Can I Switch from Weebly?

[Klo]

I have two years' worth of hosting with them. Don't have a website up yet, and I'm wondering if I should use my two years with them and attempt to transfer my website to a different host after (is this possible with a free website builder?) or just forget about the two years and start with a new host.

Has anyone tried moving their "free" website over to a new host? Is it even possible, or just a huge hassle?

I know for one thing you can't move a blog over from Weebly without copy/pasting, but I'm wondering if you can move your website's structure and any assets that come with it.

[HTMLBasicTutor]

Usually when you use someone's site builder you can't take the design and functions with you.

Keep in mind that blog pages will not be exported as they rely directly on our database. Some of our elements also may not work correctly when hosted elsewhere, like our contact form and slideshow elements.

Download a Site to a ZIP Archive - Weebly Support

You should also review their Terms of Service. Also any other service you decide to use.

[dariusz88]

Hello, I am user of weebly services and I am curious why you do want to move. Are you dissappointed with Weebly services? Do you have pro account ?
Weebly have got a great hosting. However, I think it's impossible to move your site as you cannot simply just copy html code. Weebly is using many scripts of their own and they use some third party apps, loaded into their servers. Like Feed2js.org RSS Reader, for example.
However, if you are smart in html/css, you can slowly convert the html code into your own site. But it takes time and you should use html editor.

[aprilhomer]

Hi there, We can suggest but the most important part is. You should decide it by yourself. Anyway, for me just look for another because you can find a better web hosting than weebly. Thanks!

[Klo]

Weebly's a decent service and I have nothing against them, but I'm not really comfortable with a third-party being in control of the assets I've worked for. I'm thinking it would be better to just install WordPress and spare myself the worry. Like HTMLTutor said, you can't move your stuff over easily so in a large sense they actually own your site and can shut you down if they feel like it.

[Mark_Talks]

If you're worried about control of your site and you have the ability to do it yourself (either by current knowledge or by being interested enough to learn and/or get assistance, than I would suggest you get a free host or shared hosting and run your own install of WP or any of CMS/structure.

Personally I've always wanted control of the things I do, so I've not used site builders and free remote hosted blogs etc