How do I move my site to the new site builder?

You really shouldn't lose much in the rankings by moving to the website builder.  Just make sure you follow the new Google guidelines by making your keywords more like phrases and conversational inquiries instead of just single words.  I have found that cutting and pasting content from the old site is the fastest way to keep your content intact, but you will want to update it a bit as you go along and make sure that the phrases you use (especially on the home page) are also part of your keywords and tags.  Keep in mind that about 50% of users are now using the mobile version to look you up and the new templates follow that pattern, so many of the things you used to use links and tabs for will be found in the first page "scroll"  You can still have the pages, but the impatience of the user makes it imperative to have a lot of content on the home page.  Once you get used to the new tools, it will be great.  I promise.  PS: Also be aware that the site you build on the laptop does look different on the mobile version (instantly viewable as you go in preview) so you might need to make a couple of adjustments on that version.

Thank you Lynn. I appreciate all the tips for the google ranking and phrasing ect. How do I start though, to transfer my old site to the new? Will I be able to keep my domain name and address?  My whole business is under this name. I don't want to change that or my address ect. 

Unlike the old sitebuilder, you can't just duplicate pages because the templates and software is different.  The best way to begin is to set up a NEW site with a name that is similar.  This site won't be associated with your actual domain name until you are ready and actually transfer it.  I don't know which plan you have, but if you have the ability to make multiple websites, when you log in you will see a little link in the upper right of the login page that says "add a new website"  If you don't have that, you can call them and for the time being ADD a website for a small fee and when you are done, get rid of the second site (old one).  Anyway, the way I have done it ( and I have rebuilt about a dozen) is to first-set up the temporary new domain name that would be something like www.mycompanynameupdate.homesteadcloud.com  then pick a template you like.  There are many so browse through them to find the best fit.  Then either start right at building and filling in your content.  You can open your existing site and cut & paste content, or go through your site page by page and cut & paste the content into a Word document for later use.  I seem to recall being able to DOWNLOAD pictures and files from the old sites, to keep them handy.  You should be able to do that through SiteBuilder tools.  You will have to re-upload them to the new site, but it's not hard.  I promise you will get a little frustrated using the new tools and files, because you kind of have to UNLEARN some stuff, but once you get through that, it's pretty cool. Website Builder is far superior to the old way.  
 Anyway, once you are satisfied with your work, and get all your keywords and tags in there, you will just ASSOCIATE your domain name with the NEW SITE NAME (in domain manager) and ta da! it will all be the same only it will look better.  If you really get stuck, just call me.  I help people with this all the time. 410-493-4984

Thank you. But my biggest concern is, once I am done remaking my original site in a temp name, can I change it then to be my original domain name? You say Associate? That means tis not the same?

OH and I do not like the new site builder at all! I can't even figure out how to  crop a picture onsite like I can on my old version. I can't figure anything out really. This is very frustrating. Why can't we just get the new features added to our old site builder? I don't want to give up my old site, that is 10 years old either. 

I can't figure out how to ad my own header picture either. 

What Elyabeth said-it is just a setting and all will be well.  There is a learning curve in the new Website Builder, but trust me, you will get to like it. I still have to look for stuff once in awhile. Use the tutorials.  They are very helpful.

So there are so many things I can't seem to figure out how to do. To many to list. Are there Homestead reps who can help us move over our site to the new one for us? So we can learn from there? I just tried to put text int a box, but the text disapears once I click outside the text box. Also I could not edit the pictures  or text on the front page. I could not change the pics that show, or the text at all. Its sooooooo frustrating. I could cry. I am trying so hard to learn this, but I seem to be hitting a brick wall at every turn. I have been with homestead for over 10 years. I am about ready to leave. I don't feel like I am getting anywhere. 

First, take a deep breath.  Now keep breathing. You can do this.  I know the new tools can be a bit frustrating. It's because the tools have moved and some are a little "buried" but they are all there.  It's kind of like you have to unlearn a lot of what you thought you knew.  The tutorials/help section is quite helpful.  I still have to look up some things once in awhile and I have had the new sites for a long time.  Trust me - if you just take your time, you will ultimately really like the new Website Builder.  If you really get stuck, just email me at picturethismultimedia@comcast.net and I will try to walk you through the steps myself.  And don't forget to cut & paste the old content you want to keep into something like a word document because it makes it easier to repopulate the new site.  Wishing you well!