Simple websites for new small business

[addjunkie]

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!

I used wix to build our site. No prior knowlege. Its not the cheapest, but not too difficult. Piggy backing, means say you used wix though your web address may be www.Mrfixit.co.uk, when search engines search for it they would be finding www.wix\loadsofcustomers\hardtofind\wereadvertising\weremakingmoney\Mrfixit.co.uk. If you have your own domain google etc would be finding www.Mrfixit.co.uk, though most search engines wouldnt find you unless you added some SEO to your site….using words such as let me do your diy, tiling, builder, joinery, fireplace, your area, your skills.

To add in an online shop you pay additional chargers to buy and implant the shop tool of your choice into your website. Some of these are quite expensive to operate as the shop and the payment folk take a slice (stripe is a popular one). You also really need to use the stock management bits too, or you could end up with folk buying stuff youve not made yet. In the early days its possibly better to use an established site to sell, as they already have the name and ready made market to advertise too.
I looked at buying an online booking tool, and building it into our site, but as we are relatively small it actually works out cheaper to use a booking agent….keep an eye on the costs….they sharp add up.

Id suggest separating your business and websites to keep things simple.

Once youve built your site try it out on a laptop, desktop, a phone, and an ipad, they dont always appear as youd want

 

[julianf]

If your ability is very slightly above zero, then get a domain and a paid host (not a lot of cash) and use WordPress.

It's pretty simple to edit up a WordPress site. There are stacks and stacks of free templates (themes) that you just put your own detail onto.


Lots and lots of websites use WordPress. Like loads.

If you grow, there's no end of free plug ins also. So if you want to move away from a static page and have a photo album of prior works, there's a plug in, or a contact form, or an online shop, etc.etc.

I use Simbahosting. Not the cheapest but UK based and the chap running it actually replies to emails in a sensible manner, rather than just choosing pre written answers from a drop down menu...

 

[GraemeVW]

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

I haven't decided yet, it's my plan for today.

 

[GraemeVW]

I used wix to build our site. No prior knowlege. Its not the cheapest, but not too difficult. Piggy backing, means say you used wix though your web address may be www.Mrfixit.co.uk, when search engines search for it they would be finding www.wix\loadsofcustomers\hardtofind\wereadvertising\weremakingmoney\Mrfixit.co.uk. If you have your own domain google etc would be finding www.Mrfixit.co.uk, though most search engines wouldnt find you unless you added some SEO to your site….using words such as let me do your diy, tiling, builder, joinery, fireplace, your area, your skills.

To add in an online shop you pay additional chargers to buy and implant the shop tool of your choice into your website. Some of these are quite expensive to operate as the shop and the payment folk take a slice (stripe is a popular one). You also really need to use the stock management bits too, or you could end up with folk buying stuff youve not made yet. In the early days its possibly better to use an established site to sell, as they already have the name and ready made market to advertise too.
I looked at buying an online booking tool, and building it into our site, but as we are relatively small it actually works out cheaper to use a booking agent….keep an eye on the costs….they sharp add up.

Id suggest separating your business and websites to keep things simple.

Once youve built your site try it out on a laptop, desktop, a phone, and an ipad, they dont always appear as youd want

Thanks, that all makes some kind of sense. Will be a few months before I have to think about that website, hopefully I'll know more by then.