Html Css websites. Solid basic website design without content management.

So you want a new web site? or pehaps you have a site? You don't think your getting any business from your website and not sure why. Don't have the time or the skill to manage it yourself? well you have come to the right place.There are many companies out there that will offer to give you a website for a low fixed cost. Ask youself seriously "how can they do that" unless the site is planned out and you know what you are getting and it fits your needs then how can the amount of work be gauged and ultimately payed for. The most likleyhood is that this will lead to frustration and or higher cost to achieve expectation.

Maybe you have a family member who has offered to build your website for you and its not going to cost anything... or is it? Think of the potential revenue from a well designed and thought out professional website. Even if you don't sell from your website the first thing a potential client is going to do is look to check that first step of credibility for you and your business.

So where does that leave you? With a lot of questions and with out doubt a reasonable amount of work to ensure that the material required is available for the website when it's built.

So where to start? A good place would be to download our questionaire and guide to owning your own website. (coming soon)

A bit of soul searching is required as to how much time you or your company will invest in the website on an ongoing basis. We hear over and over again customers who wish to have a content managed website and do the updates themselves, only to review the site a few months later to find a lot of the hard work has been broken. Reason? well they didn't have the time to learn how to use the software properly or didn't understand about formating or image sizes. It is a commitment that for many running a small business is one step too far. Content managed websites are a good option, we all know of Joomla, Wordpress or Drupal, but these still require maintenace, software updates, styling and design.

We do offer these sites and recommend Joomla! "open source" content managed solutions for our clients. Joomla! websites are not difficult but for many the learning curve can be steep. The reward? A sophisticated highly functional quality site which is highly extensible and mobile friendly.

But what about the other options. An excellent option in many cases is a bespoke web site designed specifically for the clients needs, changes and updates can be  carried out by us and the site is kept running smoothly, less hassle, more support, more suggestions on moving forward. Clean looking, functional and to the point. These should not be considered as second pole as the results can be exeptional if carried out correctly.

Next Question. How do you get the website? You have probably heard this scenario:

Customer: I'd like a web site.
Supplier: Great, what did you have in mind?
Customer:Something that looks good.
What do you want on it?
Customer:Picture and information.
What about contact info
Customer:Yes
What about articles
Customer:????
What images do you have.
Customer:???? Can't you supply them from the internet?

Well this goes on and on. We can help every step of the way from copywriting to finding stock images, we can help plan your site, help solve the layout and functionality issue, but again if the site is to be a good one the planning is key and the customer should expect to be involved and contribute.

The planning stage is critical for all to understand the options, outcomes and expectations of all involved. Once the primary discussions have been completed and we move forward a documented plan will be given and agreed to get to the site as required.

Don't be fooled, a cheap web site could be a VERY expensive choice for you and your business, choose your partners carefully (whoever you choose) do your homework first, understand what you want and or need as far as you can. Be prepared to do a lot of work and write the content and choose the images. Your chosen web professional should be able to help and advise along the way.