How long will it take for my website to be designed?
Because each element of your website is custom-tailored to your needs, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to furnish you with a complete first-draft website design and build.
It usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete everything. This includes the initial web design, gathering information from you about your business for directory listings and social networks, custom graphic elements, programming, your adjustments and approvals, and adding your content. For smaller projects, time to completion may be less. I spend a lot of time making sure the end result is a high-quality website custom-made to the needs of your business or project.
If you have a deadline, I will try to meet it for you. If you would like the design process to move along as quickly as possible, make sure you are sending along any materials (website content and business information), payments, and approvals as they are required in the design process.
After my website is complete, what follow-up services do you offer?
In addition to web hosting, I offer web management services through my sister company, WP Sails.
In what format should I supply words and photographs about my business for my new website?
I prefer that materials are submitted through the online client forms. Written content can be typed or pasted into text boxes or attached as an MS Word or other text document. I prefer png or svg format for photos and images, but most electronic forms are fine, such and .bmp, .gif, .jpg, and .tif. If you’d prefer sending hard copies of materials, I can accommodate that as well.
Will we have a meeting to discuss the web design?
I typically meet with clients twice – once for an initial one-hour consultation (which is free of charge) and again near the project’s completion to discuss an issues and to instruct the client on how to best maintain and use their site. For additional concerns and questions, I have found that contact through email and telephone is enough. Typically, the process works as follows:
After you’ve specified what you are looking for in your website and furnished me with the materials I need, I begin working on the design. I usually work directly on the web server using password protection to make sure visitors won’t see the site until it’s completed. Once I finish the first draft of your website, you have the opportunity to specify where you’d like changes in the design. One round of design revision (and/or additional content submissions) are included with all of my design services so you can be sure you get something you’re fully satisfied with.
All of that being said, we can meet in person as many times as you’d like.
I want an online presence to promote my small business and provide important information about my business to a wider audience. How do I get started?
The three things you’ll need to have a professional web presence online are a web host (where you website is housed), a domain name (the address of your website), and a well-designed web presence (including a website, business directory listings, and social network interaction).
If you don’t already have a domain name registered, I can offer recommendations and help get you started. Ask if you you’d like help acquiring a domain name.
How do I update my website?
I build all of my websites in WordPress, which is a content management systems with a back-end interface where users can make changes to their website’s content. Most people find these interfaces easier to work with than editing html directly, although there is a learning curve to navigating any content management system.
If updates need to be made to your website, consider getting a complete package with SunCloud Design, which includes website creation, hosting, and management. If you need to make regular updates, I am happy to walk through any of the updating process you need to know more about. See my client resources page for more information about using your WordPress site.
Do you use flash animation in your website design?
I do not use flash animation unless it is specifically contracted for. While flash can be an attractive component to a website when used for small banners and advertisements, it is a bad idea to use flash animations to create entire websites or even pages within a website. This is primarily because search engines read text and cannot read the content of flash animations. Therefore, it is best to put your website’s content in the form of text and tagged images, rather than flash animation.
Can I get email with my website?
When I build you website, I create a working email address (typically webmaster@your-domain-name.com) to use when setting up your apps and services. With my hosting plan, you are free to create additional email addresses ending with @your-domain-name.com.
Can I see how many visitors I’ve had to my website?
Yes. I set up and install Google Analytics which gives you information about your site such as the number of visitors to your site each day, the average duration of their stay, and how many of those visitors are new vs. returning.
Can I have an e-commerce system for my website?
For clients with less than 25 unique products/services to sell online and who don’t intend to handle large quantities of inventory online, I offer shopping carts, product catalogs, contact forms, and other enhanced functionality to accommodate your needs.
I may be able to accommodate larger inventories and product lines at additional cost. Clients who wish to do a large quantity of business transactions directly through their website should contact me to discuss their needs.
When can I update my website content?
All of the website I design are created within WordPress’ content management system. With a content management system, you can access your administration areas from anywhere you have an internet connection and make updates instantly.
How many pages can I have on my website?
I will customize as many pages as you’d like and that cost of those pages will be reflected in the project estimate. Of course, you are free to add regular content in the form of blog entries or other pages as often as you like. I encourage my clients to have multiple pages on their website because the more pages you have, the more important you’ll appear to search engines.
I already have a website, but it needs updating. Can you help?
Contact me about a custom project or request of quote and we can begin discussing your needs. Chances are, I would be happy to help, but I first need to understand the scope of the project.
Will you redesign my existing website?
Chances are, I can help redesign your website and keep any existing designs or images you would like to retain. A website redesign can simply enhance the look and functionality of your website or create a completely new look. Contact me to discuss the details of your project.
