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Ilkeston Web Design

Small Business Websites That Help You Sell

Solving Your Niggling Business Problems with Website Expertise πŸ’»

Home Β» Services

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Based inΒ Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and serving Derby, Nottingham, and the wider area, I solve digital marketing issues for small and medium businesses.

A Personalised In-depth Web Service Just For You

Do you need to create, fix or improve your website? Want to do better?

Perhaps you have the following issues:

  • ➑️ Your business needs a new website but you don’t know where to start or who to trust
  • ➑️ Your current website has broken or failed somehow and needs to be fixed
  • ➑️ Your current website is no longer fit for purpose or is out of date

What Does Your Business Need?

Contact me and explain your situation briefly using the email form.

I can either crack on with a website fix or we may need to arrange an initial 15 minute call to see whether or not we should embark on a new project – such as building a full website.

Building a New Website

I build most websites using WordPress. If you’re doing less than Β£30m in annual revenue, WordPress will be fine… unless there’s some special requirement that excludes it.Β 

WordPress logo

WordPress is a well known, powerful publishing platform ideal for building a wide range of website types.

Commercial or Non-profit, government or political, WordPress has been relied upon by millions of websites all over the world since the mid 2000s.

Websites Built with WordPress Are Ideal for Small Businesses

All these website “systems” have trade offs, though. There’s Wix, Shopify, Magento, Drupal, Joomla, Sanity, and others that don’t really have the same magic and flexibility that WordPress brings to the table for small businesses.

Learn more about choosing between WordPress and an entirely custom-built website, and please, stay away from Yell.

Fees Charged for Building a New Website

The following video sheds light on the time, skill, methods, knowledge and fees involved for the build and launch of a website.

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Making the Website Build Process Go Smoothly

If we embark on building a new website, it has to be done right. Emails get lost, and things that are said/agreed might be forgotten. It’s a headache.

Therefore a simple project management system will be used for keeping the “to-do”, “in progress” and “done” list in one place. You’ll be given access to this although I will manage the tasks.

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Domain, Website Hosting and Other Software

As part of any new website project, I’ll help you choose and purchase webhosting, domains, security certificates etc.

You’d have control of these accounts including usernames and passwords.

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Appointment Booking Software for Your Website

Online calendar systems can be integrated into your website as a way for people to book enquiries, attend workshops, have consultations, etc.

Not all businesses need this, but most of them can benefit purely from a time management perspective.

I will guide you in choosing the right software, and then configure and integrate it with your website – only if you need/want it.

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Marketing with Content and Copywriting

Good business messaging and positioning is key, otherwise, you look and sound like everyone else in your market.

A website with good content is an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, expertise, competence, wisdom, and trustworthiness.Β 

Written words are THE most important part, whether it’s a sales letter or what is said in a video. Marketing and communication is the entire purpose of the website… yet the average small business overlooks this or makes it a low priority.

I’ll help you with the writing.

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Suspects, Prospects, Buyers

Any business really needs to think of itself as a funnel. Basically, suspects and prospects go in the top, and buyers come out of the bottom.

The pages we choose to create for the website should hit critical parts of the funnel – starting with the “bottom” of the funnel.

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More Hands Off, Less Pressure to “Sell”

Good online content can work as a 24 hour sales team. Whether it’s videos, podcasts, articles, blogs, eBooks or other pieces of key content, it all helps take pressure off whoever deals with enquiries and whoever does the selling.

Rather than repeat the same information on the phone as much, or trying to persuade or convince people, let your content be your assistant.

A well-optimised website set up for sales conversions (by explaining your products/services in a helpful way) works for your 24/7. Take this approach to your business, and you might be able to take time off or go on holiday simply because the way customers learn about how you can help them is more hands off.

Niching Down

It’s a good idea to divide everything you want to say on a website into individual pages. Break it down.

An electrician, for example, might divide their service offering into “domestic” and “commercial”, with sub sections under each of those pages.Β 

Messaging, Targeting, Tone of Language

The clever electrician would actually build two separate websites – one targeting domestic work and the other targeting commercial work. Two different types of customer, and therefore two different websites with their own style and tone.Β 

Of course, on paper, this would all be run under one company, but each website functions as an independent funnel and separate brand.

Fixing Broken Stuff

Ok, entire website build aside, has something broken on your site? Whatever it is, I can investigate. I may need to call up your host on the phone and figure out the problem/solution.Β 

For that, we’d have to arrange the safe/secure transfer of any login password credentials so I can access the products/services you use for your current website. I’ll guide you on this.

Watch video on YouTube

All Sites are Mobile Friendly

One more thing… all the sites I build work well on smaller devices, like smartphones, which in most cases is the first thing people reach for when they access the internet.

We’re no longer living in a “fixed-width website world”, but one where everything is fluid and adaptable to different devices. Things have to load on small devices, which means tweaking and optimising everything so it isn’t horribly slow.

Getting a website to go fast involves many tactics: such as converting all images to better formats like WEBP, and applying a CDN such as Cloudflare.

Derby Photography Website

Small Business Websites That Help You Sell

Do you manage or own a small business? Do you need someone to help you with everything or just certain aspects of a website?

Let’s arrange an initial 15 minute call.


Services

πŸ’» Website Services

  • πŸ“ Web design
  • βš™οΈ Web development
  • πŸ” SEO
  • πŸ›’ eCommerce
  • πŸ‡Ό WordPress
  • πŸ”§ Admin and maintenance
  • 🌐 Graphic logo design
  • ⌨️ Content writing
  • πŸ“§ Email marketing
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Domain security certificates

What Else Do I Do?

  • πŸŽ“ Remote/Phone Consulting
  • πŸŽ“ In Person Consulting

What Do Others Say About Ilkeston Web Design?

Website design and build
March 27, 2024
    

"Darren provided me with such a positive experience during the website design process! Having a professional like Darren who can guide you through complex tasks and ensure everything meets your expectations was invaluable. I feel reassured that future collaborations speak volumes about the trust and confidence I have in Darren's abilities. I have built a strong working relationship with a reliable professional.
If I could give Darren more Stars I would, thank you Darren."

Mark Stirzaker
Mujimono Koi

Website design and build
March 27, 2024
    

"Spot on man
All ways there if you need any assistance
And very competitive"

Stephen Brown
Alpha Music

Website design and build
August 17, 2021
    

"Thank you Darren, from Cossall Parish Council, for our new website. Your help and advice was brilliant. We are delighted with the site."

Marie Gilbert
Cossall Parish Council

Website admin and maintenance
August 17, 2021
    

"Thank you Darren at Ilkeston Web Design for fixing my website!

While having a go at creating my own website, I encountered unexpected issues. This led me to google solutions to the problem. Unable to resolve the issue myself, I admitted defeat and contacted Darren, after watching one of his informative videos on YouTube. Darren was quick to respond with a solution and even offered to take a look at the website. I sent the website across to Darren, who rapidly fixed the issues. Darren also made a video especially for my website, to talk me through the next stage and how to make it live. Darren exceeded my expectations, especially as he had no obligation to help me out. I couldn't recommend Darren enough and would contact Ilkeston Web Design for anything web related in the future.
Fast, knowledgeable and affordable advice!"

Deb Cox
Deb Cox

Website admin and maintenance
August 17, 2021
    

"I hired Darren to move my website over to a new host. Darren was very professional during the whole process. He helped me, a very unknowledgeable website owner, every step of the way. He even called my old host on my behalf and made video tutorials showing me how to create a backup of my website and how to proceed with my new hosting account. He was very communicative with me, so I was always updated during the process. He delivered great value, which exceeded my expectations, all for an affordable price. I highly recommend hiring Darren for your website needs!"

Misti Hammers
Misti's Fonts

Website design and build
August 17, 2021
    

"Ashcourt Lettings have used Darren at Ilkeston Web Design exclusively for several years. The service we have received has been truly outstanding with great attention to detail, excellent communication, solid advice and always superb value for money. We would highly recommend Darren and Ilkeston Web Design to anyone in need of a knowledgeable, enthusiastic website expert."

Terry Booth
Ashcourt Lettings

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"Excellent web design company with a great knowledge of the requirements of small businesses. Always friendly and helpful."

Elizabeth Bailey
Love Typing

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"Simply brilliant. I had seen Darrens work previous to him doing my website and already knew how good he was but he continued to amaze me with the quality of the end product. He was allowed to add some of his own ideas to my website which he did and I feel he really understood what I wanted. Again I can't praise Darren enough and he's a real pleasure to work with."

Thomas Springthorpe
Midland Damp Doctor

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"Extremely helpful with some excellent ideas. Darren's enthusiasm and knowledge made a difficult process of web design very easy. Also a very reasonably priced service. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Check his work out www.staywarmanddry.co.uk."

Stephen Parry
Stay Warm and Dry

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"Having previously employed a large web design company that I had become disillusioned with, I searched locally and found Ilkeston Web Design. I spoke to Darren and quickly became impressed with his knowledge and passion for building good quality web sites. He explained various options and after agreeing on a plan for a mobile responsive site, he quickly got to work, keeping me informed every step of the way.
I'm really pleased with the finished result. I feel confident I will get great results from it. I would have no hesitation in engaging Ilkeston Web Design in the future and recommend Darren to anyone looking for an engaging, productive web site."

John Buck
Uniglaze Windows

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"A good service with a knowledgeable company. Very heplful in decision making and with guidance, all at a good price. Thank you from Heanor Chiropractic Clinic."

Shaun Knighton
Heanor Chiropractic Clinic

Website design and build
June 21, 2017
    

"Great advice, very thorough and very very helpful. Lovely guy who cannot do enough to help.
Would definately recommend πŸ™‚ "

Sarita White
Sarita White Photography

 

 

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Juicy Business Web Tips

The Complexity of eCommerce Shops (and a Handy WordPress Plugin That Helps) πŸ”§

Learn how a detailed product inventory spreadsheet is the key to getting a large eCommerce store up and running with less hassle, fewer headaches and in a fraction of the time.

Quick and Simple Ways to Make Your Business Better with Data πŸ₯‡

You don’t need to be a big-brained boffin to spot vital “data” clues pointing to fixable business issues and golden opportunities.

Yell Websites Review: Greedy Salespeople and £1.1bn Corporate Fraud Says It All 🚨

The minute Yell salespeople catch your scent, they’ll be humping your leg begging for money in exchange for crap web services to a backdrop of corporate fraud.

“Let’s Talk About Meee!” The Age-old Problem of Insufferable Self-focussed Business Websites πŸ˜’

It’s no wonder businesses fail when marketing activities are treated like an afterthought, with the smoking gun being their own inward self obsession.

Reduce Telephone Time Wasters with Online Calendar Appointment Software (TidyCal) πŸ—“οΈ

Rather than react to random phone calls (and give up control of your time), have prospects arrange to talk via an embedded website calendar system.

Website Hell: Forgotten Usernames and Passwords Will Kill Your Business πŸ’€

Have the foresight to ensure business operations don’t grind to a halt because of missing or lost website logins/usernames/passwords.

Attract! Seduce! Sell! Use Your Website as a Marketing Funnel πŸ‘₯

Want to attract more leads but avoid time wasters? Want to talk to the right prospects and sell without hassle? You need a marketing funnel.

Planning and Building a Website? For the Love of God, Manage the Process Properly! βœ…

Believe me when I tell you that trying to build a website without a process or management system is a one way ticket to delay, disaster and stress.

What Does a Serious Business Website Realistically Cost? πŸ’·

Let’s sit down and discuss the time, skill, methods, knowledge and true fees involved for the build and launch of a business website that actually helps you sell.

What Happens When Webhosting and WordPress Software Isn’t Kept Up-to-date? ⚠️

If you don’t maintain the webhosting PHP version and the software WordPress runs on, your website can malfunction, break or disappear from search engines.

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