Professional Website Design for Somerset Businesses

To begin any project, the most important information needed is clarity on your goals. We don't expect a fully formalized brief, but preparing for our initial face-to-face consultation by thinking about the following categories will help us create the most accurate fixed-price proposal in GBP.

The information falls into three key areas:

• 1. Business Goals & Audience (The "Why"):
  • Primary Goal: What must the website achieve (e.g., generate sales, capture emails, phone enquiries)?
  • Target Audience: Who are your customers (age, location, needs)?
  • Competitors: Who are your main rivals and what do you like/dislike about their websites?
• 2. Branding & Design Assets (The "Look"):
  • Branding: Your logo, primary colours, and any existing marketing materials.
  • Inspiration: Links to 3 or 4 websites (any industry) that you love the look of, and crucially, links to sites you definitely dislike.
  • Photography: What high-quality images of your products, premises, or staff do you currently have available?
• 3. Logistics & Structure (The "How"):
  • Pages: A basic list of the main pages you think you will need (e.g., Home, About Us, Services, Contact).
  • Budget & Timeline: A rough idea of your budget and any required launch dates.
  • Domain/Hosting: Do you already own your website address and hosting? (If not, we handle this for you!)

Once we have this information, I can draft a complete project plan and proposal for you.

All payments are handled securely via GoCardless in GBP (£). I do not accept cash, cheques, or direct credit card transfers over the phone.

I chose GoCardless because it is the safest and most efficient way for both of us to handle payments. Here is how it works:

• Secure & Simple: You simply set up a "Direct Debit Mandate" once via a secure online link. You don't need to manually transfer money or give me your card details over the phone.
• For One-Off Payments: For project deposits or final balances, I will send you an invoice first. Payment is then collected automatically on the due date—but only after you have been notified.
• For Ongoing Support: If you choose a monthly maintenance package, payment is collected automatically each month so your website stays online without you worrying about admin.
• You Are Protected: All payments are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee, giving you a full immediate refund from your bank in the unlikely event of an error.

Yes, absolutely. Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly Google My Business) is crucial for local visibility and is a core part of my initial service strategy.

Since I am based in Somerset and understand the power of local marketing, I help ensure you can be found by customers in your area on Google Search and Maps. My service includes:

• Setup & Verification Guidance: I guide you through the process of claiming and verifying your business listing securely with Google.
• Listing Optimization: I ensure your profile is fully optimized with the correct service areas, business categories, opening hours, and initial descriptive content.
• Website Integration: Linking your new website correctly to your GBP for better local SEO performance and traffic.

This optimization is often included within the initial project scope, ensuring you launch with strong local search visibility from day one.

Yes, absolutely. I offer a range of comprehensive, hassle-free maintenance packages designed to keep your website secure, fast, and up-to-date long after the initial build.

A website requires constant upkeep to remain protected against threats and software updates. My packages are tailored to cover all business sizes and typically include:

• Security Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and patching of all core software (CMS, themes, plugins) to defend against hackers.
• Regular Backups: Daily or weekly backups stored off-site, ensuring your website can be quickly restored in the event of any issue.
• Performance Optimization: Routine checks to ensure your website continues to load quickly and perform optimally.
• Technical Support: Access to me directly for minor changes and technical questions.

The cost of these packages varies depending on your needs (standard brochure site vs. complex e-commerce), but all are paid for simply and securely via monthly or annual GoCardless Direct Debit, giving you peace of mind.

While my core specialization is website design and programming, I understand that high-quality photography is essential for a professional website. Yes, I can assist with product photography.

I have picked up valuable techniques throughout my career to ensure products look their best online. My focus is on preparing images specifically for web optimization:

• Web-Ready Quality: Ensuring products are correctly lit and composed for fast loading and optimal viewing on mobile devices.
• Practical Sessions: I can guide you through preparing your products and help you capture images that are immediately ready for your e-commerce platform.
• Optimization & Editing: Cleaning up, cropping, and optimizing all final images for the fastest possible website speed.

For complex product shots requiring advanced studio setups or highly technical photography, I can always recommend specialist professional photographers I trust.