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Web design frequently asked questions
How much does a web site cost?
A number of factors affect cost of your web site. These include:
- the graphic design work involved
- how many pages you are going to have
- how complicated the site is in terms of function
- how interactive you want your web site to be
It’s virtually impossible to give a complete list, but we will take you through a process that will get you the best result simply, quickly and easily.
Yes, but how much does it cost!!!!?
As we said we can’t give you a specific price until we know more but site graphic design ranges from £300 upwards, developing a brochure site from £300 upwards, developing a basic content management system from £350 upwards, developing a blog from £500 upwards and developing ecommerce site from £1,500 upwards.
How long does it take to have a web site designed and developed?
How fast do you want it? If you have a deadline in mind we will try to meet it for you. But the overall time is, of course, determined by the size of your web site, the complexity of your site design, and our current schedule.
Will we need to have a meeting in connection with the website design?
In most cases a meeting isn't necessary and many of our websites are completed with contact via email and telephone only. We place suggested website designs onto the Internet in a private place where only you can view the content. We then liaise with you regularly to discuss the web designs in order that the website design and functionality is exactly as you wish.
I already have a website and I need it updating, can you help me?
Yes, we would be happy to look at you existing website and give you a quote for updating it.
Do you redesign existing websites?
Yes we do. We can redesign, retaining your company corporate style or we can redesign to give you a complete new image and / or to take advantage of the latest web technologies.
What if I do not like the design?
If you do not like the design which we have suggested for you, we will discuss further with a view to ascertaining what type of design you would like to see and then place another "suggested design" in your web area for you to view. We would not like to think that you are not happy with the final website design. Our aim is to design for you a website specific to your requirements which you are completely happy with. Having said that objections to any design do have to be reasonable!
Once my website design is completed what after sales service do you offer?
We fully support any website we design and are always available should you encounter any problems or require any enhancements. We offer web site maintenance so that your website need never get out of date
What is site maintenance?
Site maintenance is a fee paid monthly to keep your site updated with new content that you provide. Most good web sites have new content updated regularly. Fresh content is what will keep your visitors coming back. This is an optional service that we provide for our customers. If you want to maintain your website yourself you can do so.
What is web development?
Web development is website design combined with back-end programming. The typical goal of web development is to produce a website that is database driven. Some of the largest websites in the world rely on databases which allow the site owner to add, change, or delete what is stored in their database without having to open each individual file. The programming embedded in the website then takes care of updating the web pages.
What is a web application or web based application?
A web application is a program that runs on the web. Typically interactive, the application accepts input from the web user, processes the input, and displays the results.
What is Ecommerce?
Ecommerce is a general term for any type of business, or commercial transaction, that involves the transfer of information and funds across the Internet. This covers a range of different types of selling, from consumer-based retail sites through auction and music sites, to business exchanges trading goods or services between corporations.
What is the difference between design and development?
In simple terms design is the graphics (the look) and development the build. All websites are created using web design techniques but web development is creating, coding and building the underlying framework of a site and any additional applications such as blog setup, ecommerce capabilities or contact forms.
Why would I want web development or a database driven site?
If you're planning on having your website interact with the user in any way other than simply displaying your web page’s information, you will need a database driven site where the database handles almost everything. If your site has to be updated frequently a database driven website will allow you to make changes, updates, additions or deletions thus saving money on maintenance contracts.
What web languages and technologies do you use?
Mostly PHP, JavaScript, HTML, MySQL, XML, DHTML but we have a range of other skills too.
Are your web developers properly trained?
Our professional web developers have all received training in web development languages and we have an ongoing training program to ensure that our knowledge is kept up to date.
We know what we want, but don't know how to achieve it. Can you help?
We can provide the web consultancy necessary to help you determine what the programming and other requirements will be, so whatever your web development requirements, we can provide the answers.
What should I put on my site?
That depends on the goals of your web site. If you run a business website you would include as much information about your products or services that your customers would need to purchase from you.
How should I supply words and photographs about my business for my new website?
Please provide text and photographs in electronic form - for example, the files output by a digital camera and the words in MS word or similar format.
Do you use Flash animation in your website design?
Yes, when required but this is under review as mobile devices become more common as the iPhone does not support Flash and Google's Android will stop doing so. There are times when flash looks good but it’s generally unwise to use it to create an entire website or even entire pages of your website as search engines are not able to read the content of flash very well and therefore any words used in animations will not be indexed by the search engines. Generally it is best to use flash for smaller banners, advertisements or demonstrations and incorporate the flash animation into a web page which also includes some written text in html. This way the search engines will be able to index your information.
What is Search Engine Optimization or SEO?
Techniques used to optimize your web site, to be search engine friendly and increase your chances of placing well in search results. Without proper optimization, the chances of placing highly in search engine results pages (SERPs) for the keywords important to your business, are low. We think it's more than that though - it's doing everything you need to do to get found on the Internet and to make sure that the ensuing traffic converts.
Why is my site not showing up in the search engines?
This is the most common question we are asked. There can be many reasons a web site doesn't show up, or display well, in search engines results. The most common are:
- Badly built website
- Lack of good content
- Not following search engine guidelines
- Not working out what phrases people actually search on
- Belief that keywords metatags are all you need (Google has not used them for years)
What you need is a search engine friendly design.
What is search friendly design?
Search friendly design means, to make a site that is easy for the search engines to read and index. Search engines can really on read words and find it hard to read and index some content such as Flash, Javascripts and Images. We help to make sure the site can be read properly.
Will my website design be search engine friendly?
All our websites are created with search engines in mind and the 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 you will want to be certain that your website is kept up to date and complies with new rules etc.
How much does SEO cost?
How long is a piece of string? First we need to know what you need to achieve then we can try to assess the price. Otherwise we can just say somewhere in between £10 and £10 million.
Can we rank for everything (huge list of keywords)?
If you are Amazon you probably can. In all other cases you have to choose and set preferences. You have to determine your main keywords, a few of them, and go after them. Your main keywords are the most popular and profitable ones.
Can’t my web / graphic designer do the SEO?
Designers in most case underestimate the importance of SEO and misunderstand it. SEO should be part of website design not just an add-on. We make sure it is.
Do I need a database to run my website?
This will depend upon the amount complexity of your website. If you have many products/services, then it may be advantageous to have a database incorporated into your website design. We will discuss this in detail with you and if a database is advised we will explain in detail exactly how this will work. We can tailor your website design to suit your specific requirements.
How do I update my website?
We will be happy to advise you. However, if you have a small website consisting of just a few pages and will only wish to make changes very infrequently, then usually it is more cost effective simply to ask us to carry out these changes for you. Alternatively, we can provide an on line content management system where you can either update individual products/pages/services or particular sections of your website. e.g. company news.
When can I update my website content?
If the website we have designed for you includes a Content Management System then you can access your administration areas from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and make updates instantly as frequently as you wish. If your website is a smaller website and was designed without using this type of system and you don't have any html skills, then we can update the website for you. Our charges are very reasonable.
Is there any training provided with the Content Management System - CMS?
The Content Management Systems really are very easy to use and do have explanatory notes included where necessary. We run through the administration screens with you when we design the site for you - however if at any time you have any questions we are available at the end of the telephone to run through the procedures or answer any queries you may have.
Will everyone see my web site the same?
Not quite as each different browser, screen resolution setting, individual computer settings etc. changes the way a site look just a little. We design sites with that in mind and preview them in several browser types and resolution settings before publishing. Obviously as technology alters then eventually all websites may need re-evaluation.
Can you provide all our web design and hosting services?
Yes - we are your one stop company to provide all your web services. No more - not knowing who to call if you have problems - we can register your domain name - design your website - provide your web hosting and arrange your email accounts for you.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is a monthly fee that you pay to have your site accessible on the Internet. We can provide web hosting for you if you wish.
I am currently hosted with another company and would like to switch over to you. How do I do this?
We will take care of everything. We will transfer your domain name along with all of your existing web site content. We will ask you a few simple questions to let us do this.
Can I choose you to design my site and use my own web hosting?
Yes, you can use any web host you like unless you are on one of our payment plans. Once your website has been completed you will have to provide us with your web hosting ftp login username as password so that we can upload your website for you.
Do you guarantee that my site will always be available?
No web hosting service can guarantees 100% uptime. However we can say that our host supplier’s servers have had very close to 100% up time for many years. Should our servers have any problems we do have the necessary backup in place to deal with this issue quickly.
What is a URL?
It stands for "universal resource locator". This is the address typed in to view your web page on the Internet. For example, you would type in http://www.e-crm.co.uk to access our home page.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a specific web site address that you choose – assuming it is available. Our domain name is "e-crm.co.uk". We can obtain a domain name for you.
Can I get e-mail with my website?
Yes you can have email and you will probably wish you set-up several email addressed e.g. sale@your-domain.com, info@your-domain.com, john.smith@your-domain.com
Can I see how many visitors I've had to my website?
Yes we provide web tracking software which records where you visitors are coming from and which pages they looked at, which search engines are being used, which phrases are being typed into which search engines and many more interesting web tracking facts which you should find useful for future marketing campaigns.
Do I need to install any software?
No.
How can I accept credit cards on my website?
There are various methods availably to you. We would need to talk to you to establish you requirements and the best method for your company.
Do you display any banners or pop-up ads on my website?
No – though it’s nice if we can put a small notice that we did the site with a link back to our site in the footer.
What do I have to do to make my website legal?
The first point we shall make is that you need to speak to your wown legal adviser as we can accept no responsibity for legal advice. Having said that, in the UK, as at March 2012, the main UK legal requirements for websites that need to be complied with are as follows:
About Us/Contact Information
You must provide the following information in an easily accessible position on your website:
- your legal name e.g. XYZ Ltd
- your geographical address
- contact details e.g. telephone number, fax number and email address which country your business Is registered In and the registration number
- details of any supervisory body which regulates your business e.g. the FSA. (For regulated bodies more detailed information is required.)
- where you are registered for VAT and your VAT number
- clear details of prices and whether or not delivery and/or VAT is included
Registration under the Data Protection Act
If you collect any personal data on your website - e.g. email address, name or address of a living individual, you will be processing personal data and must register as a data controller under the Data Protection Act. It Is a criminal offence not to register. Puttig your data protection register number on your site may help to increase trust as the register is public, so why not make it easy for people to check?
Privacy Policy
If you are collecting, storing or processing personal data you need to set out how and why you are doing this to comply with the 8 principles of the Data Protection Act. In particular if you are sending marketing emails to potential customers you need to ensure that you comply with The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (the "Privacy Regulations"), which regulate the transmission of "communications for the purposes of direct marketing by means of electronic mail". The penalty for breaches can be costly.
Disabled Access to your Website
If you offer goods or services on your website you need to make your website accessible to disabled users.
Trade Marks and Logos
You should not use other people's trademarks or logos without their consent on your website or you could become liable for damages for infringement.
Copyright
You should not use other people's content without their consent on your website, or you could become liable for damages for Infringement. If you have links to other people's content, make sure that you have permission and that the information opens in a new web page.
Online Payment
If you accept online payment for goods or services you must comply with the Electronic Commerce Regulations and the Distance Selling Regulations. These include the requirements that you must provide customers with (amongst other things) specific information about their right to cancel, VAT and prices, refunds and defective goods PRIOR to the sale being concluded.
Summary
The above are examples of the main legal requirements for websites in the UK. This is a very complicated area of law and the specific rules that apply to you will depend on what goods and services you are offering, whether you are acting BTB (business to business) or BTC (business to customer), where you are based, where your customers are located and many other factors.
Some testimonials
"Since eCRM took over maintenance of website and SEO, the number of prospects I received from enquiries through my site has more than doubled! I am currently working with eCRM to plan the next level of development for my website to take it to the next level." Nigel Marriott, Marriott Statistical Consulting
"Great company, very friendly and open communication and ECRM were able to execute our development with a superior level of technical skill. 5 stars." Jon Gray, Workmap
"ECRM built Alexander Simpkin & Associates a web site par excellence that continues to proffer itself on Google first page of free links under the appropriate search entry. I would not hesitate to recommend this organisation to any business requiring any sort of eBusiness advice or execution." Alexander Simpkin, Alexander Simpkin & Associates
"I've used ECRM's services for about 2 years now. They have been very helpful to re-construct my whole website at reasonable rates. Their knowledge on marketing via internet-google has helped me to achieve more enquires, sales, and commissions. They update my pages and we go over my stats. re: google searches every few months to make sure I'm getting the best from my website in marketing terms. I would highly recommend their services". Laura Lian