smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

No safety net

Whereas some financial institutions may get bailed out by a...
Have your say »

RSS

The benefits of professional website design

Aug 23 2005

Email a friend

The development of a business website can be complex and may require the input of a professional website designer, particularly for business owners with little technical know-how or who want to offer additional services such as the option to order or buy goods online.

A website designer may have no knowledge of your business or of your market sector and it will be necessary to brief them thoroughly on what you want from your website in order to make sure you get the most effective service and best value for money.

This factsheet examines what help and support a website designer can offer. It looks at the services a web designer can offer and what to consider when choosing a designer. The costs involved in using an independent website designer are discussed and information is given on how to brief a designer and how to deal with problems. Links to directories of website designers and sources of further information are also provided.

To purchase the factsheet, click here.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Prize Draw

Enter our short survey!

Smallbusiness.co.uk together with our partners at Ricoh would like to invite you to take part in a short survey. The questionnaire will take only a few minutes to complete (no more than 5 minutes) and all entrants who complete the survey will be entered in to our free prize draw to win a Ricoh Aficio™ GX2500 mono and colour liquid Gel technology printer. Enter here

Polls

Latest Don't Miss

Hosting in a recession

As the global economy staggers from crisis to crisis small businesses face the dilemma of having to control costs while also ensuring they remain competitive.

Rising Star: Paul Kelly

Championed by the likes of Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver, Paul Kelly started KellyBronze turkeys more than 20 years ago with his dad Derek Kelly. The company is now supplying House of Fraser with its Christmas turkey hamper.

Refinance your business

Refinancing, if successful, can transform a company, not only by providing the funds it needs on terms which are not going to choke it, but also by opening a relationship with sources of support, expertise and useful contacts.

Rising star: Anya Sizer

Anya Sizer of PowerChange started her own business as an infertility coach with the last £4,000 of her savings. One year on and she is breaking even with turnover of £3,000 to £4,000.

Dealing with a court battle

Mike Watson, MD of industrial cleaning company Tube Tech International, has fought three legal battles over 25 years.

Promoting from within

The average cost of bringing in a new employee is £4,500 to £8,000, according to figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. So it’s no surprise that promoting internally is popular with employers.

Effective websites

While a good website can have a tremendous impact on sales, it’s extremely easy to do the job badly.

Rising star: Piers Daniell

Still only 26, Piers Daniell has taken internet service provider Fluidata from the confines of his bedroom to a £2 million business in the space of two years

Recruiting for a small business

The recruitment process can seem daunting if it’s your first time, especially given the importance of hiring the right staff.

An upside to the downturn

Keeping a steady head and sticking to basic principles allows you to maintain cash flow, improve debt recovery and retain margins.

James Murray Wells, founder of Glassesdirect.co.uk

James Murray Wells started Glassesdirect.co.uk with the last £1,000 of his student loan. With the help of VCs, he is now aiming to turn it into a £1 billion company.

News

Small businesses 'may fall foul of internet'

The internet can be a 'legal minefield' for small businesses and many may not be aware of how to comply with the law, according to an expert.

Back pain biggest cause of sickness

Deskbound workers are most likely to suffer from back pain, which is one of the biggest causes of sickness in the workplace, says an expert.

Bank lending to revert to 2007 levels

Lending from three banks to small businesses is set to increase to the levels seen in 2007 after a government bailout.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.