What True Matter Does and How to Use It

True Matter is a web design platform built for small businesses and nonprofits in South Carolina

True Matter is a web design and hosting service based in Charleston that focuses on helping small organizations build and maintain websites without needing to hire a full-time developer. The platform combines website building tools, hosting, and ongoing support in one place, so you manage your site through a single dashboard rather than juggling separate vendors.

The service is designed for people who want a professional-looking website but don't have the budget for a traditional web design agency or the technical knowledge to build one from scratch. True Matter handles the backend work—server maintenance, security updates, backups—while you focus on adding content and managing your business.

Key Takeaways

• True Matter combines website building, hosting, and support in one platform, so you don't need separate vendors for each piece.
• The service is built for small businesses and nonprofits that need a professional site but lack in-house technical staff.
• You can manage your site through a single dashboard and update content without coding knowledge.
• True Matter handles security, backups, and server maintenance so you don't have to monitor those tasks yourself.

How the True Matter dashboard works

When you log into True Matter, you see a central control panel where you can edit pages, add images, update text, and publish changes. The interface is built to be readable for non-technical users—you don't need to know HTML or CSS to make updates. You can drag elements around, swap out images, and rewrite copy the same way you would in a document editor.

The platform includes templates you can customize to match your brand. You choose a layout, adjust colors and fonts, and add your own images and text. If you want to change the look later, you can switch templates without losing your content, since True Matter separates the design layer from the content layer.

True Matter also manages the technical side automatically. Your site stays backed up, security patches are applied without you having to schedule anything, and the hosting infrastructure scales if your traffic spikes. You don't receive alerts about server status or have to troubleshoot downtime—that's handled behind the scenes.

What types of sites True Matter supports

True Matter works well for informational websites, service-based businesses, nonprofit organization sites, and small e-commerce stores. A dental practice can use it to list services and hours, take appointment requests, and display staff bios. A nonprofit can build a donation page, post event information, and tell their organization's story. A local retail shop can showcase products, post updates, and link to social media.

The platform is less suited for sites that need heavy customization, complex integrations with specialized software, or high-volume e-commerce operations. If you need a site that looks and functions exactly like a competitor's custom build, or if you're running thousands of transactions monthly, True Matter may not be the right fit.

Pricing and what's included

True Matter offers tiered plans with different feature sets. Entry-level plans include hosting, a domain, basic templates, and email support. Mid-tier plans add more advanced features like form builders, SEO tools, and priority support. Higher-tier plans may include additional storage, more email accounts, or access to a designer for consultation.

The exact pricing and features change over time, so you should visit True Matter's website directly to see current plans. Many small businesses find that bundling hosting, building tools, and support into one monthly fee costs less than paying separate vendors, even if the per-feature cost looks higher than a standalone tool.

Getting started with True Matter

The onboarding process typically starts with choosing a plan and registering a domain or connecting an existing one. True Matter then walks you through selecting a template and adding your basic information—business name, contact details, hours, description of what you do.

After that initial setup, you can log in and start customizing. You edit pages one at a time, add images from your computer or a stock photo library, and publish when you're ready. True Matter usually provides documentation and video tutorials for common tasks, and support staff can answer questions via email or chat.

If you're migrating from another platform, True Matter can sometimes import your existing content, though the process depends on where your current site is hosted. It's worth asking during the initial consultation whether they can move your pages and images over rather than starting from scratch.

True Matter versus other web builders

Other platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly also offer all-in-one website building and hosting. The main difference with True Matter is that it's locally based in South Carolina and focuses specifically on small businesses and nonprofits rather than serving everyone from solo creators to large enterprises.

That local focus means True Matter's support team understands South Carolina's business environment and can speak to local concerns. The trade-off is that True Matter has fewer third-party integrations than larger platforms—you may not be able to connect every tool you use. If you need to sync your website with a specific CRM, accounting software, or marketing platform, check True Matter's integration list before committing.

Support and ongoing help

True Matter includes support as part of your plan, though the level of support varies by tier. Basic plans may offer email support during business hours. Higher tiers might include phone support or access to a dedicated account manager who can advise on site strategy.

Beyond direct support, True Matter maintains a knowledge base with articles and tutorials on common tasks. Many questions—how to add a new page, change a color, set up a contact form—can be answered by searching the documentation first, which is faster than waiting for a response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move my website away from True Matter later?

Yes. True Matter can export your content so you can move to another platform if you choose. The process and what you can take with you depends on your plan and how complex your site is. Ask True Matter about their export process before you sign up so you know what to expect.

Do I own my domain name?

If you register a domain through True Matter, you own it. You can transfer it to another registrar or hosting provider whenever you want. If you bring an existing domain you already own, that ownership doesn't change—True Matter just hosts the site.

Can True Matter handle a site in multiple languages?

True Matter can host multiple language versions of your site, but you typically need to build and maintain each version separately. If you need a site that automatically translates content or switches languages based on visitor location, check with True Matter support about what's possible on your plan.

What happens if I stop paying?

If your subscription lapses, your site goes offline and your domain may become available for someone else to register. True Matter usually sends reminders before your payment is due. If you need to pause your site temporarily, contact support to discuss options rather than letting the subscription expire.

Is True Matter secure for handling customer information?

True Matter includes SSL encryption, which protects data in transit between your visitor's browser and the server. If you're collecting sensitive information like credit card numbers or health data, confirm with True Matter that your plan includes the security features you need and that they comply with relevant regulations.