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Running a small business means you've got plenty to think about without having to become an expert in websites, SEO and all the other bits of technology that come with being online.
So I've put together some straightforward advice to help.
Making the most of the Internet
These are the sorts of questions I'm often asked by small businesses, sole traders and organisations — along with a few things I think are worth knowing before you spend your money. No jargon. No marketing mumbo jumbo. Just useful information from someone who's been working with technology for more than 30 years.
Getting started
Does my small business actually need a website?
Not every business needs a big, complicated website. Sometimes a simple website is exactly what you need. Sometimes your Google Business Profile might be more important. And sometimes you might not need a website at all — at least not yet.
I'll help you work out what's actually worthwhile.
What should a small business website actually have?
You don't need dozens of pages or every feature under the sun. I'll look at the things that matter to most small businesses and explain what your website should actually do — and a few things you probably don't need.
Should I build my own website?
There are some very good website tools available now, and sometimes building your own site makes perfect sense. I'll explain when I'd recommend doing it yourself, and when getting someone to help is likely to save you time and frustration.
Websites and money
How much should a small business website cost?
Website prices vary enormously, which can make it difficult to know what's reasonable. I'll explain what affects the cost of a website, where your money actually goes and why you don't necessarily need to spend thousands to get something good. I can also explain how my pricing works.
Google Sites or WordPress — which is right for me?
I've built websites using both, and they're suited to different things.
Neither is automatically the right answer. I'll explain the differences and when I'd choose one over the other.
Things I wouldn't spend your money on
A bigger website isn't always a better website. Here are some of the things I sometimes recommend not spending money on — even when I could quite happily charge you for them.
Getting found online
What does SEO actually mean for a small business?
SEO can sound complicated, but a lot of it comes down to some fairly sensible things.
I'll explain what actually matters for a small business and what you can do without becoming an SEO expert.
Read: What does SEO actually mean for a small business?
Why isn't my business showing up on Google?
There are lots of reasons why a business might not appear where you'd expect it to.
I'll explain some of the common things I look at when helping a local business improve its visibility — without promising you the mythical number-one position.
Read: Why isn't my business showing up on Google?
Google Business Profile: things every local business should check
Your Google Business Profile can be just as important as your website when people are looking for a local business.
Here's a straightforward checklist of things worth checking and keeping up to date.
Read: Google Business Profile: things every local business should check
Looking after your website
How can I tell if my website is actually working?
Having a website is one thing. Knowing whether it's doing its job is another.
I'll show you some simple things you can check yourself — from what visitors see on their phone to whether your website actually makes it easy for someone to contact you.
Read: How can I tell if my website is actually working?
Do I need a new website?
Not necessarily.
If your existing website is looking a bit tired, isn't working properly on mobile or isn't bringing in the enquiries you'd expect, there may be a simpler solution than starting again.
Sometimes a few changes can make a big difference.
Read: Do I need a new website?
Choosing someone to help
How to choose a web designer when you're a small business
Choosing someone to build your website can be difficult, particularly if you don't know much about websites yourself.
Here are some questions I'd recommend asking before you choose a web designer.
Read: How to choose a web designer
What happens when you work with me?
Not sure what the process actually looks like?
I've explained how I approach projects, from our first conversation through to handing you the keys to your finished website.
Read: How my pricing and process work
A few final thoughts
I don't believe you need to understand everything about websites before you get started. That's partly what you're paying me for.
My job is to explain your options, tell you what I think makes sense and help you avoid spending money on things you don't need. And sometimes the best advice I can give you is: “You don't need that.”
If you've got a question that isn't covered here, that's fine too. You can always get in touch and ask. No need to know the answer before you ask the question.
Need some help getting found?
If you're not sure why your website isn't appearing for the searches you care about, let's take a look.
I can review your website and online presence and give you some straightforward advice about where I'd start.
No hard sell. No confusing SEO package. Just a conversation about what's actually going on.
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