Web sites can require a big investment in terms of money and time, and creating one can be a big decision for any company to make.
When employing the use of a web design agency, it is essential that there is someone from your team who knows everything about the site and the budget and your requirements and who can be on hand throughout the working day to assist the designer. This can place quite a strain on the already stressful workload of an individual.
However, when implemented correctly, a web site can also prove to be a fantastic marketing tool for your business and one that can put you way ahead of your competitors.
It is not for everyone though, and we quite often get quote requests from people who don’t really know what they want and where the web site will be of no more value to the client than a free listing on a relevant directory. There are also those who require a website to act as a service, without realising that the market is already saturated with web sites already very successfully offering the same service. A new website offering this same service would require a huge investment just to make it noticed.
There are others who approach us with a fantastic ‘Google’ type idea and expect to pay next to nothing.
When thinking of setting up a website, you have to be realistic. You have to look at what is already available online – is there somebody already doing what you want to do, and if not, why not?
Another thing people should think about when considering a website is, will the site do more harm than good? If you do not put the time, effort and money in, a cheap, inefficient site can easily put off potential customers.
Here are some points to consider when deciding whether or not to create your website:
• Does my business need a website?
• What will my website do for my Company?
• Do I have the budget for a successful website?
• Who is my customer and will they have access to the website?
• Do I have the time to put into working with a designer now and do I have the time to update my website later?
Generally, you should consider creating a website for your Company if:
• An online presence will attract new customers and create new contacts;
• Your Company will benefit from a national / international audience;
• You sell products which can be sent directly to the consumer;
• You provide a service which will benefit a wider audience;
• Your customers will have access to your site and will benefit from the information you are sharing;
• Your customers will find it easier to access the site for their information than to contact you directly.
When done correctly and for the right reasons, there is no argument that the internet is a fantastic resource for businesses and the best way to establish new clients and contacts. Very rarely does a good business not warrant a good website.
Monday 16 February 2009
5 Tips To Being a Great Client
When having had the opportunity to work on a huge variety of different websites, it is certainly apparent that there are just some projects that run a lot more smoothly than others. It seems that those projects are usually the most enjoyable for both parties and the ones that will generally be the most successful and efficient.
Those projects that do work best, are usually those where everyone is aware of what work is required from both parties and where everyone respects the need for flexibility.
To give your website the very best start, here are a few key points to take into consideration:
# You may not be the most creative of clients but as long as you know what you want from your site, you’re halfway there. A web designer needs as much information from you as possible, starting with what you need your website to do and what is the reason for the site in the first place.
# Researching your competitors’ sites and what you feel is good or bad about them is a great help. Remember, your web designer is an expert in web design and will probably not know much about your industry.
# Send your web designer links to sites that you love. Sending as much information as possible will put the designer on your wavelength and will provide clear goals to aim towards.
# Have all the information required for the site prepared. There is nothing worse than having a site that is ready to be launched with no content. Get your text and images ready.
# Make sure you can afford to pay. A client who pays on time is always appreciated and makes for a much stronger working relationship. Website work can be long-term and a reliable client will always get a more dedicated service.
The successful implementation of a website really comes down to both the designer and the client and can only really work with good communication.
Those projects that do work best, are usually those where everyone is aware of what work is required from both parties and where everyone respects the need for flexibility.
To give your website the very best start, here are a few key points to take into consideration:
# You may not be the most creative of clients but as long as you know what you want from your site, you’re halfway there. A web designer needs as much information from you as possible, starting with what you need your website to do and what is the reason for the site in the first place.
# Researching your competitors’ sites and what you feel is good or bad about them is a great help. Remember, your web designer is an expert in web design and will probably not know much about your industry.
# Send your web designer links to sites that you love. Sending as much information as possible will put the designer on your wavelength and will provide clear goals to aim towards.
# Have all the information required for the site prepared. There is nothing worse than having a site that is ready to be launched with no content. Get your text and images ready.
# Make sure you can afford to pay. A client who pays on time is always appreciated and makes for a much stronger working relationship. Website work can be long-term and a reliable client will always get a more dedicated service.
The successful implementation of a website really comes down to both the designer and the client and can only really work with good communication.
When a £99 Web Site is Too Good To Be True
So you want a site that doesn’t break the bank? You’ve heard that you can pay just £99 for your own web site? And you’ve also heard that your own web site can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds? What do you do?
It’s true – there are websites that can cost £99 and, really, if all you need is a page or two with some information and contact details on, then this may be the way for you.
However, there is a reason that not all sites can cost this much. For a start, if you think about the fact that the average web designers’ hourly rate is anything from £30 upwards, you have to wonder about how much work can possibly go into creating a site that costs £99.
What you really have to do is work out exactly what you want from your website and then weigh up the costs. If you want your website to stand out and out-perform your competitors’ site, it is going to require a bigger investment from you both financially and in terms of your time and dedication.
A £99 website is usually too good to be true when:
# You require a fully bespoke design;
# You would like a content management system with fully updateable pages;
# You require control of search engine optimisation;
# You require a site with e-commerce functionality;
# You would like video or music playing capabilities;
# You require help in promoting your site and making it easy to find on the web;
# You want to host your own site and not be tied into someone else’s system;
# You want to develop the site in the future and add new features;
As with anything, you do get what you pay for and it is important to consider your own priorities and whether the website you are opting for now is likely to be a long-term investment or something more disposable.
If you are on a budget, most web design agencies will try to accommodate your needs and come to a realistic price, often offering payments in installments. It is usually worth discussing this before you decide they are too expensive.
Your first quote is always up for negotiation. When clients use our own online quote form, we encourage them to provide as much information as possible so that there are no surprises later!
Whatever you decide, the price you pay should be a good reflection of the product you are buying and the service that you will be offered.
It’s true – there are websites that can cost £99 and, really, if all you need is a page or two with some information and contact details on, then this may be the way for you.
However, there is a reason that not all sites can cost this much. For a start, if you think about the fact that the average web designers’ hourly rate is anything from £30 upwards, you have to wonder about how much work can possibly go into creating a site that costs £99.
What you really have to do is work out exactly what you want from your website and then weigh up the costs. If you want your website to stand out and out-perform your competitors’ site, it is going to require a bigger investment from you both financially and in terms of your time and dedication.
A £99 website is usually too good to be true when:
# You require a fully bespoke design;
# You would like a content management system with fully updateable pages;
# You require control of search engine optimisation;
# You require a site with e-commerce functionality;
# You would like video or music playing capabilities;
# You require help in promoting your site and making it easy to find on the web;
# You want to host your own site and not be tied into someone else’s system;
# You want to develop the site in the future and add new features;
As with anything, you do get what you pay for and it is important to consider your own priorities and whether the website you are opting for now is likely to be a long-term investment or something more disposable.
If you are on a budget, most web design agencies will try to accommodate your needs and come to a realistic price, often offering payments in installments. It is usually worth discussing this before you decide they are too expensive.
Your first quote is always up for negotiation. When clients use our own online quote form, we encourage them to provide as much information as possible so that there are no surprises later!
Whatever you decide, the price you pay should be a good reflection of the product you are buying and the service that you will be offered.
Monday 9 February 2009
Marmalade Butties
I was just talking about the fact that I very rarely laugh during a film, regardless of how funny it is. I did laugh in Slumdog Millionaire a few times, especially when the little boy fell down the toilet, but generally, despite finding something really funny, I make no outward gesture that I have been tickled by it. I don't know why.
I remember going to the cinema on a first date to see 'The Fully Monty' and on leaving the cinema, Mike turned to me and said 'Is everything ok? You never laughed once during that whole film.'
That was the first time I realised that I don't laugh.
Mike really thought I was pretty humourless and that relationship didn't last long at all.
But when I mentioned it again the other day, my aunty said, 'yes, when I took you to see Paddington bear when you were very small, you remained completely dead-pan throughout all the funny bits when the other children were laughing.'
I was devestated. I must look so miserable!
'Yes,' she continued, 'but then you surprised us all. When everyone else was quiet, all of a sudden you jumped up and shouted across the audience 'My daddy eats marmalade butties too!'
I remember going to the cinema on a first date to see 'The Fully Monty' and on leaving the cinema, Mike turned to me and said 'Is everything ok? You never laughed once during that whole film.'
That was the first time I realised that I don't laugh.
Mike really thought I was pretty humourless and that relationship didn't last long at all.
But when I mentioned it again the other day, my aunty said, 'yes, when I took you to see Paddington bear when you were very small, you remained completely dead-pan throughout all the funny bits when the other children were laughing.'
I was devestated. I must look so miserable!
'Yes,' she continued, 'but then you surprised us all. When everyone else was quiet, all of a sudden you jumped up and shouted across the audience 'My daddy eats marmalade butties too!'
25 things you may or may not find interesting about me
1. I was named after 2 famous actresses / models that my dad fancied - I think one was Diane Keaton but couldn't tell you who Beverley was!
2. When I was 7, I was made to sit cross-legged in front of the whole school assembly as an example of how to sit nicely! I was sat cross-legged, knees pulled up to my chest and with fingers on lips.
3.The first thing I think of every day is what I am going to eat for the rest of the day. It plays on my mind until I know the answer.
4. I usually fall asleep during a film even if I'm in the cinema. I know that after sacrificing a few scenes and letting myself have 5 minutes snooze, I'll watch the rest of the film more comfortably.
5. I really can't stand the use of LOL and don't believe that people are always laughing out loud that much or that often.
6. It is very unusual for me to laugh out loud during a film despite that fact that I find it hysterical.
7. I've never taken any drugs.
8. I had hypnotherapy to cure my fear of being alone in my house and hearing strange things. I have a fear of fear but since hypnotherapy, can usually control this!
9. I never ever swear
10. I am about to start my second career and am very nervous and excited and anxious. It is going to take me at least ten years, if not more, to be anywhere near the salary I was on before.
11. There is nothing I really really want to see or do before I die. I have no list.
12. Age terrirfes me and the fact that you cannot go back and re-live a moment.
13. My proudest memory was our wedding day and seeing all of our amazing friends and family in one place. I felt that the amount of wonderful people that were there bore testimony to us in a funny way and was a very flattering moment.
14. I never knew what I wanted to do in life, I always just went along with what people told me to do and what my grades were. If I could go back in time, the one thing I would change would be my degree. I would definitely have done a science.
15. The only regret I have in my life is not persuading the doctors to do something about it earlier.
16. I used to faint if I stood for more than 5 or 10 minutes. A local hairdresser used to refuse to cut my hair until I was tall enough to be able to sit in the chair like an adult and not have to stand in front of the mirror.
17. I once gave my brother away to a lady outside of the chip shop
18. I have never tried very hard at anything and wonder where I might be if I had!
19. I follow no religion but believe in some kind of God. I probably am a mixture of Christian and Buddhist and think that most religions go too far and demand too much.
20. I don't like beige interiors.
21. I love hot chocolate but it makes me feel sick, as do cheese and onion pasties
22. I often wonder why music is so important and why people ask each other what kind of music they like when they first meet, and not what book are they reading or what's they're favourite animal (for example!!)
23. I really do believe that all animals and humans and everything are equal. I feel that we have all just taken on different forms and shapes and that we are all to be treated the same.
24. When I pray to God, I can't just ask Him to protect the people I know - I have to ask Him to look after everyone everywhere and everything everywhere to make sure I don't leave anyone out and to show no favouritism.
25. I have to announce the time when I see '11:11', '22:22', '12:34' etc. I have to say it out loud even if there is no one else with me. This makes me feel lucky and happy!
2. When I was 7, I was made to sit cross-legged in front of the whole school assembly as an example of how to sit nicely! I was sat cross-legged, knees pulled up to my chest and with fingers on lips.
3.The first thing I think of every day is what I am going to eat for the rest of the day. It plays on my mind until I know the answer.
4. I usually fall asleep during a film even if I'm in the cinema. I know that after sacrificing a few scenes and letting myself have 5 minutes snooze, I'll watch the rest of the film more comfortably.
5. I really can't stand the use of LOL and don't believe that people are always laughing out loud that much or that often.
6. It is very unusual for me to laugh out loud during a film despite that fact that I find it hysterical.
7. I've never taken any drugs.
8. I had hypnotherapy to cure my fear of being alone in my house and hearing strange things. I have a fear of fear but since hypnotherapy, can usually control this!
9. I never ever swear
10. I am about to start my second career and am very nervous and excited and anxious. It is going to take me at least ten years, if not more, to be anywhere near the salary I was on before.
11. There is nothing I really really want to see or do before I die. I have no list.
12. Age terrirfes me and the fact that you cannot go back and re-live a moment.
13. My proudest memory was our wedding day and seeing all of our amazing friends and family in one place. I felt that the amount of wonderful people that were there bore testimony to us in a funny way and was a very flattering moment.
14. I never knew what I wanted to do in life, I always just went along with what people told me to do and what my grades were. If I could go back in time, the one thing I would change would be my degree. I would definitely have done a science.
15. The only regret I have in my life is not persuading the doctors to do something about it earlier.
16. I used to faint if I stood for more than 5 or 10 minutes. A local hairdresser used to refuse to cut my hair until I was tall enough to be able to sit in the chair like an adult and not have to stand in front of the mirror.
17. I once gave my brother away to a lady outside of the chip shop
18. I have never tried very hard at anything and wonder where I might be if I had!
19. I follow no religion but believe in some kind of God. I probably am a mixture of Christian and Buddhist and think that most religions go too far and demand too much.
20. I don't like beige interiors.
21. I love hot chocolate but it makes me feel sick, as do cheese and onion pasties
22. I often wonder why music is so important and why people ask each other what kind of music they like when they first meet, and not what book are they reading or what's they're favourite animal (for example!!)
23. I really do believe that all animals and humans and everything are equal. I feel that we have all just taken on different forms and shapes and that we are all to be treated the same.
24. When I pray to God, I can't just ask Him to protect the people I know - I have to ask Him to look after everyone everywhere and everything everywhere to make sure I don't leave anyone out and to show no favouritism.
25. I have to announce the time when I see '11:11', '22:22', '12:34' etc. I have to say it out loud even if there is no one else with me. This makes me feel lucky and happy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
