As an Expert Virtual Assistant® who specializes in creating websites for small businesses, I get asked many of the same questions again and again. While most everyone knows how to successfully navigate a website, not everyone is aware of what is involved in the creation of a business website.
Following are ten of the most frequently asked questions I receive about website design by small business owners:
- How long does it take to set up a website?
Answer: The length of time required to set up a new website varies greatly. Just as each business is unique, so will be their needs when it comes to their website. For example, a small business coach may only need a single-page website that highlights her business offerings and provides a “call to action” form allowing her potential clients to schedule an appointment.
Another small business owner may require a more complex design that includes more in-depth information about his business. He may need to educate his visitors about his products and services with a blog. He might even offer his products for sale online with a shopping cart.
Ideally, we shoot for a six-week turnaround on any website, however, the pace of development depends a great deal on the individual client. The more input you can provide, your responsiveness with feedback, and how quickly you provide content- all affect the time required.
Functionality can also affect the amount of time it takes from start to finish. A more complex website is going to take longer to develop. - How much will a new website cost?
Answer: The website we will develop is unique to your business. We will ask you a lot of questions, determine what your wants and needs are, and give you a quote based on that conversation. Most of our websites cost between $1,000 and $3,000 dollars, but can certainly be more or less, depending on client needs. - Will I be able to update the website myself?
Answer: Absolutely! We love handing over the keys to your new kingdom and will provide you with a training session upon completion of the project to help you find your way around.
- Who will maintain my website?
Answer: Once we’ve handed over the keys, maintenance is your responsibility. We do provide ongoing maintenance support packages for many of our clients. Check out our package rates on our Services & Rates page. - Will my website be mobile-friendly?
Answer: Yes! We make sure that your website looks great on a variety of different devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. - What platform do you use to create websites?
Answer: We exclusively use WordPress as our content management platform because it is flexible and easy to use. It is one of the most popular platforms out there, powering about 30% of all websites on the web. - Who writes the content for my website?
Answer: You are the expert on your business, so ideally that information should come from you. If copywriting isn’t your strong suit, we can certainly help you write original content at an additional cost. - Where will my website be hosted?
Answer: Hosting is very important and there are a plethora of hosting companies out there to choose from. We use HostGator because it’s very cost-effective, secure, and they provide great customer service. They offer multi-year discounts, a free domain name, and a free security certificate with most of their hosting packages. - Can I add to my website as my business grows?
Answer: You certainly can. That’s one of the reasons we love WordPress so much. It’s very flexible and easy to update. If you’d like help adding to your website, so we can discuss your ideas and give you a quote. - How do I know my website is secure?
Answer: We always recommend that you have an SSL Certificate on your website. An SSL Certificate ensures that your website traffic is secure by encrypting data transmission to and from your website. Our favorite hosting platform includes an SSL certificate for free, as do many others. Some do not, so just make sure to ask.
Whether you need a large, complex website with multiple pages, a shopping cart, or a single-page introductory website, you are only a few steps away from having a compelling identity for your business, on the internet. We will work with you to create a beautiful WordPress website that captivates your visitors and converts them into clients
