Still Deciding if a Website Is Right for Your Business?
This is one of the most common conversations I have. If a business is doing fine without a website, and they're not sure it's worth changing that. Here are the honest answers I give.
"Do I really need a website if I'm already on social media?"
Social media is great, but it only reaches people who already follow you. A website helps you turn up in Google searches too, like "florist in Wimborne" or "wedding cakes Dorset", so people who've never heard of you yet can still find you.
"Is it worth the cost for a small business?"
It depends on your situation, and it's always worth talking through honestly rather than assuming either way. For a lot of my clients, even a simple site pays for itself through the extra enquiries it brings in, especially for bigger bookings like weddings or events where people want to see your work first.
On the cost side, I charge £30 an hour and give you a realistic estimate before we start, so you know what you're paying for. Hosting and your domain name are paid separately, because they're ongoing costs whoever builds the site.
CLICK HERE to see the platforms I work with and how they compare."
"What if I can't afford a big website right now?"
You don't need to start big. Most of my clients begin with a simple site with a few pages, an enquiry form, some photos and then build the website out later once they see what it brings in.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly options for hosting and domain names, so if that's where your budget is tight, that's fine. My rate stays at £30 an hour whichever you choose, so your site is still properly designed and looks professional. I'll help you pick a platform that suits how you'll actually use and update it.
"I run my business fine on word of mouth - why change that?"
Word of mouth is brilliant, and a website doesn't replace it, it just adds another way for new people to find you, especially outside your existing circle. I ran my own business on word of mouth alone for years before finally building my own site, and it's brought in more enquiries since.
"How long does it take to get one up and running?"
Simple sites can take as little as 10 hours of my time, depending on how much content you've got ready. I'll always give a realistic estimate before starting, so there are no surprises either way.
The Honest Bottom Line
None of this means every business needs a big, expensive website right now. It means it's worth having an honest conversation about what a website would actually do for your specific business, rather than assuming it's either essential or unnecessary. That conversation costs nothing. I offer a free 30-minute chat to talk it through, whatever the outcome ends up being.
Shore Design Dorset 07793 744068 | kristal@shoredesigndorset.co.uk
