FAQ

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Getting Local Business Online FAQWhy do I need a website for my business?

Having a website, or a ‘presence’ online, is fast becoming a necessity – and even an expectation – for anyone in business today.

It is a sign of a business which is dynamic, modern, fast-moving, forward-thinking, ambitious, professional and serious – people prefer to deal with people and businesses like this.

These are the businesses that survive, whilst others may tragically fall by the wayside.

But a website is not just a “billboard”… or a statement… or an ego trip! … for your business.

When you know how to use your website properly, it becomes a hugely efficient and cost effective tool to get more clients… spending more money… more of the time… in your business

If you want your business to be thriving – and not just surviving – in 2, 3 or 5 years time…. NOW is the time to re-examine how you spread the word and “shout out” about your fantastic business.

I already have a website, but I’m not sure it’s really doing anything for my business. Can you help?

Yes I can. The majority of my recent work has been helping businesses to improve the performance of their current website rather than building a brand new one.

My services are actually much more of an Online Marketing Consultant than a website designer, it’s just the starting point is usually (but not always) – with a website.

A great local business website is so much more than a good design. If it’s not convincing your visitor to take “an action” – phone you, e-mail you, visit you, leave their contact details, or buy from you – it’s not really doing its job!

How much does it cost to have a website built?

The cost for a regular website is usually around £1000.

For 90% of businesses this level of website will be more than sufficient – but for those that want a more “bespoke” site… a website to match any need or requirement can be built.

What do I get for my money?

You will get a website in a style to suit your business.

It will have 4 – 5 “pages” – Home, About, Products or Services, Contact and, if you want, a Previous Projects / Special Offer / Latest News page.

I will usually try to meet face to face, so I can get to know a little bit about you – and to create the website which is right for your business. I will include a few of your photos as standard.

I can also set up an email account for your business – which will look much more professional than something like, beverley43@btconnect.com – for example.

Here are some examples of a few sites I’ve already built…

For a London Restaurant

For a Local Hairdresser

For a Local Landscape Gardener

For a Local Electrical Contracting Company

I’ve heard you can easily pay around £3000 for a website, why are yours so inexpensive?

You are right. There are many who charge around this – and what’s more, many will charge a high hourly rate to do amendments once your website has been completed. (I know of many who charge more than £70 per hour for extra updates and amendments).

But I know most small independent businesses can’t afford £3000. They then risk not fulfilling their potential because their customers can’t find them – and find out about them – as easily as they can their competitors.

I am in business to help grow your business – and provide a valuable benefit and return. It is a long term relationship, not just a one off transaction.

Are there any additional costs?

There is an initial one-off cost of £15 to purchase your website domain name and then a website management fee of £40 per month – or less than £10 per week.

This is reduced to half price for the first 3 months – only £20 per month – because I want you to really see what it can do for your business – and maybe replace other advertising you are currently paying out for.

I often think about it as similar to leasing office equipment, or a car – the difference being I provide lifetime maintenance, servicing and PETROL – thrown in!!

This covers the cost of maintaining your website name – and the monthly charge to have it live on the internet.

I will review your website at least every six months – and carry out any necessary alterations needed to keep it fresh and relevant. Think of it as a “service” for your website.

If you need it, I will also carry out any “fair and reasonable” content updates each month, included in the fee.

You can email or call me at any time if you have any questions or queries about your site.

You will also receive a newsletter every month, introducing lots of different little tips and tactics to enhance your website – and get more clients… spending more money… more of the time… in your business.

I do not charge a renewal fee at the beginning of every year.

Are there any additional services you offer?

Yes there are – and I will introduce these mainly through the monthly newsletter – but at the same time I will almost always be able to show you how to do it yourself… for free.

For example… if you decide to have a Special Offer or Latest News page at your website – you are probably going to want to update it more regularly than the twice yearly amendments included in the basic maintenance package.

I will teach you how to do this yourself – or I can do the updates for you, as and when you want them, for a set fee.

Of course, you don’t have to adopt any of the tips, tactics or additional services I introduce to you.

Am I tied into any contract at all?

No, you can “cancel” your website at any time – if you’re not seeing the positive benefit it can bring your business.

There are lots of web design companies around these days – what makes you different from anyone else?

I don’t just “sell” you a website… and you never hear from me again.

But nor do I “get you on the hook”… and try to up-sell you to every possible additional service I can think of! (Although I do suggest you do this in your own business! 😉 )

Virtually everything I show you – about how you can use your website to get more clients… spending more money… more of the time… I teach you how to do it yourself. Or I can do it for you – for a fair and transparent fee.

Finally, I don’t tie you in to a fixed-term contract – you can cancel, or “give up” your website at any time.

I don’t believe many – if any – companies would offer the same level of ongoing, continuous service. Certainly not at this price.

If you have ANY other questions that have not been answered here – please contact me at alan@customology.co.uk and I promise I will try to get back to you within 24 hours.

I wish you all the very best in your business.