My new web presence... - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

ClawzCTR · Guru

My new web presence...

Stephen Youngs · Member

Hi Gary, I don't think you need the bullet proof window! A couple of quick observations for you. Firstly the site needs flash so on my iPad I only see the text version. Flash is old tech now, better to run html5 or leave out any whizzy bits altogether. Secondly you describe yourself as Managing Director so I presume you're incorporated - if so your site needs to comply with CA2006 and show company details the same as your letterhead. Oh, and thirdly nothing on the site I can easily see gives me an idea of where you are. Most (but not all, I accept) want a local bookkeeper. OK that's three observations for the price of two!

Good luck with the new site anyway, I think the Back to Black name is good and the site is clean and tidy. Absolutely right to put testimonials up, as soon as you can get some more posted you should as they are perhaps the be st marketing tool of all in my opinion.

All the best,

Stephen.

EagleEducation · Senior Member

Good observations from Stephen. I'm on a IPad too. Also I don't think the answer to your second FAQ is clear. When I read it, it gave the impression small limited companies don't need to file accounts with companies house? Sonya

EagleEducation · Senior Member

Also HMRC are not lenient if mistakes are made regardless of who prepares accounts. I think that statement could be seen as a little misleading. Sonya

ClawzCTR · Guru

Stephen, thanks for your guidance, and welcome to the forum! :D

Point 1: I know its in flash but my web designer has told me that the host has issues with the flash on certain devices... and that problem will be resolved in the next few months. And as he's the designer/host etc there not much i can do about it... :/
Point 2: Ahh the MD bit... No I'm not incorporated, and I thought this might cause a problem... I've looked on line and cant find anything concrete about using it 'illegally' (only other issue is he's put it on the new business cards too...) Am I in for a world of hurt??
Point 3: how would you approach this? Putting on the 'About us' Page something about where i live? it would be the most obvious place to put it? (maybe along with the FULL address at the bottom of the page in line with point 2 maybe?

And thanks Eagle too, same thing with the iPads, I said to him about this and he said leave it for a few months and see what the provider does with the server. And in reference i had a few figures and facts in the second FAQ, but as people proof read it they said it just lost them and found it very confusing... Might have to re-visit this then, AND again with your last post.

Keep the comments coming please everyone :D

kjmcculloch83 · Expert

Hi Gary,

It's not your host that the issues with flash are to do with, but that ipads don't support it. Do you really want to rule out a huge chunk of your potential clients by using it. As has been said HTML5 can do so much more now. It's worth speaking to your designer about this. While your at it see if you can get an ipad to look at the page on, I did, and the css layout is a bit screwed up on it. Looks good on a desktop though. Sounds like your designer doesn't really understand the technology though.

The MD may or may not be illegal, I don't know but given the profession I would steer clear of saying you are something you are not. Trust and knowledge being key in our field.

I would have a contact us page with your full contact details, back to the trust thing.

Kris

ClawzCTR · Guru

Thanks Kris, He (website designer) has assured me that the host is working on some sort of new HTML that will be implemented soon, I'm assuming this will be the advent of HTML5....

I know what what about the page on the iPad, i have one and tested in the 'testing' phase, and belive me, its A LOT better now... lol

I think I will try to get rid of the MD bit, like you say if only for trust issues.

Oh and I've got to the bottom of the address thing too. The address and wording 'norwich' is embedded into the site SEO. So all i have to do is promote the site and back to black and it'll go up in the rankings, or at least thats what im told... :D

kjmcculloch83 · Expert

Hi Gary,

HTML5 is a browser based technology, not host, so your host doesn't matter. It's not something they implement, it's how your site is designed.

Regarding the address, this is just a personal point, but I would never buy from anyone who doesn't have their address and other physical contact details on their site. Its a trust thing.

I wish you every luck

Kris

ClawzCTR · Guru

kjmcculloch83 wrote:

Regarding the address, this is just a personal point, but I would never buy from anyone who doesn't have their address and other physical contact details on their site. Its a trust thing.

I see what you mean, and I will ask if that my address could be put up on the contact page then :D

Amanda · Expert

Hi Gary,

I too would like to see an address on a website, I think it gives the right impression when new people are trying to find out where you are in relation to where they are based.
Also I personally like to see a landline number on the website, I'm not a fan of ringing mobile numbers. This is just my opinion though others probably wouldn't mind.

How about adding a lane line and also keeping the mobile number?

ClawzCTR · Guru

I only have my home number as the land line... and i was a bit aprehensive on putting that on there, or should i say the other half was...! lol

kjmcculloch83 · Expert

Why not look at voip. That way you get a landline number that can be directed to your home, mobile or a voip phone. Have a look at www.voipfone.co.uk

Kris

gbm · Guru

Hi Gary,

Nice website, would echo the comments made before about address, landline and MD. I would also watch the consistency of capital letters on the services page (eg "General Bookkeeping" vs "Bespoke bookkeeping").

But other than that, fine. Great idea to have your picture, after all people deal with people.

Amanda · Expert

I have my home number on mine, although soon it will be an office number, but to be honest its not caused any problems, I don't get ridiculous calls late at night or at the weekends. The only calls I have had on a weekend is clients that have been desperate to speak to me and have say missed me during the week and I have emailed them to say ring me on Saturday morning, as I know they are always out and about during the week or away on business.

ClawzCTR · Guru

Thanks for all the pointers everyone. I will send and email to the webmaster to add the particulars, he's said he's snowed under at the moment, so wont be able to implement changes till next week... :(

BobHarper · Guru

Gary - I also think Back to Black is a good name but don't think you should position yourself as a bookkeeper.

The two options are 1) position yourself as an accountant and take on accountancy work (and there are different ways to get the work done or 2) position yourself as a financial manager.

I would not recommend using a mobile number.

The colours are strong but I think the design could be more elegant, everything is a bit BIG.

I would encourage you to use a video of you on your homepage.

Good luck.

Stephen Youngs · Member

Good advice from Bob (no surprise there!) - I'd suggest buying a virtual landline you can answer online (or with a VoIP phone) or redirect to your mobile. This looks professional and gives you flexibility. I have an 0800 number that costs me a tad over £3 a month, though as so many people call from mobiles these days one of the new 03 numbers would be a better choice. More because I couldn't make my mind up than anything, I also have a geographic virtual number that i give to people who I think might prefer it! A bit random that last bit I confess

Having a dedicated number makes it a bit more straightforward with the tax man too.

I agree a video is a great idea, but get someone who doesn't know you too well (not your mum lol) to look at it before putting it online, as if you look like an axe murderer with a stammer on lsd it might be best to get professional help with it. Some people are just naturals on video and can just sit down in front of their iPhone and knock it out, but not all.

As always, good luck!

Stephen.

Don Tax · Expert

Stephen Youngs wrote:
..................as if you look like an axe murderer with a stammer on lsd it might be best to get professional help with it........

Curses! Back to the drawing board.

Spamkebab · Expert

It's ok Timbo, if you think who your target audience is then it's probably best to look this way on camera lol.

I mean, how can clients say anything when they all have six fingers per hand and tend to marry their mums sisters daughters lol.

lor · Guru

Hi Gary, it's not showing on the whole screen here on firefox!. But looks like a good website :)!.

ClawzCTR · Guru

Thanks for the comments everyone, keep them coming; I know websites are in a constant state of flux and are ever changing, so the more the better!

@Bob: thanks for the suggestions, but I AM a bookkeeper, I'm not a qualified accountant so I'd rather not suggest that I'm anything but. (is this not being "honest"). As for not using a mobile number, I'd rather keep this on here as the current marketing campaign is 'Keeping you on track, on the go!' If I don't have a mobile number on here then that's surely being slightly restrictive. But I am taking everyone's advice on obtaining some sort of land line number to show on the site, either my home number OR a VoIP number. (so thanks for that one! :D )
As for the video.... im not sure on this yet... its bad enough my pictures are on there... as for having video; I wouldn't want to punish any more people!! lol

@Spam, that's Norfolk based bookkeepers are in demand... that extra two fingers makes all the difference!!! ;)

@Lor, what resolution are you viewing it on? as mine (on FF as well) is fine... :/

Gary

numbnumber · Senior Member

With no landline phone number and no address, I would be apprehensive as to who I was dealing with so to me it does not impart a professional image. I will never do anything over the net where there is no such details and I think there are others who would be the same so you are narrowing your market.

ClawzCTR · Guru

Well there's been a few updates since i last posted, now included land line and address. :D