2017 Review of Web Builder CS

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Web Builder CS is an excellent option for accounting and CPA firms that are using other Thomson Reuters/CS Professional applications. While the product can be used as a stand-alone website building option, it works best if coupled with other Thomson Reuters products.

Designed for accountants, Web Builder CS includes 70+ free templates that users can choose from when creating a new website, and all are mobile friendly to work across a variety of devices. Each template also displays the category that it is best suited for, allowing users to make a more-informed choice. All standard designs are included in the price of the subscription. For those that are looking for a more custom look, Web Builder CS also offers enhanced templates at an additional cost.

To begin, users simply need to sign up for the service and choose the template they wish. A variety of default information is included when creating the website, which firms can use as-is, or edit to better reflect the needs of their firm. Along with prepopulated pages, Web Builder CS also includes standard pages such as a Home page, a Contact page, a Service Offerings page, and a News page. The product also offers a variety of tools and resources designed specifically for accounting firms and their clients including Financial Guides, IRS Forms and Publications, a Tax Due Date Calendar, and over 120 financial calculators that cover areas such as budgeting, saving for college, debt, home and mortgage calculations. Another nice feature is the Daily Updates feature, which is updated on the firm website daily and provides clients with current tax and financial news. Firms also have the option to use default newsletter content or utilize premium content, which can be used on the website or in a blog post. Web Builder CS also handles all domain services including registration, domain transfers, and the creation/use of a new domain name. Firms also receive five firm-branded email addresses, with additional emails available if desired.

Once the site has been created, users can choose to make any changes and edits in-house or use Web Builder CS personnel to make the changes. Making edits in the product is easy, with users able to simply click on the page that they wish to edit. Web Builder CS websites are WYSIWYG sites, meaning users can easily make changes without any prior knowledge of HTML.

Web Builder CS also provides the tools that allow users to add custom logos, videos, slide shows, and animation if desired. Users can also upload images through the Manage Image option.    

Along with standard and enhanced templates, users can also opt to use Web Builder CS customization services, or customization with animation. A custom logo design option is also available. Web Builder CS offers automatic submission to search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo, and allows users to add their own key words to increase web visibility. Integration with Google Analytics allows users to view important visitor statistics. Users can also link to social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to create a more dynamic web presence.

Along with do-it-yourself web design and custom design, Web Builder CS offers other integrated features such as the ability to create a blog, the ability to accept online payments, and integration with a client portal that allows users to safely share documents with clients. Firms just simply provide clients with a user name and password to access the portal.

Web Builder CS offers excellent help options through the Help and How-To Center. Users can enter a relevant search term to display a number of options. Web Builder CS also offers a free 30-day trial for users to access prior to purchasing.   The product also offers various support options, including toll-free telephone support as well as email support. Users can also fill out the online form to request support.

Web Builder CS, part of the CS Professional Suite of applications form Thomson Reuters is an excellent fit for firms already using or planning to use other Thomson Reuters products. Web Builder CS provides users with the option to create their own website or use Web Builder CS designers to create a custom website for their firm. Standard website designs are included in the cost of the subscription, which is $70.00 per month. A variety of options are also available for users to purchase, which include an enhanced template, which runs $450.00, custom web design, which runs $1,500, and custom design with animation, which runs $2,500. A custom logo can also be designed for $800 if needed. Domain registration is extra as well.

2017 Rating 5 Stars