I gave a review on Designersi.com in May. I was looking for shopping cart software/web site solution for a client and I found Designersi and was thrilled with the cost ($39-59 a month), but also the optimization features, store settings, integrated PayPal and much more. I am even more excited now and I will tell you why 🙂
Interactive Options
Ok, I have had a lot of work and have only now been able to really work on this web site and I have been able to play with the software a lot more. Between playing with the software and talking with Carlo (who has given me hours of time without a second thought- FYI- customer service is amazing and at the low cost they really have no reason to be so helpful, but they are)…anyway, what I have found is that if you need an interactive web site, but not the ecommerce features Designersi is a great web site solution. I am even considering moving my main business site to them.
You can have custom (easy-to-create) forms on every page if you want. Creating each of these is so simple that even a complete novice could do it. You can create drop down menus, radio buttons, text boxes and check boxes (for multiple answers). You have a lot of options and the resulting form(s) are so easy for the reader/web visitor to use. An auto responder is built in to let the user know that the form was received. All you do is check a box next to the form. You can use their standard auto responder or re-write it.I have created forms where people can order and re-order materials from a print shop. Do you have any idea how many different kinds of business cards there are? I mean it is nuts. Someone should narrow it down, but my opinion doesn’t matter. Now web users can choose which kind of card stock they want, the color of the paper, the ink color and there are several other options like “raised” type. These easy-to-create forms have allowed me to create an extensive form where several options need to be checked. I have never seen anything so easy to use, never!
You Can Create Surveys and Polls
-again very easy and very easy to integrate into all pages, several pages or you can add a different poll or survey to every page. EASY- I cannot express how easy it is to use.Newsletters-I have played with a lot of content management systems. I have helped companies with sending newsletters and organizing their contact lists…it can be a pain or it can be easy. Designersi makes it super easy for anyone and everyone. I cannot say enough and please understand I am not an affiliate. I am not making money from this review. I just appreciate the genius of the design and the obvious time it took to think of everything.
Templates and Design Options
There are several, very adaptable, templates available. I think it is important to look at templates like a blank slate or even a house! When you go to look at a home to buy you look at the package, not necessarily the colors of the walls. You go in looking at it knowing you will change things. Templates are the same way. You change them to match your company’s look. Don’t go in assuming you have to stick with what is there.because you don’t! Like most templates you can change the pictures, logos, headers and much more, but what is different with Designersi is the ability to move subpage columns to the left or right side of the site with a simple click. You can have subpage columns go vertical as well. In addition, you can also move the type within columns to the left or right.
There are several design options that are typically NOT available with templates. You can add a “Back Button”, an “Email Page Button”, a “Print Page Button”, a “Back to Top Button” and you can add a Search Field (the the top right of each page or in the inside page column). Designersi can set up the FTP for you have to have access to change whatever you want about the template. Your options are limitless. They will also set up a server so your clients or customers can upload files directly to your web site (additional cost).You can use their stock photos or upload your own and you can easily adapt the size of any pictures or graphics within the software.
Adding Pages
Again, super easy to add a main page or a subpage to the site and organizing the pages is as simple as putting them in a number order. The software has been designed to be easy to use.
Traffic Reports
The traffic stats are easy to use and are set up for businesses, not webmasters. Webmasters and SEOs will be looking at things businesses ordinarily wouldn’t care about. These things are available for viewing, but they are not right in the face in businesses. Essentially, the stats are set up not to confuse businesses while giving the information they need.
eCommerce Settings
If you need an ecommerce site you do have very easy-to-use store settings (such as where to place privacy policies, shopping carts indicators, logos, business contact info etc.). You can view order numbers for reference, search by customer name, add new products easily, assign products to a category(ies), upload your entire inventory by CSV file and assign images to products with a simple click.You can create multiple shipping and tax zones, add sales and promotions, add your PayPal information to the site, sell items on Ebay and select multiple payment gateways to add to your site.
I Have Always Loved GoDaddy & Still Do, But…
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If you can afford to spend $39-59 a month I would highly recommend Designersi for anyone that wants more flexibility with an interactive web site. If you are looking for an ecommerce web solution there is not another place I would recommend, period. Not only do you have a lot of design options, ecommerce settings and optimization options, but you also have customer service like nothing I have ever seen. I always deal with Carlo. Never has there been a time where he has tried to rush me off the phone or told me where to figure out how to do something. He has always shown me how or did whatever I needed for me. In fact, I have had to say, “Wait show me how to do that” several times. eCommerce Web Site or Not, Designersi.com is a Great Web Site Solution for Anyone That needs a Web Site!
Designersi.com Web Site Manager 1.866.838.0580 You can try it for free for 2 weeks…check it out!!
I have to agree with your comments about Carlo. I have been thinking about signing up with Designersi and have spoken with Carlo more than once. It’s been a most refreshing experience to talk with someone who actually knows what he’s doing AND doesn’t mind taking the time to help. With each conversation, I’m leaning more and more toward signing up. BTW, this review certainly helps in making my decision. Thanks!
Jeff, thank you. My goal is to help people make a good, safe and money saving decision 🙂 I think Carlo is great!
OH!!! My Goodness…I can’t believe this.
This is truly AWESOME….Designersi.com business has saved me so, so
much money.
Designers-i service is truly the BEST. I mean it. Sam’s Club has everything under one roof, and Designers-i is 1,000% better than Sam’s.
Thank you, thank you so very much.
Tara Gentry
Po Box 624
Matteson, IL 60443-1930
(708) 747-6903 B/F
[email protected]