Your domain name is the address where internet users can find you on the web, for example, www.yourbusiness.co.uk. It can also be used for your email addresses (e.g. you@yourbusiness.co.uk).
It is sometimes difficult to register a catchy domain name so a little imagination can be required.
There are certain rules regarding who can register certain types of domain. For example, ‘.gov.uk’ domains are reserved for UK government and council use (which we cater for). Other domains such as ‘.org.uk’ are intended for non-profit making organisations. For most UK based businesses .co.uk or simply .uk is the best choice. Any domain ending .uk will tend to target UK based users better.
Here are some other useful facts and tips to bear in mind when choosing an appropriate domain name:
- Go for a name that closely reflects your brand, the name of your business or the services you provide.
- Choose an appropriate domain type. For example, .co.uk (or just.uk) is perfect for businesses with a target audience in the UK, whilst .com is better for global (and American) businesses. This choice can affect your visibility on search engines. Avoid using inappropriate domain types.
- It will help if your domain name can be easily communicated verbally (and easily spelled).
- Wherever possible, avoid the use of hyphens.
- Short domain names are favourable.
- Be careful that multiple words don’t form new words when placed together.
E.g choosespain.com (Choose Spain or Chooses Pain!).
Your choice of domain name can be a critical factor to the success of your website.
How to register a domain name
123-Reg is our recommended domain name registrar. Use their website to check domain name availability and to register domain names (inexpensively).
Josh.biz can register and manage domain names (for clients), if preferred.
We always recommend that new clients discuss their choice of domain name with us before proceeding.
All the files which make up your website will be stored on one or more computers called web servers. These are continuously connected to the internet, allowing surfers to access your website day and night.
The server computer is also sometimes referred to as the host for your website. These computers serve up your web pages to your visitors and ensure it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The web hosting requirements for any website vary according to the technology used to create it. The standard of the service can vary greatly from one company to the next. The speed and reliability of service are crucial, as is the level of customer support provided. The provision of email account services is also usually provided as part of the hosting service.
Josh.biz works with a number of carefully selected web hosting companies to ensure that all our customers receive a reliable and professional hosting service. We host all the websites which we manage for our clients.
We also offer complimentary support and advice to clients who host their website with us – something which our smaller business clients value very highly.
Google loves websites with fresh, frequently updated, high value content. WordPress not only allows you to easily update your website, it offers a huge range of technical benefits and features.
Not every website can or needs to be updated frequently and some clients don’t have the time or resources to update it themselves. We can offer training on using WordPress or if you prefer, Josh.biz can make updates to your website for you, providing a reliable, prompt and cost-effective solution.
WordPress powered websites require some maintenance, as it’s essential to keep the technologies behind your website up to date. This safeguards against security issues and provide new features. Josh.biz provides a full and dependable maintenance service to fulfill this.
Josh.biz is a specialist in the design of the WordPress content management system, the most popular choice across the globe. This means there’s plenty of help and support available, plus, for peace of mind, your website can be easily moved from one supplier to another.
Because you know your business and market best, your input is valuable to designing an effective website.
We supply you with a list of necessary items we’ll need from you in your project proposal document.
It will save you time and money if you have any of the following items:
- Branding (logos, colours and guidelines)
- Text content
- Photography and imagery
- Ideas and inspiration
- Any other printed examples of branding and advertising
Your branding (visual identity) should be in place before designing your website (or producing any other marketing media). This is best dealt with by a professional graphic designer.
If your business does not have the time or the resources, we can take care of all the content for you. This usually involves the assistance of a professional copywriter or photographer but of course there are additional costs for these services.
Depending on your requirements and budget, we will recommend the use of our partnered professionals who include graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, developers, programmers, search engine optimisation specialists and online marketing professionals.
Every website varies enormously in requirements and complexity. Each website project is carefully appraised to calculate the estimated hours required to complete the project. We also take into account client deadlines and existing commitments.
An average brochure style multi-page website takes 4-6 weeks to complete. Since every project is implemented in close partnership with our clients, the role of our client in the project is often a dictating factor. It’s a team effort.
1. Web design and development
Most design projects cost between £750 and £1,500 (VAT not applicable). A very simple website can cost less (as little as £500). The design cost depends on the size and scope of the project. We can usually provide an estimated initial cost once we’ve had a quick chat which you, to find out more about your particular project.
The requirements of each project vary considerably in size and complexity and so does the time – and therefore, the cost to build them. You are basically paying for the time involved in managing the project, building the website and the level of expertise required to make it work.
We will project manage the design of your website (and it’s launch) entirely for you, ensuring all your objectives are met and every aspect is attended to.
Whatever your budget, you’re welcome in touch and discuss your requirements. We will always try and accommodate any budget, wherever possible.
After your project is fully appraised (by meeting in person or by Zoom), a more accurate cost will be supplied. A project proposal document is drafted, defining the project objectives, specifications and precise costs.
2. Website hosting and maintenance
As well as hosting your website, we’ll provide SSL Security, keep WordPress fully up to date and all the WordPress plug-ins your website uses – plus lots more.
90% of WordPress powered websites are hosted and maintained by our WP Ultra package, costing £300 per year (equivalent to £25 per month). This package is optimised purely for the running of WordPress websites, with a raft of performance features. Also included are up to 10 free domain based emails accounts, each with 10 GB of storage space available (upgradable).
This provides a ‘hands free’ solution for clients, who can trust that their website is being fully maintained and kept fully up to date technologically. Security is also monitored and managed, ensuring the least possibility of malicious behaviour towards your website (and any risk of hacking).
3. Updating your website content
- If your website is powered by WordPress, you’ll be able to update the page content yourself using a web-based friendly interface. Comprehensive training can be provided as part of the initial design project by request at any time. This option is particularly recommended when content is likely to change frequently.
- Alternatively we can update your website for you. We operate a very cost-effective system where clients purchase service time from us in advance and we keep a record of every update made. Most minor text changes and image changes will rarely take more than 10 minutes. As soon as the time is used up, more can be purchased, ready for future updates.
WordPress makes updating page content (text and images) very easy. We can supply training (in person or by Zoom) to get you quickly up to speed. There’s also a wealth of help resources available online.
If you don’t have the time, confidence or inclination to do content updates yourself, we can even do them for you. This can be particularly advantageous to clients who only require very occasional minor updates.
Clients maintain a ‘service time’ balance with us, and if you request content updates (or any other work), we simply deduct the time spent from your balance. Most requested updates take only 5-10 minutes on average and we can ensure that your updates are implemented in the best way possible, checking for spelling, grammar and clarity.
Yes, our popular WP Ultra Hosting & Maintenance package provides up to 10 free domain based emails accounts, each with 10 GB of storage space available (upgradeable).
We can also supply email only services for clients who don’t operate a website or host their website elsewhere.
We don’t charge cancellation fees.
Our servers are located in London, England.