• Personal account or

  Connect

• Contractor account

(from 2 reviews)

Business slogan
"Quality web design from £245"

Q & A - In-depth look

Pinbud: Can you tell us a bit about the history of this business? How, when, and why was it started?
Alan Spicer: After 4 years of working for another web design company I decided I can do this solo. I have taken time to learn how to develop web designs and understand people skills are paramount when starting a successful company. I finally felt it was time to prove that web design doesn’t have to be suited and unfriendly.

Pinbud: Are you a local based business or part of a large national company or franchise?
Alan Spicer: Spicer Designs is primarily 1 man, me.

Pinbud: How many employees does this business have? Is it a large or a small company?
Alan Spicer: I have a team that I develop with but it is always me that handles clients, sales and development.

Pinbud: Have you experienced any major challenges in starting or running your business?
Alan Spicer: Starting a business is all about common sense and knowing your market. There’s no point is selling 50 websites in a week if you can’t look after the new clients.

Pinbud: What is your market niche? Who is your typical customer?
Alan Spicer: Small - Medium businesses are my core trade. I develop Brochure Websites and eCommerce Website Solutions, however I can always develop large bespoke projects such as Property Websites and Directories.

Pinbud: What sets you apart? How do you distinguish your business among the competition?
Alan Spicer: I am proud to lean on that fact that Spicer Designs is friendly and always available. I am a workaholic and I know that price isn’t everything. I’d rather charge a client less than my rivals knowing they are happy with me and more than willing to refer friends and family.

Pinbud: What is the secret of your success?
Alan Spicer: Looking toward the future. If you support a client and help them grow they will stay with you for years and continue spending money with you.

Pinbud: What are your plans for growth?
Alan Spicer: I hope to extend the company in the coming 6-12 months to trade in Canada and USA.

Pinbud: What is your marketing strategy and what role does online advertising play in your plans?
Alan Spicer: The best way to make sales is referrals from friends. Failing that make sure your potential clients can see reviews on how happy your existing clients are.

Pinbud: What do you think of PinBud? Is it just another directory where you listed your business, or do you also expect direct service requests from our users?
Alan Spicer: PinBud is a key element in my online marketing strategy. Getting clients to leave reviews helps attract new clients.

Pinbud: Are you offering any guarantees or warranties to your customers?
Alan Spicer: All sites payments are via Bank Transfers, Google Check Out and Credit/Debit Cards. This is a conscious decision so the client knows they are protected by the banking system should they need to claim a refund.

Pinbud: Have you ever had unhappy customers and how did you deal with such situations?
Alan Spicer: I’ve never had any major issues, however I tend to find talking to the client and listening to them will always help me find a solution.

Pinbud: How would you react to online negative reviews?
Alan Spicer: I would take them on the chin and learn how to avoid the reason for that complaint in future. You must always accept that sometimes you may get it wrong and you must change.

Pinbud: What are your tips or top recommendations to your customers?
Alan Spicer: A quality web design can revitalise a company’s sales and also help improve their public image, however a web site it pointless without advertising.

Pinbud: How do you see the future of your industry?
Alan Spicer: Custom design will always have its place as people want unique designs however I do see more and more prebuild "website in a box" solutions with template designs. HTML 5 will really push the internet into more interactive websites.

Pinbud: Do you have any recommendations to other professionals or beginners in your industry?
Alan Spicer: Learn your niche. You need to be prepared to answer every little tiny question that the non-web savvy client has. Also, remember people like friendly but hate pushy.

Pinbud: What is the one thing most people don’t know about you?
Alan Spicer: I started with Spicer Designs from just L200 and a lot of hard work.

Discount for PinBud users

Other discounts: Pay for your project in full at the start and save 10% Buy 2 websites and claim your very own 1on1 support chat system

Valid until: Fri, 7 Dec 2012

Portfolio

Web Design & Development. Logo Design & Branding

We offer a wide rrange of services but we pride ourselves on our quality custom designed web sites and logos/branding.

Showcase by PinBud users