A Review of SBI?
Yes, A Review And A Thank You
COVID slowed us down for a couple of years, and now a few health issues challenge us. We're still traveling if not writing about it quite so much. Our goal in 2022 was get to all seven continents in one year... and we did it.
Going forward health issues may not allow us to travel. No one can take away those memories though. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
Why Would I Want To Write My Review of SBI?
You probably found our site because you care more about travel or antique airplanes than about building a website, but just let me tell you a little about them and more about us.
Back in 2006, I was kind of searching for something new and different….
…and something to do in retirement.
We love traveling, and we like antique airplanes.
Mark likes taking photos, and I like writing.
So I thought, why not a website... or two?
One on travel tips (this site)... one on antique airplanes.... simple... or not!
I Got Lucky Finding SBI
You see.. I am not the least bit techie… Even back then, there were several web hosting sites, but you had to sort of know something about websites. And I didn’t.
One friend even told me I should learn how to write code… it was simple. Then I could just do whatever I wanted. Well, that wasn’t my idea of simple.
Then another friend told be about SBI… Site Build It. I really feel like I got lucky with that because I could do whatever I wanted with my website(s) and SBI taught me how to do it.
When I first started it was called Site Sell or Site Build It. Even without knowing much I could tell is was much more than that.
Some friends told me that it was way too expensive… but you know what? They provide a teaching manual and tools and so much support that even this non-techie can maintain a website and keep up with all the changes that Google and governments and everyone else throws at us.
That kind of education is enough for a glowing review of SBI don't you think?
My Review of SBI Support
The first line of support is the friendly forums. Even with the most basic questions, I have never felt “talked down to” in the forums. There is almost always someone who has an answer and patiently explains the steps.
Beyond that there is company support. Again, they have always been helpful, but let me tell you a story about just how helpful they can be.
I wrote this to the company founder and the support team in Jan 2017…
Dear Ken and all the support team,
I needed to let you know how great the help was that I had from Support. Starting a couple of days before Christmas, I couldn't access my own two websites... nor could I access Site Central completely. I didn't do anything about it at first in the holiday rush... and because being totally untechie I like to ignore tech problems when I can. But when it went on and on I contacted support. The two ladies I spoke with were both very helpful. They couldn't replicate the problem, so they suggested it must be my internet provider. I checked with ATT and they said the connection was fine... and it was... for everything but MY websites (and a few other SBI sites).
So then it was back to support. They asked if I would chat with a programmer on Skype. Well, I tried, but I have to tell you, I mostly flunked Skype... that did NOT stop your programmer from helping me though. He called me at home on my land line and walked me through how to enable an app to let him see what was going on. He determined that it was nothing on my computer blocking those sites, but they were indeed blocked. SBI could receive a request from me, but I couldn't receive anything back. (I know I'm explaining the tech stuff badly, but it's the best I can do.)
Anyway, armed with the information that your programmer provided, including the ip addresses that were blocked, I was able to talk to ATT and sound like I knew what I was talking about. It took them another 48 hours, but I am back in business, able to see my sites and Site Central... no problems.
Everyone was so patient with me.... For a programmer (one of your best I understand) to take that much time with me, and so patiently explain what I needed to look up... and how… is just special. He was so kind and never made me feel like the tech idiot that I freely admit I am. I was so nervous to talk to him, but he made it all so easy.
Kudos to everyone at support... and at SBI for that matter. My websites really are just for fun and but I do love having them... and I love SBI for making it so easy.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Judy
A Review Of SBI Because They've Changed.... Always for the Better
SBI has morphed into Solo Build It, but you are never alone.
They provide a way for the little guy to build a business at home… but let me be honest… our websites have always been “just for fun”.
I do have some advertising on the sites… and I do make some money at it. I’m also an affiliate of SBI, but that’s because I believe in them and if anyone is interested in starting an online business following their passion, I think they need to know about Solo Build it.
I have not and I will not get paid for writing this review. You wouldn't believe how many reviews on the internet are written by people who just want to get paid to write them.... how real can that be?
There is a lot of “fake news” in the world and it just makes me angry. The internet is rife with “fakes”. Fake reviews have also been posted about SBI… but SBI works… my review of SBI is based on personal experience, and they have also helped by providing proof.
I'm not the only one to write a review of SBI. Lots of people have written reviews about Solo Build It and the great success they had with SBI.
Do you want to see what a head-to-head comparison is between a “real” helpful web host and a site that feeds you fake review? SBI did a study to check out their claims. The results speaks for itself. Here's quote:
"On average, SBI! placed 3,300% (that's 33X) more sites into the top bracket. The other product only "beat" SBI! in failure (and by a large margin)." See the full study here.
If you are at all interested in starting a website, whether it's for a business or just a creative and fun endeavor like ours... take my review of SBI to heart... don't be fooled.
It Takes Work To Make Money
We haven't worked all that hard on the websites. If we wanted to spend more time on them, I know we could make more money. I have so many pages still to write with travel tips and aviation museums.... but... We just have too much fun traveling and finding rare antique airplanes to fly.
Those website are valuable though because both have opened doors for us when we travel and that counts for something too.
So there it is... my review of SBI... or my review of Site Build it... or my review of Solo Build It as it is now called. Just wanted you to know.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark
Timely Tips
Summer Vacation
Travel is fun in the Northern summer... but don't neglect the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year.
Yes, it's winter in South Africa, but that's their dry season. It's a good time to travel there.
Sometimes you need to watch rain patterns instead of just seasons to figure the best time to travel...
Whether you're taking a road trip close to home or traveling abroad...
Whether it's summer or winter in your part of the world...
the way you pack can make it all more pleasurable.
Check out all our Packing Lists and Tips.
Need travel ideas?
Things to See in Europe
Africa Calls!
Travel In America
Don't just dream about it...
Start making plans!
Custom Tour Planning List
International Travel Planning Tips
Foreign Is Fun - Not Scary!
Get Your Passports and Visas
And Expect Good Things
There Are Tourist Angels
Search
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
Translate
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
Updated Tips & New Travel Stories
-
2022 Travels To All Seven Continents
After COVID, all seven continents in one year was a worthy goal for our 2022 travels.. -
2021 Travels - Another COVID Year?
Our 2021 travels were only domestic. COVID kept us close home. Road trips and a cautious flights but still fun. -
2020 Travels - What Travels?
Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Ready For A New Adventure?
We escape by traveling…
But there are more ways to escape.
Work on something you LOVE…
With A Website
SBI Teaches You Everything
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Did it help with your travel planning and preparation? Eager to leave on that next vacation? Please leave your tips or comments in the box below.