But building a high-converting landing page is challenging. You need to know how to string the right words and visuals together to lead users to take action. Otherwise, your sales funnel could be a waste of time and money.

Luckily, we have some tips that can help. Let’s take a closer look at creating a landing page that convert traffic into leads and customers.

Understanding high-converting landing pages

A landing page is a standalone web page with a single goal: Conversion. 

Whether you want someone to sign up for your email list, download a guide, or buy a product, a landing page directs visitors to that action. Which is why they’re a pivotal component in your sales funnel.

A successful landing page gives users a reason to trust you and makes it easy for them to follow through. 

The headline, visuals, and call-to-action should all lead visitors down one path. If your landing page tries to do too much, you’ll confuse your audience and miss the opportunity to convert them.

You also need to make sure your landing pages can handle traffic spikes. (If your landing page goes down during a marketing campaign, you’ll lose valuable leads and sales.) A data backup strategy and a solid recovery time objective (RTO) plan are essential to keeping your page up and running. 

Types of landing pages and conversion goals

Different landing pages serve different purposes based on your goals. If you’re looking for fast conversions, text-only landing pages work well. They’re simple, quick to load, and focus the visitor on a single message or call to action.

Long-copy landing pages let you dive into the details. Use these when you’re selling a complex or high-ticket product or service. More copy gives you space to handle objections and build trust with your audience.

Short-copy landing pages get straight to the point. If your offer is easy to understand or familiar, a concise page boosts engagement by reducing decision fatigue.

Video landing pages are powerful for storytelling. They capture attention and work best when you need to showcase a product or build an emotional connection. Keep the video short and focused on the outcome you want.

Components of high-converting landing pages

Creating a landing page that connects with your audience requires a deep understanding of their behaviors and preferences. 

It’s all about using data to meet your audience where they are—creating a landing page that feels tailored, relevant, and results-oriented. A high-converting landing page has several important elements. 

Headline with a hook

The headline is the first thing visitors see, so it needs to grab attention quickly.

Spark curiosity and speak directly to their emotions. A good rule is to think about the problem your audience faces and the benefit they’ll get from your solution.

Use the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) or PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution) formulas to structure your headline. These copywriting techniques guide the reader through a journey that ends with them taking action.

Source

For example, instead of a bland headline like “Get More Leads,” try something more engaging like “Struggling to Find Customers? Here’s the Secret to Tripling Your Leads in 30 Days.” It’s specific, emotional, and directly addresses the reader’s pain point. 

High-impact visuals (image, video, etc.)

People process visuals faster than text, so be sure to use high-quality images or videos to make your landing page more engaging. 

Look for visuals that support your content and connect emotionally with your audience.

Adding a live and interactive demo to SaaS landing pages is a highly effective strategy to boost conversions. It offers firsthand experience so that potential customers can address their curiosity and demonstrate the tool’s value without needing to sign up or schedule a demo. 

Take Tyk, a leading API management platform, for instance. The brand offers a live demo of its dashboard directly on the landing page. This hands-on experience lets visitors explore the tool and its capabilities in real-time, which reduces friction in the decision-making process. 

This approach helps increase engagement and foster confidence, which ultimately leads to higher conversion rates.

Source

Social proof (customer testimonials)

Social proof builds trust with potential customers. If visitors see that other people are using and loving your product, they’ll be more inclined to follow suit. Even a few customer testimonials can make a huge difference in building credibility.

For example, you could feature a quote from a satisfied user. Or add screenshots of positive brand mentions from social media users who bought and loved your product or service.

Source

You could also have a dedicated “ratings and reviews” section on your landing page.

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If you have well-known clients or brands that endorse your product, show their logos, too. 

List of benefits

When it comes to landing pages, features don’t sell — benefits do. Visitors want to know how your product or service will make their life easier, business better, or solve their problems. 

You need to connect the dots for them. List your product’s core benefits in bullet points (and follow them up with relevant features or explanations). Make sure each point is clear and directly addresses your target audience’s pain points. 

For example, if you’re selling an email marketing tool, you might list benefits like: 

• “Create more impactful campaigns with audience segmentation” 
• “Easily grow your email list with targeted campaigns”
• “Save time with automated email sequences” 

Keep it scannable so visitors can quickly understand how you’re going to help them.

Features describe what your product or service does. For example, “Our email marketing tool includes audience segmentation”. Benefits, on the other hand, describe how these features can improve the customer’s experience. 

When focusing on the benefits, you’re addressing your visitors’ pain points and showing them how and why your product or service is the best solution for their needs. 

Call-to-action

A clear, bold call-to-action (CTA) is critical to conversions. Don’t overload your landing page with multiple CTAs — that’ll only confuse your visitors. Instead, guide them toward one specific action. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t list your CTA a few times (especially if you have a long-copy landing page). But don’t change your CTA’s goal.

For example, you could sprinkle “Sign up for your free trial,” “Get your free trial,” and “Get the trial” throughout your landing page. But don’t try to divert their attention with separate goals, such as “Book a demo call,” “Try it now,” and “Sign up for our email list.”

The color of your CTA buttons matters, too. Blue buttons tend to evoke trust, while brighter colors like orange and pink can trigger excitement and urgency in different demographics. Test different colors to find out what works best for your audience. 

And always make sure the CTA stands out from the rest of the page. Make the CTA copy clear and action-oriented. Instead of “Submit,” try something more compelling like “Get My Free Guide” or “Start My Free Trial.”

High-converting landing pages examples

Here are some real-world examples of landing pages that convert.

• SoFi’s law school loans landing page

Source

SoFi’s law school loans landing page is a masterclass in conversion. The brand breaks up the page with dedicated sections its audience can read through to learn how its law school loans work. 

The headline (“Low-rate student loans for law school degrees”) speaks directly to the target audience and their core needs. 

The page also features strong trust signals. A Money Magazine badge and customer reviews build credibility — and the promise that checking your rate won’t impact your credit score eliminates a major barrier to action. Finally, the CTA buttons — “View your rate” and “Learn more” — are clear and intuitive.

Key benefits are also listed on the landing page, all help motivate prospective law students to take the next step. 

• Maria Wendt’s coaching program landing page

Maria Wendt’s landing page for her coaching program converts at an impressive 71%. Why? It’s straightforward and focused. 

The page features bold, specific headlines that speak directly to her target market’s struggles. She also emphasizes urgency with limited-time offers and includes plenty of social proof through testimonials from satisfied clients.

To build landing pages that convert like this one, Maria recommends to: 

• Make sure your landing pages are super intentional (every element should have a clear reason for being there)
• Have a section that compares what you offer versus what the competition offers
• Include an “About Me” or “About Us” section
• Include descriptive mock-up images (so your audience knows exactly what they’re getting)
• Include a “Value stack” or a “Value menu” section with prices
• Use a strong headline (and follow-up headlines)
• Include a “What you get” section 
• Add an objection handling section
• Eliminate fluff in your copywriting 
• Include a “Who it’s for” section
• Have a testimonials section
• Include a clear next step
• Add an FAQ section

How to build a landing page with Webnode

If you’re looking for an easy way to build a landing page, Webnode is a great solution. Webnode offers templates designed to convert, meaning you don’t need any design experience to get started.

To create a simple landing page, choose a Webnode template that fits your conversion goal. 

Customize the design with high-quality images, an emotional headline, and a clear CTA. 

Use the drag-and-drop website builder to rearrange elements as needed, and don’t forget to include social proof and a benefits section. (Go the extra mile by infusing all of the tips we’ve covered in this guide.)

Continually optimize your page to keep improving your landing page conversion rate.

Conclusion

Creating a high-converting landing page comes down to understanding your audience and removing friction from their decision-making process. 

Focus on crafting an emotional headline, use visuals to support your content, build trust with social proof, and guide visitors with a clear CTA. With these elements in place, you’ll be well on your way to creating a landing page that converts.

Ready to build your perfect landing page? Get started with Webnode for free

Author Bio:

Ioana Wilkinson – Ioana is a business strategist and content writer for B2B tech and SaaS brands. She also helps aspiring entrepreneurs build remote businesses. Born in Transylvania and raised in Texas, Ioana has been living the digital nomad life since 2016. When she’s not writing, you can catch her snorkeling, exploring, or enjoying a café con leche in Barcelona.

The post Practical Tips for Creating a Landing Page that Converts appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Web designers craft the visual layout and aesthetics, turning ideas into engaging designs. In contrast, web developers bring these designs to life, writing the code that powers the site’s functionality.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between web designers and developers, exploring their responsibilities, skill sets, and how they collaborate to build seamless websites.

Web Designer Vs. Web Developer

The roles of web designers and web developers are distinct yet complementary.

Web Designer

Web designers are responsible for the site’s appearance and overall user experience. They focus on creating a visually appealing interface that is easy to navigate, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction. Using various graphic design tools and software, web designers craft the typography, color schemes, and other design elements that define the look and feel of a website.

Job Description of a Web Designer

A web designer’s responsibilities include:

• Brainstorming creative ideas for website design.
• Creating responsive, user-friendly websites.
• Testing websites to identify and correct design discrepancies.
• Integrating content management systems (CMS) and third-party applications.
• Optimizing websites for better speed and functionality. 
• Applying best design practices to ensure quality. 
• Providing support during the website’s development and launch.
• Preparing detailed design plans and structuring the website layout.

Types of Web Designers

1. User experience (UX) designers: Focus on creating intuitive and engaging designs through research and brainstorming.

2. User interface (UI) designers: Assess website features and determine how users will interact with the design.

3. Visual designers: Specialize in the visual elements of the website, such as images, animations, logo designs, and graphics.

Web Developer

Web developers are the architects behind the functionality of the website. They write the code that brings the designer’s vision to life, ensuring that the site operates smoothly.

Working with programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Python, web developers integrate both the front end and back end to create a fully functional website. They tackle the technical and logical aspects of the site, focusing on problem-solving and efficiency.

Job Description of a Web Developer

A web developer’s responsibilities include:

• Writing code to build responsive and fully functional websites.
• Implementing web designs using various programming languages and frameworks.
• Developing server-side logic and managing databases.
• Testing and debugging applications across different devices and platforms.
• Collaborating with web designers and project managers to fix bugs and issues.
• Collaborating with SEO specialist and optimizing websites for speed and SEO performance.
• Staying updated with the latest web development trends and technologies.
• Implementing security protocols to protect websites from threats.

Types of Web Developers

1. Frontend developers: Focus on creating and styling the interactive, visual elements of a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

2. Backend developers: Manage the server-side processes, including databases and APIs. 

3. Full-stack developers: Work on both the frontend and backend to ensure seamless development and integration.

Skills and Tools for Web Designers

Both web designers and web developers require a blend of skills, and specialized tools to excel in their fields. Here is an overview for web designers: 

Technical Skills:  

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript: Basic coding knowledge is essential for web designers to understand how their designs will be implemented.
• UI & UX Design: A strong grasp of user interface and user experience design is critical for creating intuitive and engaging websites.
• Web Server Management: Understanding how web servers operate helps designers ensure that their designs are functional and optimized for various devices.
• Design Principles: Mastery of color theory, typography, and layout is crucial for creating visually appealing and cohesive designs.

Soft Skills: 

• Creativity: Web designers must think outside the box to create unique and appealing designs that stand out.
• Communication: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with clients, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines requires strong organizational skills.
• Problem-Solving: Designers must be able to troubleshoot issues related to design and usability.

Tools: 

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Industry-standard tools for graphic design and image editing.
• Figma, Sketch, InVision: Tools for creating and sharing design prototypes and wireframes.
• Google Web Designer: A tool for creating interactive HTML5-based designs and motion graphics.
• Website builder and CMS: Platforms for building and customizing websites.

Skills and Tools for Web Developers

Technical Skills:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript: The foundational languages of web development, essential for creating and styling websites.
• PHP, Python, Java, Ruby: Backend programming languages used for server-side development and application logic.
• React, Node.js: Popular JavaScript frameworks for building dynamic user interfaces and scalable web applications.
• SQL: A language used for managing databases, essential for backend developers. An SQL database chatbot can streamline queries.
• GIT: Version control systems that enable developers to track changes in their code and collaborate with other developers.

Soft Skills:

• Problem-Solving: Developers need to troubleshoot and resolve coding issues, often under tight deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Writing clean, error-free code is essential for building functional and secure websites.
• Analytical and Cognitive Skills: Developers must be able to think logically and analyze complex problems to find effective solutions.

Tools:

• Text Editors and IDEs: Tools like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom are essential for writing and editing code.
• GitHub, Bitbucket: Platforms for version control and collaborative coding.
• React, Angular, Vue.js: JavaScript frameworks that simplify the process of building user interfaces.
• Express.js, Django: Backend frameworks for building robust and scalable web applications.
• MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB: Popular databases used for storing and managing data in web applications.

Salary of a Web Designer Vs. Web Developer

According to Glassdoor, as of August 2024, the average salary of a web designer in the United States is $82,091. However, this number varies according to experience, industry, and geographic location.

For example, web designers working in major IT companies get higher salaries while those in smaller markets or less competitive industries might get lower.

On the other hand, web developers get more salary as compared to web designers. The average salary of a web developer is $93,127 as of August 2024 in the United States. The salary also depends on the developer’s expertise and the kind of projects they work on.

Web developers involved in full-stack development, cyber security, or mobile application development earn more as compared to developers working in growing tech industries. 

When to Hire a Web Designer and a Web Developer?

Consider hiring a web designer in the following situations:

• When you need to create a visually appealing and user-friendly website.
• When your existing website needs a modern update.
• When you need to fix navigation issues to improve user experience.
• When you want to modify your website’s design to better reflect your brand identity.
• When you need to design landing pages for events like webinars.
• When you require custom icons, graphics, and other visual content.
• When you need to add responsiveness to your website for better mobile compatibility.
• When you want to A/B test design elements to optimize user engagement.
• When you need to optimize website design for speed and accessibility.

Consider hiring a web developer in the following situations:

• When you need a custom website with specific functionality tailored to your business.
• When you want to integrate APIs or third-party services like payment gateways or CRMs.
• When you need to fix technical glitches.
• When you require management and updates for your website’s databases.
• When you need to implement a CMS.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the difference between a web designer and web developer, you can easily determine if you need a web designer or web developer for your website. 

Hire a web developer when you need to solve technical issues, custom websites with specific functionality, or when your business requires regular updates and maintenance for optimal performance. Hire a web designer when you need a visually appealing and user-friendly website that aligns with your brand identity and enhances the overall user engagement and experience. Or hire fullstack developer who can handle both front-end and back-end development tasks.

As you analyze your website’s design and technical requirements, consider using a no-code website builder like Webnode to streamline the process. With Webnode, you can quickly create a stunning, responsive website tailored to your business needs.

Webnode’s AI website builder makes creating a website on your own easy.

Author Bio: Irov Vaul is a content marketing specialist, demand generation enthusiast, and team player who is currently working with 2xSaS. He helps B2B SaaS companies spread the word about their products through engaging content.

The post Web Designer Vs. Web Developer: What’s The Difference? appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

How to make a website from scratch: options

There are a few ways to make a website from scratch, from using website builders like Webnode to open-source platforms and custom coding options. Regardless of the method you choose, one crucial factor to consider is hosting.

These builders typically have pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop interface, making them perfect for beginners or individuals with limited time.

For your website to grow, it needs a reliable foundation. While storage space is important, hosting providers offer additional features to boost performance and security. Therefore, choosing the appropriate hosting plan is crucial.

Our guide simplifies website hosting. It walks you through the process and offers valuable insights for selecting a hosting provider.

Ensure your domain name is aligned with your brand’s identity and memorable. Tailor it to resonate with your target demographic.

No-code website builders

With no-code website builders that offer intuitive tools, anyone, regardless of technical expertise, can design and launch a professional website in no time. Webnode offers a collection of over 100 responsive templates designed with mobile users in mind.

This means your website will automatically adjust to fit perfectly on smartphones and tablets, ensuring a smooth experience for all your visitors. With its responsive designs and built-in optimization features, your site will look great and perform flawlessly across all devices.

Imagine a toolbox filled with pre-designed elements like text boxes, images, menus, and galleries. Simply drag these elements onto your page and arrange them to your liking. No coding knowledge is required – it’s like building with digital Legos! This makes it easy to create professional-looking websites without ever needing to write a single line of code.

Webnode also offers the option of AI-powered website template customization. It can generate a custom website template based on your preferences.

Content Management System (CMS)

Content Management Systems (CMS) are platforms that act as the engine behind your website. They simplify website creation by handling most of the technical back-end stuff, allowing you to focus on the content and design.

With user-friendly interfaces and a vast array of plugins and themes, popular CMS options like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Joomla, Drupal, make it easy to build and manage your website without writing a single line of code.

Webnode combines the ease of a no-code builder with the flexibility of a CMS, offering a vast array of features and themes to enhance your site.

Let’s have a look at the features, such as setup, cost, customization, and functionality, between the website builder and CMS platform.

Open-source website builders

Open-source website builders offer a user-friendly approach, perfect for those who want more control over their website. Because the underlying code is accessible, you have the freedom to delve deeper and customize your site to an incredible degree.

These platforms provide a dashboard where you can manage your entire website. Next, you’ll be greeted with a visual interface, often drag-and-drop. To fully customize and maintain the website you need some technical knowledge, unlike no-code website builders which are more beginner-friendly.

Coding

While no-code options are fantastic for beginners, coding a website from scratch offers ultimate flexibility and customization.

This method involves writing the website’s structure and design using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While it requires more time and effort to learn, this approach grants complete control and allows you to craft unique features and functionalities that may not be available with pre-built templates. 

If you’re comfortable with a challenge and have aspirations for a truly bespoke website experience, coding your website might be a rewarding path for you.

Building a website from scratch, step by step

Whether you’re creating a blog or a business website, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the essentials to get your online presence up and running. It will also show you the easiest way for beginners with no experience to get started – by using a no-code website builder.

 1. Define Your Goals and Needs

• What’s the purpose of your website? Is it to showcase your work, sell products, or provide information?
• Who is your target audience? Understanding their needs will influence your design and content.
• What functionalities do you need? Contact forms, appointment booking, or an online store?

2. Choose Your Building Blocks

There are two main approaches to building a website:

• Website Builders: These user-friendly platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates, making them perfect for beginners. 
• Self-Hosted Websites: This method gives you more control but requires some technical knowledge.

3. Plan Your Website Structure

• Sitemap: Create a visual representation of your website’s pages and how they connect.
• Navigation: Plan how users will navigate your website. A clear and intuitive menu is crucial.

4. Focus on high-quality content

• Craft high-quality, engaging content relevant to your target audience.
• Optimize your content for search engines with relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
• Visuals are important: Use high-resolution images and graphics to enhance your website’s appeal.

5. Design and User Experience

• Choose a theme or template that aligns with your brand and website’s purpose.
• Prioritize user experience (UX): Ensure your website is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
• Make your website mobile-friendly: A significant portion of website traffic comes from mobile devices.

6. Launch and Promotion

• Test your website thoroughly across different devices and browsers before going live.
• Promote your website: Utilize social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, and online directories to gain traction.

7. Maintenance is Key

• Regularly update your website with fresh content and security patches.
• Monitor website analytics to understand user behavior and make data-driven improvements.
• Update your privacy policy whenever you add a new element that processes personal information (e.g., social media widgets). If you don’t know where to start, use the privacy policy template.

When you decide to build your website with Webnode, this process will be easier than you can imagine! Just create a Webnode account, which gives you access to the intuitive website builder platform.

Once logged in, choose from a variety of professionally designed templates. Browse through options tailored for various purposes, like business portfolios, online stores, or blogs. 

With your template selected, the next step is customization. Webnode’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to personalize every aspect of your site. From changing colors and fonts to adding images and text, you have full control over the look and feel of your website.

Plus, Webnode’s responsive design ensures your site looks great on any device, from desktops to smartphones. 

FAQs

How hard is it to build a website from scratch?

The difficulty depends on the approach you take. No-code website builders like Webnode are user-friendly platforms and perfect for beginners. With drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates, you can create a website without any coding knowledge.

If you decide to code a website, this requires knowledge of programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

How long does it take to create a website from scratch?

Building a website can take anywhere from a weekend to months, depending on the complexity and your approach.

• Website builders: Quickest option, great for beginners (think a weekend for a basic site).
• Content Management Systems: More complex sites take weeks to months but offer more customization.
• Coding from scratch: Most time-consuming (weeks to months or more), but gives ultimate control.

How to build a website from scratch for free

One option is to utilize website builders that offer free plans, such as Webnode. You can take advantage of free web hosting services or platforms that offer subdomains, allowing you to publish your website without incurring hosting costs.

However, it’s important to note that while building a website for free is feasible, there may be limitations in terms of features, customization options, and branding.

As your website grows and your needs evolve, you may eventually consider investing in premium plans to unlock additional functionalities. Webnode offers perfect packages for websites of all sizes, starting with just $3.95 per month.

What is the best way to build a website from scratch?

The best approach depends on your specific needs, preferences, and level of expertise. 

For beginners, using a user-friendly website builder like Webnode can be the ideal choice. It offers intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates, and built-in features that make the website creation process straightforward and accessible. 

If you have coding experience or want complete control over your website’s design and functionality, building from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript may be the preferred option.

Conclusion

Building a website from scratch even with no prior experience, is entirely achievable thanks to the online tools available. With clear goals, engaging content, and a touch of creativity, you can transform your vision into a website that thrives.

Remember, your website is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the learning process, keep adding valuable content, and enjoy the power of having your own space on the web.

Create your website from scratch with website builder

The post How to Build a Website from Scratch With No Experience appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Choosing the right website platform is essential for creating a professional online presence. Explore what a website builder is, the different types, and how to select the best one for your needs.

Index

• What is a website builder?
• How website builders work
• Types of website builders
• How to choose the best website builder
• How to use a website builder
• FAQ

What is a website builder?

Creating a website in the traditional way requires in-depth technical and programming knowledge (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). With these skills, you can register a domain, find a hosting vendor, and program your content.

In order to do this, programming skills as well as knowledge of web design and web security are a must. Maintaining and updating the site will also take up a lot of your time, which you could otherwise spend creating and promoting your content.

Of course, this way of creating a site has disadvantages and is not for everyone. This fact opened the door for the creation of online editors as alternatives for creating high-quality websites.

A website builder is a program that allows you to create websites, blogs or e-shops. The intuitive interface makes it easy for you to create pages and customize their appearance.

Everything can be controlled with simple clicks of the mouse. Typically, you can see the result of what you are creating as you create it. These builders are known as “What you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG).

How website builders work

Website builders make it possible to build an engaging website without needing to know how to code. While every is a little different, there are a few commonalities they typically share:

1. Simple control
   • Website building platforms typically have a user-friendly interface that allows anyone (regardless of technical knowledge level) to easily put together the pieces of a website. Drag-and-drop technology enables you to type text, upload images, and add or move any element with a simple click and drag.
     
2. Modern designs
   • Website design today requires at least basic graphic design skills. A huge advantage of a website builder is that it allows you to choose a template for your site created by professional designers. Of course, you can customize the template to suit your needs and style.
     
3. Accessibility
   • Website editors are mostly online today so your web files are hosted on a service provider’s server. This allows you to create and manage your site anywhere from any device connected to the Internet.
     
4. All in one
   • With the help of a builder, you have everything you need for your website in one place (hosting, domain, and email account). You do not have to deal with each service separately from multiple providers.
     
5. Automatic security updates and maintenance
   • You don’t have to worry about technical updates or the security of your website. The provider will take care of everything for you and you can be sure that your website is secure and with the latest updates.
     
6. Quick to use
   • You don’t start from scratch. You can start with pre-designed templates, pre-filled websites, and ready-to-use tools. All you have to do is add your own content and your site is ready. By using a website platform, you will have more time for other important activities such as content creation, SEO, and PPC.
     
7. No big investments
   • Creating a website using a builder does not require a big initial investment. You don’t have to pay expensive programmers and designers. Thanks to a variety of service plans, you can choose what will suit you best and how much you want to spend. There are even free plans available.

Types of Website Builders

Determining which type of builder to use, will depend on your particular needs. Before you get started, you’ll want to consider how much time you have to invest in building your website as well as the level of customization you’d like to have (especially if you have coding or graphic design skills).

Drag-and-drop website builder

A drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to customize the layout of your website without any coding. All you need to do is add, remove, and move around content boxes to create your own unique look.

No-code website builder

No-code builders are pretty self-explanatory – they negate the need for traditional coding skills. Many different types of simple editor fall into this category including drag-and-drop and AI builders.

AI website builder

AI builders harness the power of Artificial Intelligence and use a series of prompts to create a customized website. Some can even generate sample images and text to include.

HTML website builder

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the language used to structure websites. Typically, HTML builders combine easy-to-use features such as drag-and-drop with the flexibility of using HTML to customize your website even further.

Blog website builder

Even if blogging isn’t the main focus of your website, it is always useful to be able to add a blog as it’s a great place to promote and monetize your website.

If blogging is something you’d like to include on your site, be sure to find a blogging platform that allows you to create blog posts, organize posts and create categories, and manage comments.

Website builder for small business

Website builders are generally a good choice for creating sites for small to medium-sized businesses. However, it’s important to check that the tool meets all your requirements such as multi-language support, professional design, usable forms, password-protected sections, and email services.

Ecommerce website builder

The quality of the e-commerce functionality is a decisive factor when creating an online store. Even if you don’t have an online shop right now, it’s important to think long-term as you may want to add one down the road.

Examine the e-commerce features thoroughly and be sure to pay attention to how the product page functionalities, shopping cart look, and the shipping methods available.

Webnode website builder

Choosing the right website editor can seem overwhelming with so many options available. With over 45 million users, Webnode is an easy online editor for those who are looking to set up a professional website quickly. 

Webnode’s free website editor is an excellent option for creating a website for blogging, e-commerce, professional portfolios, and more. With a wide range of professionally designed templates to choose from, you’ll be able to build an eye-catching website in a matter of minutes.

You can use Webnode’s free AI website builder to automatically generate your website with texts, images, and a layout tailored to your needs – saving valuable time. Additionally, Webnode offers email, hosting, and domain services as well as an expert, multi-lingual support team that will be available to answer any questions that come up along the way.

How to choose the best website builder

The next step is to decide which editor is right for you. Of course, it always depends on what kind of website you want to create and what your goals are. There are also some general rules to follow when choosing the ideal website building platform:

12 tips for choosing the best website builder

1. Ease of use
   • The most important requirement. The purpose of any website editor is to simplify your work. With a simple website platform, orientation with the interface should be a breeze. If you get lost in the interface, can’t find what you need, or are constantly forced to work with the HTML code, you should look for another tool.
     
2. Quality of website templates
   • You don’t have to be a web designer to understand if the template is clear and looks good on mobile screens. Find out if you have enough suitable templates to choose from. It’s a good idea to have a list of requirements to see if the template contains all the elements you need. It is also important to verify that the template can be modified and customized sufficiently.
     
3. Website analytics
   • You need data to be able to develop your site in the right direction. Some online website editors may provide internal analytics tools. However, these are usually insufficient. Therefore, insist on compatibility with the most used data analysis tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
     
4. Custom domain name
   • Owning your own domain is the key to success in today’s Internet age. Any website editor should allow you to use your own domain. Find out if the provider offers discounts or a free domain for a temporary period. This is a nice bonus that you will definitely use.
     
5. Form builder
   • Forms are necessary if you use your website to offer services. However, forms are also useful for all types of websites. You should be able to easily create forms and adapt them to your needs. You should have the option to add different types of fields and functions so that you can collect inquiries, reservations, email contacts, registrations, and receive messages.
     
6. Images
   • Images are an essential part of web content. You should therefore make sure that the platform you’re considering has all the necessary functions for editing images. Does it allow you to create image galleries? Can you zoom in on the images? Can you crop or resize pictures? If these functions will make your life easier, make sure they’re included in the builder you choose.
     
7. Video and audio content
   • Video and audio content are elements that people expect as standard features on websites these days. Check if the editor allows you to easily upload or share these types of content from the most used platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Spotify, and more.
     
8. SEO friendliness
   • Your site should not only look nice but should also be searchable. Your website editor should help you with the basic settings so that you do not have to spend money on an SEO expert. Make sure you might create a unique page title independent of the page name, edit the meta description, and edit the URL structure.
     
9. Social sharing
   • If you also plan to develop your social networking profiles, make sure that the editor supports the features that connect your site to your social network. Sharing or liking buttons are a must.
     
10. Support of most common file formats
    • Content can appear on your site in a variety of forms and formats. Be careful and double-check that the platform you’re considering allows you to upload or view files in the most common formats such as .pdf, .csv, .xls, etc.
      
11. Customer support
    • Quality website builders offer a clear, understandable, and searchable manual that will help you whenever you encounter an issue. A tool that also provides active user support and allows you to ask questions directly is even better. The best ones have support services that are adapted to your language and local requirements.
      
12. Price
    • Money is the last, but still very significant, factor that can influence your choice when it comes to selecting a right platform. Always try to find the best bang for your buck. If you decide to choose an editor that is more costly than its competitors, you should know why and what extra features you are getting for your money. 

How to use a website builder

Creating a website using a website building platform should be a convenient, fast, and intuitive affair. However, it is something that may take a little getting used to so we have prepared a list of basic steps for how to do it:

6 steps for using a website builder

1. Register your domain and get hosting

You may already have a domain name in mind for your website and now it is time to register it. A good website building platform should help you with the process and allow you to register for a domain in its interface. If this option is available to you, take advantage of the fact that you can solve everything with one service.

2. Select the appropriate template

The next step is to select a suitable template. Look for a template that will meet all of your functionality criteria as well as a design that is in line with your brand and the message you want to convey.

3. Edit the template

Adapt the selected template to the web structure you have designed. Create the pages, sections, or categories you want. You may need to make some adjustments to the design due to template limitations.

4. Insert content

Now, fill the prepared template with your content. However, you don’t have to have all the content ready to go from the beginning. You can deploy the most important pieces of content first and then add the rest later.

Types of content you can add to your website

5. Connect your website with analytics tools

Don’t despair if you’re lost in web analytics. Linking your site to Google Analytics and Google Search Console is a great place to start. If you find there are other data points you’d also like to track, you can add additional analytics tools with different functionalities later.

6. Publish your website

It is here! Prepare a bottle of champagne, press the “Publish” button, and watch your website go live. Hello, online world!

FAQ

Now that you’ve got the background information on website building platforms, you’ll be able to confidently decide if using an easy website builder is the right approach for you and how to find your perfect match.

Here are a few commonly asked questions:

What is the easiest website builder for beginners?

Choosing which website building platform to use can vary greatly depending on your needs. However, Webnode is a great option for beginners as it offers a wide range of template options, domain and hosting services, and an AI builder. You can even get started for free and upgrade with additional features as your business grows.

What is a good website builder to make a website for free?

Webnode is an easy editor to use and it has a free plan option with lots of great features included.

How much does a website cost (in 2024)?

It depends. Website platforms are usually paid as a monthly or yearly subscription. Most providers offer various premium plans and the price typically depends on the number of features included with the service.

With an online editor, you may pay an average of $50 – $350 per year for a website. The advantage is that you can often try the free version first. In some cases, a free version may even be enough for you.

If you want to build your website yourself, you must also factor in the costs for professionals (programmers, designers, etc.) if you’re not able to code it yourself. Depending on how much time a professional spends developing a site, the price can range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a small or medium-sized site. Also count with domain ($11 – $85 per year) and hosting ($7 – $14 per month).

Site maintenance can add additional costs. If you’re not able to maintain the website yourself, it will cost you an average of $100 to $1,000 per year for a professional to do it for you.

In conclusion, if you compare the costs between the highest premium package of any editor to how much it costs to have your own custom-made website, you will see that the web builder is much cheaper.

If you don’t know how to code and you don’t need any advanced, customized functionalities, the best option is likely to make your website using a web builder.

Create your web with Webnode’s website builder

The post What is a Website Builder and How to Choose One? appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

In this newest edition of the Webnode Blog, we introduce you to iubenda, a clever compliance solution that integrates smoothly into your Webnode website. Discover why iubenda should be your ultimate choice for guaranteeing global data privacy compliance.

Why do you need to make your website compliant?

With the introduction of regulations for online data privacy in Europe (GDPR), Brazil (LGDP), and the US (CCPA), in addition to the updated Google Consent Mode, website owners like you are probably already aware that data privacy is as serious as the judge’s gavel.

Every time your online store, blog, or website is opened, scrolled, and clicked through, data is transferred and tracked in the form of cookies. Your website visitors have the right to know and decide how their data is used in what way.

This is done by displaying a consent or cookie banner that pops up as soon as the visitor opens your website. By agreeing or disagreeing with the form of data processing and cookie tracking, the power is in the visitors hands, ehmm… clicks.

Moreover, by explaining how their data is used, you show transparency. This will not only make you a fair player but also a more credible and trustworthy person.

What are these cookies again?

Cookies are small data files saved in your browser whenever you open a website. There are “good and bad cookies“. The “good ones” make it possible to fully see the web content in any browser (necessary function cookies). The “bad ones” transfer information (like your IP addresses, and demographics) to analyze the collected data further (with Google Analytics) for the website owners’ specific purposes.

What does a consent solution contain?

Apart from the cookie consent opt-in and out buttons, a consent banner’s purpose is to inform and educate the visitor. It highlights which cookies are used for what reason and includes a more detailed cookie policy.

Furthermore, it links to other legally important policies, such as your data privacy policy where you reveal if you collect personal information, such as email addresses for newsletters or form data.

Laws about data consent are still shaping, and regulations vary from country to country. This is why Webnode has decided to offer a new smart multi-compliance solution that automatically adjusts whenever the rules change.

Advantages of iubenda Compliance Solution

iubenda is a data compliance solution that understands your website. It adapts to your (website’s) purpose. Here is why it is so essential:

1. iubenda lets you define your target audiences by country.
2. Your cookie banner, as well as the automatically generated cookie policy, are created according to your selected target groups. For example, if your e-commerce business focuses on Brazilian customers, it automatically follows the LGDP.
3. It adjusts to your website type, e.g. a blog, an online store, or a portfolio.
4. iubenda automatically detects which third-party services you use on your website, for example, social media icons, or calendar plug-ins.
5. You can design the look of your consent banner to match the look of your site. Choose your colors and add your logo for better branding.

And most importantly, it updates when the law updates, so you no longer need to worry about being compliant!

Everyone who has a website project with Webnode, whether Premium or free, can activate the iubenda plug-in. We have a detailed description of how you can activate the iubenda Compliance Solution in our knowledge base. The iubenda plug-in is an exclusive add-on and is available starting at 5.50 USD per year.

Make your website or online store compliant

The post iubenda Compliance Solution for your Website and E-commerce Business appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Having a website is essential for small businesses to establish their business, enhance credibility, build a strong relationship with their audience, and generate income. With the increasing use of the Internet in our daily lives, a website is necessary for small businesses to succeed in today’s competitive market.

But not every startup can afford to build its own site from scratch because it means investing money in designers, developers, and infrastructure. They may also be concerned about technical solutions and unfamiliarity with programming languages.

Running an online business is easy now

Nowadays, a smart solution is here – a website builder. Website builders provide businesses with a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to create and manage their websites. With a website builder, you have full control over the look and feel of your website and can easily customize it yourself, which saves you time and money.

A website builder for small businesses is ideal for startups, individuals and entrepreneurs. They often need to create websites without a large initial investment but don’t want to compromise on modern templates and functions. Additionally, website builders provide everything you need for your site in one place, including hosting, domain, and an email account.

A well-working website builder will help you deal with technical, content, and security challenges when creating a website.

Why use a website builder for a small business?

Fortunately, website builders offer several benefits for creating websites:

• Low Budget Requirement: Website builders are a more affordable option compared to hiring a professional designer. Startups can choose from free website builders or paid ones, making it easier to fit into their budget.

• Ease of Use: Create and maintain your website without needing to code or hire a developer. The drag-and-drop system and user-friendly interface allow you to enter text, upload images, or change and move any element with just a click and drag of the mouse.

• Customizability: Website builders offers customizable themes and pre-designed templates, enabling businesses to choose all the aspects of their site’s look, including layout, colors, and font style.

• Fast Website Launch: Thanks to all the previous advantages, you can create your site very quickly – in minutes.

Why use Webnode website builder?

Webnode’s goal is to make web development easier and website building simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. We want to provide a platform where even people without technical knowledge or a lot of money can create their website. With Webnode, you can have it all for free.

Tip: Now you can create your website even faster with the AI builder

The free version is ideal for trying out the website builder. If you need more features or your business is progressing, you can upgrade to one of the premium plans and extend your web site as your business expands.

Do you want to reach a global audience? No problem. One of Webnode’s main advantage is the ability to create multilingual sites, making it an excellent choice for small business owners or bloggers who want to be known abroad.

Our internal goal is to help you become successful online.

Whether you are a startup, entrepreneur, or blogger, we want you to thrive. That’s why we also have our own customer care, knowledgebase, and blog where you can find tips for editing in the website builder, business development, and marketing, as well as interviews with prospering startups.

Tips for Creating your Startup Website

Creating a website in a website builder is not difficult. In short, you simply register, choose a name for your site, select a template, arrange the site structure, and create the content. You can find a detailed guide on how to do this in the article on creating small business websites.

But there are other practical things that are good to know when running a startup:

1. Keep some budget for marketing

Having a website does not automatically mean that people will go to it and buy your products or services. First, you have to let them know you exist. That’s why marketing plays a key role in business. However, it still happens that startups initially invest all their budget in building the business and the marketing “gets sorted out later”.

Take this into account in advance and set aside money for marketing. Then the decision of whether to promote your business through social media, PPC, or a PR campaign will be much more enjoyable.

2. Define your target audience’s needs

When you know who your target audience is, you can build a product they will love. By understanding their needs, you can create a product that solves their problems and meets their expectations.

Then you can build a strong relationship with them, which leads to customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth marketing. And it all leads to making money.

3. Research your competition

Be different and formulate your compelling value proposition. Understanding the differences between your business and your competitors can help enhance your distinction.

Competitor analysis helps you identify opportunities that your competitors are not taking advantage of and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Take your competitor’s weaknesses and turn them to your advantage. By addressing these pain points, you can attract customers who are not satisfied with current options.

4. Use design and colors strategically

Grab attention at first sight. Does your website stand out enough and is it memorable? Will the colors and design of your website get lost in the mass of others? Don’t be afraid to use bold colors or elements, but still keep it serious and consistent. If most of your competitors are using grey or green, choose another color. Differentiate yourself with your brand and design right from the start.

5. Write your content with SEO in mind

Do you want to rank higher in SERP, be more visible, and get unpaid organic traffic? Do keyword research before building your website. Then use your target keywords while structuring your site and creating content.

Look at keywords as topics that your audience is interested in and looking for answers to. And give them the answers.

6. Create effective CTAs

Without a call-to-action (CTA) there are no conversions. An effective CTA is a deliberately placed link or button that prompts the user to take a specific action. It should start with a strong action verb, be visually appealing, and be easy to click and read. Also, it should be placed in a visible place and use brief but compelling text.

7. Keep your website fresh

Become an expert in your field, provide information about the latest topics, and be a top resource people want to share. Keeping your content fresh improves search engine visibility and user engagement, and helps build your authority.

Conclusion

A website builder for small businesses is an affordable and user-friendly solution for creating and managing your site without coding skills. It offers customization options, facilitates a fast website launch and is a cost-effective alternative to hiring a professional web designer.

It is a smart choice for startups and small businesses with limited budgets, saving you time and money on marketing, product development, or audience research.

Create your website easily and become successful online

The post Website Builder for Small Business: The Best and Cheapest Solution for Startups appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

When will Google shut down accounts? 

Google will shut down websites created using Google Business Profiles on March 1, 2024. After that, your site will redirect anyone visiting it to your Google Business Profile. However, this will only be in effect until June 10, 2024 – after which point, visitors will receive a “page not found” error message. To avoid losing your website, you will need to migrate your Google site to another website builder.

Google sites alternative

If you’re looking for a free Google Site alternative, Webnode is a great solution. Transferring your Google Business Profiles websites to Webnode is quick and easy. Plus Webnode:

• is free with an unlimited number of pages,
• is a drag-and-drop website builder, 
• speaks 24 languages, and provides outstanding customer service,
• is easy to use, and offers a wide range of features and integrations,
• has plenty of customizable website templates,
• advanced SEO capabilities.

Migrating a website can also be a great opportunity to update it or give it a new look. Webnode’s website templates are created by professional designers and help you create a visually appealing website that will catch the attention of your audience and grow your business.

How to transfer Google Site to Webnode

While there’s no magic button to instantly copy your entire Google Site to any other platform in just one click, with Webnode’s AI Migration Tool transferring your new website is simple, very fast, and for free!

We recommend you first backup the content of your Google Business Profiles websites by saving it locally on your hard drive:

• Log into your Google Site  
• Copy all text into a text document. 
• Download all images and your logo (right click → ‘save as’) 

Take Action Promptly

With the shutdown of Google Business Profiles websites approaching, it’s crucial to act promptly to avoid any disruptions to your online presence. Start the migration process well in advance of the shutdown date to ensure a smooth transition to Webnode.

Follow these steps to migrate your site in minutes: 

1. Enter your current website URL into Webnode’s AI Migration Tool
2. You will be prompted to create an account with Webnode (it only requires your email)
   • The website project name is automatically taken from your current URL
3. Select a template or let the AI wizard help you.
   • The wizard will automatically generate a fitting text, font and template.
4. Define your page structure by adding pages (if needed) or customizing existing ones 
5. Adjust your content by copy-pasting your saved text onto the new pages 
6. Upload your logo and photos
7. Change the SEO settings of your site by updating the page title, URL, and meta description 
8. Publish your site.

Congratulations! 

When you publish your website on Webnode, it initially uses a Webnode subdomain like mybusiness.webnode.page. However, you can give your site a professional touch by registering your own domain. 

Keep in mind that Google subdomains like xxx.business.site cannot be transferred to Webnode. Instead, register a new domain name with us. If you prefer to keep the .site extension, it’s available for purchase at just 35 USD.

Plus, with a Mini Plan or higher, your domain registration is free for the first year. You can change your Premium Plan anytime. We recommend starting with the Standard Package and upgrading if necessary.

Don’t let the shutdown of Google Business Profiles websites hold you back. Get started with Webnode now and see the difference for yourself.

The post Google is Shutting Down Sites: Where and how to transfer your website safely? appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

We Are Currently Enhancing Several Key Website Features for You: 

• Measuring statistics  

Website statistics are a key metric for most of you when running your website. Tracking visitor statistics is important for growing your business and understanding your customers better. Once updated, your website will be able to record traffic without lag, allowing you to get faster and more accurate statistics. 

• Site security  

Nowadays, online security is essential. That’s why we want to ensure your website is protected from the latest threats. We are improving protection against DDoS attacks, in which attackers try to cause a site to fail by overloading it. Thanks to the update, we can ward off these attacks better and protect your business. 

• Website stability even under high load   

After the update, your website will be more stable and reliable even during heavy traffic. Whether you have a lot of customers or fans, your website can manage these mass visits without any downtime. The websites of users with lower premium tariffs will also be more stable. 

• Better Google rankings

Google ranks websites according to two principal factors, speed, and security. This means that after the update, your site will be of higher quality in Google’s eyes and will rank better in searches. 

Webnode users have created 45 million websites in its 15 years of operation. This is a huge amount of data that changes in real time. All this data is now being transferred from the old system to the new one. This may cause short-term limitations in the fluidity of customer websites. 

We therefore apologize for any difficulties that you might experience in the following weeks including: 

• website slowdowns, 
• related service outages, 
• problems logging in or using the editor, 
• longer loading or saving times, 
• inaccuracy in the calculation of website statistics. 

After temporary limitations, which we try to minimize as much as possible, all our customers will have access to a faster and more modern website builder service. 

When Will the Update Be Completed? 

We will complete the infrastructure upgrade by the end of 2023. Our development team is doing everything possible to make this a stable transition. If you experience any slowdowns on your website or online store, we apologize in advance. 

The post User Website Outages: When the House We Live in Is Being Upgraded appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

In 2023, Webnode is celebrating its 15th company anniversary. Explore Webnode’s (hi)story in the interactive way! Move the cursor around the timeline, open other sources, or simply go through the most important points in Webnode history.

• 2006 – CMS prototype Rubicus
• 2007 – Picked the name Webnode & logo
• 2008 – Webnode won the LeWeb ’08 startup competition
• 2009 – Launched online store, webmail, statistics, affiliate program
• 2011 – Started blog & social media presence
• 2012 – Motto – It’s in simplicity
• 2013 – New office & 14 million websites created
• 2015 – Webnode 2.0 released, new logo, blue color scheme
• 2017 – 30 million websites created
• 2018 – Online store 2.0 released 
• 2019 – New CEO Josef Hos 
• 2020 – Joined team.blue 
• 2021 – New e-shop features within Business plan
• 2023 – 140 Webnoders & 45 million websites created 

Discover more and be inspired by Webnode customers and their successful journey. And if you are wondering, who are Webnoders, find answer in article about Webnode internal life.

Wow! An incredible thing has happened. Webnode CEO Josef Hos and Chief Personnel Officer Zuzana Marková answered our questions about their work and experience at Webnode. What do they wish for the future and how do they remember the past years at Webnode?

Become part of Webnode with your website

The post The Evolution of Webnode: 15 Years in Timeline appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Webnode is a teenager, celebrating its fifteenth birthday. What do you wish for Webnode, Zuzka?

To go through puberty unscathed and remain as great as it was and is – even if it occasionally gets acne. My wish for everyone at Webnode is that it’s not just a job for them and that they can find their place here and things that suit them. And if they decide it’s time to move on, I hope they remember Webnode as a place that was cool. No aftertaste. I would like Webnode to become even more attractive to its current customers and even more desirable to new ones as it matures. I also wish for Webnode to remain as tolerant of people and their human faults as it always has been, because (sh)IT happens. (She is laughing)

From your point of view as someone who has been working here for six years, what makes Webnode so great?

So many things, but I’ll point out one: the company’s internal environment. If you ask the people in the company what they appreciate most, they will say freedom, the atmosphere, their colleagues, and, of course, the product that grows under their hands. The company culture is informal, friendly, and built on the individual stories of people working at Webnode.

Let’s show it with your own example. You started at Webnode with two small children, is that right?

Yes. When I joined Webnode six years ago, my daughter was three months old and my son was one year and three months old. Plus, my partner (also a Webnoder, by the way) brought two young children from a previous relationship. I am not quite a typical example of a Czech woman on a multi-year maternity leave. I wanted to do something other than housework, but at the same time, I knew it would be challenging. Fortunately, Webnode is a friendly company. I got the same flexible working time that applies to all our employees. As much as possible, we try not to tell people that their work is from a particular time to a particular time. We don’t make them sit in the office. Everyone is responsible for their work and their team.

Zuzana with her partner and children

Well, but still, organizing all your work responsibilities, taking care of four children… What do you do to make it work? What is your concrete advice?

I’m sorry, but I don’t think there is a specific recipe. I have my own system and a set routine, but at the same time, I’m not one of those people who collapses when the system doesn’t work. That sometimes happens, but there are some things that must work. For example, it wouldn’t be possible without partner communication and the ability to help each other in all circumstances. As well as the will to do it, there’s a lot hidden in that. Love is also important, because without it all is useless. And joy from the present moment is essential. Plans are also key so that you have something to look forward to. It is not worth it to play the hero – sometimes you’re on top, sometimes you’re down. And I’m a hot-blooded person. So, I would add tolerance, too. And support. Everyone must find their own system and feel good about it, as much as possible. Self-pity is the road to hell; everyone should quickly forget that. Most of all, don’t go crazy…

Zuzko, after years in Covid isolation, what is better: working from the living room or from the office? Which do you prefer?

The office, for sure. I was missing socialization terribly during Covid, like most people. Also, I don’t have a work corner at home and there is no place to put it yet because we’re working on a major renovation this year. Solving the budget with a laptop on your lap in the living room is not a good situation.

What was the responsibility given to you when you joined Webnode?

When Webnode was hiring me, then co-owner Ondra Kratěna told me: “I know what kind of company I want to have. And I would like you to arrange it. I would like you to know what you need to know about people to make them like working at Webnode and see that they can come to you when they have a problem.” At the same time, I was given a free hand to do things my way. An ideal combination.

As of today, Webnode has 131 employees and they have been working here for an average of 5 years. Is it short, long, or just right for an HR manager? Are you satisfied?

I am very satisfied! Of course, it depends on the department. It’s a good result in the case of developers because they’re building an ever-evolving product. It takes at least a year before they finish the training. However, we also keep this average in the customer care department, where the turnover of people is generally high. Especially in Brno, where IT is concentrated, as well as customer care of several Czech and international companies. Webnode currently has 65 people in the customer care department, and about a dozen of them have been with us for more than ten years.

How do you and the company manage to achieve this?

First, what Ondra mentioned when I joined: we know what kind of company we are and what kind of people we look for. We look for those who have the same or similar values. In other words: the laborer will stand by the belt and check screw by screw if it is in the contract. But he probably won’t care if there’s a bad one here and there. But we want our people to care.

How and where does HR look for people for whom pay is not the only motivation?

With the help of a creative advertisement, for example. We do not write it as some kind of “trade”. We describe the current situation: who we are looking for, why, what they will do with us, what they will get. Even with a little cheeky language. As we did in the Czech campaign “Nechcu makat v korporátu”(I don’t want to work in a corporation). Today, we are also part of a corporation, but we are still a company where we value people personally and professionally. I’ll give one more example. When I’m looking for a person to join the HR team, I almost always write my story: who I am and what I’m like. That gives each applicant the opportunity to consider in advance whether it is worth sending me their CV.

Do you even still read them at Webnode?

Certainly! It helps us to get an initial idea about the candidate. Naturally, when we are looking for a future colleague with language skills, the first thing we look at is their knowledge of languages. The same is true for a position in development, where we observe how well a person controls coding languages. In general, we almost ignore education. Nowadays, in companies like Webnode, I think it doesn’t hold so much importance.

What are the three essential things a person who wants to work at Webnode must have?

First, a natural sense of loyalty. With us, people get so much freedom and possibilities that they must be able to handle it. Related to this is responsibility, and the desire to move things forward. This is the basis for us as a company to be able to introduce benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work, a birthday day off, and unlimited vacation.

Unlimited vacation is a big trend in HR right now.

A trend and a whip. There are companies that don’t give a good name to unlimited vacation because they started using it as a tool to reduce the number of vacation days taken. We don’t do that. On the contrary, we tell people to use vacation as a tool to relax. When you are sick, take a sick day. When you go to a funeral, you get paid time off. Do we have individuals abusing unlimited vacation? Of course. But we deal with it individually and do not punish the rest of the company for it.

Webnode is originally a Czech company, but we have employees from all over the world. Isn’t there a risk that a company culture set up like this will suit only certain cultures?

We currently have employees from 26 nationalities around the world. Farthest west from Venezuela and Mexico to farthest east from Taiwan. They are all foreigners, but they know the Czech Republic well. They either studied here and stayed after school or found a Czech partner. So, they don’t come to us with naive ideas. We do not hire people abroad. There would be demand, but it is administratively and economically difficult – you can hardly pay a Swedish-speaking specialist with a Czech salary.

Zuzko, what do you focus on when interviewing a person applying for a position at Webnode?

I focus on many things. There are standard recruitment methods that we use in our HR too. But again, it’s about humanity. I will give a concrete example once more. Just the other day, I was heading to an interview when a colleague from customer care, whose team the candidate would join, asked me, “Hey, does she even want to help people?” That was the definition of our criteria in one sentence.

On the other hand, what do you look for in an interview that might be a sign that the person isn’t right for Webnode?

We don’t mind if someone is thirty-five and has changed ten companies in the last ten years as part of the search. But we are watching how a person deals with problems: did they run away from them or solve them? Another example: I recently spoke with a person who told me that he never achieved the goals he set for himself. But he always had an excuse for it. If it happened twice, I’d probably get over it, but this says more about him than he thinks. I am also critical of people who make the company they work for responsible for their financial situation. For example, they automatically expect that the company is a social institution that is obliged to compensate them for the current rate of inflation.

What is currently the biggest challenge for you personally at Webnode?

To balance the start-up culture of Webnode with the culture required by corporation rules. I have always run away from corporations because their culture is based on values that are not related to the person as an individual. Webnode has been people-oriented since its foundation. How do we preserve this and at the same time, meet the rules of the corporation? That’s my big challenge.

What do you enjoy most about working at Webnode?

People and work. At the beginning of the month, when I do administration and tables, I grind my teeth, that’s for sure. But I have also been given the trust and freedom to do activities that are immensely fulfilling, and we all enjoy them.

For example, organizing a Christmas party on a train?

For example. (She laughs) Because I simply don’t think it’s dignified to tell people at the end of November: here, we’ve reserved a pub and ordered food for you, come and we’ll celebrate Christmas together there. A party and an escape game on a moving train with live actors, who were our people, and they could either stick to the role or just have fun, is, I think, a much more successful celebration. Fortunately, according to the reviews, I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Zuzana (right) with her colleague from HR at the Christmas party on the train

You must enjoy it – receiving such excited feedback…

Oh yes. But I have another good story: When we did the Open Day for developers, the electricity in Brno went out. The Open Day was on the terrace on the fifth floor, but we had all the things, including furniture and refreshments, on the ground floor. In short, a real mess. But I could watch how loyal and helpful people can be. Everyone got up from their chairs, took what they could, and started carrying things up the stairs so that we could get everything done on time. My voice is breaking now, but it was the best proof that when you think of people, they think of you.

Which event that you organized, aside from the train escape, are you most proud of?

In the time of Covid, we streamed the Christmas party from our 2-bedroom apartment, turning it into a total NASA command post. A few days before, I said to my colleagues in HR: It would be great if each person received a box with food and drinks, ideally between seven and eight in the evening. This was an inspiration from the Oscars, by the way, because the Oscars were organized that year in such a way that someone delivered the statuettes to the door of the awardees. Everyone told me I’m crazy – delivering food to a hundred people in one hour? But I didn’t give up. And so it happened that my colleagues called all the taxi companies who were happy to do it. They had nothing to do during Covid anyway. And that’s how it worked – by eight o’clock all our people had a Christmas box with food and drinks.

Read an interview with our CEO, Josef Hos

Jana LeBlanc – Czech publicist, author and blogger. She publishes in the magazines Moje psychologie, Respekt, Deník N, Reportér. She is the author of the book “Moje bejby Amerika”. She writes the blog “Co mi udělalo radost” – about life in foreign countries and the experiences of a mother of bilingual sons – comiudelaloradost.cz.

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