FAQ
We hope you anticipate some of the questions we are most commonly asked. You are welcome to ask us many more if you would like to book a chat with us:
How much experience do you have?
I have been working in web design for 17 years. However, I still continue to learn new technology and keep myself up to date to developments in my sector.
Web design is a moving and growing industry so a keen interest in new developments is key.
Can you show me some websites you have designed?
Yes, we are more than happy to show you projects we have worked on. Click here to view our portfolio.
We have built far more websites than we showcase so if you would like to see other websites in particular sectors please ask us.
We are happy to look at websites you like if you would like us to us them as a starting point reference.
How much does a website cost?
This is a very big question. Each website we build has different elements and functionality that affects the project cost. Rather than doing catch-all packages we respond to client’s briefs.
If we have an intial converation with you we can show you websites that are a similar size with similar functionality with a cost price range.
If you have a preset budget we will advise what we can achieve within that.
We can always advise the low-cost ways of achieving a website.
Once we give you a proposal for a website build there is no obligation to use our services.
What is a domain?
A domain is a unique web address. For example, mine above is www.kitewebdesign.co.uk.
Each domain can only be registered by one owner although there can be the same name with different suffixes:
www.kitewebdesign.co.uk
www.kitewebdesign.com
It is important that domains are registered in your or your business name so it is owned by you.
We can help with booking a domain.
What is hosting?
Hosting is the service that stores all your website files on a public facing server.
We recommend the right sort of packages for the build we are carrying out.
We can provide hosting for you in UK data centres powered with 100% renewable energy.
How long does a website take to build?
Most websites take up to six weeks to build.
We have built websites very quickly when there has been a demand, or at least get some key pages up and running.
This timing gives us a chance to get in our foundations in place while our clients collate their content or get images ready to place on pages.
This time can be dependant on receiving content from our clients.
Can you redesign my existing site?
Let us take a look and advise you if we can.
We like to look to see how the original site was built and if it has been kept up to date.
Do you build mobile friendly websites?
Yes we do. All our sites are responsive so work between devices.
What do you need from me to get started?
We build sites organically so we don’t need all the content and images on day one.
If you have your branding in place we would like to see these early on to build a picture of how the site will look.
With an outline content plan we can get started on creating the structure.
Once you provide us with the page contents in detail we can begin making page elements to frame the content of each page. Some clients choose to do this in one document, others choose to do this a page at a time.
Meeting for regular catch-ups mean we can manage the project in easy steps for you and us.
Can I update the website myself after it's live?
Yes, if we know you would like to edit your own site we will ensure it has a good visual editor on it.
We also include one hour Zoom training after the build.
Do you build using templates?
Generally no.
We use themes that meet the needs of the job and functionality required.
Do you outsource your web builds?
No we build them ourselves.
Occasionally we take on a technician to help us with coding or particular elements of a site. All technicians are experienced and we have a long standing relationship with them. Most are based in the UK.
What is included in the cost of a site?
We always lay out the full website build in a proposal which will say exactly the work we are doing. There are no mysteries!
Do I have to pay upfront?
Typically we ask for 40% of the website build fee to start the project. Occasionally we set up a slightly different arrangement so clients can pay over a few months.
Will my site be fully SEO optimised?
We build sites using W3C compliant code which is visible by search engines.
All headings and text will be fully readable, images are titled and we use ALT text to enhance them on uploading.
We do not offer keyword audits and content plans to enhance your SEO but we work with other people who do offer these services if they are required.
Can I tell how many people have visited my site?
If you would like analytics for your site we are able to set up Google tags for you to monitor numbers of visitors and how they got to you.
How often should I update my site?
If you would like your site to rank well on search engines it is worth updating your search regularly.
You can start by blogging, if you think of 12 core subjects to write about that is already one new subject per month. On top of this you could think of a new blog per month reacting to things going on in your sector, this will add another 12 across a year. Already you have a good rythym of creating content.
Ensuring that the information on your services is up to date is important to keep your visitors accurately informed.
What happens if something breaks?
A website breaking means it doesn’t work at all, this occasionally happens especially when all the techncial component parts aren’t kept updated.
If you are referring to you making an edit and upsetting a page we can help roll this back for you or make amendments.
We are always there in the background to help with issues or helping update your site with our content management services.
Will I own my website after it is built?
Yes you will. Once launched the website is your property to do with whatever you want, even if we manage the hosting for you.
Some web build services hold onto the ownership of a website, please check the small print of anyone you contract to do your website build.
If you use web creation platforms such as Wix, SquareSpace of Godaddy you will not own your site as it is on their platforms and cannot be exported.
Will my website be secure?
We add plugins to your site to add a layer of security. The more up to date the technical side of your website is kept the better security there will be.
There are no guarantees about 100% security but we take as many steps as possible to mitigate hacking.
You only have to cast your mind back to the M&S hack and a Pentagon hack attempt to realise that even with in-house tech teams security isn’t guaranteed. If you work in an industry where you are more likely to be hacked we would increase the security tools and the frequency of updates.
Are there ongoing maintenance costs?
We offer our clients after launch services that include technical maintenance. You can choose to have this done periodically or we offer monthly packages.
Technical maintenance includes backing up your site, updating core WordPress, updating theme and plugins and testing.
If you’d like to read more about why this important click here to read our blog
