FAQ

What sort of people/organizations do you work with?

We prefer to take on projects with small businesses and nonprofits. We also do some public sector work. These are the organizations where our work really makes a difference. We like to work with people who love their work, and who are serious about improving their organizations using the web. Our best experiences have been those where the people we worked with understood and appreciated the value in what we do. They were not looking for quick and dirty work, and were willing to invest the time, energy and funds in getting the project completed properly. If this sounds like you, please get in touch!

Why do I need a website?

The web is the most used method for getting information, and purchasing products and services. People are using search engines like Google to find organizations like yours, right now. If they can’t find you, your competitors will get their business. Your website is likely to be the first impression many prospective customers get of you and your company, so it had better impress!

Why should I work with you as opposed to other marketing companies?

We take the time to learn about your business so that we can create a web presence that is an extension of what you do. We research your market and consult with you to figure out the best way to present your organization online. We offer consulting services in addition to web design and outsourced marketing, but each client who works with us gets some marketing help too. We will give you suggestions about things you can do to improve your online marketing when we work on a website with you. Our websites are built with search engine readiness included. Most other web companies won’t do any search engine work unless you pay a lot extra. But we know there’s no point in having a website that no one can find, so we lay the groundwork for this on each website we build. Full internet marketing packages are also available. All of our websites are also built straight into a Content Management System (CMS) so that you can make updates on your own. Most web companies charge significantly extra for this.

What's the difference between a website and a web presence?

A website is just what it sounds like – a page or pages on the web containing some content. A web presence takes a different, more holistic, approach. It’s everything you do on the web that influences how your organization is perceived. Your web presence includes your website, of course, but it also includes your social media profiles, your blog, the results you see when you search your company name in a search engine like Google, the way your organization uses web-based systems to communicate with customers (booking calendars, live chat, help desks etc.), the online marketing tools you use, and so on. You can’t use the web effectively without looking at how these all work together.

What kind of work do you do?

We work on websites and internet marketing plans for small business and nonprofit clients. These projects can include many areas including web design, blogging, social media, email marketing, web application development, search engine optimization, photography, content writing, PPC management and more. We also do one-on-one marketing training and internet marketing workshops, as well as project consulting in the areas of web editing and project management.

What kind of business relationship will we have?

We will collaborate with one person from your organization (your project lead) to get the information we need to complete your project.

Communication with us will take place mostly via email and/or web-based project management systems. These facilities make it much easier to track our communication. You’ll get frequent updates on the project this way.

We might have an initial consultation (max 1 hr) with you via Skype, or, if time and location permits, in-person, to gather the details.

But my teenage son can build websites, why do I need to hire you?

To be honest, if you are thinking about having your teenage son build your organization’s website, are looking at free site builders, or if you’re considering building the site yourself using FrontPage/ExpressionWeb/iWeb, we’re probably not the right fit for you. We work with people and organizations who are serious about using the web as a communications tool. Not one of the above options can provide what an experienced, professional company will. Including:

beautiful, considered design
compliant code (so that your site always displays the way you intended)
a site that can be found on Search Engines like Google
email address, hosting & domain setup
internet marketing assistance
e-commerce store setup, blog consulting or custom application development
copywriting, professional photography and custom artwork
user experience considerations
insight into the web, and knowledge of best practices

Many business owners, when just starting out, take the mindset that they need to get a quick website up and they’ll “deal with it later”, but a poor image can do far more harm than good. This method will turn away prospects that you may never get back. Do yourself and your business a favour, and do it the best way you can, the first time.

What are your fees?

Please see our Pricing page for starting prices of many of our services, or an overview of web design & marketing retainer options.

Is a website just an advertising tool?

While most people think of a business website as a place where companies can advertise themselves or sell their products, that is not all a website can do! Virtually any interaction process can be simplified by using the web. You can make it easier for yourself and your staff to do their jobs by implementing extensions to your website. Consider what repetitive tasks you and your staff take on daily that could be automated. Features like online booking calendars, private client areas, and online courses can take your website from a static “brochure,” to an active part of your business communications.

What are your payment terms?

Web Design & Internet Marketing projects require a deposit or setup fee prior to the start of work. Depending on the size and duration of the project, the remainder may be paid upon completion, or 25% following mock-ups and 25% on completion, unless you’re on a monthly plan. Workshops and one-on-one training are paid in advance.

Payment should be made through Paypal. We will send you an invoice & payment request. If you have an existing Paypal account, payment is very straightforward and takes about two minutes. If you donʼt have an existing account, Paypal will process a credit card payment for you. Paypal is the standard for online payments and is very secure. We may also accept cheques from local clients at our discretion.