Webmaster gets on the case for small businesses

DONNA WALSH/Waikato Times

HELPING HAND: The large number of underpreforming or even mis-spelt small-business websites prompted Russell Masters to set up a business, Starting Point, to help small businesses make the most of their sites.

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Hamilton consultant Russell Masters has a theory. If a business had a sales person who was not selling, they would want to know why. Websites, he says, are no different.

His company, Starting Point, diagnoses website ills for small businesses, analysing the problem site, reviewing what needs fixing and then ringing in the changes.

He decided to focus on small businesses because of the large number that failed to even maintain correct spelling on their sites, let alone manage their Google listings or understand search engine optimisation.

Websites were often a small business's main interface with the public but many did not have the budget to employ staff to manage their websites, he said.

"Getting someone to manage your site can be upwards of $600 to $700 a month. It's a big ask for a small business to fit that into their budget."

Mr Masters established his main business, Spark Consulting, about five years ago after 10 years as an IT consultant. Starting Point is his new venture.

The analysis looks at marketing, search engine placement, spelling and user-friendly design with a program that is run over the site.

"It will look at everything from spelling to headings and layout."

Mr Masters also offers courses in website marketing.

"There are a lot of really generic courses out there. We will tailor something for each individual."

Among his clients are the Waikato Rugby Union and Sir George Seymour College.

"We have, for the most part, a handful of select clients but we've decided we really should be looking at the small-business market.

"There are so many small businesses out there spending big money to have a site built and not seeing the results."

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