Good Questions

• Estimates, Costs & Updates
• Your Web Project Management
• Search Engine Optimization

Estimates, Costs & Updates

1. Rating: +1

   

   I’m not a ‘techy’ and I’d really rather not deal with the internet. Will I be able to maintain my own website?

   If you really want to maintain your own website without getting online,we can recommend some virtual assistants who can work with you by phone and regular mail.

   On the other hand, we’re happy to teach you as we go. Many self-described “non-techies” find that they enjoy updating their own site on their own time.

2. Rating: +1

   

   When can you give me an estimate?

   • At the end of the planning stage, I am able to give you a detailed estimate for the rest of the project.
   • Any changes in the ultimate cost are due to changes in the design or specifications that you agree to along the way.

3. Rating: +1

   

   How does the web hosting work? and ongoing support of the site?

   • You have a direct relationship with a hosting company. Some are more
     cost effective and I will give you recommendations based on your sites
     specifications.
   • On-going support is available as needed from me or anyone else you choose
     to hire who is familiar with the platform. I will help you find the best
     fit for you and it does not have to be me.

4. Rating: +1

   

   How often can I make updates (daily if I wanted?)? Cost? Who? How?

   With WordPress:

   • You will have direct access to edit and update any page whenever you want through your web browser. Tour of the admin area.
   • The only possible on-going cost for updates would be if you hire someone else to do the updates or edit/optimize/format your text for you. These services are available to my clients, but largely unnecessary and the real cost is your time.
   • Any plugins or widgets I have installed will need to be updated by me or by someone familiar with the details of that code.

   With Magento:

   • You will have direct access to edit and update any product or category of products whenever you want through your web browser. Tour of the admin area.
   • On-going cost for updates would be if you hire someone else to do the updates or edit/optimize/format your text for you. These services are available to my clients, but largely unnecessary and the real cost is your time.

5. Rating: +1

   

   What if I don’t want to do my own updates?

   We will refer you to someone who can help with this at reasonable rate. Some changes may require us to help and we are happy to support the person who regularly updates your site.

   Update costs vary widely with:

   • how many changes there are
   • how organized you are in conveying the changes to make
   • the type of changes (e.g. - simple text changes are usually quicker than anything involving graphics.)

6. Rating: +1

   

   What are the on-going costs after the project is done?

   On-going costs depend on choices you make during the project and we can advise you about prices for your particular sites needs before you make decisions. Ideally, the only on-going costs are:

   • Hosting ($6.95-$25/month, depending on which host your project needs.) Most sites we build go with hosting companies that cost $6.95/mo. The higher price generally applies to e-commerce sites that need a fast server. Not all e-commerce sites need a server that fast… yet. We can help you move when you do need it.
   • Security certificate ($75-150/year, depending upon the source of the certificate)
   • Domain renewal ($10-$20/year, depending upon whether you also get privacy and business listing) We recommend privacy for all and business listing for most of our customers.
   • Upgrade costs vary with the system being upgraded. Only sometimes does the length of time since last upgrade affect the cost.

Your Web Project Management

1. Rating: +0

   

   Who is the best person in my company to work with Hand Spun Digital for a web project?

   The principal owner(s), or person deciding the public direction for the company, plays a key role on our team.

   Hand Spun Digital works exclusively with entrepreneurs and decision makers. Including the true decision maker(s) in particular stages of the project abbreviates the process, saves money, and guarantees we get it right.

   Occasionally, you may want to add someone from your company, as well as the key decision maker, to help with project tasks or add perspectives. We welcome these kind of additions to our team.

   If you would prefer that we work with someone who does not have the power in your organization to make the necessary decisions, and needs to check back with a committee or some other decision maker, we are not the company for you.

2. Rating: +0

   

   How quickly can I have a live web site?

   This is a creative process that requires your participation. The time really varies depending on everyone’s schedule, including yours.

   Sometimes it goes really fast and sometimes it takes longer. In my experience, the biggest variable for time is your style of decision making.

   When everything goes like clockwork and flows with ease, the whole thing can be done in one business week. That is rare, but possible.

Search Engine Optimization

1. Rating: +1

   

   What about Search Engine Optimization?

   Basic Search Engine Optimization (a.k.a Organic SEO) is handled with good structure and strong content.

   We only work with platforms that excel in search engine optimization. This means they are built correctly in the first place, so that search engines find things organized and easy to catalog. Then we coach you about how to create content that is also structured correctly, using logical keywords in proper titles, tags and share tools.

   If the keywords, that your desired customers are using to search for you, are not obvious or need testing, we can refer you to a partner who enjoys keyword research. We can also direct you to some resources to learn how to do it yourself.

2. Rating: +1

   

   What about Search Engine Ads?

   We can create graphic banner ads, refer you to services that help you manage the ads, or recommend resources for learning how to manage these text and graphic ads yourself.

3. Rating: +1

   

   Is there any other online marketing I may need that you don’t do? YES.

   Online marketing consists of four services: WE DON’T DO THIS, however I am often able to refer you to someone compatible.

   Keyword/Keyphrase Services

   • Identify keywords/keyphrases used by target consumers and competitors
   • Keywords/keyphrases implemented in code, in titles and descriptions, and throughout content
   • Hand-submission to key search engines
   • Analyze site statistic and fine tune as necessary

   Listings and Linkings Services

   • Research and register in geographic, industry, and other audience-specific directories and databases
   • Identify sites that attract the same visitors you are targeting - including an analysis of your competition
   • Develop relationships for reciprocal links
   • Post to message boards and discussion forums
   • Measure effectiveness quarterly

   Online Advertising Services

   • Create and place ads on high-quality Web sites, online e-zines, and opt-in e-newsletters
   • Develop email advertising campaigns for loyal/preferred customers and highly qualified prospects
   • Identify opportunities for affiliates relationships through advertising, promotions, packaged pricing, sponsorships, give-aways, and contests promoted on their Web sites

   Online PR Services

   • Develop press releases for events, news, and commendations and submit to electronic news outlets
   • Identify opportunities to place content from your site on high-quality e-zines or newsletters
   • Create email alerts, made up of content from your Web site, to subscribers about specials or events
   • Produce online events, webinars, etc.
   • Create interactive tools for your clients to use in planning/decision making