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I have just returned from my first small business breakfast meeting.  

The meeting was set up by Torridge Training Services in Bideford for newly self-employed people like myself who have benefited from advice and funding from the Bideford Bridge Trust.

It was really rewarding to meet local people who have taken the plunge to become self-employed.  There was a wide variety of business around the breakfast table including a blacksmith, handy mum and a new start up business who will be supplying and delivering affordable flat pack furniture.

As a result of round the table and one to one chats it became apparent that many small business owners are nervous or confused about using social networking.  This is one area where User Friendly Web Design can help.

As well as website design we offer training and advice in social networking and online marketing

Locally in North Devon many businesses make effective use of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  From a website point of view a major benefit of using interactive social media is web presence; the more that internet search engines see reference to you, your business and your work online the better overall chance you have of your customers finding you.  Combine this with a well written copy on your website and it can only be good for business.

User Friendly Web Design works to empower small businesses and organisations to take control of their online presence.  

Social networking for business does demand a time commitment but it's free moneywise and definitely worth it in the long run!





 
 
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Finding a professional company to design your first website can be a minefield of jargon and hidden costs.  If you have arrived here because you are looking for someone to produce a website for you then you have probably already tiptoed around and encountered the smorgasbord of services and varying prices on offer and are wondering why my prices are so reasonable.  

I keep my prices low because I want to provide a service to small local companies, groups and individuals who recognise the need for an effective online presence but do not have the expertise or time to produce their own website.  I keep all the services I offer in house and keep my overheads as low as possible.  Being self employed myself (and running a separate non-profit company) I understand the budget limitations of a small organisation.  This also puts me in the perfect position of understanding the most effective methods of online marketing for smaller businesses and organisations.  

What really saves you money though is my experience in online media and marketing.  I can work quickly, efficiently and effectively utilising my communication, website design and social networking skills to deliver the perfect website for your purpose.  I know how to listen and can guarantee that the website I design for you will be perfect for your needs ... and it won't cost an arm and a leg because you will be needing those for what you do best .

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I'm very excited to be dipping my toes into a new business venture this year.  

After running my own website;  Arts and Entertainment North Devon on a non-profit basis for nearly a year now it's time for me to knuckle down and make a living from my web design, social media and marketing skills.

I must start with a big thank you to the Bideford Bridge Trust and Mike Lillis, my adviser at Torridge Training Services, for making my business start up possible.  I was successful in applying for a grant from the Bideford Bridge Trust which is a good incentive for me to work hard and prove to them that their money is well invested!