Setting up a website

Setting up a website

Didn't find your answer?

... but doesn't really know where to start!

Does anyone have any contacts or know of any easy to use web-sites that would help me to build and host a web-site? I'm looking for something fairly basic just to advertise my services to potential clients.

I get that I need to build the web-site and then have it hosted, but I since I don't have the technical know-how to build a site from scratch then I'm looking for someone that can do it for me (cheaply) or for an online site that has the site pre-prepared and all I need to do is add content - any recommendations?

Many thanks
CD

Replies (16)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By User deleted
15th Sep 2008 12:10

Professional help
Personally I think we should play to our stengths, we are accountants, not designers or web technicians after all. I think the 'ready made' websites look exactly like that when you view them. They also have limited SEO potential which is very important. If you are not on the first page of Google for instance, do you think people will look any further ?

I have taken on a new client recently who can design amazing websites. Have a look at her site at www.orangecreative.co.uk and you'll see how professional it looks. She can also arrange full hosting and SEO work on your site, which are specialist skills in themselves. She is starting to work through my site at the moment, as it needs some serious attention after the year or so of complete neglect I have lavished on it ! Follow the progress over the next few weeks.... www.mpa.me.uk

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
12th Sep 2008 17:25

Templates vs Mr Site etc.
I have experimented with various DIY options. I'd avoid templates unless you have asssistance to edit them and add content. Its just too fiddly to be fun. and can begin to look a bit amateur.

Mr Site is a good option. I purchased but never used it. I'm told there are SEO issues because of the way it is hosted (plus US) but that's a bit above my head.

Have a look at one of the hosting companies which offers a website builder tool. I've used the one from 1&1 and think its fine for a basic site.

From what I've read opinions differ as to what sort of content you should include on an accountants firms site. Also on the effectiveness of having a site as a brochure. And how to capture enquirers so they turn into clients ...

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
11th Sep 2008 19:33

Websmiths...
...Another vote for Websmiths here.

I've been more than impressed with their design and importantly performance.

I'm wondering why everyone is saying "try this or try that" without disclosing their site address. I'd like to see all the other sites.

My site is http://www.yorkshireaccountancy.co.uk.

Also has anyone successfully used any SEO (search engine optimisation) techniques or companies?

I'd be interested to speak with Robert Harper - may be you could give me a call Robert - it's a while since we spoke?

Thanks (0)
avatar
By clive griffiths
12th Sep 2008 15:07

Images?
I spent a fair amount of time looking at various accountancy websites before finally getting down to the "nitty gritty" of dealing with it. One of the things which constantly put me off was the American "Desperate Housewives" looking woman flashing her pristine gnashers at me. Any males or women from I Stock Foto, or Photo which could be bought for 20p also appeared to be very American. In website terms, we have probably been invaded by the Americans, so we must be careful.

Another point, sometimes it is blindingly obvious that some of the stunning and simmering young women images could not possibly be accountants. Instead, if they really looked like that they would be replacing Kirsty on Newsnight, or Davina on BB and earning unbelievable money.

So watch out for the far too perfect faces and bodies. We are not quite American yet, and it might be that less pristine or beautiful human beings may enable visitors to feel more comfortable and actually contact your firm.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
11th Sep 2008 16:13

Oh Swiss.........
Oh Swiss you are a kind sole - you bring a smile to my face and make it seem all worthwhile.

THANK YOU

x

Thanks (0)
avatar
By AnonymousUser
11th Sep 2008 15:29

I love my site ...
courtesy of accounting websmiths. £85.00 + VAT per month but fully custermised and hosted. I wondered about the cost beforehand but it has more than paid for itself in client compliments and a lot of new business. I'm with NH .. if you want to charge professional fee rates then you need to look professional (espeicially when you are new).

Thanks (0)
avatar
By Swiss Toni
11th Sep 2008 15:08

??

NH, are you ok? It would seem that you are an angry chappy, I am just asking as I know you were concerned about me and as you have suggested I have got out a little more.

If you need to talk, then please Swiss Toni will listen.

Love & Kisses
XXXXXX


Swiss (p.s only NH may call me Swiss)

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
11th Sep 2008 14:46

An 'idiots ' experience
I dont appreciate being branded an idiot.

I have been in the profession for some 25 years, have been very sucessful and have built up 2 very sucessful profitable practices so idiot no - someone who speaks with experience yes, and has a fair idea on how to make money in practice yes.

You get what you pay for - if you want a cheap site you will attract cheap clients and vice versa.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
11th Sep 2008 11:33

Mr Site!!
Ignore the idiots on here who think that you need to spend hundreds and thousands on a website, just because you dont want to spend alot doesnt mean you are serious about your business.

I suspect that like me you just want a website thats going to give a little info about you and your services and contact details etc

I use and would recommend Mrsite (www.mrsite.co.uk), it costs under £40 for the year, allows you to chose from a variety of designs to customise your site to how you want it to look.

I think you can have up to 50 pages within your website, contact forms and numerous email accounts which can be used with outlook.

its really a no brainer

let me have you email address and i'll send you the link to our website so you can what's possible

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
11th Sep 2008 10:54

Templates
Do a search on web templates in google. This will come up with lots of sites that will sell you a template for a reasonably small price (£40 - £80). Some of them look really good, but you run the risk of having a website the same as other people.

You'll then need someone to edit the pages for you. I have a friend who does this as a sideline (although he's very good). If you email me I'll pass you his details. [email protected].

Thanks (0)
avatar
By clive griffiths
11th Sep 2008 10:42

A Website Designer.....
...........who was a practicing accountant for many years now builds accountancy related websites! The business is called Planned Sites and can be found at :

www.plannedsites.com

I think that your initial approach to having a website constructed will be largely influenced by whatever your target audience will be. Will the site be seeking client work on a parochial basis or is there a much wider audience to be offerred your services?

A parochial site can be quite easily marketed in your local area. You will need to be seen to be offerring juicy freebies in terms of information available to the visitor at your site. Visitors will need a reason to return to your site, so you have to think of stimulating points to cover.

www.taxenquiry.co.uk

http://www.taxenquiry.co.uk

Thanks (0)
avatar
By AnonymousUser
11th Sep 2008 08:32

Are you serious?
I don't want to be rude but I am going to be - are you serious about business or just messing about?

If you are serious about setting up your own practice (i.e. you are giving up work and doing this full time) then call me before you make a massive mistake. I'll tell you where you can buy Website and what to do.

I am sure you can explian how a sole-trader making £80k a year could save tax. That's a basic as this question when you know how.

Bob Harper
MORE

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
10th Sep 2008 23:07

Company Image
I initially had a go at designing my own site but it was rubbish! I decided to use a graphic designer who I knew locally, he did an excellent job at a very reasonable price and it may be worth you having a look at him, his name is Matthew Pugh and his website is www.starinajar.co.uk.

As NH said, is it really worth putting a poor website out which may actually put off customers when a few hundred pounds will get you a really professional image?

Thanks (0)
avatar
By daffodil
10th Sep 2008 21:11

Web Developer
Try
http://www.reyus.com/

They have looked after my website very nicely for over 3 years.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By woolley11
10th Sep 2008 20:34

I've just had a website done
I am a sole practioner and had a website done recently. Try [email protected]. I was very happy with mine

Thanks (0)
avatar
By User deleted
10th Sep 2008 19:54

How do you want to portray your practice?
My suggestion - if you want a website dont try to do one yourself unless you really know what your doing. It will look cheap and second rate, and that's how potential clients will perceive you and your services. Do a search on accountants in your area and you will soon see what I mean.

If you really feel the cost of a professional site is too much, and do consider the real cost, in my opinion your better not having a site.

You will be judged by your website - it really is important.

Try Websmiths and Mercia/Total Solution - both really good well known suppliers of high quality accountants websites.

Thanks (0)