Hi, my name is michael james watson
Web Design, Programming & Search Engine Optimisation

Website Design

If you have an idea for a business or project, I can work with you to take the steps necessary in establishing an online presence. These include: project specification; philosophy; technical requirements; design; programming; ecommerce set-up; online marketing / social media; visitor monitoring and web hosting.

I like to work flexibly, so I can either take care of everything for you, or offer tuition so that you are able to manage various aspects of the project yourself.

Ecommerce

Virtual shopping is becoming the norm. People are finding products at online stores at a better price than their counterparts. Having an online shop has few overheads, is easily maintained and most of the sale process is automated. This is extremely helpful for individuals who want a way into selling a product or service that they value.

The internet makes it straightforward to catalogue your products and services online and sell them securely using an online payment provider such as Paypal.

Bespoke Database Websites

Each business in some way has unique requirements. Most businesses need to manage a lot of information. Bespoke database websites offer an extremely powerful way of managing information efficiently; saving time and increasing efficiency, growth potential and profit.

A database website consists of a "behind-the-scenes" information store (database) and a front-end user-friendly interface. The interface is designed to present data in a palatable and efficient way. Some key features of bespoke database sites I've constructed in the past are: auto-emailing, scheduled notifications, google map integrations, auto-pdf generation (e.g. invoices), financial reporting, customer relations management, stock management and document management.

Almost anything is possible - the sky is the limit! Let me know what you need.

Content Management Systems

If you want to be able to edit your own website content but don't have the budget to have a bespoke database website designed, then a content management system such as Wordpress or Drupal might be for you. You can use any one of the thousands of already created themes for your site layout and design. Alternatively, I can design and program a custom theme and integrate with the content management system for you.

Content Management Systems have the advantage of many available plug-ins, e.g. to manage comments, mailing lists or transactions.

Search Engine Optimisation

Search engines such as Google, Bing or Yahoo provide the gateway for billions of people to quickly and easily find the information that they're looking for, but how do they do this? Over time search engines regularly visit practically all websites on the internet, and collect information about them. Search engine optimisation esures that the programming of your website is such that it is crystal clear for the search engines to interpret, categorise and present to people performing a search.

It won't guarantee visitors, but it will guarantee that the potential for qualified visitors to arrive is maximised for the current level of value you are offering with your product or service.

Social Media Integration

In today's world, sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked In form an integral part of many people's business and personal lives. These tools provide a quick and easy way to stay in touch with the masses, keeping everyone up to date with your products and promotions. Your social networking profiles can be easily updated on the move via modern smartphone devices such as the Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. They can also be seamlessly integrated within your website, so that your 'tweets' or 'status updates' automatically feed through to your homepage.

ePublishing

An exciting part of the ever-developing Internet is the emergence of ePublishing services, most notably Amazon Kindle. Books can now be published digitally so that people can easily download them to their mobile devices for convenient access while on-the-move. I can guide you through the process of preparing the book, launching on amazon kindle and improving the chances of your Book being purchased or read. I also work with partners offering editing or book cover design services.

Web & Email Hosting

Every website or email address needs to be reliably active and accessible to the world through the Internet, 24 hours a day, every day. From my own experience, I have found that the combination of professional and reliable hosting, good customer service and reasonable price can be a tricky one to find. Having worked with many partners in the past, I have now cemented a great relationship with a UK-based company offering just that combination. As a result I can offer business-standard web and email hosting space to all of my clients at a reasonable price.

Another key feature is security of data. I ensure that all client information is backed up and stored securely on a daily basis.

PHP Development

PHP is a server-side programming language offering a huge range of possibilities for bespoke online applications. It is also the 'middle-man' between the site database holding stored information and the user-friendly front-end - built with XHTML + CSS.

Javascript, JQuery + AJAX

This incredible JavaScript-based code library is a key part of the modern Internet. It offers the possibility of adding a richness to internet based software rivalry that of computer desktop applications.

XHTML + CSS

These two programming languages have been the linchpin of website development over the last decade. Given a picture of what a website should look-like, these are the languages used to transform the static picture into a fully functioning website.

Contact Me

Miracle Network

The Miracle Network is a UK-Registered Charity (reg. number 1108852), acting as a resource organisation for all things related to A Course in Miracles in the UK. They offer a free support, contact and information service for 3,500 students of A Course in Miracles, mainly in the United Kingdom, with some overseas members.

My involvement
Design and Construction of a brand new website for the network, including online shop and Paypal integration, and database backed to manage website content and products. I have recently begun Search Engine Optimisation for the network.

Ian Patrick, Founder and manager of the Miracle Network, a UK-registered charity
Michael has worked tirelessly for the charity since 2009, transforming our website into a vibrant and attractive site of which we feel proud. Michael is always efficient, thorough and conscientious in his work. He is a delight to have on the team - positive, optimistic, energetic, friendly and easy-going.

Miracle Network website

Merrywalks

Situated in the centre of Stroud in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Merrywalks Centre offers a convenient and fun shopping and leisure destination. Home to over 30 household names including Argos, Wilkinson and Home Bargains for all your essentials and favourite shops such as New Look, Clinton Cards, Halfords and Dominos Pizza.

My involvement
Working with David Judah Daniel Limited, encode a pre-prepared graphic design in high quality search-optimised XHTML & CSS. Construct a bespoke back-end database and user interface to allow access for editing centre information, providing documents to tenants, managing the website content and giving access to the PR company for the Centre.

Merrywalks website

Welcome World

Welcome World specialises in herbal teas for family life. Each tea is hand blended in small batches using wild crafted and organically grown herbs. Welcome World are commited to promoting the use of traditional herbal medicine within the family home.

My involvement
This project required a very definite style in order to communicate Welcome Worlds philosophy. I worked closely with Amanda at Welcome World, artist Philippa Foster and graphic designer Martin Rayment in order to bring this about. The site includes a shop with Paypal integration, and a bespoke content management area for Amanda to modify content.

Amanda Rayment; Master herbalist and owner of Welcome World Herbal Teas
I cannot sing the praises enough of Michaels wonderful skills and commitment to producing our website. He was involved with the project right from the start when the website was simply an idea and he continues to be involved offering support and assistance with new projects. He is a great team member with the qualities of patience, clarity, a real enthusiasm for the project and of course the technical knowhow. I am so thrilled with our website and the way it has become such a helpful platform for Welcome Worlds herbal products.

Welcome World website

The Forgiveness Network

Tom Carpenter, The Forgiveness Network: Think what it would be like to go about your day with your mind filled only with happy and loving thoughts. Everyone you meet has a smile and a glow of happiness about him or her. There is no sickness, no hunger, no conflict or lack, no time and no death. Peace has replaced fear everywhere. This is our world when forgiveness has come and we are free to love again.

My involvement
XHTML & CSS programming during the early stages of the project.

Tom Carpenter, The Forgiveness Network
I highly recommend Michaels work. He is very conscientious and most creative. Trust him to be a big help!

The Forgiveness Network website

Garbe Stairs

Garbe Stairs supply European-style feature stairs to the UK domestic and commercial market. They design modern bespoke staircases using different materials and a choice of finishes.Their highly reputable and well known German and Czech manufacturers have over 80 years experience in stair manufacturing.

My involvement
Complete project, from initial discussion, philosophy development, through graphic design, programming, basic search engine optimisation and web hosting.

Andreas Garbe - Managing Director, Garbe Stairs
Due to the highly valued work Michael did for me in creating a fitting web presentation for AG Surveys, we choose him to work with us to create the web page for our new venture, Garbe Stairs. Michael not only created our main web site, www.garbestairs.co.uk, he also developed a mirror copy of our manufacturers website at www.europeanstairs.co.uk. Michaels work comes highly recommended, as he spends the time to take care and listens to his clients views and needs.

Garbe Stairs website

Power of Gray

Graham Smith - Author Of the Salvation Series, beginning with The Vision Of Omigali.

My involvement
Design and implement an online presence for The Power Of Gray, the publisher for exciting book from Science Fiction author Graham Smith: The Vision Of Omigali. Conversion of The Vision Of Omigali into .mobi and launch on Amazon.com. Ongoing online marketing of Graham Smith and The Vision Of Omigali.

Power of Gray website

Chris Beckett

Chris Beckett is a musician based in Bristol, offering tuition in singing, guitar, violin, piano and ukulele. Chris has a philosophy of developing musical atmosphere in a safe space of fun and increasing self-expression.

My involvement
Complete project, from initial discussion, philosophy development, through graphic design, programming, basic search engine optimisation and web hosting. Particular emphasis on search engine optimisation, with the aim of attracting a steady stream of new students.

Chris Beckett, Bristol based Musician and Teacher
The website Michael and I created together has been a great success. I have received feedback from students that they found the simple and encouraging style of the site appealing and that it accurately represented my teaching style. The search engine optimisation work has been very valuable, regularly bringing in new students.

Chris Beckett website

Bristol Shukokai Karate

The Shito-Ryu school of Karate was founded by Soke Kenwa Mabuni (1889 - 1952). This Bristol-based club offers great quality practical tuition to people of all ages, particularly youngsters, through the expertise of 5th Dan Black-belt Mike Rowland.

My involvement
Working with David Judah Daniel Limited, encode a pre-prepared graphic design in high quality search-optimised XHTML & CSS. Construct a bespoke back-end database and user interface to allow access for editing the timetable and events pages.

Bristol Shukokai Karate website

Allmedia

Allmedia are a Bristol-based company providing print and media products to a number of high-profile clients in the south of England.

My involvement
Design, build and maintain a complete bespoke database website to manage the order management process, store order information, provide ecommerce, and report on the businesses current position. This system has provided a means by which Allmedia can store information and communicate more effectively and is vital to the operation of their business.

Allmedia website

West Country Divers

The reason West Country Divers was created was to provide something unique for divers and aspiring divers alike - an environment where great training and a great club atmosphere come together. West Country Divers is a fusion of the great training offered by a commercial dive school, and the friendly, social and adventurous elements of a dive club.

My involvement
West Country Divers wanted a site to reflect their massive enthusiasm for scuba diving. The result was a fun design, including some unique graphics and animated diving tutorials. Behind the scenes a database booking and administration system helps the team at West Country Divers efficiently run their popular local diving courses and club.

Phil Mills, Manager, West Country Divers
As a new business, and without the benefit of retail premises, we knew that our website had to be unique and different from our competitors if we were to hope to gain an advantage. Although we had a concept for our website we really did not know how feasible, or indeed practical, it was going to be. During our first meeting with Michael we began to realise that we had found someone who shared our enthusiasm about our website, but more importantly he could turn our ideas into reality. Nothing seemed to be a problem for him, he delivered on his promises and provided us with many Ideas that we simply had not thought of. The final product exceeded our expectations, and even now that the project is finished we still receive excellent support from Michael. Construction of our website has probably been the best investment we have made to date.

West Country Divers website

JD Property Solutions Limited

JD Property Solutions Limited was formed in 2009 by Managing Director Ian Jones and fellow Director Kevin Dabb, both of whom grew up in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. After leaving the area to pursue their respective careers, both returned to Grimsby to fulfil a long-held dream of setting up a business together to service the people of the local area. The company operates around a strong set of core values geared towards professionalism, honesty, integrity, value for money and friendliness.

My involvement
Complete project, from initial discussion, philosophy development, through graphic design, programming and web hosting.

JD Property Solutions Limited website

Funk It Up Dance

Funk It Up specialize in Street and Commercial styles of dance. You can learn hip-hop break dance, popping & locking. Try out very funky routines which will help you get fit whilst having fun and looking fresh!

My involvement
Convert Funk It Ups existing website into Wordpress format, to allow content editing, and provide email and web hosting to keep the business on their toes!

Funk It Up Dance website

Wellyhog

The Wellyhog combines the simplicity of a classic boot rack, with the mobility of a trolley and very quickly the Wellyhog has become an essential piece of furniture for all settings. All settings who have trialled it have found it to be extremely easy to use. Say goodbye to the days of piling wet wellies in one large box and struggling to find a matching pair!

My involvement
Support graphic designer Michelle McCue (www.michellemccue.net) with XHTML + CSS programming and Search Engine Optimisation.

Wellyhog website