What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global network of computers with millions of users all over the world. It is primarily used for web sites and to send messages (email).

What are the business benefits of the Internet?

The Internet offers your business the opportunity to:

• communicate, share information and do business with actual and potential customers
• market and sell your products automatically, accepting orders and enquiries 24 hours a day
• find new customers locally or world-wide
• distribute products and services that can be converted into electronic form
• access business data from all over the world such as research analysis and computer software, often free of charge
• search out new ideas, technical support, product and market information
• source and purchase goods, help or advice
• compete with the large companies - on the Internet no one need know if you are a multi-national or a home based business.

What is easisites.com?

easisites.com is both

• a web site building service that allows anyone in business to build and publish their own professional web site and
• an online web directory that allows anyone and everyone living in, working in or visiting any area in the UK to search and find the products or services they want, where they want.

Each easisites web site template has been especially designed to meet the needs of image-conscious small business owners. Our web site designs enable any business to own a professional quality web site without the costs associated with hiring a professional web site design firm or the headache of attempting to create it in-house.

Who may build an easisites web site?

Anybody, but the system is geared towards the needs of business rather than 'personal home pages'.

What does it cost?

£100 for the first year. £50 for the second and every subsequent year. Payable by any popular credit / debit card. Plus VAT of course.

What about subsequent years or cancellations?

We email a reminder when it's time to repeat payment for the next year. Without payment your site will go 'off the air', but its data remains in the easisites system so if payment is late the site returns without the need to rebuild it. Only the site administrator can delete a site permanently - contact admin@easisites.com if you want that done and be prepared to prove who you are.

Is it a 'proper' web site?

Yes and it's visible to anybody in the world with Internet access. They type your site's web address into their Internet browser program and view your site - just like any other web site.

Why not use my Internet Provider's 'free web space'?

Because someone still has to design, build and upload the pages. People used to spend hours learning or pay someone. easisites is a low-cost easy route to success.

Will people see my easisites web site?

As part of the service, your web site will be added to all the major search engines to maximise your web exposure. What's more, your sight will also be listed in www.kent-esites.co.uk web directory. Yes, people will find your site.

What do I need in order to use easisites?

All you need is an up-to-date web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. If one of those names is at the top of your screen right now, you've got it. There's no coding or programming necessary. Just point and click your mouse to make your selections.

What if I'm useless with computers and can't type?

If you can type with two fingers even the most computer-wary can quickly and accurately create a full web site. The harder part is deciding what to say about your business. Look at our examples - that'll probably give you some ideas. Or look at what other people have done.

What if I've already got a web site?

You can use us to get more customers visiting your existing site. Build a small scale easisite being sure to fill in the box for 'other web site'. When people find your easisite through our Search facility they can click to visit your main web site.

What if I've a web address but no web site?

No problem. We can transfer your existing web address to your easisites web site. An additional charge of £50 (+ VAT) will be made for this service.

Can easisites register new web addresses?

Yes we can. If you would like your own web address - e.g. www.yourcompany.co.uk or www.yourcompany.com - this can be done (subject to availability). An additional charge of £50 (+ VAT) will be made for this service.

How long does it take to build an easisite?

We reckon about 10 minutes a page. You can build up to 6 pages. Many people build one page to get started then come back later and add more. After building your easisite you're asked for credit card details and your site goes online straight away. You could have a web site online 15 minutes from now!

How do I alter, update or add more pages later?

Once you've paid for your first year you visit your own site and click the 'Update' link. You fill in your password (which you get when you first build a site) and then make any amount of changes that suit you.

How often may I update my easisite?

As often as you like - several times a day if you need to. There are no additional charges for updating. Keeping your site current with 'special offers' and such gives customers a good reason to visit your site again.

Can I include a company logo or photograph?

Yes. Every page has space for a picture. You can use one of the ones we have online already or upload one of your own.

How do I upload things?

The easisites system does it for you at the right time. You just have to point out the picture file on your computer when asked. It's easier than you imagine.

How do I make a picture file from, say, my company brochure?

You need a scanner or digital camera. They can create electronic files. Save the file as either JPG or GIF as they're the only types people can view over Internet.

What do I do? There's no business Category for my business.

First, choose a Category as close as you can to get your site built and online. Then email admin@easisites.com saying what Category you'd like. The administrator will add it and email you back. Then you can update your site accordingly.

Are there any rules about the kind of site I can build?

Yes, but only what you'd expect. Web sites are a form of advertising and therefore you must adhere to the usual standards of truth and decency.

Furthermore, easisites.com is a facility for everyone, even children, to locate goods and services. We reserve and will exercise the right to disable any site we feel unsuitable for inclusion. We will then email the owner to make alterations before we allow it back online.

If you see any site you think is unsuitable, please do let us know by contacting admin@easisites.com

What additional facilities are easisites.com planning to offer in the future?

Our aim is to make the whole business of doing business on the web easy for everyone. There are a lot of things in the pipeline, including online credit card facilities available for site owners, more site designs, online maps and much more besides.

Where did easisites.com come from?

easisites.com is a facility entirely designed, owned and built by Ekos Consulting Ltd. Ekos had built lots of web sites for businesses and knew that the cost to smaller companies was often prohibitive, yet they too needed to be 'on the web'. Ekos spent many months programming a system that could automatically create web sites. The system is being implemented on regional web servers, like this one, so that site owners know the majority of visitors to their site are within their 'catchment area'.

Who can I ask if I'm having problems building an easisite?

With regard to building an easisites web site you should contact your local administrator or admin@easisites.com . One way we have kept the price rock bottom is by not having an army of people to answer telephone queries.

Who can I ask if I have other issues concerning the use of IT and computers in my business?

When we built the easisites system we realised it would encourage more extensive use of 'information and communication technologies' in our customers' businesses.

The Government is encouraging the same through the Small Business Service and UK Online. Visit Business Link www.businessadviceonline.org for your region or the UK Online web site www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk.

Your UK Online centre will help you identify the issues and tell you about local suppliers of hardware, technical support, training and more.

How do I search easisites for goods and services?

Use the Search page and select the appropriate business category. You'll get a list of matching easisites web sites. Click any in the list to view.