF CHARGE. They made sure we knew exactly how to manage by ourselves upon handover, teaching us all the tools and provided explanations about everything they had done. The whole experience was flawless. We’re from traditional in-person industry and were very positively surprised of how personal and genuine their communication felt.

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

Honestly, we can't think of anything!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and also the current general manager of TRIAD 1988 and in professional capacity I serv as a writer and a producer. TRIAD is a communication agency that focuses on audio visual projects. We like to see ourselves as stroytelling pioneers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to make our first website as representative as possible, since it is a way to get clients.

SOLUTION

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

I was contacted via LinkedIn and than we agreed on the terms of collaboration with website guys.

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

We just want to thank you for the wonderful job with our website! In this field of work, video-making, it is very essential to have a decent-looking website and we are so glad to have worked with you on this, as we are very satisfied with how the website looks. We are thrilled because it is our very first website and it is very easy to use and manage. Thank you once again!

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

We maintained communicatin with one team member the Lead developer-Sven, also we were introduced to other team members via their tutorials and other steps we needed to folow for the website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Being involved with local team of website development and other big state contracts, I valued how smothly the work developed and was delivered. Especially since everything was conducted remotely.

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

We mainly used email, instroctional document and instructional videos.

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

Their well build manner of communication and workflow with their customer was impressive.

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

Customizaion of responses.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a solopreneur - copywriter and owner of BuzzWordy Copy

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I lost my domain and website that I had previously built myself. I was so discouraged at the thought of having to start over...it looked ok but I had no knowledge of how to set up the backend, security, SEO and other things that are necessities today. I'm part of a group of freelance writers and someone suggested The Free Website Guys. I was really skeptical - you get what you pay for right? Wrong. OMG, so glad I took the chance!

SOLUTION

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

I heard about The Free Website Guys in a private group of freelance writers. I submitted an application and I was lucky that I was selected.

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

The Free Website Guys are a well-oiled machine! They walked me through the process step-by-step with written guidance, instructional videos and support through email. Questions were answered in amazing time. As a writer I needed a way to show a portfolio, the theme didn't have exactly what I needed. I emailed a few examples and they were able to recreate it.

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

There was just ONE point person, Sven. All questions and information were sent to him, and he was the only one to respond keeping things accountable with a direct point person.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website looks professional, amazing. I'm responsible for providing my own copy and images to customize the site and make it my own. However, they provide detailed instruction and have encouraged me to come to them with any questions if I get stuck.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect. Questions were answered within 24 hours (usually much sooner) They were encouraging, supportive and respectful of how I envisioned the site.

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

That there really was no catch! The offer was for a free website and that is what I got. They were upfront about all costs that were expected such as web-hosting, domain name and theme. There was no pressure (or really any request) to upgrade or buy additional things. They never rushed me into picking a theme or domain name. They updated me at every step. It was a great experience.

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

No! I think the most important thing was the open communication and how, although I was getting a free website, I was never made to feel like they were doing me a favor. They treated me the way I treat all of my clients with openness and warmth. Always friendly and supportive!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of an online business in the making money from home niche.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I wanted a website created to promote my online business, brand me and offer value to those interested in making money online.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys and what were the deciding factors?

I was approached by the Free Website Guys on LinkedIn, googled them and was impressed with the reviews.

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

I completed a questionairre about what I was looking for and the purpose of the website. Once accepted I was regularly sent emails keeping me updated on the progress of the project and very clear video instructions about the next steps. WordPress; Google Analytics and Google Search Console

How many people from The Free Website Guys team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I liaised with 1 person which was very helpful and made things much easier

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At this time the website is still to be launched

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

There were very regular emails to advise me how the project was going and very helpful and clear videos of what was required and what was being done

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

The regular communication and the videos clearly explaining the steps required. They completed the task in a professional and timely manner

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a witch and tarot reader and I needed a website where to sell my services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

My idea was not easy to present on a website due to its many facets, and I am relatively demanding with personalized criteria for aesthetics and functionality, so having that said, I am very satisfied with the final result. I didn’t have even a clear idea of my website when I started with them and now I have a professional website which I am now excited to personalise; something I could never have done myself.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys and what were the deciding factors?

friends. referral

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

My experience with them has been excellent! I recommend this company to anyone who wants a high-quality, great-looking, and functioning new website. What I liked most is that here was the communication: a very clear step-by-step process to set up each phase of the project.

How many people from The Free Website Guys team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Sven

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I'm not public yet

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

All interactions took place via email, with helpful, concise instructional videos, clear details on how to move. I've mainly communicated with Sven, who is much more than just a professional website builder. He gently guided me step to step to the entire process and I can’t thank him enough for that!

I am very satisfied with the entire team, they were very patient, flexible, and helpful in providing pieces of advice and suggestions when I was lost.

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

good communication and reactivity

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

I don't know, all good for me

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Medical communication solutions company as the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a landing page for our start-up and needed a website that worked well in today's online landscape. We needed a simple website that was able to be viewed from mobile, equipped with the necessary analytics elements and the required SEO (as you can probably tell, I'm not well versed in any of this).

As such we needed someone to help us build this website and establish the appropriate backend.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys and what were the deciding factors?

We were largely just looking for costs. We applied for the free website from the Free Website Guys and were selected to have the free website produced. Cost was the main deciding factor.

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

The work involved building a landing page with the necessary backend elements to support its operation. The project was very structured with the company providing a framework for how they wanted information necessary to build. Every week there would be an exchange of information, as I provided building specs, and either updates on the process or a working deliverable that I can use.

This carried on until the final handoff where the completed deliverable was provided to me along with all the necessary instructions to use it properly. Technologies used were Wordpress, Divi, Bluehost, Yoast and a host of other commonly used plugins (unfortunately I've forgotten most of the extra plugins involved.

How many people from The Free website Guys team worked with you, and what were their positions?

It was one individual who was the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They provided us with our first landing page with all the necessary analytics and backend features that are necessary for a website today. I'm very happy with what they delivered and they were very good with providing all the necessary instructions on how to operate what was delivered.

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

They're very open, communicative, and transparent. I think their focus is to always provide clear instructions and information. They're also very timely and if they do find themselves running late, they're always communicative with regards to the reasons and provide expectations as to when things should be expected. The communication was always over email.

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

I think it's really their ability to communicate and maintain transparent communication.

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

I dont think so. They've really made the process as easy as possible. I really could not have asked for an easier process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Favorite Foreigner Inc., a New York City based company that specializes in beverage production and education in the hospitality industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We worked with the Free Website Guys to set up our Smart Mixology Online Training Program.

SOLUTION

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

In searching for developers for websites with a LMS integration. We went with them because we submitted an application to have our site set up for free and our project was selected.

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

They guide you through the process of setting up your website from getting your URL through a host to getting all the plugins to optimize the site. A lot of information is exchanged via email, but they will send links to quizzes for certain information. It is a step by step process that is efficient and easy to do. Once they are done setting up and optimizing the site they will turn it over to you to upload content etc. The turnover process comes with videos/tutorials to do everything you need. And if you have any questions they are responsive and happy to help.

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

One developer for sure. Possibly others on their team assisted as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have not launched yet. We are still uploading content.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

At most there may have been 2 days between email communications. There are tasks you need to do like actually buy the URL and get them the info, but the overall workflow works well.

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

Their patience and professionalism. They take extra time to explain things, ensuring we fully understand every detail.

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

Maybe a live session with the developer where they actually go through uploading content. It would be great to have an opportunity to not only see processes live, but also ask questions in real time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital Graphic Design Agency offering branding design solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Designing my agency website from scratch

SOLUTION

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

They were recommended by a friend. I decided to go with TFWG because they seemed professional from the start, I needed a free website for my agency, I love the idea and values behind their project.

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

So, where do I start? Too many impressions after this experience! It is difficult to find my words to express my gratitude because is so big! My young agency website was handmade almost overnight, for free, by a crew of hipper passionate guys! During our time of working together one of the things I loved the most about Sven and his crew was humane and warm, over the coffee-friendly approach and tone, happily compensating the digital distance!

 I felt all the time like I am in contact with human beings. They were overwhelmed with projects but ALWAYS found the time to answer my most detailed questions with huge patience! I appreciate this so much, guys! They're over the coffee tone blended perfectly with a professional touch in sharing those technical details so I can understand them!

This made the feedback back and forth process so much easier and less frustrating for everyone! I loved that they always send a lot of details in their emails, about how to do this or that, either written or in a short and super to the point video! Overall, I felt: simplicity in explaining complicated techy stuff, efficiency, passion, patience, the will to get it done so I am happy with it!

I still cannot believe that you guys selected my project out of 900, together with other10! This was a huge encouragement and boost for my further efforts to keep building up this agency while traveling at the same time! Guys, I will pay it forward one day :) I am grateful to the heavens! I wish you all the inspiration, guidance, and confidence in your path! You guys are on a mission out there!!!

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

I mainly worked with 1 person, Sven, the manager of the project

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Yes. Having my website ready in a professional manner, free of charge, gave me a lot of extra time and a lot of confidence. Also, being selected as one of the 10 out of 900 was a huge confidence boost as well!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect!

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

Their idea of offering website design for free to projects that stand out, in a super professional manner and their ability to explain technical stuff so any nontechy person can understand. Open, friendly, human. They're super willing to help and infuse a lot of passion into the work they do. I really felt that my project was given a lot of importance!

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

I wouldn't change a thing

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an IT consultant for an enterprise software company but this is a personal project I have contacted the FreeWebsiteGuys for. Our project aims to deliver information on how to apply to University Programs in the Netherlands as a Hungarian (www.hollandegyetem.hu).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our website is being created right now and aims to deliver high quality information to students on how to apply to university programs in the Netherlands, escaping the rapidly deteriorating education in Hungary.

SOLUTION

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

FreeWebsiteGuys do pro bono web development for a select number of ideas. I know someone who already had a free website made by them and was impressed by the quality. They did not disappoint.

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

They have a pre-built work process for these pro bono websites, only communicated through e-mail and the specific steps for designed to ensure that no clutter is created during exchange of information.

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

1 - Lead Developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The FreeWebsiteGuys were simply incredible from start to finish. When coming up with a idea for a project, initially I have struggled to create a Wordpress site which looks good, has satisfactory page speed and overall is easy to administrate. The whole project took roughly a month from start to end, where the communication and tasks needed to be done from my end were always clear and precise. In the future, I will be recommending them to my network, even if it is a free starter website or a complex website development project.

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

As mentioned previously, very impressed with how the pipeline is optimized on their end.

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

The pro bono website idea first did not make much sense to me but after the process finished, I do see where they benefit from. I'm very impressed with the overall process.

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

No, I think for these type of projects, this is possibily the best you can do.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a hypnotherapist

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I hired them to create my Wordpress website.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys and what were the deciding factors?

I was referred to them. They design simple websites for free and that was appealing to me. They seemed really honest and genuine in their marketing and initial communication.

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

They created the website for me using a Divi Theme.This is a list of what they did: Configuring the WordPress environment and loading a set of top-rated free plugins that help with things like SEO, site speed and security Loading the theme Setting up the page structure and menu Doing 3-4 hours of theme customization Setting up Google Analytics and Google Search Console Setting up daily offsite backups Creating a custom handover video and document showing me how to use my site

How many resources from The Free Website Guys team worked with you, and what were their positions?

One person worked with me. He is the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was lead through the process very easily even though I have no real technical know how.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was so effective. All the communication was easy and clear. I was amazed at what a beautiful, streamlined process they have created. They have delivered exactly what they promised with supreme competence.

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

I was blown away by the clarity of communication and timely completion of the different stages of the process. The only thing that held things back from getting done more quickly was me.

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

No. All wonderful