Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find straightforward answers to your website development project questions. No hard sells, no pressure and as transparent as I can be. If I’m not a good fit for your web project, I’ll let you know.
How long does it take to build a website?
Every project begins with a free discovery consultation. To ensure that I understand what you envision, open and frequent communication helps to ensure a smooth process. Typically, depending on the type of implementation requested, a client can expect a project to take between 3 to 7 weeks. However, every project is unique, and depending on the scope of the website, some projects can be finished in much less time. More often than not, establishing and/or gathering content, including imagery, revisions, and slow approvals all can push back an intended launch date.
How much does a small business website cost?
My templated website packages are designed for the small business owner that doesn’t have the time or the desire to manage their own site. I will take point on building your site and help to manage it after launch if needed. Offering directives and professional insights while treating your success as my success, I take pride in transparent, reliable and responsive service. Contact me for pricing.
I don't live near you, can I still use your services?
While meeting my clients face to face is always great, it’s certainly not a requirement. Using scheduled phone calls, emails, online mock-ups and online-meetings, I’ve been able to work with clients worldwide.
What services do you provide?
I specialize in building templated sites for small businesses using a few different service based content management systems. I prefer to utilize Squarespace, but I can also build your website using Wordpress or Tumblr, yes Tumblr! While I am not limited to using only one type of CMS, I will make a recommendation depending on your site requirements.
I already have the website that I want and only need a few updates, can you help?
Currently, I’m only offering subscription maintenance for businesses using the Squarespace platform. If your site is already built on Squarespace and you’re thinking, “I don’t need a whole new website!”, I can help you with small or large updates to your existing site with fair, hourly labor. I provide estimates in advance and there are no minimums. Contact me to share more about your hourly labor needs.
What is a domain name?
Your domain name is your web address and your online brand. It’s how users and search engines (Google, Bing etc.) will find your website. It’s a critical piece of your overall website strategy and should be one of the first items on your short list of to-do’s, as domains can often be difficult to find and secure. Additionally, the more unique your proposed domain name is, the higher the probability that it’s available.
How much is it to purchase a domain name?
Any website powered by Digital Three Eleven enjoys free, private domain registration for the term of the contract. Otherwise, you can expect to pay approximately $10 to $20 a year depending on where you purchase the domain.
Is a signed contract required?
Yes. But I consider it more of an agreement than a “contract”. To further explain, the terms outlined in a typical agreement are primarily about ensuring that we are on the same page and to prevent surprises versus a tool for legal footing. Please rest assured that complete transparency is one of my most critical business philosophies - I believe in doing right by my clients.
Where are you located?
I am based in Lilburn, GA a suburb of Metro Atlanta. However, I have contract team members in various parts of the world.
I was told that website templates are a bad thing and my site will end up looking cheap. Is this true?
Many times, to cut costs, business owners will take on the task of building their own websites and purchase online templates they have no idea how to implement. This often leads to the development of a less than perfect website, both in design and functionality. At Digital Three Eleven, anyone who touches your site has worked in web development environments and have first-hand knowledge of industry standards. I believe that templates are a viable option, as long as the resource implementing them has the ability and knowledge to customize it to your business needs. Corporate design firms will always sell you on highly customized designs at the highest price point, even for smaller businesses who may not need it. So why spend more when you don’t need to?
Can you build a customized website?
Yes! My team most certainly can build a customized website. However, before I begin any custom project, I meet with my clients for a discovery session to better understand the full scope of the project. Once I understand the full scope, I will then provide a cost estimate for review. It should be noted that the price for a custom website will always be higher due to the number of resources associated with completing the project. This includes, but is not limited to a Project Manager, Graphic Designer, User Interface Developer, and QA Engineer.
What forms of payment do you accept?
In person: I accept all major credit and debit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. I also accept cash, business & cashier's checks and money orders. (Unfortunately I do not accept personal checks)
Online: I accept PayPal and Cash Online.
If you are outside of the United States, please note that the available payment methods may change depending on your region.
When is payment required?
A down payment of 50% is required prior to any project development. Once the site is approved and ultimately completed to your satisfaction, the project balance will be due.
Do you guarantee your Search Engine Optimization methods?
While every new website incorporates SEO friendly strategies, unfortunately I cannot guarantee specific search engine result rankings and results. Every SEO scenario is unique and a laundry list of factors is in play, including market size, business model and so on. For example, a marketing firm in Los Angeles will need to compete more vigorously for visibility than a marketing firm in Toledo, Ohio. The traditional key factor in SEO is regular content updates with unique and meaningful content.
What other services do you provide?
I’m always working on ways to bring clients additional services. Right now I am offering, templated website development, custom website development, as well as copywriting, & voiceovers for online or on-air campaigns & promotions.
Still have questions? Contact Me.