Frequently Asked Questions
If you've got a question that isn't here, email us, Tweet, or message us on Facebook.
We've been building websites since 1999 and in that time have gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge. We crafted this FAQ page to answer many of the frequently asked questions we get asked.
Website Design & Development
The cost of a website can vary depending on many factors, just like the cost of a house or car may vary. Our website projects generally start at $3,500 range for basic business sites and e-commerce or product directories and catalogs can start at $6,000. Some of the factors that influence the investment are:
- Functionality: Anything beyond a basic contact form requires a custom quote. Some examples include e-commerce, membership websites, extensive forms, and product catalogs.
- Number of Pages: While we don’t charge per-page, a 50-page website requires significantly more work than a 5-page website. Larger websites require more planning to achieve a user-friendly site structure.
- Overall Look: Custom designs versus template designs can affect the investment. You can utilize one of our templates that we created to save money and time or we can build from scratch building from our design expertise.
The time it takes to design and build a website depends on the size and complexity of your site and the quality of content that you have ready to go. A basic website typically takes around 4 weeks from beginning to end.
Web design works using a very clear system and process of content, design, and programming. You can learn about our time proven process in our process section.
Yes, you will own the copyright to the website. If you decide to have your own admin manage your website, you have full ownership and right to change whatever you’d like. If you sell your business, the website goes with it. You don’t need our permission. But, we cannot transfer ownership of proprietary code like WordPress (open-source), source code, and stock photos. You also cannot take this website and sell it as is to others.
Yes it will. All the websites we design work on all devices. Depending on your requirements we can design and develop your site using responsive design so that the site is optimized for mobile devices.
We guarantee that your site will be created for you in a timely manner, not only will it be aesthetically pleasing but it will also be very intuitive to use. Our design team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with every aspect of your website. Only then will we proceed with the next step of creating your online presence.
If you find a site that you like the look and feel of or one that has a certain feature you would like on your site, feel free to mention it to us during the discovery phase. Our team will take this into consideration while designing your website. We are flexible and willing to do what it takes to make you a satisfied customer. If you find features from other websites that you want to incorporate during the beta phase or after, we’ll need to review the agreed deliverables for changes and additional costs.
What we cannot do is copy the website.
No, but we would sure appreciate it. It is how others find out about us.
A Content Management System is a tool that allows you to maintain the pages of your website yourself, without the need for any technical skills. A CMS allows you to edit and add pages, images, products or blog entries to your website. No additional software is required – all you need is a web browser and an internet connection.
Since we primarily work with a content management system, you are free to add pages after we provide the beta to your website. Please know that additional pages can change the focus of the website and we can offer our best recommendations after the website is live. If you’d like to incorporate these pages during development, there might be additional expenses.
Yes we provide all our clients with training on maintaining their website.
Yes, working with you and with an initial consultation, we write your content.
Depending on the complexity, we can but we typically will refer this work. We like to stick with what we know best - digital marketing. We have provided prototypes and consulting services for new website applications. We recommend building in stages with wireframes and prototypes which we can help communicate what is in your head onto paper. You then have a product that you can use for the next stage. Typically, this can save you thousands of dollars!
Web Hosting & Technical Questions
Web hosting is a service that allows your website to be viewed on the Internet. It’s basically a computer housed in a data center that runs your website and email.
A domain name is your address on the internet. Typically this would be something like yourcompany.com. We recommend that you buy your domain name first using GoDaddy.
No, you do not. Our websites can work on any web hosting that offers PHP and MySQL databases. We recommend hosting with us so we can help manage your WordPress website for malware, back it up, and keep the framework updated with the latest security updates. If you decide to host your website elsewhere, it's all good. We recommend SiteGround.
We do offer a WordPress Care Plans.
Yes it will. All the websites we design work on all devices. Depending on your requirements we can design and develop your site using responsive design so that the site is optimized for mobile devices.
We guarantee that your site will be created for you in a timely manner, not only will it be aesthetically pleasing but it will also be very intuitive to use. Our design team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with every aspect of your website. Only then will we proceed with the next step of creating your online presence.
If you find a site that you like the look and feel of or one that has a certain feature you would like on your site, feel free to mention it to us during the discovery phase. Our team will take this into consideration while designing your website. We are flexible and willing to do what it takes to make you a satisfied customer. If you find features from other websites that you want to incorporate during the beta phase or after, we’ll need to review the agreed deliverables for changes and additional costs.
What we cannot do is copy the website.
No, but we would sure appreciate it. It is how others find out about us.
A Content Management System is a tool that allows you to maintain the pages of your website yourself, without the need for any technical skills. A CMS allows you to edit and add pages, images, products or blog entries to your website. No additional software is required – all you need is a web browser and an internet connection.
Secure Server Layer (SSL) encryption establishes a secure connection between your server (or web host) and a visitor's web browser, stopping any information that they enter from being accessed while it wings its way to the server.
This level of encryption isn't necessary if you're not taking any personal information from users, but if you are - if you're running an online shop, for example, or a member area - then it is extremely important.
Securing your site with SSL:
- secures personal information
- encrypts credit card payments
- helps lift Google rankings (Google loves to know you're safe)
Just as importantly, showing users that your site is secure and encrypted builds trust and confidence, driving more sales.
If your site is going to take sensitive user information of any kind, please talk to us about getting a secure server certificate set up.
Digital Marketing Questions
We sure can. As part of your project we can include social media and email marketing services.
As we work hard to make sure your site is Search Engine friendly, we cannot guarantee that your website will show up #1 for your key phrases. There are several factors involved with Search Engine Optimization including who is linking to you, how often you update your website (blogging), your website code, and more.
Search Engine Optimization is all about getting your website higher up in the search results on search engines such as Google. The higher up the results you are the more traffic (and customers) you’re likely to get.
There are many aspects that go into achieving good SEO, and one of the most important is the copy (words) on your website. Focus on well written, keyword rich and appropriate content is the key.
Yes, we can design a logo for your as well.
Website Maintenance Questions
Yes, we can maintain your website during a per occurrence request or monthly.
Since we primarily work with a content management system, you are free to add pages after we provide the beta to your website. Please know that additional pages can change the focus of the website and we can offer our best recommendations after the website is live. If you’d like to incorporate these pages during development, there might be additional expenses.
Yes we provide all our clients with training on maintaining their website.
Yes, working with you and with an initial consultation, we write your content.
Download 101Internet Marketing Ideas
If you are stuck on what you can do to promote your company online now, we've compiled 101 Internet Marketing Ideas inside a simple ebook to help you spark some ideas.