Activ Web Design Dunmow, Braintree, Saffron Walden

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Lisa Smith, Partner

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Affordable, great service, no jargon

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We want to spread the word that small businesses can afford professionally designed websites and SEO with support, maintenance and great service.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Friendly and relaxed

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: We are a husband and wife team who complement each others skills, we have a great relationship with Activ's HO and tech support

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: We provide a truly personal service but also have the back up of a UK network - so we provide the best of both worlds.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Through word of mouth and recommendation

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: We provide free consulations, where clients are local we will visit them. We liaise fully at all stages of the design process and we do not 'handover' as we are always there to support our clients once their site is live - we build long term relationships

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Honesty

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: With honesty and a calm professional approach.

Q: If a client was trying to decide between a shortlist of web design companies, how would you recommend they go about selecting the right one for them?
A: Check the quote! What is included and what is not. Are there any limitations? What's the process if you have a query. How will your site be managed once it is live? Can you see references, recommendations, previous work? Have you been asked what you want your site to do for you?

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Working with lots of SME's to support and grow their businesses.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Hopefully with less jargon and more accessibility but with good technical and graphic standards

Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: Both PC and Mac

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: Part of a franchise

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Update with relevant content regularly.