FAQ

Q. How much will my website cost?

Before I begin any project I do a thorough evaluation of what your website needs. With your input and my expertise we'll come up with a plan and scope of project for your approval. You will recieve a proposal with a firm quote for the design and development of your website.

Each website has unique needs and prices do vary. For an overview of my pricing structure see "Website Design & Development" Services.

Q. What other costs are waiting to surprise me?

Your site needs a domain name ($15/year) and hosting services ($12.95/month to $40/month)

Some sites will need additional software or services such as a payment processor or reservation system. Possible costs will be professional photography, licensing, paid submissions to search engines.
Your original proposal will include these costs before you agree to the project. There are no hidden costs at Crucible Designs.

Q. How long will it take?

Many Basic Websites are completed and launched 14 days from the beginning of the project. Advanced sites will require more time. Turn around time often depends on your ability to put the content together. Your proposal will include a start date, rough draft deadline and anticipated launch date.

If your project is delayed because your content is delayed the projected deadlines may not be viable. Let me know as early as possible so we can adjust the schedule for your needs.

Q. When can I expect results?

Your website needs traffic to generate results. It takes between 6 weeks to 6 months to get listed in the search engines that accept free listings. Pay per inclusion search engines list your site (ad) within days. Proper promotion includes press releases and inclusion of your web address on all print materials.

Q. Will my site make money?

A website is a marketing tool. If your product or service has a demand we can make sure it gets seen and make it as easy as possible for your potential customers to in fact buy your product or choose your services. Not all sites generate direct revenue.

Q. Can I maintain the site myself?

Most of our sites include a content manager that allows you to add, edit and delete content whenever you need. This CMS tool requires being hosted on our servers. If you choose another hosting company, the CMS tool may not be available.

Q. Will you work with our graphic designer to create the site?

Yes. We've worked successfully with In-house graphic design teams to create great websites. We'll talk to your designer and discuss proper files, formats and specs to make sure your site looks great and works great.

Q. Will you build a Flash website?

No. We specialize in visitor friendly, search engine optimized websites. Flash sites are neither. A handful of educational or game related sites are suitable for Flash sites. If Flash technology is appropriate for your website we'll let you know and make recommendations for other design companies.

Q. Aargh! It's all geek-speak! What is:

Domain name - this is the address that humans find your website with. This is your http://www.yourbiz.com/ address. It is actually tied to a numerical address that computers translate the .com into.

Site hosting - This is the service that actually stores the data that makes up your website. All photos, text, flash movies etc have a physical location on a special computer called a server.

Server space - How much your hosting costs is dependant in part on how much room is needed on their server to host your site. Text uses the least space, images use more storage space.

Bandwidth - How much data is accessed through the server (roughly). Hosts measure this amount in time periods.

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