2018 Review of CCH Site Builder

From the Oct. 2018 reviews of Website Builders for accounting firms.

CCH Site Builder from Wolters Kluwer is best suited for small to mid-sized accounting firms that use other CCH applications from Wolters Kluwer.

CCH Site Builder allows firms to create a fully functional website in minutes using the simple setup process offered, which guides users through the standard pages included in the website. The product includes a variety of templates that users can choose from, including various styles and colors. Users can also change their website design at any time without incurring any additional charges. Once the design has been chosen, users can add custom touches such as headers, footers, background design, images, PDFs and a custom logo, with the option to customize important data during the initial setup, and returning to add additional pages, features, and functions at a later date. Those that desire a completely custom website can work with CCH Site Builder’s graphic designers to create a unique website branded specifically for a firm.

CCH Site Builder offers a wide variety of standard pages with each website, including a Welcome Page, Firm Profile Pate, Client Services Page, Info Center Page, Newsletter Page, Financial Tools Page, Internet Links Page, and a Contact Information Page. Users also have the option to add custom pages if desired and can choose to include premium content from Wolters Kluwer including Tax Alerts, a comprehensive Tax Guide, and a series of useful Financial Calculators that allow clients to easily perform a series of simple financial calculations. A Business Owners Toolkit is also available, which is ideal for accounting firms that primarily serve small business clients, and the Financial Planning Toolkit offers a variety of financial planning documents, tools, and resources.

CCH Site Builder’s default content is designed for accounting professionals and their clients. The Newsletter page offers new articles every month that are designed to provide clients with detailed information on a variety of topics. Users can control which articles appear on their website, or add custom articles to the newsletter page if desired. The Financial Tools page offers interactive calculators and other resources that are designed for clients, with users able to choose which financial calculators they wish to display on the page. Free domain hosting is included with the website, with five email addresses provided with CCH Site Builder. Additional email addresses can be purchased if necessary.

Mentioned earlier, it’s easy for users to make any changes to their website when necessary, including adding images, photos, marketing materials, and other documents. Firms that are looking for a more hands-off approach may want to utilize CCH Site Builder’s web designers, who can create a custom design based on current firm branding.

CCH Site Builder allows users to choose the social media options they wish to connect to during the setup process, with the product easily integrating with popular sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter. The product offers complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features, and is included in the CCH Site Builder subscription. The product also integrates with Google Analytics, and CCH Site Builder offers premium SEO consulting options at an additional cost for firms that desire more robust SEO capability.

CCH Site Builder offers good integration options, integrating with PayPal to allow clients to pay for services directly from the firm’s website. Integration with CCH’s FileShare module provides users with the ability to share files with clients, partners, and firm associates. Large files can be accessed directly from FileShare or downloaded by the FileShare authorized user. The product also integrates with CCH Axcess portal, which also allows secure document sharing, as well as the ability to store documents of any size on the portal. CCH Axcess Portal also integrates with other CCH applications including CCH ProSystem fx Suite products.

CCH Site Builder offers product support during extended business hours, with support available from 8:00AM t0 7:00PM Central Time. Product users can reach support using the toll-free number provided, or via email. New users will appreciate the tools and resources available, including the website wizard, which walks users through the entire website creation process. Product demos are available for viewing, and there are a variety of webinars and other online training options available.

CCH Site Builder is well suited for small to mid-sized accounting firms that currently use other CCH applications from Wolters Klower, though Site Builder can be utilized as a stand-alone website solution if desired. Those interested in CCH Site Builder can request a free 30-day trial of the application to try out prior to purchasing. CCH Site Builder will provide a quote to those interested in the application. A long list of add-on options are available to purchase if desired.

2018 Rating 4.5 stars