FAQ

Web Design & Blog Customization FAQ

How do I know if you are the right web designer for me?
You are always welcome to browse through our Portfolio of work. If, after looking at some of the other websites we have designed and developed, you would like to talk with us about your project, you may contact us for a free consultation (in person or on the phone). At that time, we can review your hopes and dreams for your website. We may make suggestions as to how best to accomplish your goals, and at the conclusion of our meeting, we are usually able to provide an estimate of the cost of the project. You should then have enough information to make your decision as to whether or not to proceed.

I’d like to maintain my own website. Do I need to know or learn HTML or buy any special software?
There are a couple of ways we can develop a website for you that you can maintain yourself:

One way is to launch a WordPress site for you, in which case you don’t need any special software or equipment, other than a computer, internet access and a browser. Following the launch of your site, we will sit down with you, if necessary, and train you on how to make updates in WordPress (additional charges apply).

The other option is to develop a traditional HTML website and set you up with Adobe Contribute to make your updates.

How long will it take to complete my project?
A lot of this depends on you. Following a consultation, we can provide you with a time estimate. However, we can only keep to this schedule if we receive the material we need from you – text, images, logos, etc. for the pages. The more prepared you are, the faster and smoother the process will go!

How much does it cost for you to design and develop a website for me?
Because each project is different, there is no single answer to that question. We are able to provide an estimate following a consultation (phone or in person), so feel free to contact us to schedule one!

What forms of payment do you accept? And when am I expected to pay for your services?
You may pay us via check or PayPal. We require a 50% deposit prior to starting the project. We then invoice after the design phase is complete and again after the launch of the website.

Email Marketing FAQ

Why do businesses use email marketing?
Because IT WORKS!

  • According to research conducted by the Direct Marketing Association, email marketing generated an ROI of $43.62 for every dollar spent on it in 2009. The expected figure for 2010 is $42.08. As such, it outperforms all the other direct marketing channels examined, such as print catalogs (source: http://directmag.com/magilla/1020-e-mail-roi-still-slipping/).
  • The Ad Effectiveness Survey commissioned by Forbes Media in Feb/March 2009 revealed that email and e-newsletter marketing are considered the second-most effective tool for generating conversions, just behind SEO (source: http://www.forbesmedia.com/).
  • “Permission e-mail campaigns are ten times more effective than direct mail campaigns.” (source: IMT Strategies)

Why does email marketing work?
Because it allows you to target your market, it builds relationships and it keeps you fresh in the minds of your customers.

Why should I pay someone else to design and develop my e-newsletter?
The development of a customized e-newsletter template is similar, in many ways, to creating a website. We have experience in designing and developing both websites and e-newsletters. The learning curve is enough that you will save time and money by allowing an experienced developer to take care of your email marketing needs. We will deliver an attractive, professional-looking and well-organized e-newsletter for you!

How does the e-newsletter design & development process work?
We will first consult with you to go over the content you would like to include in your e-newsletter. We will also help you sign up with Constant Contact and choose a template & discuss ways to customize the template to reflect the branding you have established with your business. Then it is time to get to work - we will complete the design and development of the e-newsletter, while you write the text to be included. You then send us the text, we insert it into the customized template & schedule the email to go out!

Do I have to pay for the design & development of every e-newsletter I send out?
As long as we are using the same customized template we designed and developed initially, no. If you request that another customized template be developed, then yes, you will have to pay us to go through that process again. If you just wish for us to insert new text into an existing customized template, you only need to pay the E-Newsletter Distrubution charge.

Can I see an example of your email marketing work?
Of course! By clicking on the link below, you can view a sample my own e-newsletter, designed & developed by me, of course!

Stefanie Kyle Web Solutions - October 2011 E-Newsletter

How much will I pay for the Constant Contact services?
You can view Constant Contact email marketing pricing by visiting the pricing page of their website.

What if I have more questions?
Feel free to contact us at any time if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an email marketing consultation!