Do I really need a website?
What are domain names and web space?
Should I buy my own domain and web space?
How do I know the site you design for me will be what I want?
How will people find my website?
What if my site gets no visitors?
What else can I do to improve traffic to my site?
What shouldn't I do?
How will I keep my site up to date?
How long will my site take to design?
How will I manage my online store?
Are there any ongoing costs I should be aware of?

Do I really need a website?

Probably. These days, most people don’t bother picking up the Yellow Pages or calling Directory Enquiries if they want something. They just switch on their PC and tap in what they are looking for, or a web address they have seen advertised.

Essentially a website can work two ways. If you simply need it to promote a business, organisation or club then it allows people to find out more information without having to call you, which can be beneficial to both parties; allowing the visitor to quickly and easily get the information they want whilst you get on with your work. In most cases, if someone calls having been to your website, they will already know what you do, or what they want, making the process more efficient for everyone.

If you have a business that has something to sell, then it opens up your shop to people locally, nationally or even world wide who cannot get to you directly. Alternatively if you have something to sell, but don’t want a physical shop; then it allows you to run a business from the comfort of your own home or office with minimal fuss or expense.

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What are Domain Names and Web Space?

People find your website by typing in an address on their computer. For example, to visit our website, you would need to type in www.pierwebdesign.co.uk when connected to the internet.

Its important to keep your domain name easy to type, descriptive to your business and if possible, unique.

Secondly, your website needs to be stored on the internet. This is called ‘web space’ or ‘hosting’.

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Should I Buy My Own Domain Name and Web space?

Ideally, if you haven’t already got a domain name and web space, at least talk to us first so we can advise you on the best service for your needs. Choosing the wrong kind of hosting can become a problem. We can also then give you our opinions on any names you have in mind.

But if you do already have a domain name and web space, make sure you have all the account information as we will need this before we start work.

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How do I know the site you design for me will be what I want?

We work closely with you to make sure as many of your requirements are built into the website. Depending on how much you want to spend, your website can be as complicated or as simple as you like.

But before we do too much work, we will upload a sample of how we think your website should look. If you don’t like it, don’t be afraid to say so. We might have a little cry on each others shoulders, but we wont take it too personally. Its important to us that you are happy with our service. After all, we want you to tell everyone else how good we are.

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How will people find my website?

When you have a web site, you need to have a collection of ‘Key Words’ and phrases, rather like advertising tag lines that not only draw in real people, but allow internet search engines to find your site too.

For example, if you had a wedding dress shop in Parkstone, you would hope that if you typed ‘Wedding Dress Shops in Parkstone’ into Google, then your website would appear in the list.

So its important you draw up a list of as many relevant words about your website as possible and let us know. Think of it as a real shop on the high street, and you need to put up a sign and posters on the window to entice people in to spend money. The balance needs to be just right though. Too many posters and cheesy phrases and your potential customers and town council (or search engines in this case) will ignore you.

Once your website has been completed, and key words optimised, we will submit it to search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN.

Now, its important you understand that there is no guarantee how long this will take or what results you will see. If your business is quite unique, then it should hopefully be found quite easily when searching for your key phrases. More competitive key words, or especially if you are up against bigger and more established sites may be harder to succeed with – but we will do all we can to ensure you have the best possible chance of being found.

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What if my website gets no visitors?

If you find yourself watching tumble weed blowing across your home page, silent phones and no money in the till then you’ll need to look at your key words and how the site is being marketed.

There is only so much we can do as far as ensuring the site is designed and optimised to acceptable standards.

But if it turns out you really are getting no hits, then it may be you will need to look at ‘Sponsored Results’.

These are paid for links on search engines, and they allow you to pay to have your website appear as high up or as frequently as you want.

If this is the best solution for you, we will guide you through the set up process to get you started – and hopefully visitors flocking to your website.

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What else can I do to improve hits to my website?

Search engines often rank a website site higher based on the number of other relevant websites and directories that link to it. For example, you should actively continue to add your website to as many appropriate online directories as you can. Some are free, some may require a small fee, but it will all help improve hits to your website.

Look for other websites and forums for example where visitors may be interested in yours, and look at placing adverts or banners on them.

And of course, ensure your web address is clearly displayed on your marketing, adverts and stationary etc.

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What shouldn’t I do?

Never, unless you have a solid recommendation to do so from someone you trust, accept the services of any company offering ‘search engine optimisation’ . Frequently these people do very little you couldn’t do yourself, or use bad habits to try and force your website higher up search engines which can lead to your website being banned from the internet.

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How will I update my website?

It depends on what kind of website we design for you. If you have a basic (or static) website then unless you have the software and understanding to do so yourself, then really, any updates will need to be done by a web designer.

If we have designed you a ‘content managed’ website, then this allows you to update your own website from any computer without needing any special skills, software or experience.

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How long will it take to design my new website?

We aim to get an initial design concept for your approval within a week, we then aim to get most websites completed within a month. But it can depend on how quickly you get your information to us, and respond to our emails.

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If I have an online store designed, how will I manage it?

We use e-commerce sites that are very easy for the owner to use. Adding and removing products, as well as setting prices and descriptions can all be done from your own computer using an online admin centre that we will supply you with.

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Are there any on-going costs that I should be aware of?

The main ongoing costs you will have are for the hosting and your domain name. This depends on where and how you buy them, but usually paid yearly and total anywhere from £30 to £100.

If you need us to up date your website for you, then this will incur small fees. We’ll make sure you know exactly what any update will cost before we do it.

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