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FAQs - Web Design
Q. How do I pick a web design company?
A. If you are here you have already done some of the work of sorting through web design companies to find one that fits your sense of style and budget. Ask yourself these questions: Is their site easy to get around in? Is information clear? Do you like the style and quality of sites in their portfolio? When you talk to the designer, do they understand your goals? Can they meet your timetable for site delivery? Of course, we'd like the opportunity to work with you on your project!
Q. How do I get started?
Give us a call or send an email and we will arrange for a free consultation to go over your concept ideas.
Q. How much does a web site cost?
A. Of course, that depends on the type of site you need. Our websites start from £1200 on up. Static pages cost £100/page on average. However, many sites require dynamic content and/or the ability to take credit card payments. These dynamic sites are designed differently to accomodate advanced code.
All prices will vary depending on the owners' specifications and thus, the amount of hours put into it. After a consultation, you will receive a competitive bid to design and construct your website site.
Q. What's the difference between a Static or Dynamic site?
A. A Static site is comprised of html pages. Everything is "hard coded" right to the page. The only interactivity would be with JavaScript or Flash. Updates need to be made by hand to each page.
A Dynamic site is a set of pages that are advanced coded to call information from a database, which then "dynamically" fills the pages with content. The database can be updated with an Admin page and the new information will show up site-wide. That means you can update content on your own pages. Interactivity comes from information stored in the database and accessed by the users.
Q. What do I need to do to take credit card payments on my website?
A. You need a shopping cart, a secure environment (https) and a way to process real-time financial transactions. Real-time credit card processing requires a third-party to process the cards and transfer the money to your account. You can establish a Merchant account with most banks or use one of the online sites that will provide this service.
Q. Once I have my website, how do I get people to visit it?
A. You need a marketing strategy! Sterling is available to assist you in developing and implementing your website promotion and marketing plan. Before we start any marketing we will ensure you learn about marketing and search engine optimization so that you understand what is being done.
Q. How long before I can get my new web site live?
A. There are a few factors that effect the speed of getting a web site live. You can assist by: having your "copy" or content ready and in digital format (email or disk) and having your photos and art available. We will schedule a time to discuss your goals with you and get your content and ideas. Sterling will then create a design, which you must approve before we build out the site.
A Static site with no glitches can be live in 2 - 3 weeks at an average of about 25 hours per site. The amount of man hours put into the site varies on your specifications.
A Dynamic site has many more steps and can take 1 - 2 months. We have created simple Dynamic sites with shopping carts in a couple of weeks, but this would entail all material, pictures, and text are ready immediatly. We will work with you and your schedule to get you online as soon as possible.
Note: Implementing google adsense, PayPal Merchant services and other 3rd party actions on your website can add time. Bank information will need to be verified by post and phone and direct debit as well as pin codes which may be mailed to you by the respective service providers.
