Interested in getting a new website for your business?
Check out some of the most common question about how to build website for your business.
1. How much is a website?
Every website is custom so often times, a designer will need to know the details before a firm quote can be given.
The best thing you can do is pick up the phone or email the business to talk about your vision.
You’ll get better outcome from a company that will listen to you needs rather than give you a flat rate without knowing what you want.
2. How long will it take to build?
Some projects take as little as 2 weeks, others 8 weeks, and some even more.
The duration will depend on schedules, and complexity (website features) of the project.
The duration should always be outlined for you with the quote, and any delays communicated with you immediately.
3. What happens once my website is done?
You should always have a maintenance plan for your website. Just like your phone needs software updates, your website will need them too.
Many web developers offer website maintenance plans. While these may sound like an unnecessary up-sell, they include backups, updates, security scans, even content updates.
4. Can you finish an incomplete website or do I have to start from scratch?
This will depend on the platform originally used, and what kind of updates are needed. Often times, it is a much more efficient to keep the content, but start again. This is because it can take time to sift through a previous designers’ code to figure out where to begin.
5. WIX, Squarespace, WordPress?
We always advise to use the technology that suits your needs. The list of pros and cons for each is long, but to summarize:
WIX & Squarespace are visual drag and drop website builders that make it easy for non-techy users to build a website on their own.
For WordPress, hiring a web developer is recommended, and it will allow you much more flexibility with options for custom features and designs to get a professional look.
6. Do I need to purchase a domain and host?
You can either purchase the domain and host yourself, or the website developer can do that on your behalf.
Many quotes can include hosting and a domain if needed. Just remember, hosting and domain are not a one time cost but usually annual recurring costs separate from the website design cost. Bluehost or Siteground are both excellent options.
7. Will my website be found on Google?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is usually a separate ongoing service that you can purchase for your website.
The reason it is ongoing is because the search terms people use, and the algorithms that determine what shows up first are always evolving; and new competing websites open up threatening your #1 spot. Your website content has to keep up.
8. Is my online store still a website?
Yes, an online store or eCommerce store is a website from which you can sell products or services.
There are different platforms to choose from depending on your needs.
Shopify, Woocommerce, WIX, Squarespace, Magento, all have capabilities to build an eCommerce store.
Read our blog about eCommerce and selling online.
9. What is responsive web design?
It’s a web design methodology that ensures that a website can adjust to various screen sizes and page orientations.
To put it simply, your website should look good whether it’s being viewed on a PC, a tablet or an Iphone.
And yes, every website today needs to be responsive!
10. Do I need a new website for my business?
The answer to that depends on your business, your marketing strategy, and goals. However , if your competition is online, then you probably should be as well.