The Free Website Guys

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder/ operation manager of Kitsune Saigon Homestay. After few years in the finance industry, I was looking for an escape and found the hospitality to be my new direction.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I had preliminary success running a boutique homestay for 2 year then covid-19 hit and I took time to invest in branding improvement to rely less on OTA channels. Then I learned about The Free Website Guys via a post in a Facebook group. So I thought why not?

What were your goals for this project?

Having a website would enable me to rely less on OTA channels such as Airbnb or Agoda, increase our brand visibility and flexibility to combine lodging with other tourism activities.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

I heard about TFWG via a Facebook Group. The cost to build a website via The Free Website Guys and maintain it is next to nothing so it's definitely worth a try.

Describe the project in detail.

Needless to say, I was skeptical about their free services when I first learned about it. But I couldn’t be more wrong. I was worried about the theme I picked but Sven assured me they could turn it to something I want. And they did! Honestly they paid attention to details better than some paid services I’ve had before.

At each phase, Sven would send a report of what they’ve done and an instruction video with details of every step to be done on my part so it was clear and time-saving for both sides. They went extra mile to take care of a request of mine that was not available in Divi theme.

At the end of the project, I received a handover report and a list of instruction videos on how to customize the website. It’s been my pleasure to work with Sven and his team. Amazing! Highly recommend!

What was the team composition?

Shortly after I gave my contact, a lady from their team reached out and let me know what time I would expect to get a result whether I'd be selected to benefit from their free website development project. After that, Sven - the lead developer, was the main contact and all communication efficiently went through him.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I've yet to launch my website yet since there're many adjustments I need to do myself but the layout and structure already met my expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team worked with great integrity and timeliness. If there was anyone dragging the process, it was definitely me. Sven and team have always been super patient and responsive from the start to the end and they delivered what they promised.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I honestly don't know how they make money. The quality of their work and professionalism exceeded a lot of paid services I've had before.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I find the most challenging was describing what I wanted to modify. They asked me to send a video but I used photoshop to make notes of what I want to adjust in each segment of the website, which was a bit time consuming. But I haven't thought of any other way to do it better since we can't meet face to face and even an online meeting might cost them billable hours.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and founder of a food and nutrition concept food truck. I have developed recipes and a menu that promote optimal nutrition with nutrient dense foods.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I hired The Free Website Guys to build a website for my business.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals of this project were to complete the back-end development of my website. After The Free Website Guys finished this step, I am now able to input and maintain my website.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

The Free Website Guys advertised through my college alumni group online. I thought they would be the perfect fit to build my website in a professional looking way that allowed me to maintain the website with ease.

Describe the project in detail.

The project was completed in steps. First, I signed up with their hosting site with my established domain. Next, The Free Website Guys set up Google Analytics and WordPress plugins.

The Free Website Guys directed me to an easy site to choose the theme and put the finishing touches on the website. They also provided me with lots of videos with step by step instructions on how to do each task that needed to be completed.

What was the team composition?

I mainly worked with Sven, he was great!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The finished project was done efficiently and looks great!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was great! Everyone communicated well and answered any questions I had. The entire process was very professional and efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I love that they accept companies that are doing good things and have a positive impact in the business world. I liked that they offer a quality finished product for a very affordable overall cost.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I think they are great and recommend them to others!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

D. A. Berger Consulting specializes in leadership development and change management consulting.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Design, development, and set up of a website. Goal was to have a professional looking product (website) with minimal cost.

SOLUTION

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

I submitted an "application" to The Free Website Guys to be considered for their free website design services.

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

Sven and his team at The Free Website Guys did a tremendous job creating a free website for me. They provided step-by-step instructions and kept me updated as to their progress. The materials provided and website design are very professional looking. As a small business owner, I am thrilled to have such a professional looking website that I own and can update at any time.

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

I worked with appx. three people however Sven was my point of contact throughout the project. It was apparent from the onset, that Sven and the team at The Free Website Guys are very knowledgeable and extremely talented. It is reassuring to know that Sven and his team are available for further consultation and support along with the option of hiring them for more detailed website design and functionality.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Free Website Guys did a tremendous job creating a free website for me. All that remains is for me to complete the site by entering my own verbiage.

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

I had weekly communication via email with Sven. He kept me updated as to their progress and next steps.

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

Very impressed by their level of professionalism, expertise, and unique business model.

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

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and head coach at Dee Maisey Coaching. A Life Coaching business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I had tried and failed to create my own website so I applied and was accepted by the Free Website Guys to have my Wordpress website created for me.

SOLUTION

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

They had fantastic reviews so I applied. Reviews spoke highly of their customer service, knowledge, and great turnaround time on projects.

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

The work was the creation of a Wordpress website for me from scratch. From finding a Web host to picking a theme for my website to plug-ins, SEO settings, security enhancements etc.

The Web host is with BlueHost and I had the option to choose from many themes by free and paid options. Some of the work we did I needed to be involved in and for these steps I had detailed and easy to follow instructions and videos as well as tech support when needed.

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

Throughout the process, I dealt with Sven who is the Lead Developer. John Miles created the step by step 'how-to' videos on different steps that I needed to contribute to.

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 updates now that my website has been handed over to me so no measurable outcomes as yet, other than the fact that I have a great website ready to launch once I'm done.

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

Communication was great. All correspondence was conducted via email and the turnaround time on emails was so quick. As mentioned earlier all instructions either via written email or via step by step videos were clear and easy to follow, taking the guesswork out of everything.

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

I was so impressed by the high level of service, knowledge, and professionalism. I don't know of any business out there that offer free service with such a high level of customer care.

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

No. The Free Website Guys did an amazing job, and every step was fantastic.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a small business owner of a learning solutions company named Flocktuit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

The Free Website Guys built a website for my small business.

SOLUTION

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

I applied on their website and they offered their free service to me. I said yes without hesitation!

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

They answered all of my questions and made insightful recommendations when we reached decision points. They set me up for success by providing tutorials and a wealth of helpful information during the handover process.

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

1 - Sven

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website looks great! I am responsible for the content, so it will not officially launch until then.

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

The entire process was seamless; they truly have it down to a science! The communication was impeccable! I received status reports along the way, so I never had to wonder where we were in the process.

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

Best of all - I didn't pay them a dime!

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

No - I was blown away by everything. It was a great experience!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a certified health & life coach and the founder of Priti DSilva Coaching. I provide coaching services to empower women to end yo-yo dieting and reconnect with intuitive eating and body trust.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I needed a website to position myself as a business.

SOLUTION

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

I was recommended to the Free Website Guys by another coach. Their services were affordable and within my budget.

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

I am very low-tech and just about to launch my coaching practice so I didn’t have a big budget. Having to deal with many things was overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start.

Sven made the process very easy and guided me thru every stage right from finding a hosting platform to themes and a handover with training to be able to manage the website on my own. . I just had to follow simple instructions.

Sven was quick to update me with what was happening at each stage and also provide with many options based on my budget. I am now equipped with the know-how of how to edit and maintain my own website.

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

I was in touch with Sven and I know of the developers working on my website but I didnt interact with them

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Position myself as a serious business

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

I learnt about so many tools - screencastify. We communicated on email and I always got responses promptly

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

They were very trustworthy, prompt, and they delivered what was expected.

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

MAy be a kick-off zoom meeting and one at the end to make it a more personal experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I help people find love by writing and editing their dating profiles, enabling them to put their best foot forward while portraying their genuine selves. I am a sole proprietor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I need a website in order to show my clients that I am professional and trustworthy. Furthermore, if I can drive traffic to my website, I can raise my prices. This kind of work is often done on ultra-competitive gig-based platforms such a Fiverr and Upwork; having my own web presence allows me to reduce my dependency on such platforms.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to create a professional web presence, have a website to show when asked by clients who find me via Facebook and Craigslist, and have a place without character limits and with a seamless, usable design in which to properly display detailed information about Swipe Write and the services offered.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Free Website Guys?

I saw something about them on a facebook page, and immediately clicked over to an online form to apply to work with them on my website. They responded quickly, asked me a few more questions, and then informed me that they'd like to work with me on the website!

Describe the project in detail.

The Free Website Guys sent me lots of clear information clarifying what we were going to be doing and how it would work. They sent me detailed instructions on what I needed to do to choose a theme and template as well as all other steps of the process. When they were done creating the front and backend structures of my website as per my instructions, they initiated the handover process, which was totally seamless. They sent me videos and instructions showing how to go in and add my own information and build out my website with everything I needed. And all this was for free! The only purchase I had to make was web hosting, which was not expensive.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with Sven Nilsen, the lead developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've just completed the project, so outcomes will be visible a few months down the line. Here are the outcomes I expect: -I will be able to raise my prices as I direct clients to my website -I will be seen as more trustworthy and professional -I will feel more confident as a businessperson

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication with The Free Website Guys was fast, friendly, and very clear. They provided timelines for when specific objectives would be completed, and they worked very efficiently. Communication and workflow were an absolute breeze.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The seamlessness of the entire experience really impressed me, from how clearly and promptly communication flowed, to how they could make a complicated and technical process seem simple and uncomplicated for someone who knows nothing about web design/development, to how helpful they were in helping me to navigate the various options with which I was presented during the process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Absolutely not.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder and Owner of a Coaching and Consulting firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

My website was very outdated. I purchased Divi and wanted to install, yet never seemed to find the time to learn how and actually make it happen.

SOLUTION

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

We had a few email exchanges to understand the scope of the work and then decided to move forward.

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

They installed many important plugins, my wordpress theme and the template. They sent videos to help me take what they did and then finish to my liking.

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

I believe there were a few working with one as the PM - communicating with me directly while others may have been working behind the scenes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sven and the team at the Free Website Guys are wonderful to work with. They provide very clear instructions and great follow-up. Sometimes it is the smallest of things that can trip you up if you do not understand web design or wordpress.

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

Very thorough - used email and video

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

The Free Website Guys was efficient, friendly, and responsive. I was very impressed with the ease of installing the back-end of my site and how seamless they made the experience. They ensured the most important items were set up and running for me.

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

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a new mental health therapy private practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I needed a new site to market to clients looking for therapist. I wanted it to be clean and easy to navigate and easy for me to edit and update the backend.

SOLUTION

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

It was amazing that they offer free websites. I was skeptical at first but the only thing I paid for was web hosting which you pay for no matter what. I chose a free template and they did the back end work and then handed it over to me to edit the front end content.

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

Every few days I would receive an email from Sven with the progress of the site. Some emails had directions that I had to follow, or tasks I had to do to get to the next step. I had to set up web host, choose a template, create a video to communicate what I wanted to be changed on the template and a few other tasks.

Sven communicated clearly and often there were videos or pdfs with specific detailed directions. I also would get emails from Word Press that new plug ins were installed every so often and now I get emails that there are automatic updates being installed.

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

I worked only with Sven and another person created the handover video for me, I believe he also worked on the back end of site.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am really happy with what I received and how the site is working.

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

They communicated via email mostly, every few days I would hear from Sven with a progress report or task.

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

That the website work they did was really free! I was super skeptical but all I paid for was web hosting and they are very open about their affiliate program, which is awesome, I want them to make money.

Working with Sven and his team at Free Website Guys was great. I was concerned that I would be lost or overwhelmed but they walked me through the steps so clearly and easily. And it was so much less than I would have spent if I had hired a designer or built it myself on a do it yourself site.

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

I had trouble with the handover video and they immediately uploaded it to youtube for me.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

XONUP LLC is a professional legal and media services company in southern New Hampshire. I am the founder.

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 me. Goals included good and efficient design that is attractive and that neatly and efficiently advertised my services to audiences across the Web.

SOLUTION

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

I approached The Free Website Guys to build me a website and they accepted my proposal. I really trust Bluehost as a hosting platform. I also really embrace Wordpress as the tool for the build. Cost was definitely a huge factor. But their reviews came in as impressive.

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

I asked them to build a 6-page website plus a landing page. They asked for basic information and then asked me to choose a template, which I selected. They then built the website theme structure and showed me how to import my information and images.

The entire project took about a month's time. We used an email string to easily track our conversation and back-and-forth. I purchased a two-year hosting plan with Bluehost for my domain. I also purchased the Divi theme-builder software license to build the website.

I enjoyed using the new tools and have been working to integrate Mailchimp with the website. I am almost there, and just need to tie in a landing page in Mailchimp to the domain.

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

I worked with one senior lead developer whose email string tracked our communications and allowed me to go back and review previous decisions and information. He and his team included a number of documents and instructional videos for me to watch as we moved forward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I highly recommend The Free Website Guys for website design. They recently built me a simple, but powerful website for my freelance business using a WordPress theme I picked out. And I couldn’t be happier with the results. People have commented on how professional the design is.

The website works so well and I’m excited about the growth my business is going to see as a result! The team was extremely organized, responsive, and efficient. They kept in regular touch with me through a lead developer and sent me links and documents to complete to assist with the design process.

They made the build process simple and straightforward. I have only praise and kudos for this outfit! I will continue to work with them on add-ons and plugins that I need to develop my e-commerce side. But I am up and running thanks to them!

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

I like the fact that the team tracked the communication back-and-forth with one email string. That worked well. The month timeline is about right. I worked as quickly as I could to do signups and make decisions. The timelines worked out well.

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

The fact that a company is offering a free website build service, using just affiliate links and upgrades to pay for itself and that it's competent and efficient is quite amazing. I wasn't sure what to expect, and was impressively surprised!

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

Maybe have a dashboard to track matters and let me know the expected delivery dates for key components. But the email string worked quite well in lieu of that.