web design & development

delivering high quality, responsive websites

web design

I’m a Harrogate web designer and I’ve been designing and building websites since 1998. With a keen eye on the user experience (UX), effective search engine optimisation (SEO) and the value of good design, I develop websites for a wide range of clients – from small online brochures, through full content management systems (CMS) and eCommerce websites to build your business online.

I’m a web designer who won’t bombard you with internet jargon, nor will I charge you exorbitant fees for my work. I’ll work closely with you to deliver the best online presence for your business without trying to sell you something that you can easily do without.

Riflebird help turn visitors into customers through a combination of good web design, effective website layout, great usability and effective SEO, ensuring your website gets seen in all the right places.

If you’re big on initialisation, scroll down for some more on UX, CMS and SEO. Or just take a look at some of my recent web design work.

user-centred web design

Web design isn’t all about visual style. The user experience (UX) is key to both the customer as well as Google’s view of your website. Riflebird design websites very much with the end user in mind and aim to deliver site content that’s clear, simple and easy to use.

Usability should be a fundamental part of web design. So you might find I’ll try and dissuade you from the “all singing all dancing” approach if I don’t think it’s appropriate for the site or may have a negative impact on the browsing experience of your visitors.

responsive web design

From destops, laptops, tablets and phones, users are visiting your site from an increasing array of devices and browsers. Responsive web design (also called mobile-friendly web design) involves the design and build of a single site that reacts to the size of screen on which it’s being viewed and adjusts it’s size and layout accordingly. Here’s a very brief overview of the key elements of responsive web design…

The website detects the device screen size and adapts the website to match (in both portrait or landscape mode)
Website elements (text, photos etc) stack vertically on smaller screens
No more pinching & scrolling sideways in order to view content
The site creates a new ‘dropdown’ touchscreen navigation system
Photos, text blocks and forms resize / scale down automatically
Telephone numbers become tappable, buttons and text are larger and easier to read

Responsive web design seen of different devices

Content Management Systems

Content Management System (CMS) websites, where you have the option to edit, update and amend your own site, are a very popular choice when considering a new website. I use WordPress to design and build CMS websites and I’m in good company… 35% of all websites on the internet in 2021 are powered by WordPress.

Not only will you be able to add or amend website content yourself without having to pay a web designer or developer, the addition of new content to a website is also good for Google and SEO. Some of the options available via a CMS website include…

Uploading photos and images
Adding new products and services
Publishing new events or special offers
Add News stories and updates about your business
Share information across social media
No previous technical knowledge is required

Wordpress CMS systems are well organised and very easy to use. You don’t require any technical knowledge to manage your new website – if you can handle Microsoft Word, running the CMS will be a doddle.

ecommerce websites

I deliver professional, affordable ecommerce websites combining great web design with effective Search Engine Optimisation. The clear and simple to use client area allows you to manage and monitor your products, prices, customers and stock with the minimum of hassle.

UK consumers are shopping online than ever. By the end of 2021, online sales will make up over one third of overall retail spending so, if you’re still wondering if ecommerce is not for your business, it might be time to reconsider.

I use WordPress and WooCommerce to design and build bespoke ecommerce websites. This platform is used by 30% of all online stores in 2021. Selling online is easier (and cheaper) than you might expect. Ask me how much.

website hosting

Looking for somewhere fast, secure and reliable to host your site? Your search is over…

Once I’ve designed and built a new website for a client, I can provide website hosting services and support.

My website hosting services boast a 99.9% uptime so it won’t decide to switch off, just as you’re showing a new client how great your new website looks.

I offer reliable and fast web hosting and support, including essential SSL certification, for as little as £15 per month.