Choice of websites

[purplepeony]

I am not new to websites- already have one- but am changing/adadpting my work so need a new one.
I am split between super cheap at £125 for something basic- you choose from 5 designs and have 3 pages, which would do me for now, fine, or a more sophisticated one at around £400 where the designer is more creative.

I amnot selling any products- just myself- I am a journo/writer with a couple of books and a few features to my name so far -and just wonder what your opinions are on them.

if you could take a look, I am thinking of these 2:
www.hertsdiscountwebsites.co.uk/HWSdesign5/index.html

aerta.co.uk

Yes, I'm doing the same at the moment. I have had a super cheap one for about two years and I'm considering paying for a designer to do something a bit more interesting. I am a writer too.

I think that one consideration has to be what job your website needs to do. Is it there as a resource for potential clients to look up past work, or is it there for your readers and fans? Or is it both?

Mine is aimed at both and one thing I'm considering is a sort of 'entrance hall' page where the visitor clicks on a different button depending on if they are a client or a reader.

My feeling is that it's probably worth having a cheapy one for a while as that will help you clarify in your mind what you do and don't want a website to do. Then, a bit further down the line, pay out more if you feel it's necessary.

It's worth bearing in mind that your website is your shop window. It could be the only contact someone has with you (if you haven't spoken to them etc) and it could be the deciding factor in whether they use you or not.

By paying a bit more you also pay for advice - a good web designer can help you with the function and design of a website.

The website is there so new clients can take a look at what I have done- it's mainly a biog of me and some links to clippings.