website designs

[soapy]

I am probably one of the few who does not have a website for my wash. I am thinking about doing one soon but was wondering what others have paid for their website. One company offered to build one for about $2500 and then I would own everything. Another company wants $200 per month to setup a more extensive design. I am not looking for a website at this time that would allow taking money. What are some others paying for their website.

 

[JacksonV]

I don't know what all you're trying to accomplish with your website, but you can show up on the first page of Google searches for a car wash in your area (with a map) by listing your business with Google even if you don't have a website. https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=lbc&passive=1209600&continue=http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter&followup=http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter

 

[Waxman]

I had mine built on Wordpress for short $. I pay a small fee ($100) per year for hosting. I can change and update the site myself very easily. Mine doesn't process any payments but I do take appointments for detailing thru the site and get some contacts/appts. booked thru the site on a regular basis.

www.houseofwax.us

 

[DiamondWash]

Here's mine www.diamondcarwash.biz

 

[Buzzie8]

I am in the process of integrating my website with my PDQ Access and their WALS system. Prior to this a wordpress site worked great for me and might continue to (after I learn more about the integration from PDQ). If you want I can supply you with much of the knowledge you need to do this on your own. Here is a good video of what I am talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPwQvnar99w&list=PL5BC33C764796C207
Keep in mind that he is building a wordpress blog site. If you use a theme like Optimize Press it makes building the site very simple and they give great tutorials and will accomplish most of what you need.

 

[JustClean]

Soapy,
whatever you do make sure it is easy to read on a mobile phone. If you are in an area with a lot of tourists it is even more important. More than 80%!!! of people going to my website use either an iPhone or an Android smart phone. There is a lot of discussion of having two sites (one for mobiles and one for desktops) or not. I decided to go with a single "responsive webdesign". This when you only have one website optimized for all screen resolutions. Makes updating easier. Wordpress is easy to update but can sometimes be slow loading depending on your host. Here is a free template how it can look: http://webcodebuilder.com/examples/responsive-html5css3-template/index.html

Always remember what you expect when looking at a website - For me the site has to be fast (I hate websites full of rubbish with information I want hidden on page 16)

Fast:
Where is the next carwash?
What services do they have?
How do I get there?

Anything else is in my case not so important for me.

 

[bigleo48]

Lots of good points here. I have built my website from scratch with just the info model (no selling, booking, etc). However I do maintain a few sites for some local sports teams and some friends.

I think if you are not "web savvy", I would look at building a website through a provider like godaddy.com and their site builder. It very easy to create a nice site, have the ability to sell and make bookings for detailing. They usually also make it possible to add HTML code so you can tie it into stuff like "WALS" or just 'buy now' buttons from paypal. The price es are also reasonable and with peer support and how-to on video (Youtube)...you can get things done rather easily.

Lastly, the whole different platform (PC, table, phone) and OS (windows OSx, android, apple, etc) is taken care by them. So no worries there.

 

[cwguy.com]

I would recommend WordPress also like waxman said. I would also say never go with a developer that is not going to give you the code (right away or after a period of time).

I wouldn't not use GoDaddy.com wizard created sites or that host.

I actually talked to the company/guy that did all sonnys car wash websites and that developer will not help at all with a site transfer. So you should watch out. Also you should ask the framework they are developing on... Sonny's sites are joomla. But WordPress is more user friendly and anyone could figure out.... Well maybe.

 

[Buzzie8]

Install a wordpress site and use Optimizepress as a theme. They have great tutorials and you could have it up and running in an hour. I have been using it for three years and they have taught me a lot. No need to constantly pay web designers. Here is an affiliate link:
https://zf137.infusionsoft.com/go/op/Buzzie8/

 

[bigleo48]

A couple of people I know did their sites on GoDaddy and they loo real nice.

 

[cwguy.com]

Awesome an affiliate link. How about getting a dropbox account using this link? JK

There are 100 sites just like that one selling themes and if you actually go with a developer all they do is use a prebuilt one. There are also free ones you should check out at WordPress.org or WordPress.com I forgot which one was the site you can download stuff from? But usually you have to change any theme you find... That's the problem!

WordPress is a good platform to get a lot of free plugins and themes though... Unlike joomla.

 

[cwguy.com]

A couple of people I know did their sites on GoDaddy and they loo real nice.

I hate dealing with them as a host. But if you use there wizard it will put a rectangle logo/ad on the bottom of the site for GoDaddy. Also it did something with the HTML... I forgot now but it probably wasn't good. I just thought it looked unprofessional.... Having an ad for another business on your business site?