Help - where do I start with websites???

[Poppy4lee]

I started my craft venture towards the end of last year, I make bath bombs, soaps, handbags, jewellery, fabric bowls and other bits and bobs. I would really like to set up a website but I am so confused .. one of the things I don't understand is how you advertise on the internet and get people to come and look at your site. PLUS I make stuff to order, so, if someone wants 20 pink bath fizzers, in the shape of fairies, smelling of chocolate, or 10 red frogs smelling of honeysuckle etc. etc. - I can do that - but it would be impossible for me to put every combination of shape, colour and fragrance on my site!! I'd love to know which are the best sites (that don't cost the earth, am making a big loss at the moment, so can't afford much)HELP!!!!

[Bowed Over]

Your best bet is to get in touch with Mr Media (013). His day job is things like this. He can help or point you in the right direction. He is a lovely man.

Cheers.

Lisa

[Peter]

Your best bet is to get in touch with Mr Media (013). His day job is things like this. He can help or point you in the right direction. He is a lovely man.

Cheers.

Lisa

.................and so cheap..........

[Poppy4lee]

Many thanks Lisa, that sounds like good advice.

[0103media]

Something like mrsite is a Cheap option..

Its about £16 and all u need then is hosting..

As always you get what you pay for

[mjbelkin]

And make sure you have some headache tablets or a large glass of wine to hand too

I've nearly finished my new jewellery one, and aside from it sucking time from me, I think that by the time it goes live I'll really hate it

[Poppy4lee]

Thank you Mr Media, I'd been advised to contact you and was just about to, when your message came through!
I've had a quick look at mrsite, it would seem to be user friendly, which is what I need, would you say this is the best one of its type? I appreciate, as you said, that you get what you pay for and, obviously I want to keep my outgoings as low as possible but I don't want to cut corners - if there's something out there that maybe cost a little bit more but is heaps better, I would rather go for that. Also, being a complete ignoramus, I don't understand how I'd get potential customers to look at my site???
All information is VERY gratefully received.

[Poppy4lee]

Wow Melanie, your site is FANTASTIC!! I would love to be able to do something like that.

[0103media]

Wow Melanie, your site is FANTASTIC!! I would love to be able to do something like that.

In regards to http://www.kandmbeadshop.co.uk/ its free not like mrsite..
Its whats called open source..
Many free websites creators like melanie's..

Again your need hosting and some graphics etc.. Along with someone to install it...

[Poppy4lee]

I take it that mrsite would be a better option for me than a free site as, I assume, it would be easier/more user friendly?
Melanie's site looks really great but I know I don't have the skills to do it on my own, so, I guess I'm really being swayed towards mrsite.

[mjbelkin]

Wow Melanie, your site is FANTASTIC!! I would love to be able to do something like that.

Thanks, but I can't take any of the credit for it - the oscommerce thingy was manipulated by the lovely chaps at solent it for me. I upload all the products and pictures, etc, but they sorted out the colours, general look and banner.