The Free Website Guys

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is Line 29 Editorial Services and I am the sole employee. I'm a freelance writer (grants / bids / copy), editor and proofreader. Since beginning the project I've decided to specialise more in writing grant applications but hope to continue to offer all the services above when appropriate.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I needed a website to showcase what I can offer, my experience and give a flavour of my personality (after all, people buy from people). I was adamant that the site wouldn't be too text heavy.

SOLUTION

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

My business was relatively new and I hadn't yet had the chance to start building a website. I'd considered using a site like wix.com, but having started a couple of blogs in the past, I liked the idea of WordPress. I heard about TFWG through a networking group I belong to, and thought to myself that I had no idea when I'd get around to doing this myself, so I had nothing to lose by applying. It did seem too good to be true (who builds a website for free?) but after careful searching I decided it wasn't.

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

TFWG impressed me by thinking of all the 'behind the scenes' aspects of a website that I had no idea about, and explained what they all did. There are too many useful plug-ins to mention, but there is WordFence, and Smush for starters. Apart from configuring the pages and adding my logo, the rest of the content is up to me. Steps were clearly laid out and as a bit of a technophobe, they were easy to follow.

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

All email communication was through Sven, their Lead Developer. He was always extremely helpful, polite and responded quickly to my emails. I believe that a couple of developers in the team worked on my site, though it may have been just one developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site is not live yet (that's my fault, not TFWGs'!) but I am reassured by the regular emails telling me the site and/or plug-ins are being updated.

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

One long email chain, which works well enough. All communication through Sven the lead developer - this works well. Timelines - all was progressing well until a promised update at one point didn't appear. A few months went by but I wasn't upset as I was very busy with a client project. Once that was out of the way, my chaser email prompted a very quick response and apology, and everything was wrapped up within 10 days! I think the delay was a genuine mistake and we're only human.

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

They were so efficient that they were usually the ones chasing us to complete any steps we needed to do.

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

Although TFWG show screenshots of sites they have created, I would have loved to explore a few. After a little searching I found one but would have loved to have found more. I suppose the difficulty is that the sites are handed over without the content, so TFWG would have to keep track of when they go live.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a writer, journalist and copywriter who has worked across print and digital.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

They designed a website for me to showcase my writing portfolio.

SOLUTION

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

I reviewed their work and found it to be a great match with my vision for my site, post which I reached out to them.

Every writer needs a great website to showcase her articles. I bought a domain name and ended up not doing anything about it until I came across The Free Website Guys. After sending in my application and getting an e-mail that I was selected, the project just took off fabulously from there.

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

They designed my website from scratch.

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

I communicated directly with Sven

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a journalist, I am usually the one chasing people and interviews to meet deadlines but in this case, I had to keep up with Sven and team who were organised, detail oriented, super efficient, and so invested in making my site look just how I wanted.

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

As mentioned above, they were thorough and efficient, and the process was smooth from start to finish. They replied to every mail and query even after handing over the finished site, still tweaking and helping me get it up and running. You'd be lucky to get this team working on your site!

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

The amount of effort they invested in my site and the thoroughness and attention to detail they paid.

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

Absolutely none. I remain very impressed with their work ethic.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner and Creative Director for a freelance graphic design business, Brelsford Creative.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

They were hired to begin development of a wordpress website for the business. I've been sitting on a coming soon page for 3 years, never having the time to get the site launched. They took care of all of those backend things I could never quite grasp or get started.

SOLUTION

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

They reached out to me via LinkedIn about doing the site. After researching the company, I decided they would be a good fit and I had nothing to lose.

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

The first requirement was to set up hosting with Bluehost. From there I chose the Wordpress template I wanted to use, and they began setting up the backend of the site. Throughout the process, they delivered instructions for what was needed from me and made things very easy to follow and move forward to the next step.

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

Initially, one of the partners reached out on LinkedIn. From there, I had contact with only one person, the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I'm still working on the final design and content of my site, but they left me some great video content and instruction on how to do that.

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

They communicate often and clearly, and are upfront about timelines and expectations. Everything is via email with weblinks when needed, such as youtube videos, google forms, and pdfs.

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

When they say it is "free", it truly is. You pay for web hosting (very reasonable prices), and I paid a small fee for a higher end template. I was very skeptical at first, but I'm so happy I decided to work with them and plan to use them for some of my clients in the future.

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

I had no issues during the work process. I am 100% happy with their work, organization, and timelines.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a freelance writer, working to launch my own freelance writing and editing business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I asked them to design my freelance writing website.

What were your goals for this project?

A professional-looking website where I can direct and attract potential clients who need content written.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

I learned about them through a Facebook group, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure at first if I wanted to do it on my own or go with someone to design my site. After reading some reviews and seeing the work that they've done, I decided to go for it.

Describe the project in detail.

I signed up for web hosting and a domain and they took care of a lot of the back end, such as installing Google Analytics and Google Search Console and the other plugins that are necessary but that I don't know how to set up.

They also guided me in terms of choosing a template and they set that up for me.

What was the team composition?

I mainly communicated with one point person, but he had a team working to put my website together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Navigating the waters of building your own website is no easy feat, especially for people like me who have almost no knowledge about coding, hosting, and all the other things that come with it.

I launched my own freelance writing service a year ago but relied only on free portfolio websites to put together my work for me, although I knew that there would come a time when I had to have a website of my own.

When I heard of the Free Website Guys, I decided to give it a try—and I'm more than glad I did! They are so easy to work with and they do everything for you.

I really appreciate how they guided me through each process by sending me documents, presentations, and videos, and helping me make some decisions here and there. Now I have a great website that I can use to showcase my writings.

Thank you so much!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very, very effective. They submitted project reports in the form of PDF documents, and if there were things I had to do on my end, they would include video tutorials so I wouldn't get lost and wouldn't have a hard time with what I needed to do.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were always quick to assist me and helped troubleshoot some matters. They also gave me advice and guided me in making some challenges where my website is concerned.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Can't think of any as of the moment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a freelance copywriter specializing in emails and case studies.

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 freelance business. My main goal to have a website to showcase my skills to potential clients.

SOLUTION

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

A friend on LinkedIn told me about The Free Website Guys. I filled out an application and quickly heard back; they accepted it. I did not have the time or skill to complete the task myself was a major factor for selecting them, but I cannot deny the offer to do it for free sealed the deal.

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

The team guided me through the entire process, from opening a WordPress account to selecting a theme. They provided detailed video instructions for each step.

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

I mainly worked with/communicated with Sven, the Lead Developer for The Free Website Guys, while several designers assisted him.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At the moment, I am still creating content for the website and do not have any metrics to report. I can say that I now have a legit site to guide clients to.

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

Sven communicated through email and provided a timeline on each step of the project.

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

The entire experience from start to finish was outstanding. Whenever I had questions, Sven quickly got back to me with the answers. The Free Website Guys took away the stress and fear of building a website.

And as their name suggests, it was free! I have a quality website that I couldn’t be happier with, all thanks to them.

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

Currently, no issues with the website.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am currently in the process of setting up a coaching practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To design a website for my new coaching business.

What were your goals for this project?

To have a professional, fully functioning website for my new coaching business.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

They selected me through their application process - I was thrilled to be accepted!

Describe the project in detail.

From application, to setting up the infrastructure and back end of the website, installing the appropriate plug ins, to designing the look of the website.

What was the team composition?

Sven and the team at the Free Website Guys

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am currently in the process of personalising my website - somewhere I'd never be at this stage without the help of the Free Website Guys!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The process from start to finish has been smooth and professional. I know nothing about website creation, luckily I didn't need to; the process was in safe hands from start to finish and everything was explained to me each step of the way.

Although it felt like learning a new language on times, the clarity with which Sven and the team walked me through each stage of the process and the accompanying videos were the key to keeping me in the loop and helping me feel like I was part of the process too.

The outcome is that I have a professional website which I am now excited to personalise; something I could never have done myself.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication was clear and steps for action were explained simply with accompanying videos. I felt like I was in safe hands throughout this process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can find!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a small business owner with a baking business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I received a message from The Free Website Guys through Linkedin. I thought a free website was too good to be true, but after googling the reviews, I decided to try it. I wanted to upgrade the website that I created to something more professional.

SOLUTION

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

I selected them after reading all of the online reviews.

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

Sven had me to first set up hosting. Then he offered different templates for me to choose from. The Free Website Guys started working on the back end of my website and they explained all the steps as they went. I used a screen sharing extension to give Sven the notes on customizing my Divi theme.

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

I worked with Sven from The Free Website Guys.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am now able to customize the website myself, but still have a professional-grade website. Working with Sven was an easy process. I was able to choose my theme and different layouts, while they handled all of the technical stuff that I do not understand. I am very pleased with my website!

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

Sven communicated by email and explained each step that they were going to do. There were also informative videos to watch that explained the different processes. Sven explained that the timeline would be a couple of weeks. Some of it depended on how quickly I got information back to them.

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

Their model of offering small project websites for free to gain future business was impressive. I think word of mouth marketing is a great business practice.

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

I had some trouble with the screen sharing extension, but they could not take email notes. I needed more explanation on how to use the extension.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and founder of Avalon 8 Wellness, LLC. I have provided massage and wellness services for past 9 years., now moving into offering wellness services, coaching, programs online

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I hired them to create a website.

What were your goals for this project?

Website was safe and secure, modern them with fast loading times and responsive, ecommerce plugin

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

I was referred by someone who had a great experience with them also.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we were selected as a candidate for the free website build, they communicated each step in the process very clearly.

What was the team composition?

I was assigned one person to connect with and we communicated until the project was finished.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything was handed over to me very quickly. Part of the project responsibility that I agreed to was uploading my own content. I have not done this yet so I do not have a website to showcase yet. However, I am super happy with the website foundation that was created for me to build on and I soon will have something to share.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Amazing, one contact, quick turnaround on communication and questions. 

All my emails were answered in a very timely manner and we progressed to each step very quickly. In most cases they were waiting on me and had I gotten back to them sooner, the website I am sure would have been finished even more quickly. I had several questions along the way and all of them were answered promptly to keep the project moving along.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ease to complete the project with being assigned one person and how they handled directions and communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

none that I can think of at this time

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a business consultant and writer specializing in brand strategy, marketing and media content production under my own personal brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The Free Website Guys created a website for my business for me from scratch.

What were your goals for this project?

A functional, beautiful website that I could add to as my business grows. Set up for the future, I required a website to showcase my content, services and courses.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

I found The Free Website Guys via LinkedIn. At first I thought it was too good to be true! I submitted an application and was approved shortly after.

Describe the project in detail.

I literally didn't have to do a thing except watch a few very short instructional videos. Otherwise, the FWG team sent me simple setup steps via email the entire process, which only took minutes to fulfill. Their team of developers then went ahead and used my requirements, feedback and comments to create the website. They even showed me how to properly set up hosting and select the best theme for me. Super easy process to follow for a non-techy person!

What was the team composition?

I communicated only with Sven via email. After each step was completed, he would send me the next one to review/fulfill until the project was finished. There were some very short instructional emails from the FWG development team, as well, some personalized.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I had a complete website (minus the content that I just insert myself, super easy) within 2 weeks of working with The Free Website Guys. If I did this myself, I am sure it wouldn't have gotten done or it would be another year that passed before I paid a lot of money for someone else to do it!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Their follow up practice was spot on. If I didn't reply to an email in a timely manner, they gently nudged me along until they heard from me. They were great reminding me of the steps that I needed to review/fulfill in order to move on to the next. Very organized.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Sven and the Free Website Guys team made creating a website for my personal brand completely stress- and worry-free. The site absolutely met my expectations and more. The team of developers know exactly what they're doing, and this gave me reassurance that my site is set up for success.

I am not a technical individual by any means, but I know the kind of work that goes into creating functional, aesthetically-pleasing and secure websites. The fact that they did this free of charge blows my mind. This is a game-changing service for busy entrepreneurs like me who have limited time to dedicate to this kind of endeavor. Super cost-effective, super easy process, and the team was a pleasure to work with. A+++. Highly recommended.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No- really, I can't think of anything. Such a streamlined process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Spiritual Life Coaching providing 1-1 coaching, group coaching, online courses and Holistic Trauma Healing. Self-employed.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Develop a new website that would help me with my online presence and offer options and opportunities to grow with me as my online business grows.

SOLUTION

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

Came across a post on Facebook in a trusted FB Group. The information provided on the given website was relevant, clear and promising.

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

Wordpress including relevant plugins and Divi theme.

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

Multiple team members, communication through one person though. Smooth, clear communication.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Clear communication with fast response time, easy to follow instructions whenever my input was needed and being informed about what was being done every step along the way.

It almost sounded too good to be true, a free website. But it's as real as it gets and the result is absolutely great! A very nice website that not only looks professional but is also set up professionally with all kind of (free) plugins so it runs smoothly, not just for today but for the long run.

My compliments to the team - great work guys!

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

Clear communication via email with fast response time (usually within 24 hours, occasionally within 48 hours), easy to follow instructions whenever my input was needed and being informed about what was being done every step along the way.

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

We were impressed with the quality of the service provided and of the end result for no cost.

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

No