Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: duncan h on May 12, 2014, 09:28:13 pm

Title: building a website
Post by: duncan h on May 12, 2014, 09:28:13 pm
Hi guys. Need loads of help here. I know the basics, but its a mine field. Start me from scratch..and cheap  ;)
I do have a host, which I have had for years. I put pictures on it etc. No idea how big it is, but its free. It was NTL, now Virgin. Probably no good, no idea

Title: Re: building a website
Post by: bobplum on May 12, 2014, 09:56:31 pm
studioarts, or nathaniel jones
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 12, 2014, 10:16:45 pm
There are options much cheaper than me (And studio arts give excellent value for money) - but my websites are pretty awesome.  8) 8)

I'm also happy to offer advice free if you want to improve on your DIY website,...
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: duncan h on May 12, 2014, 10:18:00 pm
There are options much cheaper than me (And studio arts give excellent value for money) - but my websites are pretty awesome.  8) 8)

I'm also happy to offer advice free if you want to improve on your DIY website,...
couldn't find your website lmao. Found studio art no problem
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 12, 2014, 10:21:04 pm
I've two sites now.  ;D ;D

www.avondhu-internet.com
or
www.the-web-design-guy.com
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: H20cleaning on May 12, 2014, 11:04:57 pm
For us to have a website made by a web designer, would we have to have everythinf wrote out ready with pictures then send it over and they build a website?
Or do they do everything, then we tell them what to change or improve?
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: deeege on May 13, 2014, 06:39:43 am
For us to have a website made by a web designer, would we have to have everythinf wrote out ready with pictures then send it over and they build a website?
Or do they do everything, then we tell them what to change or improve?


A little bit of both.

Nat could build one with stock images and his own wording but he always encourages you to personalise it by putting your own images in there.
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 13, 2014, 07:59:56 am
To be honest I usually ask ppl to give me some basic company info and make up the rest myself for maximum google exposure & to optimise conversion rates, as most people who write their own text for a website do it completely backwards - the natural inclination is to be all about "How we work", "How WFP Works" etc etc,... when website text should be all about the benefits to the customer.
Text plays a big part in Google optimisation too, so its vital to get it right.

Images on the other hand are more important to the viewer - stock images often look too professional, unobtainable & expensive,... where real photos of you at work mightn't have the save slick pro photographers finish, but they resonate better with the home owner.

Photos shouldn't be "Dirty window - clean window - dirty conservatory - clean conservatory",.. you have to remember that you're not selling a service - you're selling YOURSELF as a service provider, so photos should be "Me cleaning a window - me cleaning a conservatory" etc etc.

ALWAYS include yourself or one of your workers in the website photos - tests show that this simple change can double the amount of phone calls you get from a website!!!
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: lee_dewing on May 13, 2014, 08:15:52 am
Hi  Duncan.
Nat just did my website.

www.dcswindowcleaning.co.uk

I tried making my own mrsite took hours and very frustrating and they advertise professionals on there to help you at a cost! I'm ashamed to say I had my own website in bits for 2 years as I give up then had a 2nd go recently and that is when I got in contact with Nat.

What i achieved compared to Nats is a world of difference.
Good luck Duncan but if you do decide on a web designer Nat gets a big thumbs up on here ;)


Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Terry Bullock on May 13, 2014, 09:27:32 am
Literally just finished mine yesterday. A lot of php/mysql/javascript involved, but it now does everything ~I want it to. As well as having an area for me where I can keep track of my work, etc, my customers can log in and see when I'm due next, pay their bill online, etc...
Nothing beats the satisfaction of having built it yourself, and knowing you can get it to do whatever you need it to.
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: duncan h on May 13, 2014, 11:07:40 am
To be honest I usually ask ppl to give me some basic company info and make up the rest myself for maximum google exposure & to optimise conversion rates, as most people who write their own text for a website do it completely backwards - the natural inclination is to be all about "How we work", "How WFP Works" etc etc,... when website text should be all about the benefits to the customer.
Text plays a big part in Google optimisation too, so its vital to get it right.

Images on the other hand are more important to the viewer - stock images often look too professional, unobtainable & expensive,... where real photos of you at work mightn't have the save slick pro photographers finish, but they resonate better with the home owner.

Photos shouldn't be "Dirty window - clean window - dirty conservatory - clean conservatory",.. you have to remember that you're not selling a service - you're selling YOURSELF as a service provider, so photos should be "Me cleaning a window - me cleaning a conservatory" etc etc.

ALWAYS include yourself or one of your workers in the website photos - tests show that this simple change can double the amount of phone calls you get from a website!!!
You say
"Photos shouldn't be "Dirty window - clean window - dirty conservatory - clean conservatory",.. you have to remember that you're not selling a service - you're selling YOURSELF as a service provider, so photos should be "Me cleaning a window - me cleaning a conservatory" etc etc

Isnt that what you di don Lees website?
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 13, 2014, 11:15:12 am
You say
"Photos shouldn't be "Dirty window - clean window - dirty conservatory - clean conservatory",.. you have to remember that you're not selling a service - you're selling YOURSELF as a service provider, so photos should be "Me cleaning a window - me cleaning a conservatory" etc etc

Isnt that what you di don Lees website?

True - but a lot of cleaners find it hard to get decent photos because they work alone, so I use the best they have for the time being with the promise that when they get chance to take better photo's I'll gladly swap them out.  ;)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: duncan h on May 13, 2014, 11:54:12 am
Do they run the website after you have finished it. I.E change pictures, prices etc
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 13, 2014, 11:59:27 am
Do they run the website after you have finished it. I.E change pictures, prices etc

Yep - the wordpress interface makes it relatively easy for anyone to change their own pictures, update text, add to the blog etc etc - - but if anyone is stuck I'm always happy to help out. :)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: SB Cleaning on May 13, 2014, 09:58:32 pm
Studio arts....mike does an excellent job ;)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: j timms on May 16, 2014, 08:18:26 pm
Loving that website dcs . Might have to have words with mr jones about creating one for myself . Good job
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: J.D on May 16, 2014, 11:26:05 pm
Nat done my website and i couldnt be happier. Its about to make me a millionaire........... ;)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Mike #1 on May 17, 2014, 05:55:10 am
Nat done my website and i couldnt be happier. Its about to make me a millionaire........... ;)

+1 apart from the millionaire bit . Mike
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: j timms on May 17, 2014, 08:22:44 am
What's the best way to get in touch with nat. I'm thinking a decent website has got to be the way forward these days.
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Nathanael Jones on May 17, 2014, 08:59:46 am
What's the best way to get in touch with nat. I'm thinking a decent website has got to be the way forward these days.


Send him a nice bottle of Midleton extra rare whiskey & he guarantees to call you back within a week - - or you could just drop an e-mail to info@avondhu-internet.com .:)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: S.W. Window Cleaning on May 17, 2014, 07:21:59 pm
Nathanael has just done mine. Im happy. What do you think?

http://allcrispandbright.co.uk/

Cheers,
Steve  :)
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: Clever Forum Name on May 17, 2014, 07:25:12 pm
Nathanael has just done mine. Im happy. What do you think?

http://allcrispandbright.co.uk/

Cheers,
Steve  :)

REALLY annoying on an ipad other than that it's ok.
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: CleanClear on May 17, 2014, 07:31:31 pm
To be honest I usually ask ppl to give me some basic company info and make up the rest myself for maximum google exposure & to optimise conversion rates, as most people who write their own text for a website do it completely backwards - the natural inclination is to be all about "How we work", "How WFP Works" etc etc,... when website text should be all about the benefits to the customer.
Text plays a big part in Google optimisation too, so its vital to get it right.

Images on the other hand are more important to the viewer - stock images often look too professional, unobtainable & expensive,... where real photos of you at work mightn't have the save slick pro photographers finish, but they resonate better with the home owner.

Photos shouldn't be "Dirty window - clean window - dirty conservatory - clean conservatory",.. you have to remember that you're not selling a service - you're selling YOURSELF as a service provider, so photos should be "Me cleaning a window - me cleaning a conservatory" etc etc.

ALWAYS include yourself or one of your workers in the website photos - tests show that this simple change can double the amount of phone calls you get from a website!!!

More good advice. Nat, i'm gonna compile your posts and make them into a book !!  ;D
10/10
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: david mark on May 19, 2014, 06:20:17 pm
Do you get any new work from the web sight or is Door knocking still the best way to drum up new customers
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: J.D on May 19, 2014, 06:31:40 pm
Your in and around my area Steve! I think I remember slashing your tyres not that long ago.  ;D
Title: Re: building a website
Post by: S.W. Window Cleaning on May 19, 2014, 09:14:00 pm
HaHa Very Funny JD.

Steve  ;D