Advice please on creating a website for a small dog training business

[vanl2001]

I am in the process of building a website for my small business. I am a dog behaviourist working in London, and I do private behavioural consultations and soon I will be running dog training classes.

Given I am just starting and a bit short of cash… I wanted to create a website myself as I think this makes more sense at this point in time as I have not figured out yet exactly what I want it to look like and financially it is all I can commit to.

I have been doing some reading online but there is so much information out there that I still remain puzzled about a few things.

Ok, let me start giving you a list of features I want integrated in the website (to be used immediately or in the future), so you have a better idea about what I am looking for.

IMMEDIATE
- Social presence: link to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Hootsuite, GooglePlus, Vine
- Mobile device compatibility
- ability to upload videos (I guess mainly through YouTube)
- ability to add photos
- blogs page
- calendar
- search tool
- subscribe via email
- contacts page message box
- a side link with publications’ links where I might have been featured

FUTURE
- cart
- payment options including cards and Paypal
- forum


Now for the questions I have:

- I know it is important for me to have a custom domain. Can I secure a name before choosing a host and builder, or do I need to choose that so I can have the domain name? Basically, I don’t really have a great understanding of SEO

- For better traffic, do I need a domain name that uses common used words (e.g. dog training) or is an unusual name more likely to make my website stand out?

- If I choose domain name that is unusual or generic, is it worth adding a ‘…/londondogtraining’ at the end of the domain name to allow it to feature more heavily on search engines?

- If I choose a domain name with a particular host and website builder, but I then decide to change them, can I transfer the name to the new host/ builder without problems?

- What is the best type of website host that will allow me to easily transfer the content to a new company if I decide to change?

- What kind of monthly bandwidth should I be expected to use?

- Is it best for me to opt for a company that does the hosting and building or would you recommend I choose them separately?

- Can you give me any pointers on how to choose a good host and builder?

- And lastly… Can anyone recommend some companies to me.


A huge thank you already to all taking their time to read this long message (I just thought the more information you had, the better you could provide relevant feedback).


I look forward to your replies and any feedback it hugely appreciated!

 

[fisicx]

Wordpress!

It's free and you can use plugins to get all the features you want (for free).

Answering your questions:
You can buy the domain name with out having a website
You don't need the kewords in the domain name
You can transfer the domain name and the website any time you want
Most website hosts are fine as long as you avoid the cheap deals
Monthly bandwidth is going to be tine - don't need to worry about this
If you use Wordpress (did I mention it is free) then just about all hosts will be fine
A good host is one based on referrals - use Wordpress and you don't need as site builder

If you need help with actually building the site there a loads of wordpress type people on the forum.

 

[vanl2001]

Thank you so much for this speedy reply! It is just what I needed (I really need to make a decision and get things off the ground!)

A friend of mine uses WordPress (also highly recommended by her), and she uses WIX and GoDaddy as hosts. She has not had any problems with them, but I have read online that GoDaddy is not very good. Their Business WordPress site/ Blog option (sorry, I cannot post a link to it) seems to be what I need, right?

If any of you really dislike GoDaddy, could you give me any other recommendations?

 

[Nuno]

Vidahost.
£34.50 buys a years hosting which isn't expensive, especially when their helpdesk is so good and as an inexperienced user you will get your money's worth from free help.
When you sign with them you get a domain free for a year.

The whole dog sector is very crowded and a good doggie domain name will be hard to get. I'd be tempted to use your own name, which is what is used in most word of mouth recommendations anyway.

Wordpress is your best bet, and various forums, (here, Linkedin, Google+ and WordPress itself) offer a lot of help.

When you build it I'd advise sticking to the KISS principle, (Keep It Simple Stupid).

Good luck.

 

[ryedale]

As others have said, you'll get plenty of Wordpress help on here.

Read reviews of hosting companies - can tell you now to avoid Go Daddy, One and One and 123-reg

Stay away from the site builders like Wix as their search engine performance is poor and the sites are limited.

 

[vanl2001]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Following your advice I will be creating a WordPress website

I have registered a domain name to secure it, and now I just need to find a host. I checked VidaHost website and they do sound very good, but before I make a decision I would like to understand a bit more about the features they offer and that I need as a minimum.

I will post a new thread solely about hosting advice separate to this.

Thanks again

 

[storage]

once you go wordpress you never go back

 

[JonnyMP]

Wordpress or Joomla is a very good option for a starter website. There are many free or cheap templates available for use. You should pick a host that offers Softaculous script installer as these will allow you to install any CMS (Wordpress) software that you need in just a few clicks of your mouse button. As for your domain, you should obtain your domain name before your hosting, with a separate company. In the event that your host company goes out of business, at least you will have your domain name to move to another site.

 

[adamo]

Another vote for WordPress from me. Go WP and there's no going back (for good reason)!
Then pick a good host (I'm with WebHostingBuzz, who actually have a one-click WordPress installer which is pretty helpful). Look out for a host offering 'Softaculous' included, which is the one-click installer.

 

[SimpleSimon]

How are you getting on with your wordpress site? I am bit of a wp geek myself. So very intrigued!

 

[Bee84]

As a quick start, get a hosting like 1&1 (I did the unlimited option, £25 every 3 months).
A .co.uk domain is best and cheap.
Flickr is good for photos

SEO and all that jazz? I never bother with it. It's a web for a reason and it's easy to get too deep in it. Don't trouble yourself with that and all the keyword stuff. It's no different than you setting up a stall in a market. Hundreds might walk by, but only the ones with dogs and interested will walk in. The same applies to a search engine. Don't force it. Trust in your niche, laser in on dog training/behavior/habits etc, and talk to them.

In the end, you may want local loyal clients more anyway. It wouldn't be logical to have somebody in spain contact you. But if they registered, and you had a DVD series to buy? Congrats - you're a virtual entrepreneur.

==================

You gave a list of things you want, but as I understand it you want it quick to build things up and expand as and when...

Website themes can be on themeforest.net

All you really need to start is:
-- single page with registration
-- mailing list provider
-- template pages with video and social links

Start with a single page with a headline offer like "FREE training video series on how you can train and understand your best friend".

Just make sure you have an "Enter your email" registration. (mailing list)

AWEBER, Infusion Soft etc give you a form you can add on. Starting small it's like £12/month.


===================

When they register, they get to your main website. WHICH can just be a video of you with social media links, talking to a camera - to your customer/client - "have you got this problem? I can help"

Your AWEBER list can setup a sequence of page links to maybe 3 videos. Host your videos on youtube, vimeo etc,

At the end of the sequence (maybe 3 vids sent out every 5 days to their email), you say "Do you want what I have to offer? Then get it here"

PAYPAL is the best. And you convert into sales.

==============================================
==============================================

I had your situation before - I thought big and long term. In the end, start small, convert into some startup cash, and build.

You don't need all the extravagance you read on the net. You're lasered in on being a dog trainer and consultant - that is your niche.

Talk to that niche, even if it means shutting out 80% of people who ever stumble on your site. You can only convert the people that want what you offer.

Single page with email registration > Video sequence > Offer and paypal.

Focus more on creating things to sell like books and media.

 

[singhabhishek251]

I would also recommend you wordpress at this moment and this will be achieve what you are looking for easily all you need to find is a good wordpress theme suitable for you and a hosting. Godaddy is not bad and can be selected. Ipage is also good but their review is not good online and I have experienced that their support is too good and they fix any issue you ask them.

 

[Ideaswise]

To pick up on a couple of your points:

"- For better traffic, do I need a domain name that uses common used words (e.g. dog training) or is an unusual name more likely to make my website stand out?"

It used to help a little with SEO to have a keyword phrase as your URL but not really now. Best to have a memorable name, whatever that may be. Great if it's www.londondogtraining.com, not so good if it's competing with a lot of very similar names like www.londondogtrainers.com, www.dogtraininglondon.com. However, I would advise that the URL does include at least some indication of what you do.


"- If I choose domain name that is unusual or generic, is it worth adding a ‘…/londondogtraining’ at the end of the domain name to allow it to feature more heavily on search engines?"

Your website name should just end in a .com or co.uk. (Good idea to get both if you can). If you mean internal page names, yes, each page should indicate what it's about, without pushing it too hard

So have:

www.chosenname.com/dog-training-methods (for the page where you talk about methods)

or

www.chosenname.com/contact-us/ (for the contact page)

or

www.chosenname.com/dog-training-testimonials (for your testimonials page)


What you don't want is uninformative or randomly coded page URLs.

For example:

www.chosenname.com/page3

or

www.chosenname.com/x3z!45c

 

[quikshop]

I recommend speaking with Steve at www.web-updater.co.uk. He not only creates websites but maintains them. Well worth getting a quote for your requirement.

 

[WebDesigner-uk]

Everyone above has given good advice but just to add something:

It makes a bit of sense to sort out domain and hosting at the same time for a couple reasons, firstly a lot of hosts provide a free domain name and second if you get both from the same company it is going to be easier setup. It's certainly not a big deal but if you're starting up your first website and not familiar with these things it's going to save you a bit of time working it out!

Vidahost is a great and fast UK based hosting company and provide a free domain name. They also have a 99.9% uptime guarantee and fantastic helpful support.

Should you be interested in my website building services feel free to pm me. I'd be happy to offer a competitive quote on a website with all the features you've mentioned and produce a plan at no obligation. If desired, I also provide and fully set up Vidahost hosting for my clients (including free domain name) so that they can focus on running their business.

 

[Sober Media]

I can not really add anymore than the guys have, they have covered the majority of things. But my advise would be:

Hosting
BlueHost is a cheap affordable way to get started and you can always upgrade which is very important.

Website Platform:

WordPress is by far the best solution for you. Its open source and you can configure some great responsive theme templates for free.

Matt.

 

[amac]

If you don't want to hire a developer or host yourself, go with Wordpress.com or something like Squarespace.

 

[Nuno]

If you don't want to hire a developer or host yourself, go with Wordpress.com or something like Squarespace.

Bad advice.

 

[amac]

Bad advice.

Ok, can you explain why? Others have also recommended Wordpress.

 

[Sober Media]

@Nuno not sure how your comment helps @vanl2001 . Is it WordPress you dont like or Squarespace? It would be a lot more helpful if you explained your reasoning behind "Bad Advice"

Matt

 

[Nuno]

@Sober Media I think, and I believe some others here agree, that Wordpress.com, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly are limited and limiting bits of kit when building a business website.

Advising people to go into them as an option can lead them up a blind alley, leading to frustration and apathy about an important business tool, rather than being able to use a CRM which can grow and be tailored to a specific, individual business.

In many cases the SEO is harder if not impossible to do with any depth, CTAs are not bespoke and never can be, and should a domain transfer be wanted eventually, this can be a 'mare.
All of these points have been covered in this thread, and also in other similar threads, along with other pertinent points.

Because I try and actually read a thread before deciding whether or not to comment I assume others do too. If they do they will have understood the short answer I gave. If they don't, and just comment in vaguely the right area, they don't deserve an explanation.

If you want to talk about WordPress on a thread about CRMs it is helpful to make clear whether it is WordPress.com or WordPress.org, which are two different beasts as I am sure you must know. I'm against neither. I just like using or recommending the right tool for the right job.

I sincerely hope this is helpful enough for you.

 

[Sober Media]

@Nuno agree the mentioned services are limited but having read what they want to achieve with their website an installation of WordPress covers their requirements, hence why recommending WordPress, but I should have been more clear into a self hosted version of WordPress.

M.

 

[JonnyMP]

If you want to talk about WordPress on a thread about CRMs it is helpful to make clear whether it is WordPress.com or WordPress.org, which are two different beasts as I am sure you must know. I'm against neither. I just like using or recommending the right tool for the right job.

I sincerely hope this is helpful enough for you.

Whenever someone says, 'use Wordpress!', my assumption is they are talking about the Wordpress software that you install on your own site to create your own blog, rather than the 'hosted WP' site. If they use the hosted WP site, there is very little options for monetizing and those sites are subject to stringent TOS and likely to be removed on a whim. Just better to stay with your own blog on your own host and that way you control the space, not someone else

 

[LawSpark]

I know you said you were short on cash but sites like e-lance have web developers who could help you for very competitive prices - maybe look into getting a CMS built for you which will include all the features you need.

 

[jasonwebb71]

I've bought a couple of domains from GoDaddy, and host them on Hostgator. A few years earlier I had read horror stories about GoDaddy taking over people's domains and not letting them have access back if they were deemed to be taking part in unsavoury activities such as spamming, but I've not had any trouble with them.

I have my main site hosted in the UK with names.co.uk. I got the site about 8 years ago when they were UK Domains, and have just stuck with them. They perhaps work out a bit more costly than the GoDaddy/Hostgator combination, but they've always been reliable, and customer support is always good (and on UK office hours).

Regards

Jason

 

[Alan]

I would suggest stepping back for a minute and asking yourself 'do you really need a website?'.

Just go create a Facebook Page and a Google+ Local page and develop your business. When your business is making money and you can afford a website, then get a decent one built for you.

 

[JonnyMP]

I would suggest stepping back for a minute and asking yourself 'do you really need a website?'.

Just go create a Facebook Page and a Google+ Local page and develop your business. When your business is making money and you can afford a website, then get a decent one built for you.

For a local business, a Facebook page could be a really good thing. So long as you give full contact info such as email address, local phone number, etc where you can be reached, the potential customer can call up for more information, even if they never make it past Facebook. After that, the key will be to promote that page on business cards, flyers and anywhere else you think your potential customer might be. Though you could always have them call you directly from one of those advertisements too.

 

[SDLBiz]

I would suggest stepping back for a minute and asking yourself 'do you really need a website?'.

Just go create a Facebook Page and a Google+ Local page and develop your business. When your business is making money and you can afford a website, then get a decent one built for you.

Honestly, a website wouldn't harm a small business. You should still create a Facebook page but it doesn't look as professional as having a website. You don't need to folk out loads of money anyway, you could probably cut back on one cup of coffee each month and spend the money on hosting. Plus, they are really easy to set up - there are hosts which offer drag and drop etc.

I am saying this because my mum owns a petcare business and she has both a website and a Facebook page, yet she has received more clients from her website than she has on her Facebook and they have been advertised equally.

It is a lot easier to reference a website URL then it is to reference a Facebook URL on a leaflet as well. Plus there are still people who don't have Facebook and prefer not to use it and therefore you will be losing potential clients.

This is just my two cents on this post, as I believe the question has already been answered.

 

[InternetMarketingPlatinum]

@Sober Media I think, and I believe some others here agree, that Wordpress.com, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly are limited and limiting bits of kit when building a business website.

Advising people to go into them as an option can lead them up a blind alley, leading to frustration and apathy about an important business tool, rather than being able to use a CRM which can grow and be tailored to a specific, individual business.

In many cases the SEO is harder if not impossible to do with any depth, CTAs are not bespoke and never can be, and should a domain transfer be wanted eventually, this can be a 'mare.
All of these points have been covered in this thread, and also in other similar threads, along with other pertinent points.

Because I try and actually read a thread before deciding whether or not to comment I assume others do too. If they do they will have understood the short answer I gave. If they don't, and just comment in vaguely the right area, they don't deserve an explanation.

If you want to talk about WordPress on a thread about CRMs it is helpful to make clear whether it is WordPress.com or WordPress.org, which are two different beasts as I am sure you must know. I'm against neither. I just like using or recommending the right tool for the right job.

I sincerely hope this is helpful enough for you.

It isn't a thread about CRMs it's a thread about CMSs

 

[Nuno]

My mistake. Did you understand it anyway?

 

[InternetMarketingPlatinum]

My mistake. Did you understand it anyway?

Yeah I did

 

[Alan]

Please don't re-open threads that have been inactive for 3 months. As a new-comer people will think you are a spammer.