Chris Ward: Website Optimisation Specialist

Chris Ward: WordPress Specialist in Preston

Hey, I’m Chris. I build great websites for businesses. I’ve been doing it since 2003.

My career has involved working at Cumbria’s leading specialist web agency for 11 years – many of those as a Company Director.

Project Experience

I’ve been lucky to work on some great website projects whilst at the agencies; leading the account on Visionexpress.com for 10 years, designing complex backend integrations for a FTSE250 company, putting together a sophisticated ecommerce package for Trek’s bike dealerships, launching an online store for one of Europe’s largest gas companies. Those are just a few.

Search Engine Optimisation

SEO is important for any website. If it’s not on page 1 your website is practically invisible, and really, it’s the top 3 positions that get around 50% of the clicks. You need to be up there.

Whilst AdWords and PPC advertising can give you an instant hit, it’s the investment in SEO that pays off year after year.

Independent Consultancy

Who can you go to for good advice? Bob’s brother says he knows about website design, but the big agency down the road say they’re the experts.

The internet is a bewildering array of technical terms and it can be hard to judge who’s acting in your best interests. I offer independent website consultancy to help cut through the noise. You pay for my time, I stay independent, and we find the best solution for you. I can even project manage if you require.

Website Management

Websites need maintaining, but it’s often overlooked. Software updates and security features need patching, your banners need updating to keep your digital ‘shop front’ looking fresh, you need a smart new page for that product launch.

I can work with you on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis to keep your online presence looking smart, fresh, fast and secure. We can also work on a programme of continuous improvement, to keep your website at the front of the pack and ahead of the competition.

Google Mobile Sites Certified DeveloperUK Web Design Association MemberDigital Lancashire MemberWordPress DesignerWooCommerce Ecommerce WebsitesCampaign Monitor Email Designer

Website Hosting

Choosing the correct type of hosting for your website is important. Just like selecting a vehicle, you need the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t pick a tractor for a road race, nor a Ferrari to plough farmland.

I have industry experience from being “in the field”, hands-on with hardware in the data centre, learning what works best, what sucked, and why.

I can help you with fast, secure and cost-effective web hosting.

Creative Website Design

I studied Graphic Design at both College and University – there were no web design courses back then – so have a ‘classic’ foundation on the principles of good design. I also have select group of design contacts, creative people I know and trust, so that when a project calls for a particular style, we can be confident of fulfilling the brief, and then some.

WordPress Specialist

For a content-led website that requires a great CMS, WordPress is the first choice. I’ve been building WordPress websites since 2009 and have seen it grow to become the world’s most popular Content Management System.

I’ve designed and built WordPress websites for everyone from small non-profits to high street chains and managed agency portfolios to keep them running smoothly.

I build websites that are both fast and secure – a point often overlooked by many WordPress developers – and I’m passionate about WordPress SEO, so your website is going to rank well.

Ecommerce Expert

I’ve been designing and developing bespoke ecommerce websites since 2005 and it’s a core area of my expertise. Setting up a brand new online store? No problem! I can advise you on taking payments online, payment security, postage rates, legal requirements, marketing and more. Got an existing webshop that isn’t performing? They’re my favourite, let’s turn it around!

Development of bespoke ecommerce functionality is a speciality, and if you need data integration I have oodles of experience. Let’s talk!