frequently asked questions (faq)

Question: Do I need a website?

Answer: Yes! Every business needs a website. Even if you are completely happy with all aspects of the way your business operates, a website can help you reach new customers, partners and other stake-holders. It can also help you save costs and increase profits.

Question: But I manage without a website now - why do I need one, and when?

Answer: It is estimated that only around 25% of small and medium businesses in the South of England currently have a website. Many of them are doing fine as they are, aren't they? But, there are many advantages to getting online now, before your competitors leave you behind. At a minimum, a website can act as a company brochure, and provide information about products, location, customers, etc. that would cost you more money to provide by traditional methods, and reach audiences that you don't currently reach.

Question: Maybe I could build my own website?

Answer: Many organisations do, but they could probably use the time and staff more effectively tending to their core business. And if building websites isn't your business, usually it shows.

Question: Shouldn't I use a big agency to build my website?

Answer: It depends how complex you think you need your website to be, and how much you want or will have to spend. (hint: the relationship between complexity and cost isn't linear!) Also, many web agencies may lock you into technologies that will be difficult and expensive to extract yourself from - take care before you commit yourself to that.

Question: I may start with a simple website, but I will need to add functions to it sooner rather than later, so how can I make sure it is extensible?

Answer: It is generally better to get started with your main requirements rather than wait until you have specified everything you think you need. And in any case, you will usually not precisely know what you really want at the follow-on stage until you familiarise yourself with what you have built at the first stage (Lehman's law). It will almost always cost less overall to start small and simple, and build more sophistication as you learn what your organisation really needs in practice, even if you start again from scratch!

Question: How much will it cost?

Answer: A simple basic professional website, like this one, can cost just a few hundred pounds. If a bigger site is required, with more links, graphics etc, then it will cost more according to your requirements. Why not call us for a preliminary discussion, with no commitment.

For further information contact Runela.