Websites built for your business, and looked after once they're live

You need a website that tells people what you do, works on the phone in their hand, and makes it easy to get in touch or buy. Then you need someone to keep it that way, because a website is not a one-time job.

I have been building websites and software for more than 25 years, and I build most sites on WordPress, the system behind a large share of the web. It means you can edit your own pages without calling me, and the site can grow with your business.

A site that looks like your business, not a template

Every business has its own story, and your website should tell yours. I start by learning what you do, who your customers are, and what you want the site to achieve. From there I make a design concept, refine it with your feedback, and only then build it. The layout, colors, type and pictures should all feel like you.

It works on every screen

Many of your visitors will find you on a phone. Every site I build adjusts to fit whatever screen it is on, from a desktop at the office to a phone in the truck. Images are sized so pages load quickly, and the menus are kept simple so people find what they came for. Google also favors sites that work well on phones, which helps you show up in local searches.

Selling online, or taking bookings

If you want to sell from your site, I set up an online store that is easy for customers to use and easy for you to run:

• Physical products: WooCommerce, the most widely used store software for WordPress.
• Digital products such as ebooks or software: Easy Digital Downloads.
• Events, classes and workshops: Event Espresso, which handles registration, tickets, confirmation emails and attendee lists. I co-founded it, so I know it well.

Security matters most when money changes hands, so stores are set up to protect your customers’ details and connect to the way you already handle orders and stock.

What I won’t build

Some things make a site harder to use, and I leave them out:

• Busy or clashing background images.
• Notes telling visitors how to view the site, such as “best viewed at this screen size”.
• More than one or two animations on a page.
• Pop-up ads that get in the way.

What you get instead is a site that is clear, consistent and easy to find your way around.

Already have a site?

I can redesign it to look better, work better and do better in search, or move it to new hosting without losing what you have. If you are weighing a rebuild, I rebuilt one WordPress site three different ways and timed each. The write-up has the numbers, for anyone who likes the details.

How it goes

1. A conversation. We talk about what you need.
2. A quote. The price depends on the size of the job, so you get a written quote once I understand it.
3. Design and build. You see a design first, then a working site, and you can ask for changes at each step.
4. Testing and launch. I check it on phones and computers before it goes live.

After launch: keeping it current

Your business changes, and your website should change with it. Building it is only the first step. I look after sites once they are live, including:

• Updating text, prices and other details.
• Adding, changing or removing pictures.
• Adding or removing pages, and reorganizing the menu.
• Fixing and updating links.
• Changing the look of the site.
• Adding or updating features and the software that runs them.

That way the site keeps telling the truth about your business, and someone is watching it when something needs fixing.

Questions people ask

What does a new website cost?

It depends on the size of the job: how many pages it has, and whether you need a store or bookings. You get a written quote once we have talked about what you need.

Can I edit my own pages?

Yes. I build most sites on WordPress, so you can edit your own pages without calling me.

Will my site work on a phone?

Yes. Every site I build adjusts to fit whatever screen it is on, and images are sized so pages load quickly.

Can you set up an online store or take bookings?

Yes. I use WooCommerce for physical products, Easy Digital Downloads for digital ones, and Event Espresso for events, classes and workshops.

Do you look after the site once it is live?

Yes. I update text, prices, pictures, pages and links, change the look, and keep the software that runs the site up to date.