Weebly
Weebly
Weebly is a web hosting service that allows users to create and manage websites using a drag-and-drop interface. Founded in 2006 by David Rusenko, Chris Fanini, and Dan Veltri, Weebly has grown to become one of the most popular website builders in the world. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California and has additional offices in New York, Scottsdale, and Toronto.
History
Weebly was conceived as a college project by its founders while they were students at Penn State University. The initial idea was to create a platform that would make it easy for anyone to build a website without needing to know how to code. The first line of code was written by David Rusenko in 2006, and the platform was officially launched in 2007.
In its early years, Weebly introduced several key features, including "Pro" accounts and Google AdSense monetization. The company also added support for editing HTML and CSS, which allowed users to customize their websites further. In 2013, Weebly raised $35 million in Series C funding from investors like Sequoia Capital and Tencent Holdings Ltd..
In May 2018, Weebly was acquired by Square, Inc. for a reported $365 million. This acquisition allowed Weebly to integrate more closely with Square's suite of eCommerce tools, making it easier for users to sell products both online and in-person.
Features
Weebly offers a range of features designed to make website building accessible to everyone. Some of the key features include:
- Drag-and-Drop Builder: Users can easily add and arrange elements on their website without needing to write any code.
- Responsive Themes: Weebly offers a variety of customizable themes that are optimized for both desktop and mobile devices.
- eCommerce Tools: Users can create online stores, manage inventory, and process payments through integrations with Square.
- SEO Tools: Built-in search engine optimization tools help users improve their website's visibility on search engines like Google.
- Analytics: Weebly provides detailed analytics to help users track their website's performance and make data-driven decisions.
- Mobile App: Users can manage their websites on the go with Weebly's mobile app, available for both Android and iOS.
Competitors
Weebly operates in a competitive market with several other well-known website builders. Some of its main competitors include:
Each of these platforms offers its own set of features and advantages, catering to different types of users and businesses.
Acquisition by Square
The acquisition of Weebly by Square in 2018 was a significant milestone for both companies. Square, known for its payment processing solutions, saw the acquisition as an opportunity to expand its eCommerce capabilities. The integration of Weebly's website building tools with Square's payment solutions has made it easier for small businesses to create and manage online stores.