A new website is serious business, and there are always questions to ask. Have a read below, and it you still have questions, why not give me a shout?
How much does a new website cost?
That depends on the sort of website you’re after. I am happy to talk to you about your specific online needs and your budget. It may be that your project can be a part of the website in a day program. If it’s more complex I’ll let you know straight away.
How long will it take from start to finish?
A standard website (without a shop, etc) can take from a day. Adding functionality will increase the project time.
I make sure that I agree the work you need up front and then produce a project plan that we can both sign-up to. I then keep in constant contact with you to let you know how I am doing.
Sometimes things can happen within your business that could impact the timings, but by keeping in touch we can head those issues off before they become problems.
If you can complete your actions promptly then we will be able to complete the website much more quickly.
Can I update my own website?
Yes! As a part of your project we employ a really easy to use CMS, or Content Management System called WordPress that allows you to update your website. You can add, edit or delete pages, add blog posts, the list goes on. You can do this from a computer or even via a tablet or phone while out on the road. Of course, with a website care plan, I am there to step in if necessary.
So, what is WordPress?
WordPress is the world’s most popular online Content Management System. It has been built from the ground up by thousands of developers around the world and is used by almost 75 million, or more than 25% of the world’s websites. Organisations using WordPress range from small businesses selling art or chopped wood to major brands such as Conde Nast, Disney and Marks and Spencer (a British institution).
So, what can WordPress do?
WordPress is unique in how extendable it is, and this extendibility means that it can turn its hand to almost anything. Using custom code or pre-existing plugins, WordPress has been used by websites around the world as a basis for ticket selling sites, online meeting points for clubs and societies, art galleries, online stores, job boards, company intranets, online resume, house sale brochure, and many more. And I’m pretty sure it wasn’t used to launch the space shuttle, but it is used by NASA in other ways.
I already have a website but it’s in trouble, can you help me?
I can certainly have a look at your website. Making changes to websites really depends on how well they were built originally and what software was used to do it.
In an initial free consultation either in person or over the internet, I will listen to your concerns or problems. If it sounds like something I can help with we then run a website analysis and provide you with a website health report. This analysis gives us the information to give you a definitive answer on the extent to which I can help.
If we can’t help you at this point, then we will always attempt to recommend someone who can.
What about security?
Like any site in the world, WordPress can be a target for online hackers. Adobe, Yahoo and now Equifax are all huge companies that have had data breaches.
You are most at risk if you don’t keep your website software up to date and don’t keep a track of current problems. As a first line of defense we install security plugins on every site we build. If you don’t have the confidence, time or interest to do this we also encourage you to review our monthly maintenance plans and see how I can help you in that area.
Do you offer hosting?
No, I keep doing what I do best, which is creating and caring for websites, but I have friends at Site Ground who are fantastic hosting providers.
Will my website work on all devices?
Yes, your site would be designed responsively so that it can be used on many different devices. People access the internet more often using mobile devices such as phones and tablets than computers, and mobile computing is only going to become more important. My websites will look good on computers, tablets and phones. No guarantees about your toaster though!
Do you provide training?
Yes, an important part of any development is the training on website use and maintenance after the site has been developed. Depending on the service you are buying, I can offer text, video or personal training.
