The New Site Builder is AWESOME

Mary7894

1,186 Points

Yes, I really like the Sitebuilder Plus also. I am a returnee to Homestead too, rebuilding my website, trying to maintain the overall look plus updating it. So far so good. Have to study some, ding around a bit to figure out these new (to me) features, but as I catch on, I am very impressed. My list of desires for the program is, so far, very short. Kudos to the developers who seem to have thought of just about everything.

2 people like this

2017-01-02T02:42:35+00:00

Lisa3904

140 Points

How do you actually start using the Sitebuilder Plus? Is there something to download or will the site ask me if I want to change? Thank you!

2017-01-02T17:14:42+00:00

Peggy

332 Points

Lisa, log in and there will be a link on the right that says build a new site or something like that. that will get you to the new system.

2017-01-03T20:56:24+00:00

John4307

196 Points

I beg to differ.
I find the new Sitebuilder difficult and awkward.

2017-03-15T18:24:07+00:00

1,256 Points

It looks really promising but I wish they would give it a different name, so we know what people are talking about here. The previous builder was also a new site builder.

2017-03-15T18:39:23+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

I totally agree. I think it might have been named that for SEO purposes - so the Search Engines would pick up on website builder, but it really could do with a 'real' name to avoid all the confusion.

2017-03-15T20:22:12+00:00

Drew N, Community Manager

262,524 Points

Unfortunately true. The older programs are Sitebuilder. The new one is Websitebuilder.

2017-03-17T19:49:38+00:00

1,256 Points

I think your right Susan and Drew, thanks for the clarification, not much different but different enough.

There is a lot of info left in the air at this point, like how to go about remaking your old sites with the new builder. There's really no guide that I know of. Do I just start a new site and then link the domain later? Is there or will there be a better method? There is also no tutorial on how to use the new builder or how to remake your old site, not that I know of and that would be most helpful. Any info would be great, thanks.

2017-03-17T20:16:36+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

Maurice, providing your package allows multiple sites, you should see ADD A NEW SITE option in the upper right of the page after the log in page. If you don't see it then you will need to add a site to your package. It's $2.00/month and can be canceled once your site is done and switched to your regular domain. Just add to this post that you want to add a site and Drew or Todd can help you.

To build the site:
1. After you chose the ADD A NEW SITE option you will be asked to name the site. This can be anything as once complete you will switch it to your regular domain.
2. You then will be asked to chose a design. Lots of templates to choose from, but if you are a build from scratch kinda guy then just pick any template and delete all the elements. Blank slate.
3. The best way to go about building the site is to open your existing site in the browser so you can copy/paste the text. You will need to import your images into the new program though.
4. Unfortunately the help is scattered throughout the Community here rather than being in one spot. Here are some of the tutorials and helps:
https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-to-make-sure-text-elements-will-be-responsive-a...

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-create-a-new-site

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-make-my-website-mobile-friendly

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-a-slideshow

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-a-photo-gallery

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-create-a-drop-down-menu-tceolrg8r6qnm

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-youtube-or-vimeo-videos-to-my-site

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-a-photo-gallery

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-edit-existing-text

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-an-image

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-change-an-existing-image

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-preview-my-site

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/how-do-i-add-text-4io4gh5ibjljs

https://community.homestead.com/homestead/topics/websitebuilder
5. Someone is almost always around here and will jump in to assist you if you get lost.
6. Your existing site will remain up and functional and editable just like it is now until such time as you choose to make the switch. This means you can take your time learning and building. There is a learning curve with this program, but spend some time checking out all the options and it becomes easier as you go.

Best of luck!

2017-03-22T08:21:56+00:00

OnlineLifestyle

1,788 Points

Excellent information. Thank you!

2017-03-22T08:34:11+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

You're most welcome. :)

2017-06-21T07:11:05+00:00

1,256 Points

Sorry I never thanked you, your help is most welcome... You are a Champ...

1,832 Points

Have you noticed that the new responsive website builder is not truly responsive? If you use the full width of the available space while designing on a larger desktop screen, you will not be able to view everything on a smaller screen. There is also not a scroll bar so the information on the sides is essentially useless. Make sure you check your sites on many different screen sizes. They are working on a fix, but no ETA.

1 person likes this

2017-01-18T00:34:41+00:00

Billy Fishback

544 Points

I noticed this as well...I ended up staying withn 800 pixel width and just a bit beyond the grid spacing...so for now, unless I'm missing something....we shall see.

2017-03-08T19:28:32+00:00

742 Points

on the new responsive builder I have vertical lines, these are at 950 pixels (cant change them) should I keep site within this space, even the navigation?

2017-03-08T19:34:22+00:00

Drew N, Community Manager

262,524 Points

We recommend so, yes.

2017-03-08T20:08:37+00:00

742 Points

if our layouts are constrained to size, this is not responsive then?
my nav has 15 links, so what will happen if they go to say 1100px?

2017-03-08T20:12:07+00:00

742 Points

I agree, this is not responsive, am being told to keep design within the guides, but my layout design is like 1200px and not 950. how can this be responsive?

2017-03-08T20:32:56+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

You can stack the navigation - Click on the menu then click Settings on the Editor. This gives you some alternatives to a straight across menu.

Check your site in the Mobile preview often as you build so you can head off any issues. It doesn't always play nice.

The post from Jennifer above indicates Homestead is working on it so perhaps Drew can give us an update.

2017-03-08T20:40:40+00:00

John4307

196 Points

how do I stop receiving these messages?
Before I logged in there was an opt out option now I don't see one.

2017-03-08T20:55:01+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

Up the top right of this page you can click the Unfollow button to stop receiving posts.

2017-03-09T08:30:14+00:00

inariibels9448

976 Points

Any idea when scrollbars will show up ... and why is this thing so hard to use? I set up a page, save it, publish it and nothing is where I put it.... very frustrating. If this is 'responsive' how about an option to make it less responsive so we can actually control our own content?

2017-03-09T21:22:05+00:00

742 Points

can you explain what happens if we design and place elements outside the set guides/

2017-03-15T18:57:58+00:00

1,832 Points

If your page is viewed on a smaller browser screen (laptop or just a small screen) everything placed outside of the guides disappears. If you make the window smaller it does the same thing. There is no scroll bar on the bottom that would allow the visitor to scroll back and forth either. Essentially everything that is outside of the guides is useless and unable to be seen by a visitor in that case. I have not heard an ETA on the fix yet.

2017-03-15T19:03:46+00:00

742 Points

This is crap , having a web page / aite that can only be 950px?? seriously, this is a Joke. I need at least 1200px, and for the site to RESPOND to other screen sizes and automatically adjust itself. So what am I actually paying more money for? the Desktop builder is far better, though not mobile friendly. Think might just go to wix.com or something like that, and only a few bucks as well.!! DEVELOPERS make this RESPONSIVE!!!!! serious disappointment.

2017-03-15T19:08:32+00:00

742 Points

Jennifer3538 I use windows 10, and due to my work flow I normally have 2 windows ' snapped together. This would mean that my site would not work as no scroll bar?

Homestead, I have been with you since 1999, please fix these issues. PLEASE.
I have started my new site but with these dimensions, having to stay / keep your design & elements within this space is ridiculous, I know other builders that are the same (though homestead builder is far better) but they do not limit your site pixel width. Surely this is not responsive.
Also the mobile does not work very well unless you make loads and loads of edits, basically you have to make a second site for the mobile, it does 'transfer' from desktop to mobile friendly very smoothly.

You guys have done a great job but please fix these issues that everyone is talking about, so that we (homestead users) can carry on with our web sites with a great web builder and build up our business with ease and no fuss.

(Edited)

2017-03-16T17:11:26+00:00

1,832 Points

Seen1011, I am not certain to be honest, I only noticed the issues because I have a group of people that I have check my sites out for issues after I've published. However, based on this shot I think anyone will have problems, even if they stay within the guides. You can see I shrunk down the browser window and everything outside of it is not visible with no scroll bar at the bottom. This is not my site, this is a different user's site. Image: https://d2r1vs3d9006ap.cloudfront.net/s3_images/1567452/RackMultipart20170316-63691-zjvyqe-Untitled_inline.png?1489684281

Image: https://d2r1vs3d9006ap.cloudfront.net/s3_images/1567452/RackMultipart20170316-63691-zjvyqe-Untitled_inline.png?1489684281

2017-03-16T17:32:56+00:00

742 Points

wow!!!
am just working on the navigation: http://www.printingcyprus.com/t-shirts - if width is going to be a prob, will just carry on with my desktop builder and make a mobile version (if doing diiff sites make sure about 'conical meta info') - http://www.seenadvertising.com/

(Edited)

2017-03-16T17:35:48+00:00

742 Points

Have done diff size and nor scroll bar, even on tablets that are smaller you can not swipe!!!

2017-03-16T18:26:40+00:00

1,832 Points

I took a look at the first link and even on my larger screen the "SEEN" graphic on the left is partially off the screen.

2017-03-16T20:32:19+00:00

susan2829, Champion

43,192 Points

Same for me and my resolution is set at 1920x1080.

Also the other site's home page is showing it's 3495 mg which is 3+ gb. WOW You might want to rethink that since one of the things Google looks at is page size, load time.

And I believe the term you are looking for is canonical tag.

2017-03-16T20:41:09+00:00

742 Points

yes that is correct. am just playing around at mo and placed in loads of graphics, just playing about with images. main thing was top navigation, but it impossible to have the way I like it. why don't these pages resize isn't that the whole point of this responsive thing.

OnlineLifestyle

1,788 Points

Is there any known fix in the works in regard to width. Other responsive sites I have elsewhere do automatically resized to fit specific devices but as I'm learning there is a specific width to make a site work better in adapting to different devices. As I learn more will share more. Does anyone do CSS or html and does the new site builder support either. I'm getting ready to transform one of my sites so I'm sure I'll find out in next few weeks.