First, let me say what I can’t do. I don’t know Dreamweaver, or Joomla, or CMS, or HTML, or any of that technical stuff. However, the great feedback I’ve had about my own site, built using the beautifully straightforward WordPress.com, coupled with two resulting requests to construct and write sites, one for a local community group and one for a local business, have made me realise there is a niche market out there for basic* but well-written and informative websites.

(* Though I use the term “basic”, in fact WordPress sites can look just as good and have just as much functionality as many more expensive options. The system is a particularly strong platform for bloggers, so would suit anyone who likes the idea of updating their site regularly with news and opinions. WordPress is also very well optimised for search engines.)

Many of the zillions of companies offering web development tend to offer quite a sophisticated product for the larger business that needs e-commerce and other bells and whistles. I am able to help the smaller firm, who doesn’t need such a sophisticated offering and doesn’t have the budget for it.

Website construction prices vary widely. I visited a dozen or so web companies on the internet to check their prices. It is difficult to make like-for-like comparisons because some prices include domain registration, some include advanced SEO, some include e-commerce and so on. Some sites are generally more singing-and-dancing than others, and they come with a lesser or greater degree of design sophistication.

However, as a general rule of thumb web companies charge in the region of £350-£500 for a fairly basic site of around five pages. A site with 10 pages would cost upwards of £500 and sometimes significantly more. In most cases these prices do not include the writing of the copy that will form the content of the site: the client has to supply this copy, or pay the web company extra for the services of a copywriter.

The big difference between what they offer and what I offer is that my package includes the writing of the text you will need to go on your website. You won’t get just the technical functionality of a website; you will get the whole package, including photos and beautifully-written text produced by a trained journalist, as well as a perfectly functional, basic website.

Then you are ready to go. WordPress is remarkably user-friendly, and once I have given you a basic tutorial, you will find it easy to make updates as and when you wish. Alternatively, if you feel you don’t have the time for this, I can update your site for you as required for an additional small monthly charge.

The package:

1

One-hour free consultation (in the Reigate area, or on the phone). I will discuss with you what you hope a website will achieve, and advise on what content would be most suitable. I will interview you – much as I would interview someone if I were researching a feature article in my capacity as a journalist – and will base the content of your site on this interview and on any written material you might give me.

2

Photos (up to 10) of you, your premises, your staff, your business operations, whatever you like, which can then be used as a photo gallery on your site or to illustrate individual pages. I can take them or you can supply me with your own images, whichever you prefer.

3

A website including up to 8 pages (page headings could include About Us, Events, Contact, Photo Gallery, Services we Offer, Testimonials….) plus options like Useful Links to other businesses or organisations of your choice; Google map showing your location, blog posting facility.

Additional pages can be provided for an additional charge.

4

Suitable text placed on each of the pages, to create a comprehensive, informative, easy-to-read and useful website that’s ‘ready to go’.

5

Finally, a free tutorial session of up to one hour (in the local area), during which I will explain, for anyone not familiar with WordPress, the basics of how to find your way round the system and update your own site.

All this for only £400.

This is based on your site having a WordPress address (for instance, www. mycatseatfish.wordpress.com) It is possible, if you prefer, to choose a non-WordPress address (for instance, www.mycatseatfish.co.uk) – there is an additional charge for this in purchasing the ‘domain’ name. 

For an additional £10 per month I will maintain and update your site for you as required – all you have to do is email me any fresh content that you want to add. 

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