When you use a free website builder like Squarespace or Wix, you are joining an online HOA that is interested in controlling how your website works and, to some extent, how it looks. All just to get money from you monthly for providing the same exact service with no improvements. This monthly cost does not help you grow your web presence, but is simply a renters fee.

Have you ever been to one of those suburbs where all the houses look the same, and there is a home owners association that says what you can and can’t do on your front lawn? Now let’s say that you have invited some friends over and told them the neighborhood you live in. Maybe you say, “Hey, we are the house with the gray brick and one bush in the front yard.” It’s your home, right? Well, this is similar to your website. You wouldn’t want just a cookie-cutter site. You want a unique site that people can find by searching in Google, Bing and other search engines. When they get there, you want them to have the best possible user experience they can have. A unique audience interacting with your unique business can’t have the best experience as long as you are using a free website builder.

The long and short of it is that free website builders like Wix and Squarespace hurt your business online.

Here are some common website questions:

1. How can I rank my site higher in search engines?

With free website builders you have two options: write more content and get quality backlinks. Both things are critical and should not be neglected. When you are using a free website builder you are on your own. You have no one to turn to for guidance. What should you blog about? How long should those posts be? How do you get started generating backlinks? Not to mention there is a whole host of other actions you can take to increase your rank greatly and to improve the effectiveness of blogging and backlinks.

With Absolute, you have the option to own your site and its content. In addition, we will update the tags that only search engines can see, get your content out through all the right channels, and make sure you have just enough of the right keywords. We will help you identify who your competitors are online and locally, and give you the ability and resources to stay competitive.

2. Is my website on brand?

We will be the first to admit that using a free website builder can be economical and expedite getting the job done. You get to choose a theme and upload your pictures. However, beyond doing that, you are limited on your branding and structuring your content to address your unique audience and their needs.

When you work with Absolute, we start out with standard layouts and features and expand forward, meeting the needs that data and experience show you need. Sometimes a map on the right page means the difference between a customer showing up to the right place or getting lost. Where is the best place for a leads capture form? What is the ideal placement of my logo? Should that change for mobile users vs desktop users? The right placement of website elements helps your users know where they are and how to navigate the site to find what they need.

3. How do I read my site analytics? Do I need to know what all these analytics mean?

Yes, you do. Free website tools can give you some good information right at your fingertips. The real question is: “What does all of that mean, and how do I respond to it?” Absolute knows what all those bar graphs and numbers mean. You know how to run your business. Let us help you with the analytics by giving you smart, data-driven advice instead of numbers and graphs that require research to know what they mean. Sure, in time you could learn it for yourself, but wouldn’t you rather focus on running your business?

4. What should I do next with my website?

We will gladly advise you and help you form a marketing plan that not only includes your online efforts, but can include print media, video production, graphic design, and multiple network advertising. Free website builders like Wix and Squarespace don’t talk … because they are software. Talk with us- real people who understand this ever-changing online marketing industry.