PageLaunch

PageLaunch: websites for small businesses with free build

PageLaunch is a British web design and development service aimed at small businesses. Its proposition is based on not charging for building the site: the client pays a monthly fee of £20 that covers hosting, domain, SSL certificate, daily backups and unlimited changes. The company presents itself as local to Sussex and Surrey, although it works with clients across the UK remotely.

A subscription model with free build

PageLaunch's single plan includes the design and build of the site at no initial cost, no setup fee and a limit of up to ten pages. The monthly fee of £20 can be replaced by an annual payment of £200, which is equivalent to two months free. The domain, whether .co.uk or .com, is registered in the client's name. The company states that most sites go live within 48 hours of receiving the details and photos, and that within a week it is practically certain.

The service is sold as a monthly subscription with no minimum term, cancellable with 30 days' notice. The company warns of the trade-off: the site lives on its platform, so if you cancel, the website stops being operational. The domain can be transferred and the content, photos and logo always belong to the client.

What the service includes

• Design and build of the site at no initial cost.
• Up to ten pages.
• .co.uk or .com domain registered in the client's name.
• Hosting on UK servers, SSL and daily backups.
• Unlimited changes under fair use.
• Own portal where enquiries received are saved.
• Optional blog that the client can manage.
• Booking system for businesses that work by appointment.

The company clarifies that it does not build online shops. Its focus is informative websites that explain who the business is, what it offers and how to get in touch. It does offer booking systems for salons and instructors.

Work process

The process is divided into three steps. First, the client fills in a form with the business name, activity and available colours or logos. Then PageLaunch designs and builds the site in a few days and provides a preview link for review. Finally, once approved, it is published on the client's domain and the company takes care of hosting and security.

The sites are hand-coded, without WordPress or page builders. They adapt to mobiles, tablets and computers, and are optimised for indexing in local search engines. The company notes that more than 60% of potential clients access from mobile.

Optional services

In addition to the base plan, PageLaunch offers extras that most clients do not need, according to its own indication. A second website for another business or activity costs £15 a month, with the same conditions of free build, own domain and unlimited changes, managed from a single portal. Professional email on the client's domain costs £5 per mailbox per month and includes webmail and configuration.

Clients and sectors served

The company works with tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and builders; hair and beauty salons, barbers and therapists; cafés, pubs and takeaways; services such as accountants, private tutors and coaches; garages, vehicle cleaning and mechanics; and estate agents and cleaning companies.

Among the published projects are Syntek Solutions, a managed IT services provider; Lewis Brothers Carpentry, a carpentry and joinery company in Crawley; My Journey Therapies, an independent speech and language therapy practice; The Cruise Group, a multi-service contractor; Cloud9 Cosmetics, an aesthetic and skin clinic with a presence in Crawley and Brighton; and LMC Plumbing & Maintenance, a Gas Safe registered plumber in Warwick.

Geographic coverage

PageLaunch presents itself as a local company in Sussex and Surrey, with clients in Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Cuckfield, Horley, Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Gatwick, Redhill, Reigate, Billingshurst and Lindfield. However, by working remotely, it serves businesses across the UK, including cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Terms and support

The company responds to requests within one working day and offers a no-obligation quote. The service includes real support and the possibility of requesting changes at any time. Cancellation is monthly with 30 days' notice, with no minimum term or plan exit fees.