Web Design

Web Design > Introduction

In many ways, web design is like a having a haircut.

You talk to your barber or hairdresser for a while, making sure that the person holding the scissors knows what you're after. You might take some advice... After all, they cut a lot of hair, know the latest fashions, and probably learnt some useful stuff at college.

Only then do they start snipping away.

But what if the barber didn't ask? What if your hairdresser has a penchant for extravagant and impractical hair-do's? What if your stylist was a little hard of hearing?

Ultimately you'd end up with something you didn't want.

You may get a magnificent Mohican, but what if you worked as a tax inspector? It'd hardly be appropriate for that line of work. Likewise, a crew cut is certainly no good if you're a country and western singer.

Designing a website is no different.

If your web designer doesn't truly listen and understand what you want from your website, at best you'll get something that's less than perfect.

A site with cutting edge design and a feast of multimedia may be perfect for that experiment dance group, but completely inappropriate for a funeral director. A highly detailed multi-area site could be great for a large corporation, but simply over the top for a local florist.

At Dogfood, we're the best kind of hairdresser... I mean, web designer.

We listen to what you want and share our knowledge to establish how your business can benefit most from a presence on the web.

Only then do we go away and create a personalised proposal that is perfect for your business. Remember:

Check out some of our web design success stories.

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Web Design > Price Guide

Please find below indicative costs for some example websites:

• Basic Website - Simple online presence, suitable for individuals, consultants or small businesses, typically 3 pages or less [from £400 + hosting]
• Standard Small Business Website - More extensive site, typically 5-7 pages, suitable for most small businesses [from £500 + hosting]
• Advanced Business Website - Extensive bespoke site, with a range of advanced features, suitable for small to medium sized businesses [from £800 + hosting]
• Online Store (eCommerce) - Fully featured online shop based on osCommerce software. For businesses looking to trade on the web [from £1250 + hosting]

Hosting starts from £70 a year and includes:-

• Domain Name Registration (www.yourname.co.uk, for example)
• Ample Web Space for your Website
• Unlimited Email Addresses (you@yourname.co.uk, for example)

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Web Design > Keeping it Fresh

Having a website with rich, frequently updated content is the key to getting potential customers to keep on visiting. What's more, it's the most effective way to get great search engine placement (see my article on "Search Engine Optimisation Tips").

From just £20 a month, we'll keep your website updated with all the latest information - special offers, coupons, events, reports... whatever it is that is most relevant for your business.

Web Design > FAQ

Q. What if I don't know what I want from my website?

A. No problem, just email or call us. We'll discuss your business with you and establish how you can benefit from a website. If we don't think there's a benefit, we'll say so. Based on our recommendation, you choose your package.

Q. What do you need from me to build a website?

A. That depends on the level of detail of your website, but usually it'll be a lot of things you already have. A good quality copy of your logo and business stationery can be a good starting point for a design. Sales brochures or other literature can help to get an idea of the products or services you offer. Either way, we'll establish early on what we'll need to complete your site, so you can provide the information and let us get on with it!

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For more information or a free consultation, please contact us today.