[Jim Casey]

Hey Jim!

Well you've come to the right place for advice wink

Anyway, here is my take on your questions

"Most referals come from word of mouth or bridal mags. So I have some question about web sites."

If you are getting a lot of these that's great! But to increase your business and profits, website development is a great idea.

"1) How much more business do you get from them?"

I am sure that I am an anomaly, but about 70-80% of all of my business is a direct result of my website www.djmaine.com

"2) As long as you get to the point of you business, is there a need for all the flash, or is it just for looks?"

I've said it before and I will say it again...
Flahs is a waste of time, information is what counts. Here's an analogy for you:

Think of the guy in school you may have been jealous of... 6'4'' muscular, blond hair blue eyes, star QB, perfect, until you find out he is as dumb as weights he lifts daily.

Now, think of a wonderfully flashy website that tells you NOTHING about the service. It's rather irrelevant, isn't it.

"3) How expensive is it to build a good website?"

If you learn Front Page or Dreamweaver, etc...just time. It takes time to build a good website. If you don't have the time, don't do a website. If you do, make sure it is filled with useful content about you and your DJing speciality. I can't tell you how many people fell totally comfotable BEFORE they call me becuase they see the content on my site. Very easy to make a sale that way.

"For the record as far as web design I am totally lost. Some of these queston might be stupid, the reason for them is I am thinking of doing away with some of the yellow page adds and put it towards a web design. Any help someone can give me would be great."

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Always ask, never be afraid. I do web design work myself so if you need someone, please let me know. You won't get Flash from me, but a very useful website for you and your clients.