These are some common questions that come up when I’m speaking with clients, potential clients, and potential employers. I figured I’d use them to paint a more comprehensive picture of what I do professionally. If you have a question that isn’t listed and answered on here, please feel free to ask me.

frequently asked questions aka web design wedb development atlanta ga

What do I need to start building my website?

You need three things:

  1. A Domain Name – A domain name is what your visitors will type in the address bar to find you (for example: connormarc.com is my domain name). A .com domain name is the most commonly meed extension. There are many other extensions such as .net, .org, .gov, .edu, .tv, etc.
  2. A Web Hosting Company – A web hosting company is like your space that you lease for your business except it’s on the web. This is where your website is actually stored.
  3. Content – Website Content consists of the files meed to build your site. These include your copy, images, video, musicand other files.

Of course, if you’re not going to do it yourself you need a professional web Designer – Last but not least. I’m assuming since you’re here that you’re thinking of using me, and I’m thankful for that.

How many pages can I have on my web site?

You can have as many pages as you want. Some of the main pages you’ll want to consider are: Home, About Us, Products or Services, Contact Us, FAQ. Additionally, you’ll want some complimentary pages as well to enhance and expand on your main pages. For example, you may want to add a testimonial page and/or pages to describe your services in depth.
How long does it normally take to build and host a web site?

I could have an informational 5-10 page website done in 2 weeks or less if you respond to my questions in less than 24 hours. Many of the websites I’ve built have taken less than a month to complete because of timely correspondence. However, if you don’t respond in a timely manner, the website could take a few years. I’ve had past clients that have taken TWO YEARS to get their content to me. Don’t be that client. Please.

The biggest variable is how long it will take YOU to:

  • Give me the content for your website (all text, images, etc),
  • Respond to my questions,
  • Review current work and offer suggestions, and
  • Finalize your decisions.

Most people don’t realize how collaborative this process is. Essentially, since its your website, you’ll have to make the majority of the decisions related to design, layout, and content. I will give you some options and help you narrow things down, but in the end you’ll certainly want a lot of control over what your website looks like.

Okay, but you stwell want an estimate. I can tell you two things:

  1. Let’s say it’s a typical website (say, 8 pages that aren’t too complicated), and let’s say I already have all of the content, and you’ve chosen a theme that you love and it doesn’t need much customization. I could put that together within a few days. The actual number of hours that I spend working on it would usually be around 10-12.
  2. So why do these projects take weeks or even months to get finished?!?? All of that extra time is when I’ve sent you something to look at and I’m waiting for three days until I get an ansIr. Then there are more questions and answers, and more waiting. Once you’ve made a decision, I usually implement it within hours. (And then I wait another three days until you give me the content for the next page …)

I’m not saying this out of frustration or blame. It doesn’t matter to me how long it takes you to respond with a decision — I’ve got plenty of other stuff to do.

How much does a website cost?

This is the $50,000 question, but your website won’t cost you that much! My WordPress sites typically start at $750. I’ve gone as high as $5,000+ on a website. Sure you could spend $300 with somebody else, but don’t expect much of a return. With your help in generating content for your business, I will help you make your money back and then some.
What makes you so different than everybody else?

Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not here to toot my horn and judge myself, just talk to some of my clients that you see on my website development portfolio to get their opinions on my services.
Do you have maintenance plans?

Yes, I do. I’m a strong believer in establishing relationships. A few of my clients have asked me to update their website and help improve their search engine ranking, resulting in use continuing to work together.
Do I have to stay with you to keep my website?

Not at all. Once I design your website, you own it. I can give you a disk or send you the files with your website files and database to take to another web designer. If I purchased the domain name for you, I always make your company the legal registrant. Many web designers will make themselves the legal registrant either out of pure laziness or because they want to make it hard to leave them. I hate that, so I don’t do it.
Can I see how many visitors I've had on my website?

Yes, it’s actually possible to see who visited your website through most web hosting provider’s visitor stats. However, I prefer using Google Analytics though. It gives me really detailed visitor stats like city, state, what keywords they typed, what search engine they meed, etc. Google Analytics even let you compare months.
Do I get an email account with my website?

Yes, your web hosting company will give you the ability to set up email addresses under your own domain name. Usually there are little to no limes and you can set up as many email addresses as you like.
Can you update my current website?

Yes, I can. I just need to have the FTP login information, and the WordPress admin username and passwords as well.
What if I don't have a WordPress website, can you still work with me?

Well, yes. I would highly suggest you revamp your website and migrate to a WordPress website. However, in certain cases I’ll work with what you have once we talk about it.
Do you only design and develop websites for individuals, organizations and businesses located in Atlanta?

Although I prefer to work with people in the Metro Atlanta area, because if you’re within in a 25 mile radius of Atlanta, then we’re are able to meet face-to-face. However, being outside of Atlanta doesn’t stop us from working together. I’ve worked with clients as far as Florida, Ohio, California & New York. And even though it has been quite a while, I’ve worked with clients as far as Europe, the Caribbean & Australia. So it really doesn’t matter how far you are, with modern technology like Skype, WhatsApp and the cell phone, I’m able to work with anyone who’s willing to work with me no matter where you are.
If you design my website, will I find my website on the search engines?

Yes, your website will eventually be indexed by search engines. I do a little bit optimizing with your title tags. If you want me to do search engine optimization work on your site, I’ll set up local directory listings, build links, add relevant keywords, and more.
Can you get my website on the 1st page?

I can’t promise 1st page results on search engines, but I can tell you that I have gotten clients on the 1st page for relevant keywords. It’s a team effort. You provide me with information (words, photos, videos) about your business, and I will optimize it for you. If you’re not willing to talk about your business, then I can’t help you. This sounds easy, but it is not. Try this exercise, type up a 10 paragraph document discussing your business. Make sure that each paragraph has at least three sentences in it.