Resources
In the process of learning how to build Websites and Online Stores, I’ve done a lot of trial and error to find out what works for me (and what didn’t). I thought you might like to know the best resources that I’ve personally used, that will save you the time I spent going in circles.
Getting started on the right foot is critically important. These are my best resources to start your Website/Blog/Online Store journey.
Most Recommended
Without a doubt, the best recommendation I can give to build a website in an easy to set up, easy to maintain, super affordable way, is Brizy Cloud.
Setting up websites via Brizy is easy, peasy, breezy!
The best place to search, purchase (at a low price) and maintain your domain name is Namecheap. I've given up purchasing domain names through webhosts or other 3rd parties. Namecheap offers easy management of all your domains, have a wide variety of domains to purchase, and doesn't charge you extra to protect your identity.
Shopify: Probably the easiest way you can use to build a full-fledged Online Store, complete with a blog, pages, sliders. Integrates the payments and checkout processes seamlessly. Great for starting an Online Store with no technical experience. Make use of their 14 day free trial to try it out. How to set this up.
Wordpress Resources
If you choose to set up your website with Wordpress instead, below are resources that would be helpful to you.
Bluehost: The webhost that I initially used for Bootstrap Website for its reliability and attractive starter package. I used them for 7 years. Makes it easy to run your own website. Their level of support is top notch, which I experienced first hand over a phone call during a false alarm with Bootstrap Website.
Elegant Themes: One of favorite place to get a premium theme for WordPress, only because their themes are beautiful, plentiful and easy to use. Make sure to check out the wonderful, easy to customize, multi-purpose Divi Theme.
Thrive Architect: The page-builder that I’m used to write all my guides when I was using WordPress, which is so much more than just a page-builder. This page builder makes it super easy to create columns, buttons, email opt-in areas, testimonials, responsive videos, google maps, landing pages.. Once you use it, you’ll wonder what you’ve been doing prior to this!
Thrive Leads: These are the best email opt-in plugins that I’ve found. They allow the average person (like me) to create beautiful opt-in forms, that can be placed below posts, within posts, as a pop up, side bar widget and squeeze page. Beautiful forms encourage sign ups!
Most Recommended Wordpress Themes
Most Recommended Plugins
Thrive Architect
One of the easiest way to edit your pages, creating landing pages and more.
Shortpixel
Super compress your website images automatically - small images = fast websites!
Online Stores / Shopify
Shopify: Probably the easiest way you can use to build a full-fledged Online Store, complete with a blog, pages, sliders. Integrates the payments and checkout processes seamlessly. Great for starting an Online Store with no technical experience. Make use of their 14 day free trial to try it out.
Themeforest: A great resource to look for great Shopify themes. Much cheaper than themes offered on the regular Shopify store.
Recommended Shopify Themes
Recommended Shopify Apps
Aftership
Provide shipping notifications and tracking to your customers. Save time replying to emails on "where is my order?"
Elfsight
Utilize the suite of tools on Elfsight. Especially social tools like Instagram feed.
