Simple websites for new small business

[DanZac]

I need to do this myself, and preferably cheaply! A quick look online shows various website builder websites, some you seem to pay, some it looks like you don't.

Can anyone recommend any of them?
I know NOTHING about any of this so it needs to be simple too.
If it makes any difference, I don't have a pc, so will all need to be done from my phone too.

I use Weebly for my blog and personal website. It's really simple to use, just drag and drop the content you want.

There's various packages and domain hosting options depending on your needs, starting from free if you have a .weebly.com address and their little banner on the bottom of your page.

 

[ukracer]

I find WordPress easy to create basic sites.
WordPress.com: Build a Site, Sell Your Stuff, Start a Blog & More https://wordpress.com/

And OS ticket for regularly asked questions. osTicket | Support Ticketing System https://osticket.com/

 

[GraemeVW]

Cost, plus as its only a small part time business I don't think its needed. Also I think people are moving away from websites to social media as it easier to update. This afternoon I bought a new piece of equipment, take a quick photo, add a caption, press a couple of buttons and its up on both instagram and facebooks.I try to get a little bit of interaction from anyone whose following(not many!).Even though I don't have many followers any update just adds content for anyone new who should take a look.As yet I've not had any work from this though I've had a few people ask about stuff.Also new posts are more likely to be seen than if you update a website. I will go on facebook myself a few times a day but how often would I go on a businesses website.

https://www.instagram.com/exeterautoseating/ Bang, and I've promoted it again.

More promotion

I'm glad you did though, I need your services!!
Unfortunately, I needed your services before I basically lost my income, so it may have to wait till I have some money coming in again.



Edit... You have a new follower now

 

[GraemeVW]

I use Weebly for my blog and personal website. It's really simple to use, just drag and drop the content you want.

There's various packages and domain hosting options depending on your needs, starting from free if you have a .weebly.com address and their little banner on the bottom of your page.

View attachment 429527

Great, thanks, ill have a look

 

[GraemeVW]

I find WordPress easy to create basic sites.
WordPress.com: Build a Site, Sell Your Stuff, Start a Blog & More https://wordpress.com/

And OS ticket for regularly asked questions. osTicket | Support Ticketing System https://osticket.com/

Thanks, I'll check out all recommendations

 

[ukracer]

Cost, plus as its only a small part time business I don't think its needed. Also I think people are moving away from websites to social media as it easier to update. This afternoon I bought a new piece of equipment, take a quick photo, add a caption, press a couple of buttons and its up on both instagram and facebooks.I try to get a little bit of interaction from anyone whose following(not many!).Even though I don't have many followers any update just adds content for anyone new who should take a look.As yet I've not had any work from this though I've had a few people ask about stuff.Also new posts are more likely to be seen than if you update a website. I will go on facebook myself a few times a day but how often would I go on a businesses website.

https://www.instagram.com/exeterautoseating/ Bang, and I've promoted it again.

You need to get in with the admins of the custom car groups..

 

[ukracer]

I'll check it out.
I see the website as just an online pamflet I can direct people too, rather than something alot of people will find independently.
Just somewhere I can try and explain in more detail the eclectic range of thing I may be able to do for people.

It may be me but I am quite put of by social media sites.
I much prefer a Web site that actually contains content.
I still think you need both.
I can prove a Facebook page not actively pushed is a waste of space.
Same thing with a website.

 

[addjunkie]

Doesnt matter how good your website is if no one finds it. Most of the website builder things are easy enough, square space, wix ionos…your own donain is important don't piggy back on theirs. Most important part of awebsite is your SEO….learn what it is and how it works.

Then theres the dedicated email address or a gmail etc, ones free, the other has cost, but looks a bit more professional.

Social media face book, instagram etc is a must…..use it, learn about has tags, recommendations are best, join local groups, go back and see some ex customers see if you can get pics of your old work.

An interesting and exciting journey a head…..dont under price yourself….everything you do has cost

 

[keithski122]

You need to get in with the admins of the custom car groups..

Doing my own car over christmas then heading out to these cars and coffees mornings, not really my thing but its the kind of work I'm after.

 

[ukracer]

Doing my own car over christmas then heading out to these cars and coffees mornings, not really my thing but its the kind of work I'm after.

Where are you?

 

[keithski122]

Where are you?

Exeter, Devon.

 

[Brad93]

Im self employed, I basically sub contract to a friend doing general building work, specifically fireplaces.
For various reasons, in the new year, this looks to be coming to an end so I plan to start a new business offering general handyman, item fixing, item restoration etc.
I have alot of tools, alot of skills, but no qualifications. I can make, fix, restore things though. Anything from tiling (my previous trade) to motorcycle restoration services.

Im 46, and to be honest, have always had good luck with working. I've rarely had a 9-5, always just managed to find work. I've never had to advertise etc apart from when I first started tiling 25 years ago.

I'm a little out of touch with finding work in the modern world but figured what I need is a simple website. Just a couple of pages, who I am, skills I have, skills I don't have etc.
I imagine just a main page and then 3 or 4 other pages.

I need to do this myself, and preferably cheaply! A quick look online shows various website builder websites, some you seem to pay, some it looks like you don't.

Can anyone recommend any of them?
I know NOTHING about any of this so it needs to be simple too.
If it makes any difference, I don't have a pc, so will all need to be done from my phone too.

Not quite sure how I will then get word around that my services exist, so any tips on that would be great too.

I've not had to think about anything like this since the days of putting a free add in the local paper once every 3 months! That's no longer a viable option!

Scary times, starting again in a world which is really quite different, but hopefully I can once again manage to not have to get an actual job

Thanks

Wordpress. Hosting less than £30 a year

 

[skotl]

local facebook can get you a fair bit of work as word gets round. i was getting some and didnt know as i wasnt on it asked the punter where she got my name from and her friend on faceache had used me so gave it to her

100% this. My local facebook group seems to be populated almost entirely by posts asking:

1. Has the train to Edinburgh been cancelled?
2. Has anyone seen my cat / know whose cat this is?
3. Can anyone recommend a local plumber?
4. Can anyone recommend a local electrician?

 

[GraemeVW]

Doesnt matter how good your website is if no one finds it. Most of the website builder things are easy enough, square space, wix ionos…your own donain is important don't piggy back on theirs. Most important part of awebsite is your SEO….learn what it is and how it works.

Then theres the dedicated email address or a gmail etc, ones free, the other has cost, but looks a bit more professional.

Social media face book, instagram etc is a must…..use it, learn about has tags, recommendations are best, join local groups, go back and see some ex customers see if you can get pics of your old work.

An interesting and exciting journey a head…..dont under price yourself….everything you do has cost

You mention about your own domain name, rather than piggybacking theirs.
I don't really understand all this, but this is something that's crossed my mind for another different venture.

With this first handyman type thing, I'm not too bothered. The simple website will just be a way for customers to read more about who I am rather than them having to search through previous social media posts.

But I also plan on setting up a business doing small scale manufacturing and then selling the products online. I have spoken a little to my partner about this as she set up a wix website for her dads music and online cd sales.
I would want this business to look more professional, not just someone selling home made products on someone elses site. My partner had a small online shop on big cartel, but I think if you want the brand taking seriously, it can't be a glorified etsy shop.

I need to look into this more. I don't yet understand the differences.
I see the website builder things as sort of like a kit, that they then host. I assume a more 'proper' website needs more skill and knowledge.

It's amusing when you come across a subject and realise that you have No clue about it at all. We all USE websites, but in reality, I have no clue what one is!

 

[ukracer]

You mention about your own domain name, rather than piggybacking theirs.
I don't really understand all this, but this is something that's crossed my mind for another different venture.

With this first handyman type thing, I'm not too bothered. The simple website will just be a way for customers to read more about who I am rather than them having to search through previous social media posts.

But I also plan on setting up a business doing small scale manufacturing and then selling the products online. I have spoken a little to my partner about this as she set up a wix website for her dads music and online cd sales.
I would want this business to look more professional, not just someone selling home made products on someone elses site. My partner had a small online shop on big cartel, but I think if you want the brand taking seriously, it can't be a glorified etsy shop.

I need to look into this more. I don't yet understand the differences.
I see the website builder things as sort of like a kit, that they then host. I assume a more 'proper' website needs more skill and knowledge.

It's amusing when you come across a subject and realise that you have No clue about it at all. We all USE websites, but in reality, I have no clue what one is!

What will your business be called.

A domain name is representing your business. You need to find a name not already taken. A .co.uk domain only costs 6 quid per year with guru

Shopping Cart - GURU Cloud

 

[ajlelectronics]

You mention about your own domain name, rather than piggybacking theirs.

There is nothing more unprofessional than email addresses and websites at a "free" host. ALWAYS, for the tiny cost have your own domain name. Even as a personal email user it makes sense, to keep Google et al from scanning everything that comes through, for selling opportunities. Oh that and Policing, making sure that you don't offend the latest woke craze of course.

 

[Bullet2012]

Have a look at,

Create Your Own Website | Ecommerce Platform UK | Create

Create your own beautiful, responsive website or online shop, using easy drag and drop features, with a variety of stunning templates and an attentive customer support team.

www.create.net

they have some great prices and the ability to upgrade from basic to more complex stuff.
i use them as does swmbo and a few friends, all find it easy to use and navigate.

 

[rhubarb7]

I think you'll have more luck to start with creating a page on facebook and then listing the page and your services on your local towns facebook pages.
This is the new word of mouth so to speak.

A website, I think you'll need to invest in a laptop for starters, developing one from a phone will give you a migraine.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I think you'll have more luck to start with creating a page on facebook and then listing the page and your services on your local towns facebook pages.
This is the new word of mouth so to speak.

It is and the reason I use Facebook. However, posts are transient and difficult to refer back to, which is where the website comes in. Also, join as many of the Facebook (relevant) groups as you can. Answer queries where you can and build up your image, before long you will have a following and you should be getting enquiries.

Some Facebook businesses have a group of their own, on a popular subject. That means that they can put their advert / info as a sticky, right at the top!

A website, I think you'll need to invest in a laptop for starters, developing one from a phone will give you a migraine.

Definitely good advice, a desktop would be even better.

 

[Onthespotwelding]

This is supposed to be easy to use

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