A website is a powerful marketing tool and can generate a lot of extra business. You wouldn’t ask a plumber to fix your car and you wouldn’t talk to your doctor about legal issues.

So please find a professional who does web design all day, every day. They will know more about their industry than any Johnny-come–cheaply down the road who builds websites as a sideline.

Having a great looking site is pointless if no-one knows it exists. Depending on your budget, you may be able to pay for some professional help in this area. SEO is part science and part art, so there are many different ways to approach it – all with varying degrees of success.

What is agreed is that search engine optimisation is a long term process that requires patience and constant attention. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing phenomenal results.

A good web designer will make an effort to understand the market you operate in and take this into consideration when developing it. A good web designer will be able to explain what is happening in a way that you can understand.

After the site is completed you should also receive regular newsletters keeping you posted on new developments and providing useful tips. There should be free resources available, or a blog where you can learn more about online marketing.