Two options, two goals
The two terms are often mixed up. To see clearly, start from what the website needs to do for you.
The showcase website
It is your online business card. In one to three pages, it says who you are, what you do, where you work and how to reach you. It reassures a customer who heard your name by word of mouth and wants to check you are real. It must be easy to read on a phone, fast, with a tap-to-call number.
The pro site
It goes further. Each service has its own page, with explanations, photos and the questions your customers ask. A quote request form brings in complete requests, with the details you need to price the job. It is a sales tool, not just a presence.
The practical differences
Beyond the number of pages, what really changes is what the website brings to your business.
- Visibility: one page per service gives you a better chance of being found for specific searches, such as a service followed by the name of your town.
- Quality of enquiries: a well-designed quote form saves you calling the customer back three times to get measurements or deadlines.
- Content to prepare: a pro site needs more copy and photos, so a little more of your time at the start.
- Budget: the build and the monthly fee are higher for a pro site, since there are more pages and features.
- Growth: a showcase website can take new pages later, if its structure was planned for it.
Who does each option suit?
There is no one right answer for everyone. Here are simple pointers to place your needs.
A showcase website suits you if
- You offer one main trade that is easy to explain.
- Your customers call you directly, often after a recommendation.
- You are starting out or do not have a website yet.
- You want to keep the initial budget under control.
A pro site suits you if
- You offer several distinct services (for example installation, servicing and emergency repairs).
- You want to be found for each of those services.
- You receive quote requests and want them to arrive complete.
- You work across several towns and want to show it clearly.
What every good website needs, whichever option you pick
Showcase or pro, some things are non-negotiable. They are what makes a visitor call you rather than leave.
- A layout designed for phones first, since many of your customers look you up from their pocket.
- Your phone number visible and tappable at the top of the page.
- Your service area stated clearly, with the towns you cover.
- Photos of your real work rather than generic images.
- A secure address (https) and fast-loading pages.
- An up-to-date legal notice and accurate information (opening hours, address, services).
- Administrator access in your name, so you never depend on a single provider.
What each option costs with us
To give you a benchmark, here are our starting prices, excluding VAT. The monthly fee includes hosting, maintenance and small changes (text, photos, opening hours). Further development is quoted separately. Either way, you keep ownership of your site, your data and your logins.
- Showcase site: from €490 excl. VAT, then €15 excl. VAT per month, for 1 to 3 pages designed for phones.
- Pro site: from €900 excl. VAT, then €20 excl. VAT per month, with several pages and a quote request form.
The right questions to ask yourself
Before choosing, take ten minutes to answer these questions. They are worth more than a long comparison.
- How many different services do you want to highlight?
- How do your customers contact you today: phone, email, form?
- What information is often missing when you receive an enquiry?
- Do you have photos of your work to show?
- Do you have time to supply copy, or would you rather we write it with you?
If you are still unsure
Starting with a well-structured showcase website is a sensible choice. If your business grows, you simply add service pages and a quote form. The important thing is not to start from scratch. If you already have a website, our free diagnostic tells you in a few seconds whether it is still fit for purpose. The first 30-minute call is free if you would like to talk it through.