FAQ: Websites, SEO, analytics & design questions
Do I really need a designer?Is a custom-built site affordable?
How long does a typical website take to develop?
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
Do you need SEO as an element in your website?
What are analytics and are they important?
How do I drive traffic to my site?
How will I know if my site is successful?
What are some common design mistakes?
What makes a good logo?
Do I really need a designer?
You can find nice-looking website templates out there for very little money, there's no doubt about that. But there is more to my job than just making a site look "nice." I use my skills, experience and expertise to make a website functional, easy to use and optimized for search engines. There is much more to a successful website than installing some software. If it isn't developed correctly simple mistakes that can mean failure for your site.[ back to top ]
Is a custom-built site affordable?
Yes it is! Below are some general price ranges:Simple Website: $501 - $2,500
Complex Website: $1,500 - $25,000
Basic Static Website: $100 - $200 per page
Website Maintenance: $25 - $45 per hour
Once I have a clear idea of what you want, I will work with you to create the ideal website within your budget. For questions regarding rates, please contact me.
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How long does a typical website take to develop?
Usually between 6 to 12 weeks. Having said that, a number of factors can influence the timeline like the scale of the site (the number of pages), the number of images and other graphic elements, its functionality, and any e-commerce capabilities. Another major factor...how prepared the client is with the content.[ back to top ]
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
Simply put SEO is the methods and techniques employed to improve the visibility of a website in search results. The higher the ranking a webpage in the search engines, the more likely visitors will find that site. SEO actions include; providing keyword meta tags, exchanging links with other sites, and submitting your site to directories. SEO technology is always changing and to stay competitive you must change along with it. The SEO Journal puts it well: "Let’s face it the SEO industry is a lot like a runaway train at times and all you can really do is just hold on for dear life and embrace the ongoing changes."[ back to top ]
Do you need SEO as an element in your website?
The answer is yes if your site offers any kind of product or service, especially if you plan to make a living from these products or services. SEO is a necessity. Around 95% of your audience will use search engines to find what they are looking for. The real question is whether your site will be the first result that comes up, or whether it will be lost within pages and pages of search results. Keep in mind optimizing your site correctly for search engine placement requires a lot of time and effort marketing your website.[ back to top ]
What are analytics and are they important?
Analytics gives you vital insight to the visitors coming to your site. By using the information provided by analytics you will be able to target the customers you want. Analytics will provide information about every visitor, how they found you, the length of time they spent on the site, what parts of the site they visited and even the browser they used. With this information and more, you can find the ways to most effectively market yourself online. If you are considering advertising on the Web, you must have analytics.[ back to top ]
How do I drive traffic to my site?
This is a very important question and not easily answered in a short paragraph. It does require some research. But there are some steps that you can take now. Your URL should be on every promotional item: post cards, business cards, stationary, t-shirts and more. Collect email addresses from everyone you meet, at events you attend and through online forms. Another way to bring traffic is by signing up for a pay-per-click program.Other ideas include blogging, social networks, affiliate programs and link exchanges.
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How will I know if my site is successful?
This goes back to the importance of analytics. This report will show you trends in traffic to your site and can also let you know which link exchanges have produced results and which search engines have provided you with the most traffic. Monthly reports will allow you to see if your website is growing. It can be time-consuming process, therefore I do provide a service that gives you SEO monitoring with monthly reports.[ back to top ]
What are some common design mistakes?
Sites that lack clear navigation make it difficult to move throughout the pages. Having lots of images and little content can hinder search engine queries. A well-designed site should have a minimum of 250 words, but around 600 is better. A website needs calls to action—if they are missing a visitor may not know what to do when they get to your homepage and they will not spend any time there. Potential customers cannot find elements like a sign-up button or a "buy" button because they are not very prominent. Another mistake, the site takes too long to load. Visitors decide to stay on a site in a matter of seconds, they will not wait around long. Make sure that visitors find your contact information easily.[ back to top ]
What makes a good logo?
A strong, effective logo should be...Simple
Memorable
Effective in black & white as it is in color
Scalable (be easy to read even when reduced in size)
Relevant to the industry in question
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