When choosing who to work with Some special attention should be paid to expertise.
Web Development is basically computer programming, and computer programming has a lot in common with relatively easy maths. As you probably remember from school, some people are quick at maths, some slow, some accurate, some make the occasional slip.
When choosing a website developer make sure you have checked there references to make sure that they deliver on-time, are reliable, and are rational about there quotes/times.
- Joel
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design, development and web agencies in your region. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Friday, 13 February 2009
Compassion in world farming and John Vander Zanden
Ok so this is pretty off-topic
but why does google think - because I get the compassion in world farming newsletter that I want to know about JohnvanderZanden.com - Used and new pig slaughterlines in all sizes.
Its just very odd - I supposed that who are interested in animal welfare are interested in how animals are slaughtered. It can't be doing much for there adwords account. Maybe all the vegans should go the way of the scientologists and start clicking on bulk pig adwords.
- Joel
but why does google think - because I get the compassion in world farming newsletter that I want to know about JohnvanderZanden.com - Used and new pig slaughterlines in all sizes.
Its just very odd - I supposed that who are interested in animal welfare are interested in how animals are slaughtered. It can't be doing much for there adwords account. Maybe all the vegans should go the way of the scientologists and start clicking on bulk pig adwords.
- Joel
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Website Design vs Website Development vs Web Agencies
A short post about the differences between these oft-confused phrases.
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design, development and web agencies in your region. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Website Design
The process of making the website pretty and functional. Expressing the key-messages that you need the website to do. That could be "buy my widges", "join my jellyfish-loving social network"
Website Development
This is the building of the functionality associated with a web site. It sould range from the developement of contact forms, to the most complicated eCommerce Platforms.
Web Agency
This is an agency that combine both the creation of design, and the development of websites.
hope this clears up any confusion anyone might have...
- Joel
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design, development and web agencies in your region. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Implementing an eCommerce website
When choosing a provider for your ecommerce website you should be really careful. Top-notch eCommerce costs lots of money - and doing it badly could cost even more.
Upfront costs:
Website
The Cheap option for people who are new to eCommerce websites is using existing, predominately open source, technologies. These are free. Examples include zen-cart, and osCommerce. You will then have to pay a developer to make them look how you want.
The more expensive solution, like in fashion, is bespoke. A bespoke eCommerce implementation will set you back a lot of money. If you have something different that you are offering - this may be the only solution.
Security
It is important that you make sure that what you have bought/built/used is the latest most secure, and with no know vulnerabilities. If you get this wrong; it could cost you thousands.
Payment Gateways
It used to be that talk of payment gateways was like meeting a builder for the first time: the whistle through the teeth, the shake of the head, all of the symptoms were there. Now there are a number of quality payment gateway providers offing easy implementation. Watch out for the costs though - they spiral very quickly. google checkout is good value, and paypal is ubiquitous. If you want something more fancy - again you are going to have to pay for it.
Traffic
Unless you happen to have a brilliant way of getting them - you are going to have to pay for some traffic. And these visitors will not come cheap. If you are using google adwords on a merchandising term (the one people are likely to type to buy what you sell) you can expect to pay upwards of £1 a click. I have seen examples of £6, £8 and £18 a click!
Just a few thoughts! and Good luck!
Joel
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design companies in Greater London. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Upfront costs:
Website
The Cheap option for people who are new to eCommerce websites is using existing, predominately open source, technologies. These are free. Examples include zen-cart, and osCommerce. You will then have to pay a developer to make them look how you want.
The more expensive solution, like in fashion, is bespoke. A bespoke eCommerce implementation will set you back a lot of money. If you have something different that you are offering - this may be the only solution.
Security
It is important that you make sure that what you have bought/built/used is the latest most secure, and with no know vulnerabilities. If you get this wrong; it could cost you thousands.
Payment Gateways
It used to be that talk of payment gateways was like meeting a builder for the first time: the whistle through the teeth, the shake of the head, all of the symptoms were there. Now there are a number of quality payment gateway providers offing easy implementation. Watch out for the costs though - they spiral very quickly. google checkout is good value, and paypal is ubiquitous. If you want something more fancy - again you are going to have to pay for it.
Traffic
Unless you happen to have a brilliant way of getting them - you are going to have to pay for some traffic. And these visitors will not come cheap. If you are using google adwords on a merchandising term (the one people are likely to type to buy what you sell) you can expect to pay upwards of £1 a click. I have seen examples of £6, £8 and £18 a click!
Just a few thoughts! and Good luck!
Joel
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design companies in Greater London. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Do I need a website for my business
Another post, on another blog prompted this little article. It was an article that asked the same question but seemed to answer a different one - how do I get an ecommerce website. Random.
So do you need a website. Maybe, Probably, It depends.
What are the advantages?
Percieved integrity, longevity, and size
If you have a website people will believe that you are a relatively large company who has had time to develop a website. Rightly or wrongly, it adds something marketing-wise to your business.
People can't find you otherwise
People, and other business really struggle to find local recommended traders. The internet has a multitude of mapping systems, and other technologies that help find local businesses. If you have a website and put your address on the site, the likelyhood is that google will find where you are and put you onto the local list.
Its another billboard to put your name on
Most small businesses either don't advertise, or advertise in a very local way. A one page website will cost you less than a small advert in the local paper and will last for upto 2 years.
Just a few thoughts
Joel
Website design companies in Greater London
Choosing a webdesign company in London is a challenge. Because there are so many companies out there you really need to consider the following:
Do I need a website for my Business
Choosing a Website Design Company
Do I need a website for my Business
Choosing a Website Design Company
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design companies in Greater London. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Choosing a Website Design Company
As a small business you will know that a website is now a key marketing tool for getting your name out there. Selecting the right website design company will be key to your success.
People will offer you a lot of advice when choosing a website design company. Unfortunately, so will I - hopefully my advice will be useful and relevant to you the Entreprenuerial Small Business Owner. I have done web development for 8 years now, I have developed award winning websites, leading ecommerce sites, large business to business sites. I have worked for people on very serious website design projects.
People will offer you a lot of advice when choosing a website design company. Unfortunately, so will I - hopefully my advice will be useful and relevant to you the Entreprenuerial Small Business Owner. I have done web development for 8 years now, I have developed award winning websites, leading ecommerce sites, large business to business sites. I have worked for people on very serious website design projects.
Choose Local Website designers
If something goes wrong - how far away are they. For me choosing an website design company from the right locality is key. Just because they operate in cyberspace doesnt mean they can't visit and talk through your requirements.
Get relevent references and check them
Get the companies to give you examples of their work. Pick the ones that are the most relevant to you, and ask for a contact. Call them and talk to them about the work that was done.
Design is subjective
Website designers will often have a design style. Make sure that you like the style.
Costs
There are lots of costs associated with website design; the work, the domain, the hosting, the maintainance. Make sure you understand how each of the costs will affect you initially, and regularly.
Content is King
Google have changed the way the internet works. Content, and proportionally, text content is king. No matter how pretty, whizzy, and snazzy your site is - if it has no text on it it will not be found by a search engine.
Get Multiple Quotes
Make sure that you ask more than one person, the prices you will get in website design will vary widely.
Get relevent references and check them
Get the companies to give you examples of their work. Pick the ones that are the most relevant to you, and ask for a contact. Call them and talk to them about the work that was done.
Design is subjective
Website designers will often have a design style. Make sure that you like the style.
Costs
There are lots of costs associated with website design; the work, the domain, the hosting, the maintainance. Make sure you understand how each of the costs will affect you initially, and regularly.
Content is King
Google have changed the way the internet works. Content, and proportionally, text content is king. No matter how pretty, whizzy, and snazzy your site is - if it has no text on it it will not be found by a search engine.
Get Multiple Quotes
Make sure that you ask more than one person, the prices you will get in website design will vary widely.
Big vs Small
The big versus small company debate can run and run.
In favour of buying small:
Small is usually local, enthusiastic and open to new ideas. Small will be more flexible to your needs. If you buy small and local you will find that you will build networks within communities that keep each other supplied with work.
In favour of buying big:
Big companies can use there larger resources to move people onto and off projects quickly. There staff are usually trained to a high professional standard.
Joel
I hope this information helps.
Joel
Just as an advisory: I work for cmypitch.com; we let people get Quick Quotes for services. We even have a special category for getting quotes from Website design companies in your region. We do not provide any services directly; and all quotes are at no-obligation.
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