Our Websites. Our Process
Similar questions always seem to arise as we start a new Web project so to be “proactive” and save you from having to ask, here are the answers to the questions we hear the most frequently.
Do I really need a website?
Your website is almost always the first thing people see is arguably the most important investment you can make. In the eyes of the “Googler”, some companies are invisible, some are dirty, some are unprofessional, and some are outstanding and worthy of their business. Having a great website is crucial to anyone that takes their project, business or organization seriously.
What do your websites cost?
The number one question we get asked is how much does it cost for a Website Design. This is also one of the hardest ones to answer. We believe that every client/customer is different and has different needs therefore we quote separately for every different Website depends upon the size and scale of the project. If you talk to a web developer who gives you an instant quote, run away!
Another company says they can build a web site for us for $600. Why shouldn’t we use them?
We’ve seen those ads on the side of the road, too. Be wary of anyone who says they’ll build you a brand new web site or sell you a car for $600. There’s a possibility they’ll take your money and run. What’s more likely is that they’ll take your money and then build your site with a template.
We believe a Website should present the same qualities and characteristics that your customers experience when they walk through your door. Going with a professional company will ensure a well organized, well maintained Website that will incorporate your current marketing strategies. Some of the problems with using less reputable companies include broken links, large or unclear graphics, unorganized information, inconsistent navigation, and little to no online promotion. The professional look of a website will encourage people to buy from you as it builds trust that you are professional in all your dealings.
Remember, a consultation with 77th Floor Online is always free and we just might be able to prevent you from wasting six hundred bucks.
How do we get started?
After we sit down and discuss what you need, your likes and dislikes, your target market etc., we will put together a proposal with the cost clearly marked. If it all looks good, sign and send us the agreement and you’re all done. A 50% down-payment is required to start your project.
What payment options do you offer?
Company check and/or credit cards are accepted. All projects require a down payment of 50% to start.
Are they any hidden costs with your website design service?
No. We first discuss your website requirements and then price accordingly and once you have placed an order for your website design with us, we work hard so that we can stick to the outlined price. Web design is very much an evolutionary process and often clients change the scope of a project once underway. If the need to alter the price quote arises, we will communicate this to you before any extra work is started.
Do I get email addresses?
Yes. You will receive custom email addresses with the domain of your website. The amount of addresses you receive depends on the hosting package you subscribe to and will be clearly specified in the agreement.
How long does it usually take to build a website?
Information based Web sites, that contain anywhere from 5 to 15 pages, take around 2 to 4 weeks to complete. Online stores or E-commerce sites can take 5 to 8 weeks. We can quite often work to shorter deadlines, depending on our workload at the time. If you need your project completed quickly, tell us and we’d for the most part be happy to oblige.
What do I need to do for the website?
Before you invest in your project, you’ll want to make sure you have content and ideas ready. This includes:
- Copy / Text — about us, history, news articles, press clippings, and contact information
- Photos or Videos — hi-resolution digital photos and videos
- Logo
- Documents — PDF, DOC, etc
- Color Scheme Ideas — usually matches your logo
- Examples of Websites You Like
This will take some time to gather, but it will make the process much quicker and easier. If you are missing anything from above let us know and we might be able to help you.
Do you provide copy writing services? How about photography?
Not directly, but if your project calls for copy writing, photography, original illustration, video or other creative service, just let us know. We have an extensive network of creative associates that we work with. We would be happy to make a recommendation. We can also help you source photos from sites such as www.istock.com and www.shutterstock.com
Can I See My Website While It’s in Progress?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. We build your website on our development server and you can monitor the progress of your site. During this phase, we encourage your feedback if something isn’t quite the way you envisioned it or if you’ve changed your mind. Once your site is ready and you have provided your approval, we release it live on your server.
Will my website be search engine-friendly?
Yes. Search engine results can make or break your business, so it is a primary focus when developing your website. WordPress, the platform used for many of our websites, is ideal for search engines due to its “permalink” structure, built-in blogging features and plug-ins. If you really want to boost your traffic, frequent blogging is recommended.
Need help with blogging? Contact us and we can get you going.
Do you offer website maintenance service?
Yes, definitely. If you aren’t interested in maintaining or updating your website on your own, you just email your updates and they are added to your site within 72 hours or less during normal business hours. It does not have to be complicated. Maintenance packages are very popular and easier for most clients.
If you do not purchase a maintenance package, it is your responsibility to keep your website up-to-date and to prevent hackers and mal-ware. Make sure you have someone ready to update the website each month and monitor the website for security breaches.
Will I be able to update my own website?
The beauty of WordPress is the ease of use it provides. Each website design project will include one hour of WordPress training, so most clients are more than capable of updating and adding website pages as needed. Since some clients do not want to maintain their own websites, 77th Floor Online offers ongoing maintenance. Let us know if you want it.
How long before search engines rank my site?
Comprehensive search engine optimization (SEO) work is a process that typically takes several months. The factors that influence the speed that your site advances in the rankings include the age of your site, the existing quality of the website and how it is optimized, your competition, and the skill of the firm who is optimizing your site.
Due to our successful strategies for marketing your site, the dominant search engines like Google will normally pick up a site in a few months.
My old site just needs some tweaks. Do you do that?
Absolutely! Give us a call and we can look at what needs to be done and give you a quote.