Its been a very busy time here at HeHa, hence the lack of posting to this blog,  for a new business things are moving along fine. If you have a look at my portfolio you can see I have quite a few new and existing projects on the go.

If you want to see what you can do with the internet and webdesign have a look at the webby awards and annual event for web design (and other things) I suppose the equivalent of the oscars. Some really good stuff here.

webby awards

3.  Welcome do Come in…

This is all about hosting. Choosing the correct host for your site is very important. Some are excellent, some no so much.. There are differences so make sure you do your homework. Ask yourself a number of questions don’t just go on price:

1. What are the details on the package I am buying?
2. Is the package I buy now easily upgraded if needed? (If your site expands due to your business expanding)
3. Do I get a domain name with the hosting ?
4. Is  the domain name easily transferable if needed?
5. How good is the hosting company? (you can check them out on review sites such as this one)
6. Do I need to host with a UK based hosting company? (answer: NO)
7. Do I know anyone with a website, how is their hosting company? (Same as web designers, hosting companies use recommendations)
8. Do I host with my designer? (Not necessarily)

Answer all these questions and do your research and you should be okay

Well I think I have had my 15 mins of fame made it onto Radio Cornwall yesterday with a piece about Outset Cornwall (helped me start up my business). If you really want to listen click on the link below and scroll the slide through to about 1 hr and 25 mins into the show

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00kqy8n/

1. How do you keep it current?

Think about how you are going to keep your site updated or fresh. A site that never changes will eventually “dissappear off the radar”. One example is to use a blog, maybe your site is quite static and the content won’t change very much but the blog will keep things ticking along.

2. It’s all in the “eman”, sorry name

Your domain name is very important. Unless you are a real “name” using your real name may not get the results you wish , in terms of being found (if you see what I mean). Let me explain, in my case if someone was just generally searching for web designers in the Redruth area they wouldn’t search for me by name so having my name as my domain name would be a bit pointless. By all means buy your name as a domain if you want to but also consider buying at least one domain  that describes what you do. Or make sure the potential search term is incorporated into a domain name, hence why I have “web design” in my domain, searchers would use “web design” in their search terms if they wanted a  designer. The search term is included in my domain name – search engines like this a lot!

e.g. John Smith sells bespoke widgets he wouldn’t have just johnsmith.co.uk he would have johnsmithwidgets.co.uk so the search term widgets is in the domain name

As an introduction I am offering  this “startup deal” for all those who are just starting out in business. To help you get your online presence and your more traditional real world advertising off to a great start I am offering this:

• Initial consultation
• 500 professionally designed and printed business cards
• 500 professionally designed and printed single side DL leaflets
• 5 page search engine friendly  website to include, home page, contact page and 3 others of your choice

All this for £500

contact us about this offer

Are you looking for a slightly different social network?

Check this out …. Google +.  Still in its early phase and has limited access at the moment. It can be a little difficult to “get your head around”. If it takes off and there is every indication that it will judging by the fact that there are no more demo accounts!  Could it be a rival to facebook  depends what google does?

Will update some more on this when I have had a good old “play”! (asssuming I get an account soon)

Google Plus intro page

“Arrived” on facebook this morning, getting there!

We are almost there with our website. Been so busy with our clients sites that my own site has taken a bit of a back seat. A web designer without a website how ironic!