Domain name registration and administration
Selecting the domain name or URL for your website is important, and choosing who to buy it from can be a matter of luck - it is not always just about choosing the cheapest, but ensuring you get the degree of control you need. And when it comes to renewal, if you happen to miss the deadline you risk loosing your carefully chosen name - and that can result in a lot of unwanted expense - having to recreate your stationery, logo, and marketing materials if you have to change your web address.
I can help you choose your domain name, purchase it, ensure it points to your website, and set up the relevant email accounts. Not only that, I can track it for you to ensure you know exactly when you need to take action to make sure you don't lose it!
Website hosting
Once you have your domain name, you will also need some 'web space' - the space on a web server where your files are stored so that they can be accessed on the internet.
It is neither time nor cost effective to consider hosting your website yourself, as you will need a server that would require regular maintenance and updates, and that would need to be online and available 24/7. Unless your business is providing hosting services, that is not something you need to worry about yourself. There are very many hosting companies wanting to host your website for you, and all offering many different packages to suit every need.
I can help you select what is most appropriate to your needs now - and in the future. Why pay for services you don't need, or else purchase a hosting package only to find that to get the functionality you need they require a costly upgrade?
Website design
Starting from scratch? I will help you to choose a design for your website, or even two or three if you are finding it difficult to visualise.
Before diving in, I will present you with 'mock-ups' of how your site would look, so that we can be sure you are happy with your choice.
Having already gone through a "needs assessment" - you can be confident that the website will then be built taking in to consideration your requirements from the start.
Website make-over
If you have an existing website that needs a make-over - look no further.
It is likely that having seen your website so much yourself, you may feel the idea of a make-over could mean a costly re-write and re-design process. This is not always the case, as often just a few minor changes can make a big difference.
Our initial evaluation process will ensure that I am fully aware of what you want from your website, from the start.
I value my clients, and my clients' recommendations, so it is not my philosophy to suggest you need more work than you really do. To this end I will even encourage you to get several opinions and quotes before you start. And if you want to do the work on it yourself, well I can help you with that too, providing consultancy and help should you get stuck!
Website maintenance
If like so many small business, your time is best spent running the business, rather than messing about on the computer updating your site, then I will be happy to work out a maintenace program to suit your needs - whether it be daily, monthly, yearly, or ad-hoc updates - I only charge for the work you want me to do. There are no monthly subscription costs.
You may have had experience dealing with 'web designers' before, and have found that the services provided can be somewhat restricted - providing you with a website, but then tieing you to them as they are the only ones that can do even the most minor of updates. That's not my philosophy.
Professional copy
Many people underestimate the importance of having the right words on your website. It sounds straight forward enough, but remember your website is a marketing tool, for attracting and keeping the attention of your customers.
Investing in some professional copy for your website could make a huge difference, and as I have negotiated some very special terms with a top copywriter, you don't need to go hunting around for the additional services.
As a business partner, you can deal with the copywriter direct, or you can choose one of your own if you'd rather. It won't make any difference to me, as I don't mark-up the costs of any of the external partners I use.
Consultancy
You may have already spent hours (and pounds) getting your website to its current position, and so, understandably are reluctant to bring in someone else who may have new ideas, or suggestions - especially if you are keen to do the work yourself.
I understand this situation, and will be happy to provide a consultancy service - to make suggestions, recommendations, and advice at a level that suits your needs.
You can tell me what you want to achieve, how you want to achieve it, and even how much - or little, you want to pay to get your website where you want it to be.
And if you want to do it yourself, but need a little help with the coding - then I will even come to you, and show you how to do it!