FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
De-mystifying Web Design One Answer at a Time
Who needs a website?
Every business that has customers or wants customers. Websites give people an easy way to find out who you are, what you offer, and why they should trust you. Every experience your customers have with your company should be a reassuring reminder that you're the right choice. Your website is a great place to offer your customers another positive interaction with your business. Effective and thoughtful web designs offer great return on investment; in fact, a great website saves you money because it's a 24/7 best foot forward.
How often does my company need to update our website?
Frequent updates are rewarded by search engines. We recommend that you update quarterly (at least). We will send you reminders.
How should our company get started?
You will need a Web Design Brief that outlines your goals, identifies your audience and competition, and summarizes your position and brand. If you already know who you are and what your customers need, we can take that information and run with it. If you need a bit more help defining where you want to be in the market and how to best get you there, we can lead you through that, too. We'll make sure you get great results, regardless of where you are right now.
How do I know what pages to create and how they will link together?
As part of our development process, we plan out a comprehensive (sometimes phased) website architecture that shows what pages your website will have and how they link to each other.
What will my website look like?
That depends on you. We focus our process on getting your customers' attention, so the look and feel will depend on who your customers are and what you mean to them. During the initial phase of development, we will learn about your company and its strategic goals. From there we develop a look and feel specifically for you – one that is a positive touchpoint for your customers. Because a professional design with easy-to-use navigation can enhance a user's experience, it will make them more satisfied with your company and increase revenues.
Will it be easy to navigate around?
Of course! All of our web designs have attractive, simple and consistent navigation that make it easy for your customers to find the information they need and convert.
Does Brown Dog write my website's content?
If you'd like us to – we can develop your site's content from scratch or simply refine the content you provide. Well-written text goes a long way in positioning your company as the professional organization your customers demand while reaching higher rank in a search engine's results. Read more about making a successful business website.
How do I get photos for our company website?
Many photographic options are available at affordable prices that meet your company's budget. Many of our clients opt for royalty-free subscriptions that permit unlimited downloading for a period of time. When custom photography is preferred, we help to select the best photographer that meets your company's specific needs.
Can I sell stuff on my website?
Yes! And a well designed e-commerce website can pay for itself over time. Paired with an integrated marketing and SEO campaign, your shopping website can really help your company soar.
How do I select the right web design firm for my company?
Choose a company that will meet your budget and listen to your needs. You should find a partner who can make educated recommendations to help you meet your needs. Look for a company that stays current with web standards and trends – one that will bring fresh, creative ideas to unleash your brand online.
How long will it take?
Project timelines depend on both the size and goals of a website. Microsites can be as quickly as 4 weeks, while larger, more involved websites can take months to develop. We can provide a detailed timeline once the project scope is defined.
How much will it cost?
Our projects typically range from $3,000 to $25,000. Medium-sized websites generally settle in the middle of that range.
Do I have to pay for my website up front?
We require a 1/3 deposit payment when you sign the contract. The remaining balance is billed at 30-day intervals over the project's duration. Final payment comes due upon project completion.
Is there a process?
Yes. Our proven methodology includes key checkpoints that provide the opportunity to engage during development. We strive to create a pleasant working relationship and define expectations for our clients up front.
Can I see my site while you build it?
Yes, please! We count on your participation during development. In fact, we provide a private, online extranet with access to your web design components as we build them. Further, our website development area allows you to "soft launch" the website – or even focus test it – prior to official launch.
What are "web standards" and do I need them?
We feel ethically responsible to follow standardized code, whenever possible, to ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies. We don't design sites that lock people out. In fact, we assist many clients make their website content accessible to people with disabilities.
Can I update my own website?
Yes, and it's easy. We can develop a content management system (CMS) that allows you to update a specific part (Jobs, News) or all of your website content with no HTML knowledge via an easy-to-use interface.
Will Brown Dog maintain our website if we do not have a CMS?
Sure. We will happily update our clients' websites at an hourly rate of $125/hr. We even send quarterly reminders for submitting new content. Sign up for our email blasts.
How can I keep my company and our website in customer's minds?
We offer our clients "blast"-able, custom-designed email announcements and newsletters. The tool we use provides an easy-to-use interface for both adding content and sending.
What are website metrics? Do I need them?
Website metrics are ways to measure how and why people are visiting your website. And, yes, you probably want them. We embed specific code onto every page of your site that allows you to use Google™ Analytics to manage your stats. Google™ Analytics offers a host of compelling features and benefits for any site owner including campaign tracking and sophisticated reporting. That means you'll know how to adapt your website's content to make sure they keep coming back (and that they bring their friends).
Why should I check my website's stats?
By tracking unique visitors over long periods of time, you will be able to extract important return-on-investment (ROI) information and even adapt your website's content to meet your customers' specific needs.
What do you consider your signature look?
We don't have one, and it takes a lot of effort to make sure we don't. We have extensive backgrounds in visual design and art, so we want sites to look good. But we demand that they work for your clients and with every platform, operating system, browser, and connection speed so they can draw your customers into a relationship with your brand. We don't focus on making your website look a certain way. We focus on you. That's the whole point of custom web solutions, isn't it?
What awards have you won for your designs?
Glad you asked. Take a look at our web design awards.
Do I need to copyright my logo or website?
That's up to you and your attorney. Here's some preliminary information that might help you decide: www.copyright.gov/help/faq.
Does Brown Dog market my website?
Yes—through our strategic partners, we are able to help you get that ROI you desire.
I would like to to pay my invoice online. Do you accept credit cards?
We do. Go to our PayPal™ page now.
Can you help me understand web design and the process behind it?
Absolutely. See our resource blog where we provide information on the how, what, and why of web success. And if you find information about extending your brand online that helps you, let us know. We'll put it here for other clients.
Is there really a brown dog?
Yes – In fact there are two! Both are chocolate colored Labrador Retrievers. The eldest, Fay, is 13 years old and kid sister, Bailey, is six. Fay and Bailey granted the qualities of loyalty, beauty, and efficiency to Brown Dog, but their best qualities are shared by dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors. See how they share the digital limelight with their canine "Friends"