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bobtoday
Forums Member
Joined: 6 Apr 2009
Posts: 2
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#21 · Posted: 6 Apr 2009 01:17
I've signed up with Site Build It, and found it quite informative for a newbie like me, but I just came to the part where I can build a website with the block system (not coding) and found their templates to be all 2 column and basic looking.
Has anyone who's using SBI have any recommendations on how to get a more interesting 3 column site using SBI without knowing html?
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#22 · Posted: 6 Apr 2009 08:45
Hi Bob,
At the moment the block builder templates only have 2 columns available. You would have to upload your own html in order to use 3 columns in SBI.
However, the good news is that they are in the process of updating their templates and options. There isn't an exact release date yet, but I got the impression that it will be in the next few months.
Any block built site with 2 columns will be easily converted to 3 columns if the owner chooses to do so. There are pros and cons to the 3 column option. There's a huge thread in the SBI private forums on the subject if you want to read through it.
Basically, appearance-wise people seem to prefer the 3 column look, but performance-wise the 2 columns do just as well if not better.
There are many variables, particularly depending on your niche topic. But, generally speaking, people scan left to right and the content on the main section of the page is what you want to be where you want your emphasis.
Three of my sites are 2 column. I've just started uploading my own html on my 4th site, so I went with 3 columns. It's nice, but I don't know that it is really worth the hassle of learning the extra html and CSS coding that I admit I still struggle with.
I love the SBI blockbuilder. I'm sort of wishing I'd just stuck with the 2 column template until the new release came out. My site would be a lot farther along than it is if I was building it with the block builder. I know it like the back of my hand and it's very comfy. 
Oh well, I shall persevere! I think in your case, you would be much better starting with a 2 column template (you can still customize your header if you like) and learn the ropes before you attempt anything else, since you don't know html yet. The updates will be available soon enough and you can then switch it over with almost no effort.
You'll find that learning to build a site properly is challenge enough in the beginning without trying to learn all the extra coding, too, in the beginning.
Hope that helps.
Blessings,
Angie
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2226
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#23 · Posted: 8 Apr 2009 11:01
happywife: but I don't know that it is really worth the hassle of learning the extra html and CSS coding that I admit I still struggle with.
Hi Angie,
All good things require time and effort. Trust me, it's well worth it in the case of learning HTML and CSS.
Hermas and some of the others who know web coding can verify this without pause.
The next thing you should consider in lieu of another SBI site is setting up a HostGator account and giving WordPress a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you will like WP.
I understand your wisdom in focusing on the content but creating posts (pages) via WP is surprisingly easy. Of course there is a lot to know about WP and non-SBI hosting, but it's well worth the time and effort involved.
~Newbie Shield~
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#24 · Posted: 8 Apr 2009 18:43
Maybe one day.  I've got my hands full for the foreseeable future!
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 939
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#25 · Posted: 8 Apr 2009 20:24 · Edited by: A8ch
Don't know how I ever missed this discussion. It's interesting so I'll jump right on in.
The original query was:
makingafriend: Do you feel that using sites like Site Build it is the same as building the website from scratch?
Is the correct answer A/Yes - B/No - C/Yes and No - D/Maybe?
My response is B/No. It's not the same, and that's my final answer.
There are actually 2 ways to interpret the above question:
1. Do you feel that using sites like Site Build It (to build a website) is the same as building the website from scratch?
2. Do you feel that using sites like Site Build It (to build a complete Web business) is the same as building the website (and by inference a Web business) from scratch?
In either case my answer is still the same. No!
Regarding the first interpretation - Building a Website.
An SBI-generated site and a website designed from scratch will share many similarities. Each one will have advantages and disadvantages that appeal to different people based on their personal strengths, weaknesses and goals.
The major similarity is that each method can deliver a functional and professional looking website. The major difference is that they each use a different process to achieve the same result.
For example. It's possible to view two identical websites and not be able to tell which one was SBI generated and which was hand coded. Same visual presentation, but different construction methods.
So, if both sites look alike, what's the big deal regarding how they were constructed?
Flexibility.
The SBI template user will not be able to alter certain design and layout elements of the site, whereas the hand coder will have complete design freedom to create the site however she wishes.
Regarding the 2nd interpretation - Building a Web Business.
SBI is really about more than building a website, it's about building a complete business. You are given access to all the tools, know-how and support you need to help you succeed. By contrast, the hand coder who builds a site from scratch may not be familiar with the rudiments of online marketing, and may face a greater challenge developing an online presence.
Hermas
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#26 · Posted: 8 Apr 2009 20:47
Good explanation, but slightly inaccurate on one point.
You can "hand code" an SBI site if you choose to do so. Both options are available. So you do have a tremendous amount of design & layout flexibility.
However, there are certain limitations which you didn't mention - perhaps some I don't even know about.
For instance, you can't use .php or .asp (whatever that is). 
So, although you can build a site from "scratch" using SBI, you may not have the complete flexibility that you may have building a site outside of SBI and hosting it elsewhere.
It's my understanding that they have these limitations in order to protect the integrity of their database, but that side of things is well and truly 'over my head.'
Most business builders starting out don't require the flexibility that may be missing from SBI, but if anyone has doubts as to whether or not you can "do what you need specifically" all you have to do is ask them directly before you purchase. They're pretty good about telling you 'no, this isn't for you' if you need something different.
Blessings,
Angie
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 939
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#27 · Posted: 8 Apr 2009 22:25
happywife: You can "hand code" an SBI site if you choose to do so. Both options are available. So you do have a tremendous amount of design & layout flexibility.
Thanks for pointing that out, Angie. Those two options help to blur the line that
distinguishes the advantages/disadvantages of an SBI-generated site and one
that's coded by hand.
happywife: However, there are certain limitations which you didn't mention - perhaps some I don't even know about. For instance, you can't use .php or .asp (whatever that is).
PHP (HyperText Preprocessor) and ASP (Active Server Pages) are programming languages
used for building dynamic web pages that interact with databases and facilitate responses
to visitor input.
Hermas
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Chrisskoyles
Forums Member
Joined: 5 Apr 2009
Posts: 12
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#28 · Posted: 9 Apr 2009 14:48
I haven't used Site Build It but I've seen similiar sites and I've found that the only real problem is that because you're stuck with templates, there isn't much room for creativity and originality.
You want a website to be different from the competition, but if you're new to web design and can't get to grips with coding, you have a website that looks the same as everybody elses.
That said, there's nothing wrong with taking a basic template and customising it as much as possible.
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destiny7
Forums Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2009
Posts: 8
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#29 · Posted: 22 Apr 2009 01:02
I prefer putting my own websites together from scratch using AceHTML Pro. It's really not that hard with the software applications that are available today. Most website building application take most of the hard work out of building a site out of your hands.
There are also some apps that are as simple as drag and drop.
You can do this at a much lower cost and for free in some cases than using SBI. I guess it boils down to what your needs are, as SBI is an all in one resource. If you already have a suite of other tools then try building your own site starting out with a free website building application.
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bphower
Forums Member
Joined: 25 May 2009
Posts: 3
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#30 · Posted: 25 May 2009 11:49
Hello everyone,
This is my very first post since I just joined!
I came first to this forum because SBI is something I am passionate about and fairly expert in.
Happy Wife, you are a great asset here. Obviously, you are very well versed in the SBI system and approach.
I want to try to add some of my own viewpoints here to further polish the great advice you and the others have given.
Firstly, you are all correct that SBI is really not about building a "website" although of course you end up with a GREAT website.
SBI is ALL about building a real, potentially lucrative rock-solid business for yourself.
And as for the expense: How in the world can you possibly build any kind of real business that could provide a full-time living and possibly much more, for 299.00 a year??
Anyway, let's get into the design, 2 col vs. 3 col etc.
Both are fine--depends on what you really want. BOTH can rank highly too.
I've done both and they seem to each do well. I converted my main site recently to CSS and 3 columns and mytraffic/rankings have even improved.
I can't imagine someone NOT taking advantage of the SBI system.
I would not have my company if not for SBI.
As for the HTML, hand-coding and CSS, etc. Here's my 2 cents.
When I started, I had no idea how to write one line of HTML.
Even after 3 years of SBI I was scared of the "upload your own HTML" module.
So here's my advice:
Between the SBI block-builder, the upcoming 3-column templates, and a "little" bit of your own learning of HTML, (which really is not very hard (but can be "tricky" and does require a HUGE ability to get the details right!), you have all the design flexibility you will ever want/or need.
Unless you are extremely particular about the graphic piece (minor importance) of your site versus the content/business-building (major importance) piece, you'll never need more.
We are taking small business success here. Not even big small business.
Let those guys pay for the expensive graphics and flashy stuff ( that turns most people off anyway)
Did you ever chuckle at the flash intros of many sites that say "Skip the Intro"?
If it provided any value--Why would they have to ask? Ha-ha.
One more thing. If anyone wants to learn the basics of HTML and/or CSS, I will talk to you at no charge to try to dispel your fears.
I busted my way through them on my own. No need for you to do that. As I said, it's really not all that hard.
I whole-heartedly recommend SBI for everyone, even the experienced.
It's fantastic, always gets even better and saves a huge amount of otherwise wasted time.
What dollar amount can be placed on one hour of your life?
All the best to all of you.
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Brian P. Hower
President and Founder
SEARCHLIGHT Business Advocates
Erie, PA
www.igetthenet.com
1-866-452-4243
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#31 · Posted: 25 May 2009 13:01
destiny7: You can do this at a much lower cost and for free in some cases than using SBI. I guess it boils down to what your needs are, as SBI is an all in one resource.
Building a website that looks nice and building one that gets visitors are two very different things when it comes to online marketing.
If you know what you are doing with SEO and all the keyword stuff, then you can build your own website and do okay with it. For me, it has been way worth the $25 a month to build my new SBI site as I can put my concentration into one place, and I know already where I am going with it...
I am learning new html all the time so eventually I will be able to build my own site but for right now, I need to make money with my site, lol, and I have yet to see a better system than SBI that will teach you the ropes to getting a steady stream of visitors to your site within weeks.... without having to do additional things like posting in forums, placing ads etc...
I do submit some of my stuff as articles as well, especially in the beginning but you don't really have to.
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jeffathome
Forums Member
Joined: 9 Sep 2008
Posts: 135
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#32 · Posted: 26 May 2009 19:39
Personally I still use kompzer and its free.
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#33 · Posted: 27 May 2009 00:36
Kompzer or Kompozer??
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bphower
Forums Member
Joined: 25 May 2009
Posts: 3
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#34 · Posted: 27 May 2009 10:06
I believe Kompozer is merely a word ( or html/text editor) processing software program.
There is a whole lot more to building a website. There's another universe to building a successful business.
I have never seen where the "free" stuff can really result in a solid business.
I use free software too--and you should as much as possible to help defray costs, etc.
But if you really, truly intend to build a business and earn a living, spend the small amount of money with SBI and you'll see exactly why it is so well worth it.
I offer completely no cost consultations to everyone if they want to understand more before they buy.
Why not take advantage of me?
__________________
Brian P. Hower
President and Founder
SEARCHLIGHT Business Advocates
Erie, PA
www.igetthenet.com
1-866-452-4243
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 3099
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#35 · Posted: 27 May 2009 10:20
bphower: Why not take advantage of me?
That is sweet of you - I need to build more content for right now....
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tommykrank
Forums Member
Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Posts: 15
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#36 · Posted: 10 Jun 2009 16:15
getagrip: At WA, you have the option of paying a monthly fee, but at SBI, you have to pay everything up front (about $300). Not a lot of people are able to do that. The price does "average out" to be $25 a month, but technically, there is not an option to pay monthly. Again, I've heard a lot of great things about SBI, but you have to have the money up front to invest in it.
It's true
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jeffathome
Forums Member
Joined: 9 Sep 2008
Posts: 135
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#37 · Posted: 4 Jul 2009 17:08
I have used kompozer for all of my sites. Start there. It's free. You can always go for the paid site builders later if you need them.
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bphower
Forums Member
Joined: 25 May 2009
Posts: 3
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#38 · Posted: 4 Jul 2009 18:39
Actually, there IS now a monthly option offered by SBI!
29.99 month to month for those that need that flexibility.
You may use the free text editors with SBI too.
SBI is really NOT about building "websites".
SBI! is about building a real business using the Internet as the primary engine.
It's an absolute no brainer.
Brian P. Hower
<Snip>
[Signature removed - Admin]
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Brian P. Hower
President and Founder
SEARCHLIGHT Business Advocates
Erie, PA
www.igetthenet.com
1-866-452-4243
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1565
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#39 · Posted: 5 Jul 2009 16:16
Hi Brian,
Yes, I'm a very happy SBI customer, but just to clarify for everyone else's sake, the monthly payment plan with SBI is only available to SBI owners who have already been with the company for 1 year.
New SiteBuildIt members still have to purchase the full 1 year package in the beginning. They can opt for the monthly plan when they come up for renewal if they like, but only then.
Although SBI does have a money back guarantee, they keep this policy in place to weed out the tire-kickers and those who aren't really serious about building an online business - the 'get rich quick' types, etc.
SBI is an excellent resource and worthy investment. It gets better and better every year. I'm truly blessed to have found them when I did.
Regards,
Angie
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realityshifter
Forums Member
Joined: 7 Jun 2009
Posts: 23
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#40 · Posted: 15 Sep 2009 23:44
Hello Everyone,
I'm somewhat convinced to buy into SBI. My concern is - I'm planning to put up a forum. Will SBI support that kind of website?
I've been looking for a sample SBI supported website which is in a forum format but couldn't find one (except for the Site Build It! Forums which is of course not what I mean).
Would appreciate some help. If anyone can lead me to a SBI powered forum for a sampler, that will be great!
Thanks.
realityshifter
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