Can You Create a New Site with Duda Mobile/Website Builder and use the old Domain Name from Site Builder Plus?

I started testing it out but I just do not think it is very practical for me. I have several websites that I want to put on a mobile platform but in homestead, I have to re-create them entirely.  There is no option to  convert to the new platform or no option for a mobile version.  Duda previously converted desktop sites to mobile sites but apparently, they do not do this anymore and I can't find anyone who does. There is also not option to use any of the information from the existing websites on the newer platform.  On Wix, you can at least create a unpublished  copy of the site and then work on it.  It will still take a lot of time but the task on Homestead seems like it would take even longer.  

Yes, one does have to recreate the site on Website Builder.  It certainly seems daunting, but I have to tell you that I have converted at least a dozen of these in the past and the "trick" I used was to copy & paste all the relevant text into a Word document (by page) and literally dragged any photos into a desktop folder for "re-upload."  Then just add them to the new platform files.  It surely won't take as long as you think.  WIX is OK for many applications/sites, but keep in mind that you have to pay for each one individually and if you have a multiple website account on Homestead, you are not paying for each one.  You do NOT have to publish you site when you are working on it, but I always do.  Having that .homesteadcloud.com address does not make it very "findable."  I also find that the basic WIX editor is VERY basic and the Editor X in WIX is actually hard to use.  Homestead's platform is way more flexible and if you get stuck, there are tutorials for EVERYTHING!  If you need that flexibility, maybe do only one to see if you can get the hang of it.  Getting used to where the tools are is the hardest part (but not THAT hard!)  If you need a little guidance, just email me directly and I will be happy to guide you.  I've been working on Homestead sites for a long time. picturethismultimedia@comcast.net

@lynn1286​ The only downside I can see in using Wix would be the cost.  On Homestead, you are literally creating everything from scratch.  Sure you can copy and paste content but nothing else can be easily done.  You are also creating a new design.  I would be willing to try one site to see how it works but is there an ability to copy a site into a new site on the new builder?   If I can create one new site and then copy it into multiple sites it might be worth it.  Is this possible?

No, you can't duplicate into other websites.  If you are still using Sitebuilder, it surely could be time for a refresh of your sites.  Sitebuilder is clunky by today's standards and doesn't respond well to google search engines.  The SEO tools are so much better in Website Builder. Not sure why one can't duplicate a site in Homestead, but I have been told you cannot.  You can in WIX, though.

I am not sure if you can do it through the program.  In the old site builder, I think client service could do it for you.  I do not know if this is still possible with the new builder.  My sites certainly need an updated look but the rankings have not been a problem in the past.  It could be an issue going forward.  Mobile is only one factor that goes into a Google ranking

@dian8220​  I recreated 1 site in Wix.  That process was not too bad but then I realized that none of my pages (except the home page)  could be found due to the site builder having a .html at the end of urls.  I am sure the new site builder does not have this issue however, you still may need to redirect to the new pages but I am not sure.  I had to redirect every page on my site except the home page.  I do not know this affects SEO.

Thanks Michael.   I'm building the new site in Homestead website builder. Our active website is also on Homestead but it's a version that doesn't translate well on mobile.

 It's my understanding when this new site is ready to go online, we will then be able to re-associate/point the current active domain to the new site. I'm  not seeing any instructions on how to do this.

@dian8220​ Most of my sites are now on a mobile friendly platform, which is apparently important.  So far, I have seen no change in rankings but I have seen a pick up in business, although this could be random.  The vast majority of searches are on mobile devices and being mobile friendly makes it a lot easier for website visitors

Here are the instructions to change your site association:

‎Account: Change Site Association | Homestead Community

Thank you