1. What is the cost of a custom website?
It depends on the size and complexity of your site. We have a questionnaire which will give us the information we need in order to provide you with an estimate. Knowing how many pages you would like, how you want them to function, and the purpose of your site is all very helpful information for us. We’ll take the time to review your completed questionnaire and talk with you to determine your needs.
2. How long does it take to design a custom website?
Like all creative endeavors, the length of time it takes to create a website varies, depending on the complexity of the project.
- Size of site
- Complexity of design
- Creation of content
- Any advanced features or functions, such as e-commerce
- Your timely input and responses
3. What is website management and why do I need it?
Your WordPress site will be powerful and flexible. It is important to keep it running smoothly and correctly, which requires regular maintenance. Just a few of the items included in our maintenance program are: full weekly backups for database and core files, scan for broken links, update plug-ins, check security plug-ins, clear spam, run analytics, optimize the database, and more. We also provide a discount on security software and hosting to maintenance/management clients. These tasks take an average of 30-45 minutes per week. We’ll generate a report for you each quarter so you can see the activity. Our management fees are $200 per quarter. Design work isn’t included in this fee, but we’re glad to provide it at any time for our regular hourly rate.
4. Why do you emphasize the importance of content?
Your content is the reason prospects and customers visit your website in the first place. They want to know what can you do for them. They look to you for education via your social media and blogs. Great, original content written to your audience is the most effective way to drive traffic to your site.
A great writer will take into account your ideal customer’s demographics and psychographics (what makes them buy) and gain an understanding of the problem you will solve for them. She’ll write directly to your audience, using words to which they’ll feel connected. Writing from a marketer’s perspective acknowledges the prospect’s problem, gains their trust honestly and offers a solution which is the key to converting them from prospect to valued customer.
5. What Content Management System do you use?
We use the WordPress platform with customized Genesis child themes. Once we complete your site, you will be able to easily and quickly add content, such as blogs. If you would like changes to your site at a later time, it can be done with far more ease than other platforms.
6. Please explain SEO
Search Engine Optimization. It’s not magic, though there are some unscrupulous people who will try to sell you SEO services as if it’s complex and mysterious. The most effective SEO works within the framework of each individual page on your site and uses logical keywords. SEO is important as a part of your overall strategy to get more visits and a higher ranking on Google. Creating quality content on a regular basis is still the most effective way to build your ranking than SEO alone.
7. Why do you recommend a custom website vs a template?
Is your business like everyone else’s? Your website is where most prospects go to find out more about your business, and should be designed with your unique attributes in mind. How can you expect to create a visually appealing site, which showcases the things that set you apart from your competition if you are using a generic template? Creating a custom website, just like a custom brand, or identity, for your company allows you to shine brighter than your competition.
8. Do you provide wireframes or mock-ups early in the design process?
Yes. They function much as a blueprint does and you’ll be able to get a visual impression of how your site will look and work. We’ll take the time to go over every stage of the process with you to ensure your site does exactly what you need it to do for your business.
9. How many revisions are included in your fee?
For website and logo design, up to three revisions are included, which must be implemented during the mock-up stage. For content creation, the first edit is always included in the contract price. Of course, we are always happy to provide any further revisions at our hourly rate.
 10. Is it necessary for us to meet in person?
Not at all! We can easily communicate via e-mail, telephone, or Skype/Google Hangouts.
11. Will I be able to update my own website?
Yes! We’ll provide training, if needed, to ensure you will understand how to post blogs, make changes in content, add photos, etc. Website maintenance/management is far more technical and we don’t recommend trying to do this yourself.
12. What is the process to create a custom logo?
In a series of interviews with you, we will extrapolate an idea of the image you wish your business to convey. We’ll come up with two to three basic design concepts, which can be combined or stand alone. You will review those designs and we’ll discuss the merits of each. At that stage, we’ll collaborate to create a final design and any refinements made. It’s important to consider that a logo will need to work equally well on a website, business cards, print materials, and even on vehicles.
13. What does brand identity mean and why is it important?
Your Brand is the combined visual and written message which is created to exemplify the promise of the experience your customer can expect when they hire you. It should be found in your logo and tagline, your online presence (through your website and social media interactions), your print material, and more.
A brand should permeate everything you do as a business, and embody the vision and values of your business. We’ll help you create a consistent and cohesive message to your prospects and customers with the goal of making you easily recognized as the leader in your field.
14. Why is a custom marketing plan important and how does it differ from automated marketing systems?
Automated marketing systems as an adjunct to your overall marketing plan have their place if they are designed and written to resonate with your specific audience. They are never meant to take the place of real, personal interaction with your prospects and clients. A custom marketing plan identifies your ideal client(s), looks into their unique demographics and psychographics (buying behaviors) and finds a way to meet their needs.
Effective communication must be in a language your prospect understands and identifies with. It needs to be presented in the same way your prospect responds to visual stimuli, and work within a logical hierarchy so they give their attention to what you can do for them. Principles of influence in marketing are considered as a means to have a sincere written and visual conversation with clients or prospects.