Web Design
A website is a collection of web pages, multimedia content, and other resources that are hosted on a web server and can be accessed through the internet using a web browser. It is a platform for publishing information, conducting e-commerce transactions, providing services, or building an online community. A website may consist of static or dynamic web pages that are created using various web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can include text, images, audio, video, and interactive features. Websites can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, and they can be used for a wide range of purposes, from personal blogs to large-scale corporate websites.
There’s not a one-size fits all answer to that question. A website design is quoted based on the needs of each client. Every website and client is unique and requires different components; we design and develop custom websites specifically for your business. We’ll ask a lot of questions, assess your needs, and give you a quote based on that assessment. Most of our sites run in the $2,000 range, but can be more or less depending on needs.
No. We design several dfferent ways. We design straight HTML sites from scratch or WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, E-commerce sites in Shopify, SalesForce or WooCommerce. WordPress is a great content management system that powers more than 30% of the internet sites to date. Its market share is reflective of it’s flexibility and ease of use. We will design your site based on what’s best for you and the needs of our business.
That depends. If you chose a custom HTML site, you’d only be able to update it if you know the coding language and know how to transfer files to a server environmnent. Most clients pay us to update in that instance. However, if you go with a site that has a built-in content management system like WordPress, we’ll provide you with a login, and a training session to help you learn your way around. Most clients start off wanting to manage their own site, but generally have us do updates. It’s totally up to you.
Absolutely. We aren’t going anywhere. We have over 25 years in the business. We provide on-going updates, maintenance and support for most of our clients.
Yes! Having a device-friendly website is more important than ever! We work hard to ensure your website looks great on a variety of devices.
It usually takes us 4-6 weeks to complete a website once we have everything that we need to start the website. It can be faster depending on how fast you get us items we need.
There are other costs in having a website, other than it being built professionally. There are 2 constant costs. One is the domain name, (your dot.com). The second is website hosting (where your website sits and gets broadcast to the world). Other costs are recommended but not mandatory. Maintenance, if you choose to have us maintain your website content, images and security. And lastly, SEO if you choose to have us ramp up your listings on the internet with search engines like Google and Bing.
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the practice of optimizing your website and its content to improve its ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). When your website ranks higher, it’s more likely to be seen by potential customers searching for products or services like yours. This can lead to increased website traffic, brand awareness, and ultimately, more business.
SEO is an ongoing process, and it can take time to see significant results. None of us own a magic wand, or have secrets to make you rank faster. Factors like competition, website age, and the overall SEO strategy can all influence the timeframe. However, some initial improvements, like increased website traffic or keyword ranking for less competitive terms, might be noticeable within a few months.
There are many factors that search engines consider when ranking websites. Some of the most important include:
- High-quality, relevant content: Your website content should be informative, engaging, and address the needs of your target audience.
- Keywords: Using relevant keywords throughout your website content helps search engines understand what your website is about and who it’s for.
- Website structure and navigation: Your website should be easy for both users and search engines to navigate.
- Mobile-friendliness: With the majority of searches now happening on mobile devices, having a website that is optimized for mobile users is crucial.
- Backlinks: Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. Search engines consider backlinks as a sign of trust and authority, and they can positively impact your website’s ranking.
Anyone can learn the basics of SEO and start implementing some optimization techniques on their website. However, SEO is a complex field, and there are ongoing updates and algorithm changes to consider. Hiring an SEO professional can be beneficial if you want to achieve optimal results, target competitive keywords, or need a comprehensive SEO strategy.
The cost of SEO can vary depending on the complexity of your website, your target market, and the level of service you require. Some SEO companies offer basic packages, while others offer more comprehensive ongoing SEO management services. It’s important to define your SEO goals and budget before exploring your options.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that provides storage space and resources for your website to be accessible on the internet. Think of it like renting space on a giant computer server – your website files and data are stored there, allowing users to access your website through their web browsers.
There are several types of web hosting, each offering varying levels of resources and control. Here are some common options:
- Shared hosting: This is the most affordable option, where your website shares server resources with other websites. It’s a good choice for personal websites or small businesses with low traffic.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting: A VPS offers more resources and control than shared hosting, functioning like a virtual server within a physical server. It’s suitable for websites with moderate traffic or those requiring more customization.
- Dedicated hosting: This provides the highest level of control and resources – you essentially rent an entire physical server for your website. It’s ideal for high-traffic websites or those with specific security needs.
The amount of storage space and bandwidth (data transfer) you need depends on your website’s size, the type of content you have (images, videos), and the amount of traffic you expect. For beginners, most web hosting providers offer starter plans with sufficient resources for basic websites. You can always upgrade your plan as your website grows.
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Web hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes it accessible at that address. Think of it like having a physical address for your house (domain name) and renting the space to build your house on (web hosting). You can purchase your domain name from a domain registrar and use a separate provider for web hosting services.