Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
The cost of your website will depend entirely on the size and features you want. We charge by the hour, with no minimum, so you pay for only what you need. We will be happy to give you an estimate once we understand what you want.
How long will it take?
Like the cost, it depends entirely on the type of website you request. We don't use templates (a canned design with your name and words). If you need something fast, we can deliver a simple design quickly and then add the rest a few weeks later. Custom design and professional photography take time, but the results are well worth it.
What is this about a "domain name" and "hosting"?
A domain name is the technical term for the name of your website. You have to buy the rights to use whatever name you want to use and it has to be one that nobody else is using. We will work with you to select a name that works for your business. We will then purchase the rights to the name for you.
Web hosts are companies that make your website accessible via the World Wide Web. We will arrange for your new site to be hosted. Unless you have a preference for what company to use to host your website, we will use GoDaddy.com. They are reliable, full featured, and cost competitive.
By the way, we do not charge a commission for purchasing your domain name and hosting for you. You only pay for the time we spend making the purchases.
Who owns my website?
You do. You own the name, the hosting contract, and the contents. If you decide to have someone else work on your website later on, there is no charge to transfer control to them. We will buy the name and set up hosting for you, but you will own it all.
What if I already have a website?
We can give your current website a face lift or update the wording. Let us review your current site, and give you some suggestions for improvement.
Will my new site come up first in search engines like Google?
Nobody can guarantee placement in a search engine. However, we keep up on the latest search engine optimization techniques and apply them to the design of your sight. In addition, we will work with you to get your sight referenced on other sights. This can have a big impact on search engine ranking.
Can I have email associated with my website?
Yes, if you want it. We can arrange for you to have a full featured email system where your customers can reach you using an email name such as yourname@yourwebsite.com.
What about updates?
There are really two types of updates to consider. The first is keeping the site fresh with recent photos and updated copy. You might want this done every six months to a year. We can help you with this whenever you need it.
The other kind of update is for information that changes regularly, like a calendar of events or menu offerings. We will design that part of your website to make it easy to update. Then we'll either show you how to make the updates yourself, or we'll make them for you. It's your choice.
Do I really need a custom website?
If you are like most people, you have a friend who has a cousin who knows a guy who does websites. But cheap and quick will look cheap and quick. Your website will often be the first look a potential customer gets of your business. A good impression here can lead to increased sales. For most small businesses, it doesn't take many new customers from a good website to pay for the website.
