Free website building advice from Simply Brides of Didcot, Oxfordshire

Simply Brides

of Didcot, Oxfordshire

My husband Pete and I have built this website and we are pleased to be able to pass on a few tips.

First and foremost it is not as scary as it first sounds!

Prior to creating a web page you need to set a few things up first.

Domain name

First off you need to select and register a domain name, the web address URL that stores your web site pages.

You are not buying the name, just renting it for a minimum period of time.

You should choose a name that is not too long, easy to remember and spelt correctly (odd spellings are not as clever as they seem. It just confuses people).

Ensure that it is obviously connected to your business; our domain name for example is www.SimplyBrides.net for a bridal business.

It makes life easer if you purchase your domain name from and host your site with the same company. I use and recommend @ukPLC. A site name ranges from £3.00 to £9.00 per year. You can find then at the following link-

http://websites.uk-plc.net/UK_PLC/epage17384.htm

Web hosting package

Choose a package with File Transfer Protocol otherwise known as FTP. I think that most hosting companies use FTP but I would take the time to check if I were you.

Your site will have to live on a 24/7 server with a fast internet connection (called high bandwidth). @ukPLC’s basic package is £25 per year (I think £2 per month is fantastic value). You only need the very basic package as this gives you 100mb of web space. Our site uses only 5.5mb of space and has about 60 pages with photos.

I have enclosed the link.

http://websites.uk-plc.net/UK_PLC/epage16984.htm

Many sites have a selection of web templates to crate an instant website that you rent by the month/year. You may wish to look at one of these if you want a very simple site with very few pictures and limited layout options.

Sketch out your site

Think about what you want to say. As you are a small business, introduce yourself and your business first.

Think of the pages you want and write the text for each page. Do you need any photos, if so arrange these in the most flattering settings without distracting from the body of the photo.Try to use your own pictures or at least ask if you are using other peoples.

Keep it simple

People get bored VERY quickly on web pages. If they can not see what they want in the first 10 seconds or can not see where to find it they will probably go the competition. Keep it easy on the eyes, no “corporate” coloured pale text, and conflicting hues.

You now have three options.

Get someone to build your site (I charge from only £150 including full handover of site, open source software, an instruction manual customised to your site and limited “tepid” line phone support).