Hi Steve,
Something that should be pointed out is:
SBI do not host dynamic web sites such as those based on WordPress or any other blogging or CMS system. Don't confuse that with what they say about the blog component to the sites you can build through them. I found that out over 6 months ago when I looked at their hosting technical specs. I emailed a high-level SBI contact I have and he told me that they only support and host static web sites.
That's a big deal really, especially to your readers; most of them would only consider a dynamic site such as this one. The other fact that people might want to consider with SBI is that when they say you have access to keyword research and such, it is through a few free credits with WordTacker. You get a set number of searches, then you have to purchase more credits.
SBI has a great system; it is extremely well thought out, but readers should be aware of the limitations to judge the fit with their plans and skill level.
You are so right about the need for technical savvy. My web site experience involved only static web sites, and I had to give up one of them, an artisan business, due to some wrist and hand problems. To replace that, I decided to combine lifelong passions and experience with an income. So I am an example of what you are speaking of; I had the desire but lacked the technical knowledge.
The thing is, I wanted to build a dynamic web site based on WordPress (I think most people want to go this route). But as you state, it requires extensive knowledge and skill to make that work in the real world. I decided to throw myself into an intensive 6 months of learning. To that end, I have completed an exhaustive SEO/SEM internet marketing course, I've immersed myself into the world of blogs, and I've learned enough css and php to allow me to redesign my theme. I also set up a WAMP server on my local machine. I am using that to develop my site prior to going live.
The SEO course was invaluable even for something as seemingly simple as choosing a WordPress theme for further redesign. Most WordPress themes, even those you pay for, are sorely lacking in proper SEO optimization. This includes such simple but important considerations as effective use of H tag Hierarchy. So yes, it's a huge learning curve to gain the knowledge you need.
Is SBI a solution though? Sure it is, for a whole bunch of people that want static sites, but it has some serious limitations if you want to be a professional blogger. Of course they might have made major changes in the last 6 months that I don't know about, so check this out before making a decision based on that.
I wanted to mention this because SBI has hundreds of pages of information. I'd hate to see someone spending days pouring over what sounds to be a great fit with their plans, only to discover that their dreams of problogdom are not supported.
Cheers,
John
Landscape Paintings of British Columbia - John Rocheleau