Use SEO or not?

[Deleted User]

I'd like the site to look more like this, and I dont have a clue how much this costs?

http://fusionevents.co.uk/index.html

GolfBravo

assj wrote: »

Can anyone help us with this work? Any self employed people that don't charge too much :-/ ? Thanks

Yes.

assj wrote: »

I'd like the site to look more like this, and I dont have a clue how much this costs?

http://fusionevents.co.uk/index.html

Your current website is wordpress based, IMHO you should just get a quality wordpress template that you like (US $40-$60 from themeforest.net) and modify it for your website. Templates like this really save time and money. But keep in mind that you still need to get quality images for the template.

To get a website like this, or something similar, would require the template, then high quality images (either your own or stock), some copywriting and about 3 to 4 days to set it all up for you, including initial planning, blog, contact form, SEO, Wordpress plugins if required, etc.

How much would a website like this cost? I would suggest to budget minimum £700 for a really nice SEO optimised and responsive website (for mobile), but definitely under a grand.

And once your new website is ready start working on incoming links - when your website looks professional and it provides quality/useful information people will keep linking to your website. Also don't forget about Facebook and Google+. It will take time, but it will really pay off in the long term.

IMHO the above would be much more effective overall than just paying someone £2400 a year for "SEO services". Getting the web traffic is one thing, but then you need to convert this traffic into £££.

[Deleted User]

The website that I linked above was that a wordpress site too? or something else? Thanks again

GolfBravo

Nope. A static html website with a separate tumblr.com blog.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for that, so which type is better - obviously there site looks much better :-)

GolfBravo

assj wrote: »

Thanks for that, so which type is better

It really depends on what your requirements are.

If it's only a basic website that you are unlikely to update very often, then go for a static. On the other hand, if you need the ability to easily change the menu bar contents, have a blog, need to integrate social media, have multiple contact/enquiry forms, easily upload new images, update information (eg. pricing tables, menus), add online booking facility, add ecommerce, online chat functionality, then you need Wordpress.

Your current Wordpress-based website is a very good starting point, it just needs a new professional look (a new template perhaps?), and the content needs to be rearranged.

assj wrote: »

obviously there site looks much better :-)

Really? Apart from a handful of nice images, and the home page image slider, there is not much content.

Your website just needs a more "integrated" design. The content definitely needs to be organised better.

BTW, it appears that your website is hosted by wordpress.com. They don't support any custom Wordpress themes/plugins, so if you were to upgrade your website it would need a new hosting provider (not a big deal really).

Horace

I have used wordpress sites before and once you know what you are doing they are easy to do the SEO yourself and link your pages. You have more control if you update the site yourself.

I know that when I was looking for a website that I was quoted £5000 for one like the fusion events that you have listed and it was considerably less for a wordpress site.

Good luck

Chickabiddybex

My job involves a lot of SEO. It does pay off if done properly however in my opinion the most important thing is that your site looks professional and legitimate.

Once you've got that cracked move on to SEO.

Some important points:
- All images should be high quality. The images at the top right of the page with the numbers on are very amateur.
- Phone numbers should be text not image as more and more people use their phones for web browsing and a cluck on your number is easier than trying to find pen to write it down.
- Links to external sites such as Facebook should open in a new tab automatically. Don't drive traffic away from your site.
- You should have a section for reviews and testimonials.
- Find bridal shops, florists, etc that are in the wedding business but aren't competitors. Share links to each other, recommend each other (make sure you don't partner with rubbish ones!)

- Your Facebook page is nice but make sure you spell properly and use capital letters where appropriate. Nothing wrong with being relaxed and friendly on there but don't look clueless and unprofessional.
- The banner image is poor quality.

Get yourself on Google Maps! (Set up Google Places as a local business.)

Bonzowaite

assj wrote: »

I own a website and more so a business that provides services for weddings, parties and other events.
We have recently had a lot of interest and lots of bookings, which was great until this week.
This week we have nothing at all! I wanted to cry I was so shocked.
Anyway I realise we don’t rank well in google and if I were a person searching for our services, I don’t think my/ our website would be the first that would be reached.
So I have been thinking about ranking high on google and how this could make “all” the difference.
I don’t know if it will? But I’m thinking if the customers can’t find us what hope have we got.
So I contacted an SEO company who want £195 per month to do this, and we have little traffic currently maybe 25 views and 140 clicks per day.
So can anyone advise, is it worth it? And who to use? Also who is the cheapest?
Thanks so much in advance. :-)

£195/month is a ridiculous amount of money to charge for this service. SEO is a fairly simple concept to understand and there are plenty of places to get the necessary training / information for FREE (or relatively cheaply.) Sounds like they are trying to sell you a few stale old tricks for a lot of money. At the end of the day, whilst SEO can be a useful tool if used properly, its not a magic wand. Content and website appearance are far more important. Not much point in getting a million visitors if they don't like what they see.

Good Luck
PS. I'm not an expert in SEO (not sure there is such a thing since its not exactly rocket science). I don't think I'm allowed to advertise where I learnt the basics for FREE in a couple of weeks.

Good Luck

Bonzowaite

Chickabiddybex wrote: »

My job involves a lot of SEO. It does pay off if done properly however in my opinion the most important thing is that your site looks professional and legitimate.

Once you've got that cracked move on to SEO.

Some important points:
- All images should be high quality. The images at the top right of the page with the numbers on are very amateur.
- Phone numbers should be text not image as more and more people use their phones for web browsing and a cluck on your number is easier than trying to find pen to write it down.
- Links to external sites such as Facebook should open in a new tab automatically. Don't drive traffic away from your site.
- You should have a section for reviews and testimonials.
- Find bridal shops, florists, etc that are in the wedding business but aren't competitors. Share links to each other, recommend each other (make sure you don't partner with rubbish ones!)

- Your Facebook page is nice but make sure you spell properly and use capital letters where appropriate. Nothing wrong with being relaxed and friendly on there but don't look clueless and unprofessional.
- The banner image is poor quality.

Get yourself on Google Maps! (Set up Google Places as a local business.)

This is great advice:T and it hasn't cost you £1.95 let alone £195 per month.