Web Design Hertfordshire

Free overhaul for town council website

AN overhaul of Ware Town Council's website could happen for free.

Town Clerk Jill Rowlinson told the finance and resources committee that

the council is using the oldest website design version from the Exeter-based Vision ICT company.

She added there would be no charge to upgrade the website but there would be a cost of £425 to redesign it.

Cllr Jake Shropshire (Con, St Mary’s) said he knew a web designer who may possibly do the work for no charge.

Committee chairman Cllr Roy Lester (Con, Christchurch) agreed if it incurred no cost.

Cllr John Wing (Lib Dem, Trinity) said: "I have no objection as long as we don’t introduce lots of moving images and font types. As someone with an eye defect I find our website one of the easier to read from, unlike East Herts Council’s where I have serious difficulties."

Cllr Shropshire added you should be able to increase the font size of most websites at the click of a button.

Five free ways to simply promote a business online for free, Blog ...

When launching a new business, it is vital to spread the word to reach potential customers. When start-up budgets are tight and financial resources do not exist for online advertising, it is not always possible to use paid online options. At EP Productions we also encourage our Web Design clients to look at these methods.

Businesses can directly benefit from five separate routes to advertise themselves on the internet, totally for free.

1. Join relevant forum communities: By becoming a member of a related forum, business owners can engage with other like minded individuals. Contribute positively to discussions, but be careful not to blatantly ‘post spam’ which can only damage reputation. Use signature links in profiles if permitted. Why not start by posting a comment on this article?

2. Search Engine Optimisation: Known as SEO , part of this is the process of ensuring a site is initially listed in major search engines and at least retains (preferably increases) that position, known as ‘ranking’. Visitors will often find desired destinations from a rapid search, so relevant keywords and quality led content is extremely important. Most good web designers will do this for you, but it is worth checking your web address is recognised by the main search engines. For more information on Search Engine Optimisation Click Here.

3. Keep an online blog: Make this informative and interesting. Include the blog as part of a business site if possible and when externally based, ensure it links back to the business. Writing updates and helpful articles serve to attract new visitors and increase ‘SEO’, keeping a site vibrant. You can have a custom blog as an integral part of your Website or you can use a free service like Blogger.

4. Socialising: Online that is. Twitter, Facebook, My Space and Bebo are just a small number of ways to engage with thousands of potential customers. Create a free account on these, publishing interesting and engaging information to offer a ‘live’ and dynamic experience for others. One golden rule we have at EP Productions is talk about stuff you are doing and are interested in, DON’T try and sell your services directly. This is important because the social networks are exactly that – a place to be social and interesting!

5. Press Releases and industry related articles: Often neglected by smaller businesses. A well written, unique press release or article can often be submitted and accepted by a number of online sites, all free of charge. Article Base is one place you can do this. Click here.

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