Web Site Development & Hosting Who Uses What ?

[PatrickG1968]

Hi,

I've become a sole trader since early this year. I refurbish houses, between jobs I have run a handyman service successfully using FB, Gumtree and word of mouth. I'm thinking of up scaling to keep up with competition and am looking at web-sites. The bad news is my CSE in Computer Studies won't cut it so could I ask who do people use, how much does it cost PCM, year etc. Any useful pointers to understand the dark arts ?? Thanks in advance.

 

[fisicx]

Build websites or host websites?

If it's the former you will struggle (it's not a simple as it looks)
If you want to sell hosting you can sign up as an reseller with most hosts.

 

[CharlotteS]

I gather you mean that you want a website for your business! There's loads of options - ranging from very cheap, to thousands and thousands - and it's not really about how it looks - it's about functionality - so what you actually want it to do.

 

[Alan]

handyman service successfully using FB, Gumtree and word of mouth. I'm thinking of up scaling to keep up with competition and am looking at web-sites.

From this I assume you are a handyman that wants to create a website to advertise your handyman service to get more clients.

Sounds simple enough. The biggest mistake is the assumption that creating ( or having a webiste made ) and paying for hosting will get you more business. It won't. You need a marketing plan to drive potential customer to your website - this is a bit more complex and can cost far more than the build / hosting costs.

But to answer your question a page on my website give you an ideas of creation costs which basically range from £99 - to infinity
https://locally.co.uk/how-much-does-a-website-cost/

In terms of hosting essentially there is a range that can be from £2 a month to more than £100 per month

 

[Sorodo]

GoDaddy or similar offer start-up packages, hosting and website builders etc. Think they offer Wordpress hosting too once you want to move from the web builder to something more bespoke. They seem to have package prices that work for small businesses - maybe worth a look

 

[TomJ83]

I think it's a good idea to have your own website. A website that you want shouldn't be hard to create for a website developer. Handyman services websites can be kept simple. It could be a one-page website with some information about your business and a contact form. And some pictures of course You could also step it up a bit and add separate pages for "about us", "contact us" etc.

Regarding learning about how to create websites, I think it will take you some time. So it's up to you if you want to spend the time on working and marketing your business or learning how to create a website. I think you will prefer the former option.

When you contact a website developer you should look for something in the range of £100 - £300 for a website that is one-page or only a few pages. For the hosting, you could find a hosting provider from £5 to £10 per month. You don't have to buy the most expensive hosting because your website is not like Google or Amazon with millions of visitors everyday.

 

[Darren C]

Be careful if you are thinking of a website to generate leads. As mentioned above, a simple brochure kind of site is a good idea as people expect you to have a website and email address.

However, a lot of enquiries you'll get from the web are people looking for the cheapest quote, people wondering how much a project is going to cost with no intention of actually having it done and all manner of other time wasters. You'll also be plagued with people trying to sell you adverting.

Hope that hasn't put you off?

 

[bigbuzzbelfast]

GoDaddy or similar offer start-up packages, hosting and website builders etc. Think they offer Wordpress hosting too once you want to move from the web builder to something more bespoke. They seem to have package prices that work for small businesses - maybe worth a look

PLEASE DON'T use Godaddy unless it is to register your domain name terrible terrible host. You'll spend more time talking to support. I won't tell you who to go with, but I will beg you to steer well clear of godaddy for hostiing.

 

[webhostuk]

Your own website with your brand name will give you a better exposure and brand value. Regarding hosting you can take help of google and some good forums to check provider list.

 

[TomJ83]

@PatrickG1968

I looked at the marketplace here on UKBF and found something that you might find interesting. @Alan is offering a website for £99 with a free domain name, free hosting and free email.

It's a good offer not only price wise but also taking into account that he is experienced when it comes to creating websites. He has created and designed hundreds of websites for a wide variety of customers. Accountants, charities, schools and many more.

You should get in touch with him and see what he can do for you. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Neil Hopkins]

Hi there

I have used 1&1 for domain name, email and hosting for years. When I set up as a freelance earlier this year, I went for their self-hosted Wordpress package - 0.99/month for a year then 4.99/month thereafter I think.

IF you're looking for a simple portfolio site, then I would recommend Wordpress. It's easy to set up and maintain - and if you find you need something more complicated down the line, easy to move away from if you so choose.

Good luck!

 

[TLT Property Management]

I use site ground I think they are one of the best hosting companies in the uk but not cheap either.

 

[HelenCope]

I really like using Uk based companies my go to host is UK2 or Unlimited Web Hosting

 

[kev598]

I think sending emails would be probably useful, but before you can register in the free marketplace, a platform for professionals from your sphere and people who are looking for services like you offer.

 

[PatrickG1968]

Thank you all so much for replying....its now a case of going away and doing the maths and setting that against 'need' and 'functionality'. Once again thank you

 

[Joe Robinson]

I'd just add that Namecheap are very good, and offer domain registration and hosting for around £30/ year. With this you get website hosting, email hosting, and a few other things. Everything runs through CPanel and has a one-click WordPress install, as well as easy Cloudflare integration (free SSL certificate).

Their customer service is incredible, among the best I've ever experienced anywhere.

If you can work out how to install and set up WordPress, you could try using a page builder (I recommend Beaver Builder) to make a basic site for yourself. Beaver Builder has a basic contact form module too.

 

[Darren C]

I'd just add that Namecheap are very good...

Their customer service is incredible, among the best I've ever experienced anywhere.

Well, now I've heard it all.

 

[Joe Robinson]

Why?