1. How much does a website cost?
2. What do you need from me for an estimate?
3. What do you need from me to construct the website?
4. What is your process? How will you design my site?
5. Will I be able to update the website myself?
6. Do you construct Flash websites?
7. What is your payment policy?
8. Will I get to see my website before it's finished?

1. How much does a website cost?

It depends on the complexity and size of the site. Once I have an idea of what your website needs are I can easily put together an estimate that works for you. It is also possible to start out with a small site and add to it as your budget permits. In general small websites range from $600 - $2500. A website with more complex features will cost more. I will give you a written bid that breaks down the costs and is clear about what is and is not included.

2. What do you need from me for an estimate?

The first questions I ask each client are:

Do you have hosting and a domain available? (If you do not, I can assist you with both of these). Do you plan on selling items or including a shopping cart? Who will be the audience for your website? How many pages do you anticipate your site will have? If you're not sure about this, I can sit down with you and sketch out a site map (or, this step can be done by email if you are not local to me). Are there other websites you've seen that you like the look and feel of? I generally ask prospective clients to send me the links of 3 - 5 sites that you personally like, so that I can have an idea of what you are looking for in your site. Do you have a logo for your business?

3. What do you need from me to construct the website?

Web design is a highly collaborative process between designer and client. I will need all written content from you, product photos if this will be an e-commerce website and artwork photos if the website will be a portfolio site showcasing your artwork. It is important for you as the client to have all your content prepared for me; this will save a lot of time in the website development process, help to avoid major changes once I have started your site and ultimately help to keep your costs down.

4. What is your process? How will you design my site?

After constructing a site map containing all likely pages for the website, and getting information from you on sites that you personally like the look and feel of, I will create two comp designs for the home page. From these, you will pick one and I will work on refining the design until you are happy with it. Next, I will create two comp designs for the inner pages of the site, and you will pick one of these for me to refine. I will constantly check in with you and show you developments. The entire process usually takes one to three months, depending on how prepared you are.

5. Will I be able to update the website myself?

I usually maintain the sites that I develop. I offer website maintenance services at reduced rates for ongoing clients. If you know HTML or Dreamweaver you will be able to update your site on your own.

6. Do you construct Flash websites?

I am happy to create a Flash slide show or other animation for your website, but I don't create pure Flash websites because they don't rank highly in search engines. In order for websites to have high search-engine ranking they need to have written content with searchable keywords that can easily be found by search engines; this is not possible with Flash websites.

7. What is your payment policy?

I ask for a 50% deposit before I start your website, with the remainder payable on completion. If the site will be a large one I can break the payment into smaller increments. Payment details will be outlined in your estimate prior to beginning work on your project.

8. Will I get to see my website before it's finished?

Yes, you will be consulted during the whole process and the site will only be uploaded to the web once you are completely happy with it.