Preparing to set-up a business - first timer!

[TheCopyPad]

Hello there!

I really enjoy writing sales and marketing material (I have 11 years experience working in sales and marketing roles) and would love to work for myself so I'm finally going to bite the bullet and set-up my own business this year offering copywriting services.

Alongside building up my portfolio, I've been doing some research into websites. I'm looking for a simple but creative looking website that will enable me to showcase my portfolio, publish blog posts and link to social media profiles. I'm keen to keep costs to a minimum initially so I have been looking at WP and I have found a couple of themes that might work ok (admittedly I have only looked at the free ones so far).

Can you recommend any other low cost (or free!) but professional website providers?

The website will need to:

o Enable me to use my own domain
o Not include ads
o Allow me to easily update content myself
o Be scalable and enable me to add extra features at a later date
o Enable me to update my Meta information for SEO purposes

Will opting for a free / low cost website restrict me when trying to rank well in the search engines? I’m keen to utilise my website effectively as a tool for sourcing new business enquiries so my site being search engine friendly is really important to me.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Claire

 

[AddVantagesave]

Try moonfruit its not wordpress but gets the job done. The webdesigner (parabellus) for our site was really good. Found him online and he impressed us greatly. If you need any further info on starting up let us know and I'll be happy to help as best as I can. All the best in your venture

 

[Fortis]

Evening,

Whilst it would be relatively easy to find a free or very cheap website provider you need to remember that in today's world your website is how potential clients are most likely to decide if they should contact you or not. You really don't need to spend a fortune on a new site but some investment is a must to ensure your image is reflective of your services.

We provide support to small start ups and if your would like an idea of a very competitive price for a fully bespoke and customised site that you can update please pm me and I will be happy to give you an idea of a price for design, development and if required hosting of a new site.

You could look at a self build template provider, however, you will get what you pay

Get in touch and I would be delighted to help.

Cheers

Richard

 

[JessicaAutumn]

When it comes to web design, one disadvantage having a low cost website is that if you are looking for an opportunity to design your own website for your own used or for your family members, then it is not so much of an issue even if the selections of designs and patterns to decorate your website is limited. However, if your website is intended to use for online commercial business, then this limitation might stop you from having an attractive website with useful features and options.

 

[TheCopyPad]

I think you're right, I guess I was trying to avoid investing too much money in the early stages (we're in the process of planning a wedding and buying a new house currently - what can I say, I like to be challenged!) but I'm keen to have a professional looking website up and running before I start promoting my services.

Thanks for the advice, I think I'll start researching local web designers costs...

 

[CG Incorporations Limited]

Our webdesigner (Firecurl Design Ltd) were very good and professional. You can google them and have a look at their portfolio.

Good luck!