Customer Support & Website Builders

Over a week ago, I spent about 30 hours over 5 days working all my spare time at recreating my website! Why? Well, because it didn't have SSL (secure socket layering or the https) that shows your website is secure. That's pretty important, especially if you are selling online, right?

Sooooooo, I called GoDaddy - my hosting and website builder - and asked about SSL. What happened, is that the agent I spoke with talked me in to buying their new Go Central Website builder that includes SSL. He led me to believe that my current version 7 website builder wasn't going to be supported any longer.

The problem - I had to totally recreate my website from scratch because the new platform won't convert my old website. ARRRRRGHHHHHH!!!!!! As much as I  hated to do it, I spent all those hours building my new site. And then I discovered that Go Central doesn't have as many customizable features as my previous website builder. FRUSTRATING AS HECK!!!!

Fast forward: I was so frustrated with the limitations on the new website builder, I called tech support.  I couldn't get something as simple as a hyperlink to work on the pages! Thankfully, the person who answered my call (Rodney) was super helpful, and super knowledgeable. We spent about 30 minutes on the phone, and after talking with Rodney, I discovered my website builder isn't going away, it IS still supported. Fortunately for me, I kept the previous website builder and never published the pages with GoCentral. Rodney refunded my money and I upgraded my current website to include SSL. I can still fully customize my site and other than all those lost hours, I'm a happy camper.

Had the first agent actually "listened" to my concerns instead of trying to sell me a new website builder package (I don't know if they get commission or not), I could have avoided all the work and lost hours; hours that I could have been painting!! Good Customer Service involves listening to the customer; customer support is a range of customer services to assist customers in making cost effective and correct use of a product.

Are you maintaining your art website or did you hire someone to create and maintain your site? Who are you using for your host, and what website builder do you use? Any recommendations? I'm paid up through the end of the year with GoDaddy, but I'm open to suggestions...

~Mahalo~

Update 1/11/20 - Yeah, I gave up on that website. Too much trouble, not enough time. For now it's going to be an occasional blog post and maybe resurrect my Etsy site. Once I'm fully retired I might have the time and energy to keep it up to date. Two years between posts sure isn't enough to keep people interested is it??

Speaking of Names

Okay, now you know where "Maloha" came from.

When I first created my website (heartspiritstudio.com), I tried to get my name as my domain name - but it's already taken.  Turns out that Todd Rundgren's  long time friend and tour director is also named Mary Lou Arnold (http://rockshowcritique.com/2016/01/interview-todd-rundgrens-tour-director-mary-lou-arnold/). The domain isn't developed, it's just parked, but not available for sale. I tried maloha.com - but that's taken too.

Now what?  I use a lot of heart imagery in my work; heart, art, heART, you can see how that evolved. HeARTSpiritStudio sounded right to me, so I went for it. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the 401 is from my anniversary - Rex & I got married on April Fool's Day - but that's another story.

Recently for yuks and giggles I did another domain name search, and marylouarnoldart.com is available - should I go for it? I'm not so certain that a change is necessary, but it would probably be easier for people to find me and my paintings on the web. That, along with the fact that I need to let people know I'm out there!

Do you have a website, and if so, how did you arrive at the name if you were lucky enough to obtain a domain with your name? If not, how did you decide on your brand, your name?

Comments welcome!

~Mahalo~