NItrographics

By independent business, I mean a smaller trader, like a flower shop, wedding DJ, or any other single person enterprise. This was the market I was aiming to work in. After seeing the prices that these web builders charge, I'm optimistic that my flat rate would be more appealing. I would charge a one off fee to set up, and maintenance costs for any updates. My plan is to search the internet for ugly web sites (and there are a lot that look like they were designed in word in 1997) and offer a snazzy update.

Good analogy. But for a client who wants a simple web site, they will try to build their own as a cheaper alternative. As these web builders become more sophisticated, they will take a greater share of potential customers. How much complexity does an independant business web site need? A list of services, prices and contact details. You can get even get e-commerce packages and online catalogues. I agree that for a high end web site, the client will require specific customisation not possible in a web builder. Plus they will have the budget to go pro. Actually, i've just seen the prices for 1&1, it's £40 a month, not as cheap as I thought!

Throzen, thanks for the advice. I also plan to do lots of promotional activity to spread the word.

There are now a number of web building services, where anyone that can use a mouse can design their own web page? I am trying to get into freelance web design. Obviously these web building sites have limitations, but they do offer a lot of flexibility to people who want to create their own web sites. Does anyone feel under threat from these sites taking away potential business?

Hi, I've joined this forum to expand my knowledge on web design, scripting and the every expanding area of internet and mobile technologies. I've also started a web site offering a graphics catalogue, similar to loads of other pay as you go sites, but there is one price for all images. If I type graphics catalogue into google there are 13 million hits. If I type "Nitro Graphics Catalogue" I am number 1. Does anyone know how to identify what position I am in the queue of 13 million (probably 12,999,999)? I kept clicking next but got board by page 3. Thanks NItrographics