Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Wisconsin Websites LLC?
My prices are extremely fair and I can create a secure, attractive, reliable, easy-to-use website in a very reasonable amount of time.
How much will it cost?
There are three website offerings to choose from: Basic Package, Extended Package, and the E-Commerce Package. You can read more here about prices and to understand the differences between the packages. Fixed costs are passed on to you with no markup in price. You can read more here about fixed costs. Also, I will tell you exactly what you are paying for, why you need it, if it has any on-going costs, and how much those costs are.
How long will it take?
How complex your website is will determine how long it will take to create. Part of the process is to identify what needs to be done, estimate how many hours those tasks will take, sequence the tasks, factor in our schedules, and come up with an estimated completion date. It's really not as complex as it sounds, and creating your website will probably take much less time than you think.
What do I get?
You know what you want, and we can figure out what you need. We'll use these requirements as a guide to create your website.
Do I even need a website?
Maybe not. Sometimes just a printed brochure will be enough. But sometimes not. From a budgeting standpoint it is cheaper to use a website than to print a new brochure or publish a new advertisement in a magazine or newspaper every time you want to update or add information or products.
What is the process?
In a nutshell, I'll send you a short questionnaire and ask you to fill it out and return it to me or just bring it to our first meeting. At that meeting we'll discuss the questionnaire as well as anything else we think is important. Later, we'll choose the website offering that best fits your needs and budget, then we sign a contract. After that, we'll identify requirements, gather content, design the layout, then put it all together. During this process we'll need to discuss changes and review our progress.
How "technical" do I need to be?
You do not need any technical knowledge for us to build your website. That's my job, but I would be happy to share with you the details of any technical work I perform.
What types of websites can you create?
There are many types of websites, but they generally fall into three broad categories - commercial, non-profit, and personal - and I amequally focused on all three. For commercial websites, my focus is on home and small businesses. You can read more here about the types of websites I can create for you. You can view samples of my work here.
What should I put on my website?
It can be hard to determine what should appear on your website. It can be intimidating, even scary for some folks. And that's perfectly natural. But when you think about why you want a website, it becomes easier to identify what to put on it. You are not alone in this effort. Working together, we can figure out what you need. By the way, the stuff that goes on your website is called "content" and content is usually words, images, and videos. I can help find or create content for you.
What if I Already Have a Website?
Great! We can use your existing content to create a new website and save both time and money doing so. More often than not we can reduce costs and improve the design. You can read more here.
What is your approach to website design?
My approach is based on six principles - have a plan, collaborate, listen, keep it simple, measure twice and cut once, and don't re-invent the wheel. You can read more here about my approach.
Will my website be easy to use?
Absolutely. We want visitors to feel comfortable when they use your website. You can read more here about usability.
How complex is all this?
The Basic Package is very straight forward. The Extended Package is more complex due to the need for more features. The E-Commerce Package is often the most complex because of the need for not only more features, but for greater security and recoverability capabilities. Regardless of which package you choose, with a good plan we'll do fine.
Do I need a contract?
In most cases, yes. It makes it easier to know what will be included in your website, what will not, help keep track of our progress, and know when we are done.
How many changes can I request?
You are entitled to two full rounds of changes after the initial implementation of your website. You can read more here about changes to your website.
Can I change my website after it is "live"?
Yes. I can enable you to make some changes to your website. More complex changes may require the skills of a website designer such as myself.
What do I need to do?
Think about what you want on your website and what you want your website to be able to do. For example, collect contact information or generate a newsletter. You can read more here about website requirements.
What about security?
Nothing is more important than keeping your website safe. You can read more here about security.
Can I see my website while it is being created?
Yes. In fact, we need to regularly review your website to make sure you are getting what you want.
What if my website is broken or unavailable?
I will design your website for maximum reliability. You can read more here about reliability.
Where will my website be located?
Your website will be hosted by a company that securely hosts other websites.
Can my website be read on phones and tablets?
Yes. This is called responsive design.
How can my website be maintained after it is created?
Creating your website is one thing. Depending on which package you choose, keeping it alive takes a little effort. You can read more here about all the services I can provide.
What if there are problems after my website goes live?
Your contract provides 30 days of free problem support. After that, I can provide various levels of support to help with problems.
What about Twitter and Facebook?
Managing your "social" life can quickly get time consuming. You can read more here to see how WordPress works with Twitter and Facebook to make it easier.
What about Google?
If your website has meaningful content, Google will find you. But there are ways to help Google understand the value of your website. You can read more here.
What will you use to create my website?
I'll use the WordPress Content Management System to create, maintain, and enhance your website. WordPress is secure, reliable, high-performance, industry standard website development software. Over 28% of all websites were created using WordPress. WordPress offers many important advantages. You can read more here.
Can I have more than one website?
Definitely. For example, you may want one website to organize a family reunion, another one for your hobby or team, and another one to sell your photographs.
Can I give a website as a gift?
Certainly. Holidays, birthdays, or any other occasion. Contact me for details.