Business website your choice?
Whether you are a small or medium sized business, the decision to have a website can be seen as a big financial choice; one where a poor choice can impact on your business, loose you business and can drive away prospective customers..
There are basically two options when it comes to having an online presence,
1. Hire a developer
2. Build your own
Hiring a Web Developer, although the thought of hiring a web designer may seem a big step to take, often websites do not have to be as expensive as you think. Websites can start from as little as £100 and can be produced to your own specifications. A developer can help you work out the best possible product for your business and work within a set budget. The site you eventually decide on should also allow for future development. The developer will also help you to purchase the correct type of hosting and secure your domain name, which should be registered in your business name and address. They will get a feel for your business and ensure the end product gives your clients the best possible experience of your business on the web. A bespoke website can cover every aspect of online solutions from a simple site to multi-page e-Commerce and content management solutions. If you do want autonomy over your own site there are some simple content management systems that can be included for a very reasonable price.
Building your own (BYO) website, using some of the many BYO systems currently available on the market might seem the best option, but they rarely have the flexibility of a bespoke website. BYO systems tend to work on templates. Although you can upload your own logo, images and have some colour choice they very rarely look professional because the layout looks like everyone else’s who uses the system. BYO often have domains that carry the providers name and your business name, for example: yourbusinessname.vpweb.co.uk or yourbusinessname.moonfruit.com. They often have copyright text that you can’t remove scattered throughout your website. BYO systems often use outdated mark-up and sometimes don’t comply with current W3C guidelines and accessibility regulations. Eventually your business may out grow the options available. For you to grow your website you often find that the cost of extra services, end up costing you more in the long run than having a bespoke site.
In my next article I will discuss what to look for when choosing a web designer.
By Claire @ Eve Designs
A bit of advertising
Lyn has been busy with Animoto Video and produced this advert for Wight Buzz, ‘A Marriage of many businesses on the Isle of Wight all working together to support each other’
Enjoy.
The best way to advertise
Probably the most asked question I get from people who are just starting their own business is what’s the best way to advertise without spending a lot of money.
Although no one wants to spend a lot of money on advertising. You really can’t afford NOT to advertise. My answer has always been to spend your time and money in finding the right place, to place your advert.
If you run a hairdressers you don’t place an ad in a gardening magazine. Ask for discounts if you place more than 1 advert, asks for editorial. All they can say is no ! But if money is tight, especially in the beginning of your new business venture take a small advert out and book a run of adverts. But make sure it’s in the right place for your business.
Want more calls ! You need to tell people what you have to offer.
Polly The Family Directory.
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