Do I Need to Pay for Web Hosting?

/in , , , /by

Web hosting services are online services that host websites for clients. There are many different web hosting companies that provide similar services. Some web hosting services are free, whereas others will charge for their assistance. Which type of web hosting service you go for may depend on a number of different factors – the pros of using both paid and free web design companies can be found below.

Why should you go with a web hosting service instead of developing your own website?

Whilst many people do choose to develop their own websites or hire a developer to do it for them, some will choose to go with a web design company instead. It is often easier to get somebody else to host your website for you, as most web hosting companies will do a lot of the hard work for you, and this will save precious time that could be spent working on your business. Web hosting companies often offer additional features too, such as security tools, email accounts and server space to store your files.

Pros of paying for a web hosting service.

The phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ applies here – if you pay for a reputable web hosting service to host your website, you usually get a higher quality of website. One of the big draws of paying for this service is that they are usually ad-free and if your website is full of ads, this may turn off potential visitors to your site. Web hosting companies that charge for this service are often more reliable and will usually provide more server space for your files. Paid web hosting services provide more security and safety features, which may be worthwhile paying for, especially if you are concerned about any personal data being stolen.

Pros of using a free web hosting service.

The main pro of using a free web hosting service is rather obvious – it’s free. A small business just trying to get off the ground may prefer to use a free web hosting company to start with as money can sometimes be tight for a new business and you can switch to a paid service afterwards. It also depends on the reason for the website, for example, if you’re creating a website for fun or for friends and family, then you may not be concerned about paying for a web design company to host your website.

If you are creating a website for a business, however small, it makes sense to use a web design company to build your website and provide web hosting for you. Your website will look professional and be much more secure.

To learn more about website hosting and which type of website design company you should use, get in touch with us today.

Why Your Website Should Have A ‘Who We Are’ Page

/in , , , /by

People are naturally wary of what they don’t know. This is why a ‘who we are’ page is an important part of web design. Your customers will be able to get an idea of who you are, how long you have been in business, and what services or products you offer.

Do I really need a ‘who we are’ page?

When landing on a home page or a landing page, some users will naturally want to gravitate to a page that tells them more about the business, so if you don’t have a ‘who we are’ page, you are missing a great opportunity to tell your story and increase your site’s dwell time. If they understand more about your business, they will feel more confident about buying from you – resulting in higher conversion rates!

What to include on a ‘who we are’ page

Your company’s culture is one of its biggest assets. It sets you apart from your competitors and makes you unique. A ‘who we are’ page gives you the opportunity to share what makes your company special, and shows potential customers that you are a business they can trust.

Including videos and images on your page is a great way to give people a snapshot of your company culture. You can also use text to explain what values drive your business and how these are reflected in the work that you do.

If you have won awards or been featured in the media, be sure to mention this on your page as well! This will help build trust with potential customers and show them that you are a credible business.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and easy to find on your website. You should also consider including a contact form on your page, so people can easily send you a message. This makes it easy for potential customers to get in touch with you if they have any questions or want more information about your company and means you can maximise the number of potential leads this page drives into your sales funnel.

Get started today

A ‘who we are’ page is an important part of any business website. It helps build trust with potential customers and showcases what makes your company special. Don’t miss this opportunity to sell your company and its fantastic people. To find out more about creating a ‘who we are’ page, contact us at Real Internet today.

Why Do We Need Web Hosting Services?

/in , , , /by

A web hosting service is an internet service that hosts websites for clients, with these platforms becoming increasingly popular over the last two decades. There are many reasons why a client may want to use a web hosting service instead of hiring a developer to do the work, including:

Improved SEO

Improved search engine optimization (SEO) is one reason why web hosting services may be needed. Choosing to use a web hosting service, or even changing the provider you use can change your SEO success and long term strategy. Search engines such as Google often rank websites based on the speed of the site, so choosing a faster web hosting company may improve your SEO, which may be preferable for a business.

Efficiency

Using a web hosting and management company can also be more efficient for the user – this means that they do not have to waste vital time developing the hardware and software of the website itself, which frees up more time to work on the business. Web hosting services can also save money in the long run and, depending on the website design company used, may not cost too much to host (this is often cheaper than hiring a developer too). Delegating such tasks to a web hosting company may make the business more efficient overall.

Ease of use

Web hosting services are often easier for people to use. Instead of trying to create your own website from scratch or hiring a developer, such services generally have a lot of features built into them and offer an intuitive control panel, which can make it much easier to use. Website owners can then easily manage their website and build upon it in an easier fashion.

Space

When you sign up to a web hosting service, you are also paying for the space that the service has on the server to store the files needed for your website. This means that you can use the space provided by the service without having to pay for extra space elsewhere, making for both an easier and potentially cheaper resource. The web hosting company will also provide the hardware and software needed for you to create your website, so you can add your data and resources to the server.

Additional features

Web hosting companies often include additional features that you can use, such as security tools, email accounts and other resources which may entice users into using their services and may also make running the website an easier process.

To learn more about website hosting and how your business can benefit, get in touch with Real Internet today.

What to Look for When Hiring a Web Designer

/in , , , /by

Building a well-performing website is crucial for any business in today’s digital world. Your website directly affects the success of your business, which is why you must find an experienced web designer to bring your vision to life. Here are a few things to consider when hiring a web designer.

Appropriate pricing

Different designers charge different prices. Web designing rates vary widely depending on the type of website you want, the scope and size of the project, prevailing market prices, level of expertise, and many more. To find agreeable pricing, ensure that you set your budget before even looking for a designer.

Experience in your industry

Once you find designers within your price range, begin the eliminating process. Working with a web designer who has experience in your industry should be a top priority because it makes the process easier for you. Since they are familiar with your industry, they will do a much better job prioritising your needs and even coming up with new ideas on how to make your site more competitive.

Knowledge and skills

A good designer should be fluent in programming languages like HTML, PHP, XML, and JavaScript. You will also want to work with someone who pays attention to detail because minor errors in website code could have dire consequences.

An expansive portfolio

Working with a start-up web design company is a gamble. Although new web designers have the talent and knowledge, they lack experience. Therefore, it is safer to hire someone who can show you a detailed portfolio of their work with past clients. This will help give you some insight into their capabilities, design style, work ethic, etc. Click here to see our portfolio.

Website maintenance

It is important to know what kind of support is offered after your website has been created. If you do not have the time or knowledge to maintain your site yourself, choose a website designer who offers website maintenance services to keep your site functioning properly.

At Real Internet, we design and build websites for companies all around the country. Contact us today for more information about our services.

What is Web Design All About?

/in , , , /by

There are well over 1.7 billion websites in the world, and organisations of all types and sizes need one. Yet, there are still many myths and misunderstandings about them, alongside too much money wasted on sites that perform badly. So, what is web design all about?

Looks aren’t everything

It’s important to stress that the word ‘design’ in this context means a great deal more than simply aesthetics. Yes, an attractive website is important. It’s part of something called your User Interface, which includes making your brand obvious and attractive on every page.

However, good website design involves creating strong website performance too, the sort of architectural factors that ensure you get a good return on your investment.

What skills are needed for effective web design?

The above point is why so many DIY websites fail to generate sales or even to attract enough page visitors.

A website design company goes beyond appearances, as it knows how to:

  • Pin down business goals
  • Identify target customers
  • Research competitor activities
  • Innovate on graphical content
  • Build vital functions, such as search options
  • Streamline load speeds and navigation
  • Find relevant plug-ins
  • Make pages more ‘searchable’
  • Create user-centric web pages

What is meant by user-centric web design?

Some of the best website designs ‘on paper’ fail to hold on to their target customers, such as a website that’s stunning on large screens, but fiddly to use on smartphones, alienating younger users instantly.

User-centric design links to another commonly used term in website design; user experience or UX. Put simply, things like SEO and online ads are a waste of money if you leak leads from your web pages. The best website management company will provide you with strong UX and a web design that converts leads seamlessly and consistently by matching user expectations, preferences and behaviours.

Constant evaluation

When considering, ‘What is web design all about?’, it’s also important to understand it’s not a quick fix for business success.

The best website designs are constantly assessed and improved. This is another reason DIY websites fail, and why website hosting and management services are so invaluable. They provide you with proactive and creative help to keep your website relevant and successful.

Web design Gloucestershire

Real Internet offers affordable, adaptable web designs that are about performance as well as aesthetics, so contact us today to learn more.

What is User Experience in Web Design?

/in , , , /by

Your business website is a digital portfolio that tells your target audience more about your company and your products/services while persuading them to take action. However, to achieve this, you need to provide customers with the best user experience so that they can do repeat business with you and recommend you to friends and family.

But, what exactly is user experience?

User experience can be defined as any interaction a user makes with a certain business and its products/services. It includes everything from how a user feels to what they see and hear and their emotional reactions.

What is user experience in web design?

In web design, user experience focuses on practices that make a website easy to use and appealing to consumers. A good user experience in web design means that:

• Your customer visited your site
• They scrolled through the different web pages
• They understood what your site is all about and what you sell
• They got what they wanted and took action, e.g., contacted you or made a purchase

Many factors influence a user’s experience with your website, but the main ones include:

• Usability: Is your site easy to use and navigate?
• Value: Does your site’s content/service/product make the time spent on it worthwhile?
• Credible: Does your brand build customer trust, belief and loyalty?
• Usefulness: Does your site satisfy visitor needs and requirements?
• Desirable: Does your website evoke or create an emotional reaction with the end-user?
• Accessible: How easily accessible is your website?

Achieving all these aspects might seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. Working with an experienced web developer or designer will help you improve your website, which improves user experience.

Importance of improving your website’s user experience

User experience is vital in web design as it significantly affects conversion rates. For example, if visitors find your website difficult to use and navigate, they’ll log off within a few minutes and find another site to purchase from.

Similarly, if your website looks outdated and functions poorly, visitors are less likely to purchase from it. Ultimately, if you want to improve your conversion rates, ensure you’re offering the best user experience.

Get in touch with us today for affordable, and adaptable web design services.

How Digital Marketing Helps to Grow Business

/in , /by

Digital marketing has helped companies take off since the 1990s. But as technology has vastly improved, many wonder if it is worth taking your organisation online in today’s saturated world.

Here’s why digital marketing is still as important as ever for growing your business…

Digital marketing helps builds your brand name

Creating digital content, such as social media posts, blogs and videos, gives customers an insight into your venture. Companies that blog gain more leads as it helps to build trust and knowledge around your business. Opening up your brand’s personality offers transparency and expertise, and a customer will be willing to spend their money knowing they are getting a reputable service.

You can reach customers worldwide

Content creation will increase your chances of ranking higher in searches by 434% and open you up to a new realm of consumers. Traditional marketing could help your company by letting people in your local area know you exist, the internet will let the whole world know about your products!

A comment on Twitter or a video on TikTok has the chance to go viral with little effort and money. It will reach people across the globe without having to change your tactics to cater to different regions.

Target your ideal customer

While reaching millions of people across the world sounds fantastic, you know who your products and services are best catered towards. Unlike traditional mediums, marketing your services online will supply the information you need to understand your target demographics and where to find them.

By generating a consistent flow of targeted customers, you will be able to see what efforts are working best and save time and money in the process.

To market your business today, you only need a reliable website management system to get started. Sticking to a consistent digital marketing strategy will get your brand name travelling and customers to your website within a few clicks.

Contact our team today for digital marketing services you can rely on.

What is the Golden Ratio in Web Design?

/in , , , /by

While not everyone may have heard of the golden ratio, it’s actually a mathematical theory that dates back over 4,000 years. Invented by the Ancient Greeks, the golden ratio is all about achieving aesthetic harmony and balance. So, how does it work with regards to web design?

Golden ratio explained

The golden ratio is a theory that uses maths to determine how different elements can be placed together to create a harmonious look and feel. It’s by no means a new concept and has been used in the construction of many famous buildings, in nature and music, as well as by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali and Leonardo Da Vinci.

The theory states that the different sized elements used to create something should equal 1:1.618. This is often represented by spiral shapes and goes by the formula A/B = (A+B)/A = 1.618. So, if length A is equal to 100 px, then length B would be 161.80 px.

You first need to work out the length of the smallest element and then multiply this by 1.618 to achieve the ideal length of the bigger element. This could relate to images on a page, artwork, photography, as well as all other areas of design.

Golden ratio in web design

One of the major characteristics of effective design is a clear user interface. All the elements of the website need to be well-balanced and placed so that users can easily understand the information on the screen and interact without any effort.

A website design company will make use of the principles of the golden ratio theory to understand how different design elements are best placed on a screen to enhance the user experience. This will include considering small elements such as icons, buttons, and logos to larger elements like images and text.

By using the golden ratio theory, a web developer can ensure that all the elements are in proportion to each other, are harmoniously balanced, organised, and easy to read, without looking out of place.

These designs just look right. Images, blocks of text, sidebars, buttons, etc can be placed in golden rectangles that form a “perfect” design. This makes visitors feel comfortable viewing the website because it, sub-consciously, reminds them of familiar works of art and, particularly, nature.

If you’re looking for a web design company that builds aesthetically pleasing results, contact us today.

What is Meant by Web Page Design?

/in , , , /by

Websites are integral to the effective and successful operation of a business, but when it comes to putting a website together, what does web page design mean exactly?

Web page design explained

When a web design company creates a website, it needs to consider the functions and goals of the site, as well as the target audience. This information is used to decide how to put each page together, and how each page will contribute to the look and feel of the entire website.

Each page will be designed with a focus on aspects such as appearance, layout, choice of colours, text, and fonts, using specific design software or templates. Special attention will be paid to making sure that the brand elements of a company are included on each page, whether that’s on a home page, an about us page or a contact page.

When designing a web page, it’s not just how information is put together that matters. Designers will also make sure that the white or empty space on the page allows the rest of the elements to easily flow together to enhance the user experience.

Page design

Web designers have a choice of various software and design templates they can use when putting a website together, and which one they choose often depends on what the site or pages are intended to achieve. E-commerce pages may need a different design structure than a simple information page, for instance, while a contact page will need a form layout, including buttons and a drop-down menu.

Some pages of a website can, however, be designed using the same template, so that their background, menus, and header images all look identical on each page. Each page may then be given its own specific design elements to differentiate it from the other pages.

User-friendly design

In order to create a successful web page design, a website management company will need to ensure that users can view the site on all different types of devices, including desktop computers and smartphones.

Web pages will be designed for use on different devices using either adaptive or responsive design. In adaptive design, web pages are designed in fixed layouts that match different screen sizes, while page content moves dynamically to suit the screen size in responsive design.

If you’re looking for effective web design services to create a web page design for your site, get in touch with us today.

What is Adaptive Web Design?

/in , , , /by

Adaptive web design allows users to view a website on multiple devices, but what does this involve and how does this differ from other types of web design?

Adaptive web design explained

First coined by web developer Aaron Gustafson back in 2011, adaptive web design is, essentially, a way of allowing a website to be viewed across multiple devices. More of us now use a range of devices to view web pages, with smartphones now trumping desktop computers in terms of use, and web design services have had to change to accommodate the different ways we look and search online.

Adaptive web design has become one of the leading solutions used for browsing on different devices. It involves the creation of different web layouts that are fixed, and which can be adapted to suit various sizes of screen. Therefore, instead of having a single, static page that looks similar across all devices, with adaptive web design you get a number of web page versions that fit a particular device.

This means that a website design company might develop different designs for various screen widths to suit mobile phones, laptops, desktop PCs and tablets.

Benefits of adaptive web design

A web design company may choose an adaptive design because it offers a number of different benefits. Since it is designed for various resolution sizes, it is considered relevant and specific to a user’s needs. It also delivers faster loading speeds, particularly compared to other types of design.

Isn’t it the same as responsive design?

If you’ve heard of adaptive web design, then chances are you’ve probably heard of responsive design, too. These phrases are often used interchangeably, and many people assume they are much the same thing. However, there are subtle variations between the two. While adaptive design consists of different layouts, there’s only one in responsive design, which responsively adjusts to fit the user’s screen. It is the browser window that decides on the layout with responsive design, while the back-end, as opposed to the browser or user, determines the layout in adaptive design. The server selects the correct layout according to factors such as operating system and device type.

Find out more about adaptive design for your website, by contacting our expert website team today.