As the year 2023 drew to a close, I found myself in a reflective state. Serving as the Chief Operating Officer of an organisation deeply rooted in the fabric of Guildford and having recently expanded our reach to Portsmouth, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Our expansion into Portsmouth marked a significant milestone, not just in terms of geographical expansion but also in the deepening of our commitment to the local business community. It was a desire to help small businesses in Portsmouth which really initiated the idea of the our “Free Websites for Small Businesses” initiative.

This initiative wasn’t born out of a vacuum but was a response to a glaring need we identified within the small business sector. Both in Guildford and Portsmouth, we encountered numerous entrepreneurs brimming with vision and drive, yet hamstrung by a critical limitation – a lack of a robust online presence. The digital age has rendered the internet an indispensable platform for business visibility and customer engagement, and yet, many small businesses were invisible on this vital stage. Of course many of them had social media but website building was not a technical skill they felt comfortable with tackling. Many times in our social clinics with business owners we’d discover glaring errors or inconsistencies on their website.

Understanding the Need for Free Websites For Small Businesses

The digital era has irrevocably altered the business landscape, ushering in a paradigm where an online presence is not just advantageous but essential. This transformation is not confined to global conglomerates or ecommerce giants; it permeates down to the grassroots level, impacting small businesses profoundly. However, amidst this digital revolution, a significant gap has emerged—a gap between the necessity of having an online presence and the ability of small businesses to establish one. It is within this gap that the need for free websites becomes unequivocally clear.

The Disparity in Digital Accessibility

In Guildford and Portsmouth, as well as other communities across the UK, small businesses form the backbone of the local economy. Yet, many of these enterprises remain invisible in the online world. The reasons are manifold but often boil down to two primary factors: cost and complexity. For a small business, every penny counts, and the perceived high cost of designing, developing, and maintaining a website can be daunting. Additionally, the complexity of navigating the digital landscape such as SEO, poses a significant barrier.

The Consequences of Digital Invisibility

The implications of this digital invisibility are far-reaching. In an age where consumers increasingly turn to the internet for shopping, research, and services, businesses without a website risk being overlooked or deemed less credible. A website is not merely a digital brochure but a platform for engagement, showcasing the unique value proposition of a business, and building trust with potential customers. The absence of such a platform can stifle growth, limit market reach, and hinder customer acquisition.

Empowerment Through Free Websites

Recognising this critical need, Delivered Social’s initiative seeks to empower small businesses by providing them with the tools to establish a robust online presence. By offering free website design and development, we aim to level the playing field, ensuring that financial constraints and technical barriers no longer keep businesses from reaching their digital potential. This initiative is about more than just creating websites; it’s about unlocking opportunities for growth, engagement, and success in the digital realm.

A Broader Perspective

The need for free websites extends beyond individual businesses. It speaks to a larger vision of fostering vibrant, digitally inclusive communities where local economies can thrive. By enabling small businesses to establish an online presence, we contribute to the overall economic health and diversity of the community, creating a ripple effect of benefits that extend to every resident and consumer.

The Journey Ahead

As we continue to roll out the “Free Websites for Small Businesses” initiative, our goal is not just to address the immediate needs of businesses but to spark a broader conversation about digital accessibility and inclusion. We envision a future where every small business, regardless of size or budget, has the opportunity to make its mark online, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Understanding Our Hosting Packages: Your Key to Going Live

When we talk about offering “Free Websites for Small Businesses,” we’re opening the door to an exciting journey online. However, every website needs a little home on the internet—that’s where hosting comes in. Think of it as renting a little plot of digital land where your website can live, grow, and welcome visitors day and night.

Why Hosting Matters

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s chat about why hosting is a deal you’ll want to consider. While our team at Delivered Social puts in the hard yards designing and building your website for free, hosting is the ongoing service that keeps your site accessible to the world. It’s like the heartbeat of your website, ensuring it’s always up and running, ready to greet your customers.

Our Hosting Offers: Tailored to Fit Like a Glove

We’ve designed our hosting packages to be as friendly to your business as they are to your wallet. Here’s a quick look at what we offer:

1. The Sweet Package:

• Price: Just £28.95 a month—less than the daily cup of coffee you might grab on the go!
• What You Get: This package covers all the essentials, including keeping your site live, secure, and snappy. Plus, we throw in monthly technical updates, so your website stays in tip-top shape without you having to lift a finger.

2. The Salted Caramel Package:

• Price: £124.95 a month, an investment towards ramping up your digital presence.
• What You Get: Everything in the Essentials, plus a bit of fairy dust to help your site sparkle on search engines. We’re talking about SEO enhancements, traffic growth strategies, and a monthly blog post to keep your content fresh and engaging.

But, Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! Here’s why:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your website is in safe hands 24/7.
• Save Time: Instead of wrestling with technical glitches, you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
• Boost Your Visibility: With the Growth Booster package, you’re not just staying online; you’re growing your reach.

A Small Price for Big Opportunities

While the word ‘free’ catches the eye when we talk about our websites, the real value lies in the opportunities these websites unlock. A small monthly hosting fee ensures your business isn’t just another name in the directory—it’s a living, breathing entity online, ready to capture hearts and minds.

FAQ’s on Free Websites for Small Businesses

Q: If the website design and development are free, why is there a hosting fee? A: While we take care of the design and development at no cost on the Free Websites offer, the hosting fee covers the essential services that keep your website online and operational. Think of it as the home for your website where it lives on the internet. This small but crucial fee ensures your site remains accessible, secure, and fast for all your visitors.

Q: What’s included in the Sweet £28.95 per month hosting package? A: The Sweet package is designed to give you everything you need to keep your website running smoothly:

• Peace of Mind: We manage your WordPress updates, so you don’t have to worry about the technical side of things.
• Comment Management: We maintain your site’s health and protect your link integrity by managing comments.
• Guaranteed Uptime of 99.9%: Ensuring your business is always online and in safe hands.
• Webmail / Email Access: Professional email services to stay connected with your customers.
• Unlimited Bandwidth: No limits on website traffic.
• Free SSL Certificate: Keeping your website secure for you and your visitors.
• Support via Our Helpdesk: Whenever you need assistance, we’re here to help.

Q: Can you tell me more about the Salted Caramel £124.95 per month package? A: Absolutely, the Salted Caramel package is perfect for businesses looking to enhance their online presence further:

• ONE Fully SEO’d Blog Every Single Month: Boost your content marketing with a professionally written, SEO-optimised blog post.
• Dedicated Account Manager: Personalised service with a go-to person for all your website needs.
• 2 Hours of Web Amends a Month: Whether it’s updating content, adding a button, or uploading blogs, we’ve got you covered.
• Includes all the benefits of the Sweet package (Peace of Mind, Comment Management, Guaranteed Uptime, Webmail/Email Access, Unlimited Bandwidth, Free SSL Certificate, and Helpdesk Support).

Q: Is it possible to switch between the Sweet and Salted Caramel packages? A: Yes, you can switch between packages as your business needs evolve. Whether you’re scaling up or need to adjust your digital strategy, we make it easy to change your hosting package.

Q: Who owns the website after it’s built? A: The website belongs to you entirely. We’re here to build and support your online presence, but the final product is yours to keep and grow with your business thanks to our Free Websites For Small Businesses offer.

Q: What guarantees do you offer for website uptime? A: Both the Sweet and Salted Caramel packages come with a guaranteed uptime of 99.9%, ensuring your business remains online and accessible to your customers almost all the time.

Q: How does the SEO’d blog included in the Salted Caramel package benefit my business? A: The SEO-optimised blog is a powerful tool to boost your website’s visibility on search engines, attract more visitors, and establish your authority in your industry. With fresh, relevant content added every month, you’re more likely to engage potential customers and keep them coming back.