Frequently Asked Questions about Website Design
Development costs are based on a number of variables: page count, structure, special functions that require added technology, whether search engine optimization (SEO) is performed, user training if desired, etc. We provide a written proposal based on your needs following our initial discussion. Because of the detailed, thorough process we use to develop sites (including meetings and client communications), pricing generally starts at around $1,595 for simpler projects. Cost increases as client requirements increase.
We exclusively develop in WordPress. Around 60% of all websites now use this open-source platform because of its flexibility and long list of advantages over other platforms.
We exclusively develop in the Avada theme. Avada is a best-in-class theme that has now achieved over 500,000 installations—far beyond its nearest rival. It is well designed, highly customizable, works well with mobile devices, and is search-engine friendly. In addition, Avada includes a drag and drop editor which, in our opinion, leads the league in being user-friendly. When it comes to support, Avada’s development team is highly responsive, and keeps improving and updating the theme. Note: while we only develop in the Avada theme, we support most themes with our WordPress Website Maintenance service.
Our team is headed by a certified marketing consultant with deep experience in content, media, design and marketing strategy. Locally, we are top-rated on Google, Yelp, UpCity and Facebook, and rank as one of the three best web design teams in Santa Rosa (according to ThreeBestRated.com). We work hard to educate small business owners so they understand the key issues in developing and maintaining websites.
This generally depends on the client’s timeline. However, in most cases, we can design and launch a site within 2-3 weeks after receiving everything we need from the client.
We are a good fit for small-to-medium sized businesses where there is no in-house marketing team or where the marketing team doesn’t have the specialized background in design and development to produce a high-impact website.
Your website project can get underway once you sign a service agreement and make a 50% deposit.
We begin by discussing your business needs and how they translate into a website. Whether you have a site already or are preparing to launch your first site, we review how the site will deliver on your goals. This includes a general assessment of things like site structure, how it maps to your customers’ informational needs, your vision for site functionality, etc. We also agree on a tentative site outline that forms the “plan” for your website as well as the basis of our proposal.
Website projects are complex and involve thousands of details that need to be filed and tracked. Accordingly, we expect clients to respond to information requests and follow certain protocols that make it easier for us to do a better job. This includes how you communicate with us and how you submit materials. Following these processes reduces errors and wasted time, gets the project done more quickly and helps keep your project on budget.
We follow a 7-step website process developed over hundreds of projects. Before the project begins, we provide a Website Preparation Guide that covers what you need to know. In short, the process allows for input, collaboration and approval at various stages so the site you get reflects your goals and vision.
We offer content development, search engine optimization (SEO) and ongoing website maintenance so your site stays healthy, loads quickly and remains malware free.
We accept cash, checks and payment cards. Depending on the size of the payment, we may require a small fee to offset card processing costs for card payments.
Our principal consultant has a degree in Mass Communications with executive management experience in media, ad agencies and corporate marketing. He is also a certified marketing consultant who has been developing websites for 10 years. Our tech team includes two individuals with masters degrees in technical fields and specialized training in website development and programming.
We are a virtual teaming organization. Depending on your project, we assign techs, staff writers, digital marketers, etc. to serve your business. Our principal consultant Tim Smith will quarterback the project to ensure its success and overall service quality.
Yes. However, for your benefit, we only recommend hosting with a provider that offers 24/7 customer phone support. We have a preferred provider we can recommend. Ask for details.
Today’s WordPress websites are sophisticated systems of inter-connected technologies. Without proper, ongoing maintenance, issues can and typically do develop over time. These issues can affect everything from site performance to appearance to functionality to security. Given that your website is the first and often most important impression your customers will have of your business, it only makes sense to ensure that your site is always optimized. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your site looks good, loads quickly and stays secure from malware and hacking. Learn more about WordPress Website Maintenance.
Once your site project is done, website maintenance and digital marketing campaigns are offered on a subscription basis. If you request services other than those, you pay the hourly rate for all time used performed to benefit your business. This includes all client communications, file management, research on your behalf, client-facing time (e.g. training, meetings,) material review, etc. unless otherwise specified.
You will also need to anticipate fees from third-party providers for products such as your domain, host account, email accounts, theme license, premium plugins (if applicable). We will provide this information upon request.
Yes. We often train clients to manage their own content updates. That said, we have found that clients who infrequently use the training often forget what they have learned. We can handle your website content changes quickly upon request, and it is often more cost-effective to do this rather than try to make the changes yourself. Note: website training is only recommended for people with intermediate level computer skills and above.
