BICESTER-BASED based design agency MicroGrapix, is offering website advice for local start-up businesses.

Mike Linzey, director of MicroGraphix, said there were factors that new business founders needed to consider when planning a launch website.

He said: “When advising start-ups, we recommend building a website that can grow with the company - often it’s best to launch with an overview of the business and add more detail over time.

“This helps prevent having to commission another website within a year or two.”

With off the shelf websites available online business owners can get online within a day.

However, Mr Linzey advised caution and researching whether the platform provided the functionality and flexibility required.

He added: “There are some good design templates available, but often it’s not realistic for a beginner to design and build it properly. Flexibility and structure are important to ensuring you can develop your website and it is fit for purpose.”

Mr Linzey said: “We advise getting the basics right first. Select a domain name via an independent provider to avoid being tied in to one platform.

“A quality web hosting service is important to ensure a website is always visible online. Check the company has a good reputation, is UK based and comes with technical support.

“Build-wise a simple structure with clean coding and labelling ensures a website loads quickly. If a website is slow to load many visitors will leave before seeing it.”

MicroGraphix is based in Murdock Road, in Bicester and delivers brand identities, websites and marketing.