Show us your website!

[D Skelton]

Mr Skelton, i like your website a lot! did you write all the contents? don't tell me you built it yourself!!!

Thank you. Yeah, did it all myself

 

[vb6951]

Thank you. Yeah, did it all myself

wow, sure you can write stuff, very impressive!!!

 

[DPG]

Good clean looking site that. Daz

 

[Hawkmoon]

Be gentle......... and note - I'm no longer with Elecsa, this will be removed when my web guy gets round to it.

SJH Electrical - Electrical Testing in Liverpool and Merseyside

Nice...crisp/clean/professional looking - in process of creating web page myself, would be happy with this type of 'look'

 

[sparks1234]

Ok
so we all have websites
but
1/ how do YOU get yours known
2/ do you get much business from it

 

[Hawkmoon]

Ok
so we all have websites
but
1/ how do YOU get yours known
2/ do you get much business from it

You could employ a company such as:

Vertical Leap - Award-winning UK search marketing agency

or similar

 

[JM ELECTRICAL]

Ok
so we all have websites
but
1/ how do YOU get yours known
2/ do you get much business from it

i'm with go daddy and i have bought there seo tool, dont know how well it works yet though website has been submitted to google still to see were it ranks, although im not expecting it too rank too hing as it is unfinished and doesnt have alot of content.

 

[HandySparks]

Ok
so we all have websites
but
1/ how do YOU get yours known
2/ do you get much business from it

To answer the second part first, of the last 20 customers, 7 found me by doing an internet search. This is a fairly typical rate at present. So, for me, having a decent website is important.


Firstly, I'll admit that my website, Andrew Neish, Electrician and Handyman isn't very stylish, but that doesn't seem to matter much (although it's nice to have).

Get the content right. Say what you need to say, without too much waffle. People want to know whether they can trust you to do a good job at a reasonable price. Often, customers will prefer to use someone local, rather than a national firm.

Say who you are. I'm a one man band, aiming to make a decent living by serving the local community, so I make it clear who I am, where I live, and how to get in touch (including a landline number). It's clear that if they have a problem with a job, I'll be around to put it right and they know where to find me, which makes it more likely that I'll do a good job in the first place.

Say what areas you cover. List the towns and villages and the postcodes. If someone's searching for an 'electrician in Liphook' or 'electrical contractor in GU30' then make sure that the relevant words are there, in close proximity on the page. I recently added 'electrical contractor' when I realised that I didn't have those words anywhere.

Say what sort of work you do.

If possible put an indication of your rates. You don't even want enquiries from customers who won't pay the rate you're looking for and it helps if enquirers already know how much you're likely to charge.

Get the spelling, punctuation and sentence structure right. If someone finds your website and it's full of errors, it doesn't look very professional and may be a reflection on your attention to detail. They may choose to look elsewhere.

Get as many relevant links to your site as possible. Get a free listing with the various companies that offer this: 192.com, electrician near me, FreeIndex, My Local Electrician, Netmums, Scoot, Thompson Local, Yell. The most useful one is a listing on Google Places.

Put your website address in your signature on the forums.

I get some work via a local community website. People ask for recommendations for tradesmen and I have several with a link to my website. I keep an eye on the website in case someone wants an electrician. Sometimes I'll offer a bit of advice, which looks better than 'recommending' yourself. If a customer has found me via the community website, I'll ask them to add an entry to the relevant thread, mentioning that I did a good job for them.

I have some thoughts of adding a Facebook page, but it will need regular entries to keep it fresh, so I've not bothered yet.

So, without spending anything on professional SEO, my website is on page one of Google for the search terms relevant to my business.

If you're checking how well your site does on a Google search, click on the 'Hide private results' button (top RH corner) to remove the tendency for it to show results that you've clicked on before (as far as I know).

 

[DPG]

Handysparks - like the website and like the work. The website may not look as flashy as some, but to be honest I think a lot of people will prefer that. Big flashy websites scream 'corporate' and 'loads of money' rather than honest sole trader, etc.

Thought the black museum was going to be some sort of racist thing. Ha ha. Only kidding. Daz

 

[vb6951]

Thank you. Yeah, did it all myself

if you don't mind I'm asking which web building software you using for your web?

thanks

 

[D Skelton]

if you don't mind I'm asking which web building software you using for your web?

thanks

No software mate. It's HTML based with CSS. I wrote the look, the layout, the content and the function of the site by hand. There's a tiny bit of Javascript and a weeny bit of PHP thrown in for good measure

 

[overskilled]

Skelton: I showed my Mrs (artist / designer) your website.
Her comments (restricted to the index page):
"not a bad site" however she raised the following points
- Free web index box, "BIN IT" - it clashes with the rest of the site and doesn't fit in with the professional style of the rest of the site and lowers the tone of the site, "makes me wonder if any higher rated electricians work locally and that your not sure of your competence...as though your trying too hard to prove it"
- Phone number should be the same font as the logo, would look more consistent and ergo more professional, suggests bringing it over to the left or centreing the logo and putting the phone number below
- Bring the 24 hour emergency graphic to the left side of the text referring to the 24 hour emergency stuff and either move the photo thats currently there or get rid of the photo
- related links - too prominent, drowns out more business critical stuff, perhaps titled "useful links" instead, though she would have it binned
- Too much text, looks cluttered and "busy". She suggests you look at the wording and see if you can cull some of it / condense it...at risk of being TLR (Too Long : Didn't Read) and losing the attention of your site "audience"
- Would bin the slideshow graphic as its "distracting" and "adds to the clutter" and "obvious stock images"
- Style looks professional but needs some tweaking to bring it into sync - i.e. more consistent font use / font sizes

Hope that helps and gives you some food for thought...

 

[D Skelton]

Thanks for the info mate, I shall pass this on to a few people and see what there thoughts are. You have to realise that layout opinions are subjective.

Anyone else on here concur with overskilled's mrs?

 

[overskilled]

Thanks for the info mate, I shall pass this on to a few people and see what there thoughts are. You have to realise that layout opinions are subjective.

Anyone else on here concur with overskilled's mrs?

I do realise...

As mentioned...thats her opinion as a designer.....and a customer...

*shrugs*

 

[Silly Sausage]

Anyone else on here concur with overskilled's mrs?

The few Scottish women I know, well, disagreeing isn't usually an option!

 

[overskilled]

She's Canadian...which tbh is worse....

 

[sparks1234]

Going on from not being VAT registered.
Does anyone else avoid being registered, I can see its a little bit of agro but any decent book keeper sorts it out as they go, I personally don't see the point in not registering

 

[D Skelton]

Going on from not being VAT registered.
Does anyone else avoid being registered, I can see its a little bit of agro but any decent book keeper sorts it out as they go, I personally don't see the point in not registering

My accountant advises me when is best to register and what type of registration to choose, when is best to deregister, when to operate as ltd and when to operate as sole trader.

 

[HandySparks]

Anyone else on here concur with overskilled's mrs?

Actually, yes. When it's pointed out, I can see that what she says makes sense. But then I subscribe to the 'keep it simple' philosophy for websites.

I'd appreciate overskilled's mrs' views on mine. I'm guessing that she'll find it a bit amateur looking.

 

[overskilled]

Handy - I'll ask her when she's got a sec....lol perhaps she could make a career out of it...might pay better than drawing stuff has thus far....

 

[overskilled]

Handy -
1) Bin the Green/Red Text - Pick a colour and stick with it, unless its a clickable link
2) Make your name bigger
3) Banner at the top needs looked at....reminds her of the 90s...too many colours essentially - pick variations on the same colour...too much colour diversity
4) Or you can e-mail me at

<< email looks blurry and out of focus
5) Put your "Neish Electrical Services" graphic on the top left banner as it looks better
6) she says she would go over it with a fine tooth comb if she had more free time.

 

[HandySparks]

Thanks. I'll mull this lot over and see if I can come up with something that looks better co-ordinated.

 

[overskilled]

Its not a bad site, its just too many colours going on... maybe swap the red for a slightly different shade of yellow / orange and change the green to a blue?

 

[D Skelton]

The way I see it, there will always be improvements to make. I reckon I will be tweaking my site until the day I pack it in! As electricians we tend to be perfectionists, and as such we will rarely be happy with what we've got!

 

[overskilled]

indeed we are...better we get...the more we see that needs improved...

 

[dan86]

rarely go on this site on the pc, and as a result, haven't looked at many of the sites on here. Have just had a quick look at yours though Mr Skelton. Very nice indeed, but I did notice a spelling mistake on your data & networking page. quote: We use data transmition to integrate even the smallest of systems spot the mistake...
apart from that, all good.

 

[D Skelton]

Sorted that one! Thank you

 

[HandySparks]

Its not a bad site, its just too many colours going on... maybe swap the red for a slightly different shade of yellow / orange and change the green to a blue?

Cheers. Just had a dabble with the orange and blue theme, which I recon looks cleaner, although maybe a bit hard on the eyes. Might try de-saturating the blocks of colour.

It's interesting how the same colour appears different, depending on the area of colour involved. We found this with computer keyboards, that you don't really notice the exact colour of the keytop lettering, although the colour of the keytop itself is very noticeable.

 

[overskilled]

Its much better already, especially without the grey.unk:
I'd consider sticking your name below the neish graphic in slightly bigger text, electrician and handyman below that in the same size its currently in
About the same level but centered...your phone number in much bigger letters...
Or
phone number in big letters below the neish graphic
and your name and trades on the right below the elecsa graphic
Getting there mate...just keep fiddling around with it...

 

[overskilled]

I see what you mean about the orange and blue, its slightly "trippy"...maybe white text instead of orange?

 

[HandySparks]

I see what you mean about the orange and blue, its slightly "trippy"...maybe white text instead of orange?

Funny you should say that. I've been playing around with tweeking the saturation of the blues and oranges and decided that orange lettering on blue just isn't going to work; not enough contrast and an odd effect on the eyes. Came to the same conclusion that white looks better.

I've lightened the main block of blue slightly and darkened the blue lettering in the side menu.

 

[HandySparks]

Its much better already, especially without the grey.unk:
I'd consider sticking your name below the neish graphic in slightly bigger text, electrician and handyman below that in the same size its currently in
About the same level but centered...your phone number in much bigger letters...
Or
phone number in big letters below the neish graphic
and your name and trades on the right below the elecsa graphic
Getting there mate...just keep fiddling around with it...

Thanks, I'll have a try with this. There's the compromise between making the header prominent enough, but not taking up too much space, forcing the reader to scroll down for the content on the rest of the page.

 

[HandySparks]

There are another couple of issues to consider: how does the page print (although you wouldn't expect many to do this), and how does it work on a small screen (phones and other mobile devices). I generally try to make a website 'flow' properly if the window is squeezed down, rather than making everything fixed width. Also maybe worth putting the important stuff on the LH side where it's most likely to be visible without scrolling sideways.

 

[Hawkmoon]

Going on from not being VAT registered.
Does anyone else avoid being registered, I can see its a little bit of agro but any decent book keeper sorts it out as they go, I personally don't see the point in not registering

VAT registration has pros:

It can, to some customers make you appear more professional/established.
Makes major purchases significantly cheaper (van, plant etc).
If you do your own bookkeeping (as I do), it ensures you keep on top of it at least every 3 months including bank reconciliation (ensures no lost receipts).
You are cheaper to VAT registered customers.

and cons:

You are more expensive to non VAT registered customers.
You have extra paperwork (though not difficult).

 

[vb6951]

VAT registration has pros:

It can, to some customers make you appear more professional/established.
Makes major purchases significantly cheaper (van, plant etc).
If you do your own bookkeeping (as I do), it ensures you keep on top of it at least every 3 months including bank reconciliation (ensures no lost receipts).
You are cheaper to VAT registered customers.

and cons:

You are more expensive to non VAT registered customers.
You have extra paperwork (though not difficult).

great information hawk, but I'm just little confused. I though as sole trader/small ltd all tools (still depends how much tax we pay)we could claim as capital allowance, and phone bill, fuel, van insurance, travlling mileage etc. claim as business expenses. So now I'm confusing about this VAT, don't know if I'm right, is that mean we can claim VAT when we exceeding our capital allowance? Other word, before exceeding the allowrence we could claim in full? Hope this make sense.

 

[Hawkmoon]

great information hawk, but I'm just little confused. I though as sole trader/small ltd all tools (still depends how much tax we pay)we could claim as capital allowance, and phone bill, fuel, van insurance, travlling mileage etc. claim as business expenses. So now I'm confusing about this VAT, don't know if I'm right, is that mean we can claim VAT when we exceeding our capital allowance? Other word, before exceeding the allowrence we could claim in full? Hope this make sense.

The capital allowance as with other end year stuff applies to your net income/expenses, the VAT element is not applied to your tax return directly - though your profits will be up slightly if you are registered as expenses are costing you only net, not gross

 

[Hawkmoon]

The capital allowance as with other end year stuff applies to your net income/expenses, the VAT element is not applied to your tax return directly - though your profits will be up slightly if you are registered as expenses are costing you only net, not gross

Sorry may not have fully understood your question - You claim back full VAT at the date/quarter of purchase - irrespective of capital 'carry over' allowances.

Hope that's clearer

 

[Octopus]

great information hawk, but I'm just little confused. I though as sole trader/small ltd all tools (still depends how much tax we pay)we could claim as capital allowance, and phone bill, fuel, van insurance, travlling mileage etc. claim as business expenses. So now I'm confusing about this VAT, don't know if I'm right, is that mean we can claim VAT when we exceeding our capital allowance? Other word, before exceeding the allowrence we could claim in full? Hope this make sense.

Suggest you consult an accountant. Using forum information for HMRC stuff isn't recommended.

 

[Hawkmoon]

Suggest you consult an accountant. Using forum information for HMRC stuff isn't recommended.

mmm - this is pretty basic stuff if you do your own VAT

But thanks for putting me in 'my place' lol :biggrin:

 

[Octopus]

mmm - this is pretty basic stuff if you do your own VAT

But thanks for putting me in 'my place' lol :biggrin:

Not putting "you in your place". The poster is clearly confused and having multiple people on here giving conflicting info isn't going to help.

 

[overskilled]

I had a look last night with my phone (Android 4.0, default browser) it renders ok, apart from the side bar that floats (stays on the left side of the screeen) meaning if you drag the page over, the side bar ends up on top of the page text

 

[HandySparks]

I had a look last night with my phone (Android 4.0, default browser) it renders ok, apart from the side bar that floats (stays on the left side of the screeen) meaning if you drag the page over, the side bar ends up on top of the page text

Yes, I've used the same floating side bar on another site; I like the fact that the navigation menu is always there, even if you scroll down. It works well on a large screen, but I've had the odd adverse comment from some smartphone users, particularly iPhones.

 

[overskilled]

Does look a better though mate, much more consistent and "clean" looking.
Mrs had a look at your carpentry page nice photos, but could do with some description as to whats going on in the photos for those not carpentry minded, along with a cost estimate to do something similar for another customer.

 

[amlu]

Inphase Electrical Services

yeah i should have some co.uk or .com but was not available, anyway got some side projects and .org may come handy one day.

site done diy with a pixie cms web management package. it works.
saves me messing up manually with html and css.

hosting costs less than £20 a year far away in Eastern Europe ;-) (xon.pl)