1&1 MyWebsite Review: Our verdict on the world's largest webhost
1&1 is the world's largest web hosting company and has set its sights on getting every last technophobe online. That's no mean feat, considering almost fifty percent of small businesses didn't have a website in 2009, according to a study by Ad-ology in Entrepreneur.com.
A closer look at 1&1's website builder might surprise you: the interface is strikingly similar to that of competitor Jimdo. (The companies used to be partners but went their separate ways in early 2010). So we're going to take a close look at the similarities and differences between 1&1 MyWebsite and Jimdo.
A sector-specific website builder
1&1 have carved out a nice niche for themselves by focusing on specific business sectors. Their design templates and pre-filled content look professional, but if you leave too much of the text unchanged, you run the risk that many other websites will also have the same website text. So if you want to rank high in search engines, be aware that they don't like duplicate content at all.
Overall, we found both the ordering process and the website builder were very easy to understand. You'll be creating your first website in no time, even those with the most basic of computer skills.
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| Well laid-out features |
The control panel: your website's back-office |
Our 1&1 MyWebsite rating in detail
| Criterion | Rating | Comments |
| Ease of use |
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Editor very easy to use and similar to Jimdo - unsurprisingly, given United Internet (1&1) was an investor in Jimdo. |
| Choice and flexibility of design (templates) |
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Plenty of good sector-specific business templates created around the same basic layout. Access to HTML and CSS, so advanced users can create their own layout. The PLUS plan comes with a mobile website template. |
| Advertisement-free | Yes | As it should be, given all accounts are paid ones. |
| Languages |
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Editor supports a variety of languages. You can add other language versions to your website too, but the process is slightly awkward. |
| Features | ||
| - Top-level domain (e.g. .com or .net) | Yes | Domain included. If you want to use an existing domain, you can either redirect it to 1&1 or transfer it completely. |
| - Depth of navigation |
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Pages up to three levels deep. This isn't much, but should be enough for most. |
| - Widgets (small tools to add extra functionality) |
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Add photos, video (YouTube) or embed your Facebook or Twitter. The PLUS package also includes an event calendar. |
| - Monetization | Yes | Using Google AdSense (installation is a bit clunky, but it works) or other banner ads. |
| -e-Commerce |
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Part of the PLUS Package. Online store works well but Jimdo's has more features. No product variations, no product management system and fewer payment options accepted. |
| - Search-engine optimization (SEO) |
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Meta tags, meta descriptions and image ALT tags are all editable. Title tag and URL editing is unfortunately limited. |
| - Blog | No | No blog, unfortunately. (Read more about why we think a blog matters). |
| - Visitor statistics |
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Includes a basic analysis tool |
| - Contact form | Yes | Fields are customizable to a certain degree - sufficient for most requirements. More extensive forms available via these form builders. |
| - Add HTML code | Yes | Allows you to add other widgets and tools. |
| - Storage space | Unlimited | |
| - Forums | No | Includes a guestbook with comments feature. |
| Support | via Telephone and Email | We've heard a couple of complaints about 1&1's support. In our experience email support was relatively speedy but responses aren't always helpful. Help files could be more comprehensive. |
| Fun-factor |
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Enjoyable and easy to use. but the relatively high cost takes some of the fun out of it... |
| Overall rating |
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1&1's website builder is well designed and scores bonus points for its focus on specific business sectors. The downside is its relatively high price. |
Conclusion:
1&1's website builder is easy-to-use and will enable you to hit the ground running with your website. This comes at a price that's well within reach of most businesses. However it is worth pointing out that, with the exception of the pre-filled content, competitor Jimdo offers more for less.
It's a bit unfortunate that 1&1 requires its users to choose the relatively pricey PLUS package in order to have a mobile-optimized website or an online store. Remember: Jimdo and Webnode include these features already as part of their free plans.
If you're not interested in the finer details and you just want to get the job done, then 1&1 is probably a good option for you. Once you've chosen your business sector from the list of over 100, you'll find you can launch your website in no time - even if you're a novice. However, if you're looking for something a little more unique, you might be better served by one of the other website builders.
> Try 1&1 MyWebsite 30 days for free: UK residents click here and US / Canadian residents click here
Updates
6 Oct 2011 - 1&1 MyBusiness Site is now called 1&1 MyWebsite
20 Sep 2011 - New features added (mobile website, social widget and new templates)
20 Jul 2011 - General update
14 Mar 2011 - General update
Last updated: 07 May 2012 | Robert Brandl
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