What is the difference between a static web site and a wordpress or other CMS site?

A static website is mostly HTML, and all content for each page is on it's own page, these are perfect for many businesses that do not need to add or change information frequently. A CMS or 'dynamic' site is PHP based, where content is added and changed in an admin area, individual pages can pull from a variety of information. Mostly used for blogs, CMS is also used for e-commerce, forums, content rich sites that need to have constantly updated revolving information. We can discuss what option is best for you during your free consultation.

How Long Does it take to finish a design?

The timeline of projects is usually dictated by you, the client. Some projects only take a day or two while others may take weeks, depending on how soon you are able to reply to my questions and approval requests. When we have the consultation to determine exactly what you need we can discuss your time limits and I will work with you to meet those.

Can you get started right away?

It depends on your project, for simple projects I will begin work within 24 hours of receiving the specifications and payment from you. For larger projects I may need to add you to the schedule once I receive your partial payment and we complete the consultation, to be able to devote as much attention as possible to your job. This will be discussed during the consultation, and generally the wait is no more than a week. If you are in need of a 'rush' job we can also discuss options for that to get you going sooner.

Are your designs "Search Engine Friendly"

Every one of my websites are created with search engines in mind and the website design is compliant with search engine guidelines. It is a good idea for your website to be re-evaluated in time as over a period of time the search engines do alter their rules and algorithms and you will want to be certain that your website is kept up to date and complies with new rules and guidelines.

Do you offer maintenance after the site is completed?

I do offer maintenance plans for each website, pricing is usually done on a monthly fee based plan, that includes making small changes to the site for you or adding and removing content. I also offer maintenance on an hourly basis, if your needs will be changing monthly.

What Payment Methods do you accept?

I accept paypal as the main payment method, you don't have to have a paypal account to pay with a credit card through the paypal website. I also accept money orders and checks. Please note that work will not begin until your check or e-check (through paypal) has arrived and has cleared the bank.

Is there a deposit or payment to be made before work begins?

For projects greater than $300 I require a percentage of the total amount before I can add you to the schedule, the remaining amount will be due upon approval of the finished site, before delivery (or installation on your servers). For all projects less than $300 payment in full is required before the start of the project.

How much does a site design cost?

This question can only be answered after our consultation, as each project I take is unique and custom. Some factors that go into pricing are how many pages you will be needing, how much custom graphic and coding work will be done, what CMS or host you are using, etc. You will also want to budget for a domain name and hosting if you have not gotten them already, as these are not part of my design fees. I am able to help you set up affordable hosting and domain names if you need it as part of my process, but you would be responsible for the payment to the actual hosting/domain company that we decide on for your site.

I have been told there are hidden fees in web design, is that true?

No, I do my best to include everything you could need in our consultation to give you the official cost in your custom proposal, however, if half-way through the design process you decide to add a forum where none was discussed before, then I will send the cost for that addition for your approval before I begin the work. After our consultation I will draw up a custom proposal that will outline everything we discussed in as much detail as possible, to go along with the cost and contract. This helps both you and I know at all times what the 'scope' of the project is and what is included. You will never be billed for something without first approving the change in cost.

What if you can't do what I need?

If for any reason I am unable to help you, whether it is budget constraints on your part, or your timeline is quicker than I am able to meet, or even if I just don't have the skills needed for your needs; then I will refer you to one of the many designers, programmers, and marketers I work with to find you the best fit for what you need.