Frequently asked question about website design.

Having a web site is probably the most cost-effective marketing resource available today. If you compare it to other marketing resources - printed brochures, business cards, flyers - a web site is much more flexible as it can be amended almost instantly. Apart from flexibility, a web site provides worldwide marketing exposure for a few pence a day.

Reduced cost of customer service - When customers finds the answer to their problem at your web site instead of having to call your company this reduces the man hours you need to provide to cover this service.

Faster customer service and increased satisfaction - People do not like to wait when they have an enquiry, by using the web site, they can get faster answers to their most pressing questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week 365 days a year.

Good customer service encourages customers to use the web site more often, which means they become more likely to use it for purchases and support. A Web-based service therefore lowers your company’s cost of sales.

Around the world there are many computers that store the information found on the Internet. Companies that own these computers are called "hosts", storing your website on one of these computers is called "hosting". Website owners rent space on one of the hosts computers therefore enabling their site to be seen on the internet.

 

A domain name is a unique name that identifies an Internet web site. To access a website you enter the domain name into Internet browser it begins with "www." for example PressKey's domain name is: www.presskey.biz

 

There are generically three types of web sites:

Business Information sites:(business card web site - normally 3 pages ) these cover

• departmental publications
• publicity
• recruitment
• news
• statutory information
• promotional material
• providing advice and requesting responses and feedback

Publicity Web sites: (brochure website)

these web sites provide an electronic catalogue of goods and services to users with requests being handled via email.

E-Commerce: (online store)

these are transactional web sites which are geared towards e-business and cover the whole online purchase process, from selection of products and services through to ordering and confirmation of online payment.

Before deciding which one is suitable for your business needs you need to decide what you are trying achieve via your site. Is your site :-

• a communication tool
• a detailed showcase of your product range or services
• an online store

3 Page Site - Business Card

This site provides your company with an online presences which enables you to keep in touch with existing customers and to attract new customers who are browsing the Internet.

The site will include:-

• The business name and logo
• A description of the business
• A summary of the products or services the business provides
• A contact name
• Business address
• Contact telephone number
• Fax number
• Email address
• Opening hours
• Photographs
• Feedback request form
• A map showing the location of the business

Brochure website

This site contains the same information as the 3-page site with additional pages that provide a more detailed description of your product and services.

Online store

This site contains the same information as the brochure website but has the capability for your customers to purchase your goods or services online. Currently there are about 18 million Internet users in the United Kingdom 37 percent of them are purchasing online, e-commerce is believed to generate £6.5 billion worth of business in this country over the next year. Hosting