DoodlyDog

30/10/2023

Talking to people about websites - and also to other people who've talked to people about websites - it's clear that cost can be a major factor influencing decision-making.

Many people blanche at the prospect of paying £1500 or £2000 for a website, especially if there are also significant on-costs, such as hosting.

Cost is invariably the reason that people choose to build their own sites - but creating a quality website and then managing it isn't always as easy as it seems.

And what seems like a money-saving idea might not look so great if visitors are put off by a website that's slow to load, hard to navigate, difficult to understand and looks unattractive.

People are all too often disappointed at the result of their efforts - usually because their site doesn't look professional enough and so doesn't show off their business in the way they'd hoped.

And then there are the worries about getting good images (poor ones can be a real turn-off), site security (are you keeping intruders out?) and making sure it’s backed up (imagine if your site stopped working – or even disappeared – what would you do?).

Yes, there are lots of reasons to think twice before taking the DIY website route.

So if you – or someone you know – is thinking about getting a website, but are concerned about the cost and not sure that DIY is a realistic option, then this offer could be for you …

I've joined forces with professional photographer Ray Jones to provide a website and photo package for startups, sole traders, micro businesses and small companies.

Sign up and you’ll benefit from the following:

IMAGES
· 20+ high quality professional photos
· A non-exclusive five-year usage license
· Two 15-second promotional videos
· Choice of location

WEBSITE
· Multi-page WordPress website
· Domain name registration (no service fee)
· Free 12 months quality hosting
· Free monthly maintenance checks for a year
· Free SEO software
· Free security software
· Free website backup software
· Free website performance software
· Free image compression software

Ray looks after the photos and videos side of things; I do the writing and website design.

Of course, you'll want to know how much all this costs.

The answer is £997.

That's why we've called it 997 Business.

To find out more, visit https://997.business; alternatively, email [email protected] or call 07759 162678.

And you don’t have to be just starting out – we’re more than happy to help established businesses who want to spruce up their online image.

27/10/2023

I'm delighted to announce the launch of a new venture with photographer Raymond Jones Images offering an affordable website and photo package for startups, sole traders, micro businesses and small companies.

We'll deliver a fully featured WordPress website and unique professional images to promote your business for just £997.

Ray does the photos and I'm responsible for the web design and writing.

Learn more at https://997.business.

10/07/2023

Many thanks indeed to Nigel Brook of Catnmouse Graphics design and print for delivering my promotional materials for this week's FSB North Wales conference.

Here's a quick look at the display stand that Nige has made for me.

It's made entirely from cardboard and paper - no plastic, no laminates - and really is biodegradable.

I'm the first Cat'n'Mouse client to try this amazing display stand - which you can see this Thursday if you're at .

So now I'm not only very excited to be speaking at this event, but am also really interested to see what people make of this innovative product from Italian firm Shop Mancini.

05/07/2023

The issue of business resilience will be under the spotlight on 13 July, when the Federation of Small Businesses - Wales annual conference takes place at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa

Sessions will cover topics such as financial wellbeing, personal resilience, mental toughness, customer service, cyber safety, social media for business, and promotional videos.

I'll be delivering a session about websites, and asking the question ‘Does your website need an MOT?'

There are so many factors that can put people off a website that the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’, so I'll be highlighting common problems and offering advice on tackling them.

To book a place at the conference, visit: https://fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/fsb-north-wales-small-business-conference-13july23.html

11/01/2023

Pleased to announce that I've added to my range of services.

If you're not sure what SEO is and whether it's worth investing in, check out my new pages:

Discover what search engine optimisation is, why Google is so important and why your web pages need to be on the first page of search results.

09/11/2022

Many of you will know that I've signed off from the business network breakfasts until I have my surgery, which is currently scheduled for early December.

This is just to thank Emily and Rob for their thoughtfulness and kindness in sending me a box of goodies ahead of the op.

When Emily warned me to expect a parcel in the post, I'd assumed it would be the bits of toast I'd left at the last breakfast and/or a bumper pack of business cards.

So imagine my surprise when I discovered it was some lovely vegetarian, non-alcoholic foodstuffs.

It was a lovely gesture and I'm really grateful. Many thanks indeed.

02/11/2022

If you manage your own website here's an highlighting 5 plugins that will make your life easier:

Imagify
WP Rocket
UpdraftPlus
Wordfence
and The SEO Framework.

25/10/2022

Great to be back at the The Celtic Community Network again.
I've missed my two slices of toast every other Friday almost as much as I've missed the networking and support.