This comprehensive guide will walk you through both setups step-by-step, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Why You Need Google Analytics and Search Console for Your Carrd Site

Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to understand why these tools are crucial for your Carrd website’s success.

Google Analytics helps you understand your website visitors by tracking metrics like page views, user behavior, traffic sources, and conversion rates. This data enables you to make informed decisions about your content and marketing strategies.

Google Search Console monitors your website’s presence in Google search results, alerts you to technical issues, and provides insights into which keywords bring visitors to your site. It’s your direct line of communication with Google about your website’s health.

Submitting your site to Google Search Console also helps Google find and index your website in its search engine.

Set up Google Analytics (GA4) first because that code is used to set up Google Search Console (GSC).

Prerequisites Before Getting Started

To follow this tutorial, you’ll need a few things ready:

• An active Carrd website with a Pro plan
• A Google account
• Access to your Carrd dashboard
• Basic familiarity with copying and pasting

Part 1: Setting Up Google Analytics on Your Carrd Website

Step 1: Create Your Google Analytics Account

Navigate to Google Analytics and sign in with your Google account. If you’re new to Analytics, you’ll need to create a new property for your website.

Click “Start measuring” and provide your account name (this can be your business name or personal identifier). Accept the data sharing settings that align with your privacy preferences.

Step 2: Set Up Your Property

Choose “Web” as your platform since Carrd creates websites. Enter your website URL, making sure to include “https://” at the beginning. Select your country and time zone for accurate reporting.

Google Analytics will generate a unique tracking ID that starts with “G-“ followed by letters and numbers. Copy this ID as you’ll need it for your Carrd site.

Copy this code that starts with “G-“.

Step 3: Add Analytics Code to Your Carrd Site

Log in to your Carrd dashboard and select the website you want to track.

Navigate to the ‘Manage this Site icon‘ on the site you want to add a Google Analytics Measurement ID.

Click Settings and paste the code that starts with “G-” in the form that says Google Analytics ID.

Scroll down and click Save Changes.

It may take up to 24 hours to appear in your Analytics account.

Step 4: Verify Your Analytics Installation

Save your changes in Carrd and publish your website. Visit your live site and then check your Google Analytics dashboard. You should see real-time data appearing within a few minutes, confirming that tracking is working correctly.

In the above screenshot, I went to my website (https://freewebsitebuilder.carrd.co/) in one browser tab and opened Google Analytics in another browser tab. Waited a few minutes and then saw an Active user (me) was on the site, so I knew the code was working and installed correctly.

Get the Free Carrd Simple Landing Page Template →

Part 2: Setting Up Google Search Console for Your Carrd Website

Step 1: Access Google Search Console

Visit Google Search Console and sign in with the same Google account you used for Analytics. Click “Add Property” and select “URL prefix” as your verification method.

You can see how many Carrd domains I have in my Google Search Console. I have been building and testing Carrd websites for 2+ years, researching the ultimate Carrd SEO case study. Join the newsletter to get updates on Carrd SEO →

Step 2: Add URL to URL prefix

Enter your complete Carrd website URL, including “https://” into the URL prefix.

Click continue.

You then should see a green pop-up verification saying success.

It can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for data to start showing in Google Search Console.

Note: If you change your Carrd or domain name settings for the www no www, you will need to update these tracking codes and confirm everything is still working correctly.

Step 3: Add a Sitemap

In the menu on the left, click Sitemaps, write sitemap.xml after your domain name URL.

Click Submit.

This is the sitemap URL for all Carrd sites: youdomain.com/sitemap.xml

Now… do you need a sitemap for a one-page website?

Probably not in my guess. But I am going to add it anyway. Because it’s easy to do. And every little bit helps when trying to rank a website in Google search or ChatGPT.

Connecting Google Analytics and Search Console

To maximize your data insights, link your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts. In Google Analytics, navigate to Admin settings, then click “Search Console Links” under the Property column.

Follow the prompts to connect your verified Search Console property with your Analytics account. This integration provides valuable keyword data directly in your Analytics reports.

Carrd Website Not Ranking in Google?

To check this, Google search: site:yourdomain.com.

The site: search modifier lets you see which pages from a domain are indexed by Google.

I published this Carrd website live months ago. But Google still doesn’t know it exists.

Now that I have submitted to Google Search Console as shown in this tutorial, I expect to see it start showing up in Google in the next few days.

Update: It only took a few hours.

I will then monitor performance and search queries in Google Search Console.

This data gives valuable insight into what people are searching for to find your website and improvements that can be made to improve your search rankings.

Use it for SEO to:

• Check if your page is indexed
• See how favicon, title, and meta description appear
• Keywords your website is ranking for

It’s not 100% accurate, but helpful for quick audits.

Submit Your Site Changes to Google Search Console

If you make a bunch of changes or content updates to your Carrd website, it can be a good idea to resubmit it for indexing so changes are reflected more quickly in Google..

Add your URL and enter > Request Indexing

Monitoring Your Carrd Website Performance

Once both tools are active, regularly check your Analytics dashboard to understand visitor behavior and traffic sources.

Use Search Console to monitor your search rankings (SEO), identify crawl issues, and discover new keyword opportunities.

There is a bit of a learning curve to these tools.

The important thing is to get them set up, tracking, and collecting data ASAP.

Then you can learn learn more about these tools and your users when you have time.

Or give access to freelancers, SEOs, and PPC professionals who can help work on your website traffic.

Best Practices for Ongoing Success

Regularly review your Analytics and Search Console data to identify trends and opportunities. Look for content improvements, or keywords that are ranking well but could be optimized further.

Use the insights from these tools to refine your content strategy, improve user experience, and grow your Carrd website’s visibility in search results.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Analytics and Google Search Console on your Carrd website provides invaluable insights into your site’s performance and visitor behavior. While the initial setup requires careful attention to detail, the long-term benefits of data-driven decision making make this effort worthwhile.

Remember to regularly monitor both platforms and use their insights to continuously improve your website’s effectiveness and performance.

In this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to create both call and text links on Carrd using simple formatting techniques.

What Are Call and Text Links?

Call and text links are clickable elements that automatically open your visitor’s phone app or messaging app when clicked. Instead of making users manually copy and paste your phone number, these links provide instant access to contact you.

Benefits of using call and text links:

• Improve user experience and reduce friction
• Increase conversion rates for businesses
• Make your site more mobile-friendly
• Provide instant contact options for visitors

How to Create a Call Link on Carrd

Step 1: Add a Text Element

1. Open your Carrd editor
2. Click the “+” button to add a new element
3. Select “Text” from the element options

Step 2: Format Your Phone Number Link

In your text element, use this exact format:

[+1 (555) 555-5555](tel:+15555555555)

Important formatting notes:

• Replace the example number with your actual phone number
• Keep the brackets [ ] around your phone number
• Use the international format with country code for best compatibility

Step 3: Configure the Link Settings

1. Select your formatted phone number text
2. In the text formatting panel, you’ll see link options
3. Replace the # in the URL field with: tel:+15555555555
4. Remove any spaces, dashes, or parentheses from the tel: URL

Example:

• Display text: [+1 (555) 555-5555]
• Link URL: tel:+15555555555

How to Create a Text Message Link on Carrd

Step 1: Add Your Text Element

Follow the same process as above to add a text element to your Carrd.

Step 2: Format Your Text Link

Use this format for text messaging links:

[Text Me](sms:+15555555555)

For more advanced text links with pre-filled messages:

[Send Message](sms:+15555555555?body=Hello%20there!)

Step 3: Customize Your Message (Optional)

You can pre-fill the text message by adding ?body= followed by your message:

• Replace spaces with %20
• Keep messages short and relevant
• Test on different devices to ensure compatibility

Advanced Formatting Options

Carrd supports various text formatting options that you can combine with your call and text links:

Styling Your Links

• Bold: **[+1 (555) 555-5555](#)**
• Italic: *[Text Me](#)*
• Bold + Italic: ***[Call Now](#)***
• Underline: __[+1 (555) 555-5555](#)__

Adding Visual Elements

• Highlight: ==[Call Now](#)==
• Color: [Call Me]{colorname} or [Call Me]{#colorcode}

Best Practices for Call and Text Links

Mobile Optimization

• Always test your links on both iOS and Android devices
• Use international phone number formatting (+1 for US numbers)
• Consider adding both call and text options for maximum accessibility

User Experience Tips

• Make your links visually distinct from regular text
• Use action-oriented language like “Call Now” or “Text Me”
• Place contact links prominently on your page
• Consider using button elements instead of text links for better visibility

Professional Presentation

• Keep phone number formatting consistent throughout your site
• Use professional language in pre-filled text messages
• Test all links before publishing your site

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Links Not Working?

• Double-check the tel: and sms: formatting
• Ensure there are no extra spaces in your phone number
• Verify the country code is included
• Test on different browsers and devices

Formatting Problems?

• Make sure you’re using the correct Markdown syntax
• Check that brackets and parentheses are properly matched
• Ensure the link URL doesn’t contain spaces or special characters

Mobile Compatibility Issues?

• Some older devices may not support SMS links with pre-filled messages
• Always provide a fallback display of your phone number
• Test across different mobile operating systems

Alternative Methods

Using Button Elements

Instead of text links, you can also create call and text buttons:

1. Add a Button element to your Carrd
2. Set the button text to “Call Now” or “Text Me”
3. Use the same tel: or sms: URLs in the button’s link field

Creating Contact Forms

For more complex communication needs, consider adding Carrd’s built-in form elements alongside your call and text links.

Final Tips for Success

Before Publishing:

• Test all links on multiple devices
• Verify phone numbers are correct and active
• Check that formatting displays properly on different screen sizes
• Consider adding multiple contact methods for user preference

For Business Use:

• Include your business hours near contact links
• Add a brief call-to-action explaining when to call vs. text
• Monitor engagement to see which contact methods users prefer

Conclusion

Adding call and text links to your Carrd website is a simple but powerful way to improve user engagement and make it easier for visitors to contact you. By following the formatting guidelines in this tutorial, you can create professional, functional contact links that work seamlessly across all devices.

Remember to test your links thoroughly and consider your audience’s preferences when deciding between call, text, or both options. With these techniques, you’ll have a more interactive and user-friendly Carrd website that converts visitors into contacts.

Checkout LinkCodeGenerator.com – Free suite of link building tools for marketers. UTM builder, device redirects, geo-targeting, call links, SMS links, and more.

In this guide, we’ll compare two popular options: LinkTree and Carrd.

LinkTree vs Carrd: Simplified Side-by-side Comparison Table

Carrd Summary

Carrd Overview

• Offers both single-page and multi-page website creation.
• Allows more customization and design flexibility.
• Suited for various purposes, including personal portfolios, landing pages, and small websites.

Carrd Features

• Single/Multi-page: Create single or multi-page websites.
• Design Flexibility: Extensive customization options, including layout, typography, and colors.
• Elements: Add sections like text, images, buttons, forms, and more.
• Responsive Design: Ensures your site looks good on all devices.
• Free and Paid Plans: Different tiers with varying features.
• Pro Version: Access advanced features like custom domain, code injection, and analytics.

Carrd if Best For

• Perfect for personal portfolios, small business websites, event pages, and more.
• Offers more creative freedom and versatility.
• Suitable for those who want a unique online presence.

Carrd User-Friendliness

• Perfect for personal portfolios, small business websites, event pages, and more.
• Offers more creative freedom and versatility.
• Suitable for those who want a unique online presence.

Carrd SEO

• Offers better SEO control.
• Allows customization of meta tags, headings, and other on-page SEO elements.
• Better suited for those aiming for stronger search engine visibility.

Carrd Pricing

• Offers free plan with basic features and Carrd branding.
• Different paid tiers with increasing features.
• “Pro” plan provides the most advanced features.

LinkTree Summary

LinkTree Overview

• Primarily designed for creating a single-page link hub.
• Used to share multiple links on platforms like Instagram.
• Emphasizes simplicity and ease of use.

LinkTree Features

• Link Hub: Displays multiple links in a single page.
• Limited Customization: Offers basic themes and limited styling options.
• Analytics: Provides basic click tracking for links.
• Free Version: Offers essential features for free.
• Pro Version: Unlock advanced features like custom branding and more link styles.

LinkTree is Best For

• Ideal for individuals who need a simple link hub.
• Suited for social media profiles, especially on platforms with limited link options.
• Quick setup for sharing multiple links without extensive design needs.

LinkTree User-Friendliness

• Extremely user-friendly with a minimal learning curve.
• Simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Limited customization might be restrictive for some users.

LinkTree SEO

• Limited SEO options.
• Basic meta title and description editing.
• May not be suitable for advanced SEO strategies.

LinkTree Pricing

• Basic features are free.
• “Pro” version offers advanced customization options and analytics at a cost.

Carrd Template for Link in Bio Website

View Template Demo · Download Template

Carrd vs LinkTree – Conclusion

Choose LinkTree if you need a quick, no-frills solution to share multiple links on platforms like Instagram.

Opt for Carrd if you desire more customization and versatility, whether it’s for personal portfolios, event pages, or small business websites.

Consider your needs, design preferences, and willingness to invest time in customization when making your decision.

Remember, the right choice depends on your specific goals and comfort with design and technical aspects. Take your time to explore both platforms before making a decision that aligns with your needs.

To edit/adjust the space gap between containers on Carrd:

• Put every section of the page in its own container.

I will use many containers on a page and adjust the spacing to make it look right. The page is just a stack of containers. Every headline, text, and image has its own container.

• Go to: Page

• Contents > Spacing: 0

• Click the container on the page section you want to adjust.

• Under the Appearance tab, play around with the; Height, Padding, Margins, and Spacing settings to get your Carrd page looking how you want.

Adjust each container manually to get the vibes just right.

I will explain the features, pros, cons, and benefits, to help you make an informed decision based on your needs when comparing the two website builders.

Based on my 17+ years of experience building websites, using WordPress, Carrd.co, and other website builders.

WordPress vs Carrd: Simplified Side-by-side Comparison Table

Remember, this table provides a simplified overview. Your final decision should be based on your specific needs and priorities.

WordPress + DreamHost ➞ WordPress hosting at DreamHost makes it easy to build and manage a website, whether you’re starting a blog, running a small business, or getting into e-commerce. This is the web host I use and recommend for building WordPress websites.

WordPress Pros & Cons

WordPress Pros

1. Customization: Extensive theme and plugin options allow for highly customized websites.
2. Scalability: Suitable for small blogs to large e-commerce sites, accommodating business growth.
3. Functionality: Vast plugin ecosystem offers diverse features like e-commerce, forums, SEO optimization, and more.
4. SEO Power: SEO plugins like Yoast help improve search engine rankings and visibility.
5. Community Support: Large community offers abundant resources, forums, and tutorials for problem-solving.
6. Multilingual: Offers plugins for creating multilingual websites.
7. Content Variety: Supports diverse content types, including blogs, portfolios, e-commerce, and more.
8. Data Portability: Easier to export and migrate content to other platforms.

WordPress Cons

1. Learning Curve: Requires time to learn due to its complex features and settings.
2. Maintenance: Needs regular updates for security, plugins, and themes, which can be overwhelming.
3. Hosting and Domain: Requires separate hosting and domain setup, potentially confusing for beginners.
4. Security Risks: Vulnerabilities can arise from poorly coded plugins/themes, requiring security measures.
5. Cost: Premium themes, plugins, hosting, and maintenance costs can add up.
6. Overkill for Simple Sites: Can be overly complex for simple one-page websites.
7. Bloat: Excessive plugins and features can lead to a bloated website, affecting performance.

Carrd Pros & Cons

Carrd Pros

1. Simplicity: Extremely user-friendly with a minimal learning curve, ideal for beginners.
2. Quick Setup: Pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop editor enable fast website creation.
3. Affordability: Generally more affordable due to its simplicity and streamlined features.
4. Design Focus: Limited options encourage a focus on minimalist design and visual appeal.
5. Hosting Simplified: Simplifies hosting and domain setup for newcomers.
6. Security: Simplified structure can lead to fewer security concerns for basic websites.
7. Mobile Responsive: Prioritizes mobile responsiveness, ensuring a good user experience.

Read Related: Carrd Tutorial: How To Make a Carrd Website

Carrd Cons

1. Limited Customization: Offers less flexibility compared to WordPress for advanced customization.
2. Scalability Constraints: Not suitable for complex websites or those with plans for significant growth.
3. Feature Limitation: Limited e-commerce and advanced functionality options.
4. SEO Limitations: Basic SEO capabilities, potentially less effective for competitive strategies.
5. One-Page Focus: Best for simple one-page websites, not ideal for content-heavy projects.
6. Data Portability: Might have limited options for exporting content to other platforms.
7. Community Size: Smaller community means fewer third-party resources and support options.

In the end, your choice between WordPress and Carrd depends on your specific needs, technical proficiency, and the complexity of your project.

Consider the pros and cons to determine which platform aligns better with your goals and limitations.

Cost and Pricing – WordPress vs Carrd

WordPress Costs

WordPress hosting costs vary by web host.

(Image below) is an example of hosting costs for WordPress on Dreamhost. Other popular WordPress web hosts are Namecheap, Cloudways, Kinsta…

WordPress Cost Structure:

• Software: WordPress itself is open-source and free to use.
• Hosting: You’ll need to pay for web hosting, which can range from a few dollars per month for shared hosting to higher costs for managed hosting or dedicated servers.
• Domain: You’ll need to purchase a domain name separately, usually around $10 to $20 per year.
• Themes and Plugins: While free themes and plugins are available, premium themes can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more. Some premium plugins might have yearly subscription fees.
• Maintenance: Regular updates and potential security measures might incur additional costs, especially if you hire professionals for these tasks.

Total Costs: The total cost for a WordPress website can vary widely, but for a basic website, you might expect to spend around $100 to $300 per year for hosting, domain, and basic plugins/themes.

Carrd Pricing

Carrd Cost Structure:

• Free Plan: Carrd offers a free plan with Carrd branding, limited features, and a carrd.co subdomain. Try Carrd Free →
• Paid Plans: Carrd offers paid plans with varying features and custom domain options. These plans range from $9 to $99 per year, depending on the plan’s features and limitations.

Total Costs: For a Carrd website, the cost can be as low as $0 if you’re okay with the limitations of the free plan. Paid plans range from $9 to $99 per year, making Carrd one of the more affordable options.

WordPress vs Carrd – Costs & Pricing Explained

• WordPress: The costs of a WordPress website can add up due to separate expenses for hosting, domain, premium themes, and plugins. However, the flexibility and potential for advanced features justify the expenses, especially for businesses with growth plans.
• Carrd: Carrd’s pricing is straightforward, with affordable options for custom domains and additional features. It’s an excellent choice for individuals, small projects, or those on a tight budget. The simplicity of pricing eliminates surprises and makes it accessible to beginners.

Remember, while these cost breakdowns provide a general idea, the actual costs can vary based on your specific needs, choices, and any additional services you might require. It’s important to consider both your budget and the value each platform brings to determine the best fit for your website.

21 Things to Consider When Choosing Between WordPress and Carrd

1. Ease of Use
   • WordPress:
     • Offers a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features.
     • Requires domain and hosting setup.
     • Provides flexibility but demands more technical know-how.
   • Carrd:
     • Extremely user-friendly, ideal for beginners.
     • Offers pre-designed templates for quick setup.
     • No need for external hosting, simplifying the process.
       
       
2. Flexibility and Customization
   • WordPress:
     • Vast array of plugins and themes for customization.
     • Complete control over design and functionality.
     • Suitable for complex websites with unique needs.
   • Carrd:
     • Limited customization options compared to WordPress.
     • Designed for simple, one-page websites.
     • Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for basic adjustments.
       
       
3. Features
   • WordPress:
     • Rich plugin ecosystem enables various functionalities.
     • Supports e-commerce, blogs, forums, and more.
     • SEO optimization with plugins like Yoast SEO.
   • Carrd:
     • Basic features cater to minimalistic websites.
     • Limited e-commerce and advanced functionalities.
     • SEO capabilities are simpler.
       
       
4. Scalability
   • WordPress:
     • Highly scalable for both small and large websites.
     • Can handle increased traffic and complex content.
     • Ideal for businesses planning significant growth.
   • Carrd:
     • Limited scalability due to its one-page nature.
     • Best suited for personal portfolios or small projects.
       
       
5. Cost Considerations
   • WordPress:
     • Free to install but requires domain and hosting (costs involved).
     • Premium themes and plugins can add up.
     • Additional expenses for security and maintenance.
   • Carrd:
     • Offers free version with Carrd branding.
     • Paid plans available for custom domains and features.
     • Generally more affordable due to its simplicity.
       
       
6. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
   • WordPress:
     • Offers powerful SEO plugins for comprehensive optimization.
     • Better control over metadata, keywords, and content structure.
     • Can achieve higher search engine rankings with proper setup.
   • Carrd:
     • Limited SEO options compared to WordPress.
     • Basic metadata and description control.
     • Might not be as effective for competitive SEO strategies.
       
       
7. Community and Support
   • WordPress:
     • Huge community with extensive documentation.
     • Numerous forums, tutorials, and resources available.
     • Quick solutions to common problems.
   • Carrd:
     • Smaller community compared to WordPress.
     • Support mainly through official channels and documentation.
     • Limited third-party resources.
       
       
8. Security
   • WordPress:
     • Prone to security vulnerabilities if not properly maintained.
     • Requires regular updates and security plugins.
     • Vulnerabilities can arise from poorly coded plugins/themes.
   • Carrd:
     • Simplified structure can lead to fewer security concerns.
     • Less potential for third-party plugin vulnerabilities.
     • Generally more secure for simple websites.
       
       
9. Content Type and Structure:
   • WordPress: Ideal for content-heavy websites, blogs, news portals, and e-commerce sites.
   • Carrd: Suited for simple, one-page websites like personal portfolios, event pages, and landing pages.
     
     
10. Learning Curve:
    • WordPress: Requires more time to learn due to its extensive features and settings.
    • Carrd: Minimal learning curve; beginners can quickly grasp the drag-and-drop interface.
      
      
11. Hosting and Domain:
    • WordPress: Requires separate hosting and domain setup, which might be confusing for beginners.
    • Carrd: Simplifies hosting and domain setup, making it easier for those new to website creation.
      
      
12. Design Consistency:
    • WordPress: Offers greater design flexibility but might require additional effort to maintain a consistent look across all pages.
    • Carrd: Limited design options can help maintain a cohesive visual style.
      
      
13. Future Growth:
    • WordPress: Suitable for businesses with future expansion plans and evolving website needs.
    • Carrd: Best for projects unlikely to require extensive expansion in the future.
      
      
14. E-commerce:
    • WordPress: Supports robust e-commerce solutions with plugins like WooCommerce.
    • Carrd: Offers limited e-commerce capabilities, mainly for selling a few products.
      
      
15. Updates and Maintenance:
    • WordPress: Requires regular updates for plugins, themes, and core software to ensure security and functionality.
    • Carrd: Simplifies maintenance but might not offer as many advanced features that require updates.
      
      
16. Backup and Restoration:
    • WordPress: Offers plugins and tools for creating backups and restoring content in case of data loss.
    • Carrd: Might lack advanced backup and restoration options.
      
      
17. Data Portability:
    • WordPress: Provides greater control over exporting and migrating your content to other platforms.
    • Carrd: Limited options for exporting content, potentially causing difficulties if you wish to switch platforms later.
      
      
18. Multilingual Support:
    • WordPress: Offers plugins and features to easily create multilingual websites.
    • Carrd: Limited multilingual capabilities, potentially requiring more manual effort.
      
      
19. Collaboration:
    • WordPress: Supports multiple user roles and collaboration features, making it suitable for team-based websites.
    • Carrd: Generally better for individual projects due to its simpler structure.
      
      
20. Time to Launch:
    • WordPress: Longer setup time due to more extensive customization options.
    • Carrd: Can be launched quickly due to its pre-designed templates and user-friendly interface.
      
      
21. Mobile Responsiveness:
    • Both platforms prioritize mobile responsiveness, but the effectiveness might vary based on chosen themes/templates.
      

Summary – 21 Things to Consider

Remember, the best choice depends on your specific goals, technical comfort level, and the nature of your project.

Why Use WordPress:

• Extensive customization and advanced features.
• Scalability for growing businesses.
• Powerful SEO capabilities.

Why Use Carrd:

• Quick and easy setup for simple websites.
• Minimalistic design and user-friendly interface.
• Affordable options for personal projects.

Evaluate these factors to determine whether WordPress or Carrd aligns better with your needs as a beginner.

Recommendation: Which Platform is Best to Build a Website?

Both WordPress and Carrd have their strengths and weaknesses.

Your choice depends on the complexity of your project, your technical expertise, and your budget. Consider your specific needs and goals before making a decision.

Choose WordPress If:

• You want a highly customized website with advanced features and functionalities.
• Your website is content-heavy, such as blogs, news portals, or e-commerce stores.
• You’re willing to invest time in learning the platform’s complex settings and features.
• Scalability is a priority, and you envision significant growth for your business or project.
• SEO is crucial, and you want the flexibility to optimize your content for better search engine rankings.
• You’re comfortable with managing regular updates, maintenance, and security measures.
• You have a budget for premium themes, plugins, hosting, and potential developer assistance.

Choose Carrd If:

• You’re a beginner looking for a simple and user-friendly platform to create a quick website.
• Your project is small-scale, such as a personal portfolio, event page, or landing page.
• You prefer a minimalist design approach and want to focus on visual aesthetics.
• Quick setup is essential, and you want to avoid the complexities of domain and hosting setup.
• Your budget is limited, and you’re looking for an affordable solution.
• You don’t require advanced features or complex functionalities for your website.
• You’re not planning significant future expansion and need a straightforward solution.

Ultimately, your choice between WordPress and Carrd depends on your project’s complexity, your technical proficiency, your goals, and your budget.

Consider the platform that aligns best with your specific needs and priorities to create a successful and effective website.

1. Introduction to Carrd.co

Carrd Dashboard

Carrd.co is a user-friendly website builder designed for simplicity and elegance. It’s perfect for personal portfolios, landing pages, small businesses, and more.

2. Planning Your Website

• Define your website’s purpose and target audience.
• Plan the structure: What sections will you need?
• Collect images, text, and other content before you start.

Tips for Planning Your Website

1. Define Purpose and Audience

Clearly establish the main goal of your website and identify the specific group of people who will benefit from it.

2. Plan Sections / Containers

1. Hero: Headline and CTA (call to action). Introduction and welcome message.
2. About: Personal background and design philosophy.
3. Benefits: Showcase with descriptions.
4. Services: List of offered services.
5. Products: Sell your physical or digital product. Accept payments with Gumraod, PayPal, and Strip.
6. Testimonials: Client feedback and success stories.
7. Contact: Contact form and contact information.
8. Newsletter: Add a way for people to subscribe.
9. Social Media: Link to all the ways people can follow you.

Wondering if Carrd is right for you? Read: Why Use Carrd? 12 Reasons I Like Building Carrd Websites

3. Getting Started

Sign Up for Carrd.co

1. Visit Carrd.co and sign up for an account.
2. Choose a subscription plan (Free or Pro).

Carrd Pricing and Plans Explained

Get 3 free websites when you sign up for Carrd and try it out.

Basic (Free)

• Carrd.co’s entry-level plan.
• Perfect for getting started without cost.
• Includes:
  • Limited features.
  • Carrd.co subdomain.
  • Suitable for personal projects and simple websites.

Carrd currently has three Pro plans to choose from: Pro Lite, Pro Standard, and Pro Plus.

Carrd Pricing and Plans

Pro Lite

• Price: $9/year
• Affordable upgrade from the free Basic plan.
• Ideal for users not needing custom domains or advanced business features.
• Includes:
  • Improved features over Basic plan.
  • Budget-friendly option.
  • Suitable for personal use.

Pro Standard

• Price: $19/year
• Popular mid-tier plan.
• Ideal for individuals and businesses with varied needs.
• Includes:
  • Custom domains for branding.
  • Form integration for email collection.
  • Suitable for personal and small business sites.

Pro Plus

• Price: $49/year
• Top-tier plan for power users.
• Includes all Pro Standard features, plus advanced developer tools.
• Offers custom forms, advanced settings, and access to unminified sources.
• Designed for users with technical expertise and specific requirements.

This is just a basic Carrd pricing summary. See all the features that are included in the paid pro plans on Carrd.co.

Choose a Template

Carrd has lots of templates for starting your project. Select one of the categories like; blank canvas, profile, landing, form, portfolio, sectioned, or custom Carrd template.

1. Browse Carrd’s template library.
2. Pick a template that aligns with your website’s purpose.
3. Select the template and start editing.

Choose a blank canvas if you’d rather start from scratch and design your own Carrd website.

4. Building Your Website

The builder is designed to be straightforward and simple. The main starting

The Canvas is the central focus of the Carrd interface. It provides a mostly live preview of your site under construction. Additionally, it serves as a workspace to arrange elements and access two fundamental components present on all Carrd sites:

1. Background: This defines the site’s backdrop, which can be customized as a solid color, gradient, image, or even a video.
2. Page: The container for all other elements on the site. It’s flexible in terms of position and style, offering various customization options.

Click > + Menu to add content elements to your website.

Edit design in properties panel – Add content + Menu

Edit the page elements in the properties panel.

Understanding Containers and Sections

• Containers and sections are the building blocks of your website.
• Common sections: Header, About, Services, Contact, Footer.

Editing Content

Text

1. Click on a text element to edit.
2. Use the text editor to modify content.
3. Format text using the toolbar.

Use Markdown to add more styling and functionality to text.

Images

1. Click on an image element to replace it.
2. Upload your own image or select from Carrd’s library.
3. Adjust the image size and alignment.

Add, edit image

Links

1. Highlight text or image.
2. Click the link icon.
3. Insert the URL and choose link behavior.

Adding and Removing Sections

1. Click “+” to add a new section.
2. Choose the type of section to add.
3. Use the “x” icon to delete unwanted sections.

Styling Your Website

Fonts and Colors

1. Go to “Styles” in the top menu.
2. Choose fonts and set primary/secondary colors.
3. Customize section backgrounds and button styles.

Page and Background

Layout and style your Carrd site starting with the page and background properties.

1. Click on a section.
2. Go to the “Background” tab.
3. Pick a color, image, or gradient.

Add a Container and Columns

Add columns to containers

1. Click “+” to add a new container.
2. Choose ‘Type’ and select Columns.
3. Add and adjust column color and spacing.

Learning and mastering the Background, Page, Containers, columns, settings, spacing and colors will be 80% of what you need to design anything you want in Carrd.

Custom CSS (Pro feature)

1. Access the “Advanced” tab.
2. Add your custom CSS for precise styling.

5. Mobile-Friendly Design

• Carrd templates are mobile-responsive by default.
• Preview and adjust your site for mobile devices.

1. Click the mobile phone icon ‘Menu’
2. Scroll down in the properties panel. Click Mobile ‘Manual’ to style your elements to mobile.
3. Click the ‘Arrows icon’ in the menu to display a longer view to make designing mobile elements consistently a little easier.

6. Setting Up Custom Domain (Pro feature)

1. Purchase a domain from a domain registrar.
2. In Carrd, go to “Publishing” and select “Use a custom domain.”
3. Follow the setup instructions provided by Carrd.

7. SEO Optimization

Page Titles and Descriptions

1. Edit the “Page Info” for each section.
2. Use concise, descriptive titles and meta descriptions.

Heading Structure

1. Use proper hierarchy: h1 for main titles, h2/h3 for subheadings.
2. Maintain a logical structure for accessibility and SEO.

Image Alt Text

1. Add descriptive alt text to images.
2. Describe the image purpose briefly.

Meta Tags

1. Access “Settings” > “SEO & Social” > “Meta Tags.”
2. Add meta tags for better search engine visibility.

8. Preview and Publishing

Previewing Your Website

1. Use the “Preview” button to see your site.
2. Test on different devices for responsiveness.

Publishing Your Website

1. Click “Publish” when you’re ready.
2. Choose a Carrd subdomain or connect a custom domain.

9. Tips for Effective Websites

• Keep navigation simple and intuitive.
• Create engaging content with clear messaging.
• Include contact information for easy communication.
• Use a compelling call to action (CTA).

→ Build Websites & Landing Pages Faster with our Customizable Free & Premium Carrd Templates

10. Final Thoughts

Creating a Carrd website is a straightforward process. Remember to keep refining your site over time and analyze its performance to make necessary improvements. Enjoy building your professional online presence with Carrd.co!

(Source)

Simply – cost and convenience. I use Carrd because it’s a fast and easy way to build and host one or many 1-page websites.

Carrd has a lower learning curve and lower cost to get a website built than most other website builders.

A little about me – I have mostly worked on small business websites, blogs, and e-commerce stores. I build my own sites and previously did freelance consulting work for clients.

This usually involved using WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Weblow, or something else.

On Carrd you can make a 1-page website and use a custom domain.

Carrd is simple to use and make changes.

I honestly think most businesses could be using a 1-page website.

An easy-to-read, well-written, and designed 1-page website can get customers the same or better as a multipage website.

It really is about execution.

To get traffic to the website, I would focus on Social media, and paid ads with Google and Facebook.

Starting on Carrd and then moving to a different CMS like WordPress is always an option.

Why Use Carrd – 12 Reasons I Like Carrd for Building Simple Websites

Carrd.co is a simple and user-friendly platform for building websites, especially one-page websites or landing pages.

Here are some reasons why you might consider using Carrd.co to build a website:

1. Simplicity: Carrd.co offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that doesn’t require any coding knowledge. It’s ideal for users who want to create a basic website quickly and easily.
2. One-Page Focus: Carrd.co is designed primarily for creating one-page websites or landing pages. If you need a concise and focused online presence, Carrd.co is a great choice.
3. Templates: The platform provides a variety of templates tailored for different purposes, such as personal portfolios, event announcements, product promotions, and more. Templates can save you time and offer a starting point for customization.
4. Responsive Design: Carrd.co ensures that your website will look good on various screen sizes and devices. This is essential for providing a consistent user experience across different platforms.
5. Customization: While Carrd.co keeps things simple, it still allows for customization. You can adjust colors, fonts, layouts, and add various content blocks to suit your needs.
6. Mobile-Friendly: In today’s mobile-driven world, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. Carrd.co’s templates are designed with mobile responsiveness in mind.
7. Quick Publishing: You can publish your Carrd.co website quickly and share it with your audience. This is especially useful if you have time-sensitive content or announcements.
8. Affordability: Carrd.co offers free and paid plans, making it accessible to users with different budgets. The free plan provides basic features, while the paid plans offer more advanced customization and options.
9. No Hosting Worries: Carrd.co handles the hosting for your website, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate hosting provider.
10. Integration: While Carrd.co is more focused on simplicity, it still allows you to integrate with external tools like analytics services, email marketing platforms, and social media.
11. Rapid Prototyping: If you’re looking to quickly test an idea, Carrd.co can be a great tool for creating a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP) to gauge interest or gather feedback.
12. Personal Branding: Carrd.co is often used for personal branding, allowing individuals to showcase their skills, achievements, and portfolios in a visually appealing way.

Remember that while Carrd.co offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for complex or multi-page websites that require intricate functionality.

Evaluate your website needs and goals before deciding if Carrd.co is the right platform for you.

How much does a Carrd website cost?

Carrd offers a free plan and Pro plans to choose from: Pro Lite, Pro Standard, and Pro Plus. Each of the Pro plans offers a number of options and variations.

The Carrd entry-level Pro plan starts at $9 per year.

To use a custom domain on your Carrd.co site – the cost starts at $19 per year. This plan lets you build 10 websites.

Plus the cost of a domain ($8 to $20 per year). You will need to use a third party like Namecheap or Dreamhost.

All the prices and plans on this post are subject to change at any time.

Carrd makes it easy to manage plans and add features to your site.

The higher-priced plans on Carrd basically give you access to more websites and more features like custom forms, advanced settings, custom Carrd templates, and lots more.

Below is a screenshot from my current Carrd account to give you an idea. Plus the cost of domains or a custom template design. You can design your own or use a free or paid starter template to save time.

I am on the Pro Standard 25 plan for $39 a year. This gives me access to 25 sites, custom domains, pro templates, Google Analytics, and more.

Carrd Compared to WordPress Pricing

This website (Tempeld) is built with:

• CMS (content management system) is WordPress – Free
• Domains Dreamhost and Namecheap ~$6 to $20/yr
• Hosted on Dreamhost – Starts at about ~$100/yr
• Theme is GeneratePress Pro and GenerateBlocks – $59/yr
• Email newsletter is MailerLite – Free for up to 1000 subscribers

Different web hosts and WordPress themes will charge different amounts. This is just to give a basic price comparison.

The main reason I chose this stack to build this website instead of Carrd is I want:

• Blog – I like writing and explaining things with written and visual content. You are reading one right now. Blogging and creating content takes lots of time.
• Learning Curve – I am already familiar with all these tools and have them all set up. It takes a lot longer to learn this stack as a beginner website than Carrd.
• Website Plan – My plan for this website is going to need lots of pages and advanced features. So the initial setup time takes longer but in the future will save time by adding advanced functionality… also ain’t my first rodeo.

Which is better Carrd or WordPress?

Read Related: WordPress vs Carrd: COMPARE Website Builders

The learning curve is much steeper on WordPress and GeneratePress vs Carrd website.

It really depends on your needs.

I use both Carrd and WordPress to build websites.

To compare pricing you will have to check with Carrd and your web host and domain registrar.

Carrd Templates

Carrd has lots of templates for starting your project. Select one of the categories like; blank canvas, profile, landing, form, portfolio, sectioned, or custom Carrd template.

Choose a blank canvas if you’d rather start from scratch and design your own Carrd website.

Should You Use Carrd.co?

I recommend Carrd to friends building websites.

→ Starting a simple site on Carrd to test your idea and then changing it in the future once you have paying customers is a great low-cost way of starting something. It really depends on your needs.

You can sign up for Carrd for free and make 3 free websites. Click around, and try it out.

You can also always change the website and host and keep the same domain name by just pointing it to a new host and CMS.

There also seems to be a whole Carrd subculture and a world of anime profile templates that I am too old to understand.

I just like building one-page websites, landing pages, and squeeze pages that are high-converting, easy to read, and have a nice design.

http://remove.bg – Remove image backgrounds automatically in 5 seconds with just one click.

http://tinypng.com – Make your website faster. Reduce images by 50-80%.

From OurBabyAI’s innovative AI-based landing page to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s engaging lead magnet, these Carrd examples showcase the platform’s capability to create impactful one-page websites.

OurBabyAI AI SaaS Landing Page

OurBabyAI uses artificial intelligence to create your future baby images.

They use Carrd to build the landing page of their SaaS.

Arnold’s Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger the movie star and Former Senator of California uses Carrd as lead magnet.

When you enter your email in the form they immediately redirect you to a 14-page PDF that is hosted on Shopify. The PDF includes links to more content and affiliate offers.

EmailOctopus Lead Magnet Landing Page

Email marketing software company – EmailOctopus uses a Carrd website hosted on a subdomain as a lead magnet landing page.

Carrd can work as a simple starter eCommerce store to test ideas for 1 or 2 products at low cost but I would recommend using Shopify to build and grow an ecom brand.

Cardi B – Like What Buying Links Page

Carrdi B used Carrd to launch a music video site with links to all the platforms to buy the song.

Calorie Calculator Lead Magnet Landing Page

CalorieDeficit.io a good example of some advanced form functionality on Carrd. The user inputs their physical details and weight loss goals, and they input their email address to get a personalized weight loss or gain plan.

I will be adding more examples of Carrd websites to this post as I find them. If you have or know of other Carrd websites that make great examples of what can be done using Carrd, please let me know and contact me.

Are you already impressed by what Carrd can do? Well, brace yourself for something even more enticing. Picture this:

30% Commissions: With the Referral Program, every Pro upgrade or renewal that springs from your personalized link earns you a handsome 30% commission. That’s your expertise paying off in more ways than one!

Invest in Your Success: Your hard-earned commissions can be directed towards upgrading your Carrd plan or even snagging those essential inventory items you’ve had your eye on. This is your chance to enhance your toolkit.

For All Walks of Developers: This program is the perfect fit whether you’re a seasoned coding pro, an up-and-coming entrepreneur, or a passionate influencer. Carrd believes in rewarding every type of user.

Zero Hassle, All Gain: The best part? There are zero fees, and no hoops to jump through. Just an opportunity to amplify your rewards while doing what you do best – building and creating.

Don’t let this chance slip by. Dive into the Referral Program and let your expertise pave the way to even greater success with Carrd. Join the program, share your link, and watch your rewards grow – it’s a win-win for both your projects and your pockets!

What Does a Carrd Referral Code Do?

Participate in the Carrd Referral Program and receive a 30% commission on Pro upgrades and renewals that are generated using your unique referral link.

The proceeds generated from this initiative can be utilized to cover the costs of upgrading your plan, acquiring items for your inventory, or can be conveniently withdrawn upon request.

How to Join the Carrd Referral Program and Become an Affiliate?

1. Join Carrd for Free ➞
2. Open the Dashboard
3. Click your Account avatar in the corner
4. In the sidebar, click Referral Program.
5. Click Join Referral Program
6. Confirm that you want to do this by checking the confirmation checkbox, and confirm that you’ve also read and agreed to the referral program’s terms of use.
7. Click Join Referral Program
8. You’re done!

Change and customize your Carrd referral link to match your name and branding.

View and Download Carrd.co Templates ➞