A: There are really 3 parts to this answer: Portfolio, Professionalism, and Performance.
Look at the diversity and quality of our portfolio over others.
Look at how detailed and comprehensive our Proposal is over others. We really get to know and understand your needs. We detail everything so there are no surprises and everyone knows exactly what they will get.
We do our utmost to deliver quality without compromise. We keep Clients fully informed. We answer questions quickly and fully.
Q: Can't I build my own website?
A: Sure you can, but ... just as buying a hammer from 'Home Depot' doesn't make you a builder, so does buying an off the shelf website builder doesn't make you a web designer.
You need to consider the way information is presented.
Make designs that appeal to your target audience.
Make sure that the website you build stands out from your competition.
Make sure it is easily able to be navigated .
It works, it works, it works.
Q: How much will my website cost?
A: Everyone’s needs are different, and each project is unique in its own way. Because of this we need to have a full understand of exactly what you need before we send you a proposal. If you talk to a web designer that doesn’t understand everything thoroughly, RUN - don't walk away from them as you risk having overruns, delays and more cost (or incomplete work) later. Also, look at the quality of what you get and its value. Which is better value?, a website that costs $5,000 but brings in $10,000/year of business, or a $2,000 website that looks like everyone else’s and only brings in $1,000/year of business .... you choose.
Q: Are there any other 'hidden charges' or licensing fees?
A: The proposal we send you gives you an automatic discount for paying by cash/check/wire. Other payment options are PayPal, Visa & MasterCard.
Q: How long will my project take?
That is like asking ... 'How long is a piece of string'? Every project is different and the amount of work varies. Typically a website takes 6-8 weeks, but that is dependent on the scope of work to be performed and how responsive the Client is in responding to design feedback, or clarification on particular issues. The time alters dramatically if we have to wait 2 weeks rather than 2 days for your feedback.
Q: What sort of hosting do I need?
If you choose to have a 'Content Management System' (CMS) built into your website, or other dynamic content being delivered to your web pages, you will need a hosting plan with a database. Your project manager will be able to advise you, and regardless, we offer many competitive hosting plans just right for you.
Q: Do I need a domain name?
Yes
Q: Will I get to page #1 of Google results?
A: Perhaps. But there is more to doing it than just building a website. Your rankings are dependent on a number of external factors other than your website. Search Engines make sure that their results are not easily manipulated, so if a design team guarantees you first place for a competitive keyword phrase, take it with a grain of salt. Write good quality content, and contact a reputable Search Engine Optimization / Search Engine Marketing (SEO/SEM) company (like ourselves) to provide a SEO/SEM proposal to you.
Q: How can I help make my project run as smoothly as possible?
A: Be upfront about your needs. Tell us about all of the functionality you need on your website so that we can make sure it is 'scoped' in the proposal we send you. Make sure you prepare all of your page content and photography in advance so there are no delays when it is required. Do not expect unrealistic things from your website. Your website will not make you a cup of coffee or change your daughter’s diapers. And lastly, read and understand what we send you. Ask plenty of questions if you need to.
Q: Do you do web maintenance rather than having to build me a whole new site?
A: Yes we do. Send us a wish list of things you would like changed on your site and we will give you a fixed quote for the work.
Q: What sort of help can I expect after go-live? Is there a warranty?
A: Your website should be bug-free when we put the website live, but if a few minor issues arise, report them to us quickly so that we can take care of them during the post go-live warranty period. If there are updates or new functionality, contact us and we would be happy to quote you the cost of doing them.
Q: How do I create content for each page of my site?
A: Put your website visitor's hat on and not your website owner’s hat. Think of what information someone is wanting on each page. People scan the webpage content without reading it, so make sure you use numbered lists or bullet points instead of long paragraphs. Link lengthy articles to different pages or PDF’s that they can download. Read this page for copy writing ideas.
Q: Who will I be working with?
A: A Project Manager will be assigned to you to be your single point of contact throughout the entire project. That way you don’t have to get to know a new person at each phase of your project. It would be difficult coordinating things with all the logo designers, usability experts, web designers, flash designers, database designers, developers and testers working on your project . Leave that to your Project Manger .. after all it’s his job!
Q: Who owns the completed website?
A: You do ... as soon as you have paid off your final invoice for your project. ;-) - Other companies have licenses or proprietary software that traps you to stay with them - not us!
Q: OK, You Guys are the best - I want you to design my web site. Now what do I do?