Websites and IT support

Getting a website that works for your business

A website is only worth paying for if customers find it and it makes them get in touch. Before you compare prices, decide what the site must do. It might need to show your services and prices, take enquiries or quote requests, list products for sale, or simply prove that you are a real, established business when someone looks you up.

What to ask a web designer

• Who owns the domain? Your .co.za domain should be registered in your business’s name, with you as the owner. Ask for the login details or confirmation.
• What does it cost, now and later? Ask about the build price and the monthly cost for hosting, email, updates and support. Some companies charge a once-off fee, others a monthly plan that includes the site.
• Can I see live sites you have built? A portfolio of real businesses tells you more than a template gallery.
• Will customers find it? Ask what is included for search: page titles and descriptions, a sitemap, mobile speed, and setting up your Google Business Profile so you appear in local searches and on maps.
• Who makes changes? Find out whether you can edit the site yourself, and what it costs when they make changes for you.
• Is it POPIA-ready? A contact form collects personal information, so the site needs a privacy notice and should send forms securely.

IT support

IT support companies look after the rest: computers, email, Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, networks, backups and security. Ask whether support is remote, on-site or both, how quickly they respond, and whether you pay per call-out or a fixed monthly fee.

Many small businesses use one supplier for both the website and IT support, so there is one number to call when something goes wrong.

See websites and IT support in Pretoria, or all business services.

Written by the Find4U team at QX Software in Pretoria. We read every website before its ad runs.