Web Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Affordable web design doesn’t need to look cheap.
Great White takes an individualized approach with each project. We begin by getting to know you, understanding your business and your goals. Throughout your website project, we take a personalized approach by staying in close contact every step of the way.
F.A.Q.
Are we a good fit?
Our website packages usually range 1000-12,000. However, it really depends on what kind of website you need. Your website will be unique; I will create a site that you will be proud of.
I work with all types of businesses – new, old, stores, shops and services. However, I’ve found I need to be confident that we are a good fit for each other. I am a good web designer; I can build just about any kind of website.
I am aware of my limitations; if you have a sneaker company and want to topple Nike, I am not going to be a good fit. If you have 50 employees and an international import/export company, I am not going to be a good fit. I can point you in the right direction. If your business is unethical, I’m not going to be a good fit.
However, if you have a small business that you have pride in your products, I can build you a great website. If you are a solo-entrepreneur already wearing too many hats, I can help. If you offer an honest service to our community, I can work with you.
You’ve seen the ads, “Complete Website for $195”. Sorry, no character and no humanity. My process to build your website takes a great deal of time planning and research. I analyze your competition, I investigate your industry. Then I build your site on a quality template that is uniquely adapted to your business.
Truth is, I am a solo operation. I am the CEO, Head of Marketing, Web Design Manager. I am also the secretary, valet, custodian and maitre’d. My overhead is low but my quality is great!
Hard worker, cheap too.
No, actually, until recently all my sites were from New York. We communicate by email, Skype, scheduled calls and Zoom meetings. I live in Venice now and I do my wed design here in Venice.
I’ve completed small business websites in as little as 3 weeks. But typically, our standard timeline is 4-6 weeks but this depends on the project and the input of the client. Testing functionality and revisions also play a role on your timeline.
Your input is crucial. We are in constant email contact and we schedule calls and Skye or zoom meetings at your convenience. We are very transparent and share our progress constantly.
Yes, of course. I can come to you. And I invite you to my office. Technology is amazing and with our current situation, we can probably do just fine over Skype, messenger or zoom.
As much details about you, your business and your imagination that you can come up with. We’ll be able to discuss details during our call before we start working together. It really depends on what type of website you want. Here are a few ideas:
- Images of you and your team
- Images of your workplace
- Content for the website (text, brochures, PDFs, etc)
- Staff Profiles
- Any Videos you would like adding to the website
Some of this might already be on the existing website, in which case it can be transferred over to the new site. We’ll also need login details to your existing website.
Honestly, it’s very unlikely this would happen. Throughout your website development, we strive for complete satisfaction with you, review major features and use your input to create your website.
We split our payment into two. The first 50% when we sign the contract, the following 50% when we are ready to transfer your site.
You are responsible for website hosting and domain. This will ensure that you have full control of your website after we transfer the site. I have some suggestions of where to host and I can help brainstorm domain names.
Every page I create for your website includes basic on-page SEO. I perform keyword research and optimize your pages to be search engine friendly. Your site will be crawled by search engine spiders and you site will begin to climb the search results. Your competition, if they are smart, will be doing the same. You must add SEO to your daily tasks.
SEO costs can vary dramatically. It is a long-term process and requires constant input. I no longer offer SEO services. I create each page of your website in accordance to best SEO practices and I add “To-Do List” for your website including social media posts, blog post suggestions and more.
SSL provides trust. Most browsers will now warn a visitor if they visit a site without SSL. Google’s newest standards will actually penalize a website if it does not have a SSL certificate. Good news, the Siteground hosting company I recommend includes SSL in all of their packages.
Yes, of course. I can provide monthly service to do regular updates to your website that can include maintenance, up-dates and simple additions like photos and blog posts.
This is your website! I will hand over your site with simple instructions to add blog posts, add web pages and make updates without having to pay me to do it. You will have complete control of the backend of your new website to make simple updates, photograph changes, products, blog posts can be easily changed on your own. I do recommend you use a professional for more complex changes and website updates. If you need me to do, I’m familiar and available.
When we design your website, we will build in all of the features you want, in the style and aesthetic of your website and brand.
Additionally, you will need a third-party email marketing system like MailChimp, Eweber, or Constant-Contact. I can help you set up your email system. Including an email with your domain name in it.
As many as you like. Each package has a general number of pages and additional pages are priced per package. Keep in mind, Google loves large websites. I will create several sample layouts that you can use for each new page you want to add.
Under most cases, the client is responsible for a large portion of writing the website content. I usually apply my writing technique to proofread, edit and add to my client’s content to meet with Google’s recommendations.
Google loves lots of content, currently 1200 words per page is good practice.
As a separate service, I’d be happy to write all the copy of your website if you like. I am available to write all the content for your website if you like.
Over the years, I have a developed a questionnaire that delves into your business, I research your industry.
Then, I interview you and ask questions from different angles. This helps you think differently about your business then you respond to the questions differently.
Our conversation is transcribed, edited and assembled in a way the words create compelling copy that builds up your authority and inspires your visitors to take the next step.
Yes. WordPress powers more than 42% of all websites on the internet. It offers flexibility, ease of use, adaptability and customization. I’ve used several different content management systems in my career and find WordPress the best for the purpose of making quality websites.
I’ve gotten to know Word Press pretty well. It is constantly getting better; thousands of plug-ins make each and every website unique.
WIX and Square Space have their place but I have found them limiting. I can create a website on WIX or Square Space for you but quite frankly, you would be better with a WordPress site, just my honest opinion.
Yes, it’s a good base to build on. Google’s recommendations change all the time, what was standard several years ago is only the minimum acceptable now. We will review, scrape and take what we can from your old site.
Yes! This is 2021; a major portion of your visitors will be on mobile. Your website will look great on all devices. This comes standard on all my packages.
There is no clear answer to that answer. I create your pages in accordance to best practices but I cannot make any promises or guarantees.
Search Engine Optimization is a long-term endeavor. It takes constant attention and consistent attention. And then Google constantly changes its algorithms. I do not offer SEO as a separate service any more. This is a service more compatible with a specific SEO department.
Hopefully, you have a giant pile of photos you’ve taken of your workplace, your business in the real world and photos of your crew. For other photos, we use well shot stock photos sourced from online image directories.
Think of hosting as leasing commercial property. You must lease the property you will be storing your business at. Finding the quality hosting will aid your business be seen. Speed, security and support are vital. That’s why I recommend Siteground hosting.
I will help you decide on the best package for your needs. I use siteground.com, they’re packages start around 14 dollars a month but they have many discounts and coupons during the year.
I do not offer hosting and domains. I have relationships with several hosting companies I can recommend. I can help find, claim and buy great domains for your business.
You will be responsible for hosting and domain. This will ensure that you have full control and possession of your website once it is transferred. We can recommend hosting packages from several website hosting companies that I’ve worked with and am an affiliate for. Siteground.com specifically.
Choosing a domain name is tricky. Most one word names are taken, your name is probably taken. It will probably take some unorthodox thinking. I can help with finding and choosing a domain name that will help your business.
The domain is yours. I can offer assistance in purchasing a good domain name as well as additional names that can help with your business. When you purchase your domain, I recommend buying for 5 years. This adds authority because Google is suspicious of domains that may disappear in a year.
There is one right way to setting up your Facebook Business Page and a hundred wrong ways. And then, each of the other social media platforms have their own requirements on best practices. This is a service I offer.
Affordable web design doesn’t need to look cheap.
Great White takes an individualized approach with each project. I begin by getting to know you, understanding your business and your goals. Throughout your website project, I take a personalized approach by staying in close contact every step of the way.
If you have a small business that you have pride in your products, I can build you a great website. If you are a solo-entrepreneur already wearing too many hats, I can help. If you offer an honest service to our community, I can work with you.