FAQs

Below are answers to common questions I am asked by clients seeking a website or digital marketing services. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

How much does a website cost?

The cost of a website depends on a number of factors:

  • The simplicity or complexity of the website design
  • The simplicity or complexity of the website functionality
  • The size of the website – i.e. number of pages required and depth of content
  • The complexity of the SEO required to achieve a top Google ranking for your keywords and search terms

With this in mind, a simple website may start at around $2,000 (+ GST). A large website with more complexity may be in the vicinity of around $4,000 – $6,000 (+ GST).

To discuss your specific requirements, contact me directly on 0418118401. With a little information about your business and website requirements, I can usually provide a cost estimate over the phone.

What platform do you use to develop your client's websites?

I develop my client’s website using WordPress.

WordPress powers approximately 40% of the websites globally and the world’s biggest CRM website platform.  WordPress can be used to create everything from simple websites and blogs to complex e-commerce shopping carts and enterprise websites.  It is easy-to-use content management system (CMS) that makes it very easy for business owners to update and maintain their website in-house.

Will there be any ongoing costs if you develop my website?

No, I do not charge ongoing costs or lock you into a contract.  Once your website is live, you will only incur additional costs if I do work on your website down the track.

As with all websites, you have to pay website hosting and domain name renewal fees.  This is done through a third party provider and is part of the costs of having a website (no matter who the website developer is).

Will SEO (search engine optimisation) be included in the cost?

Yes, if a Google ranking is important for the success of your business then organic SEO can be included in the cost.

Can my website be enhanced or the functionality expanded down the track?

Yes, the great thing about WordPress websites is that they provide the perfect foundation to grow and evolve alongside your business.  Plugins can be installed onto your WordPress website at any time, making expansion easy and cost-effective.

How long does it take to develop a new website?

The average time to develop a website is between 3-6 weeks, depending on the size of the website and the functionality required.  Faster website development turnaround can be arranged in extenuating circumstances.

Will you train me how to use my website? Can I update it myself?

Once your website is complete you are free to manage and maintain it yourself.  You will be given full Administrative access with all passwords provided.

WordPress training can be included as part of my website development proposal so you can confidently self manage their new site in-house, if you choose. If you don’t want to manage your website in-house, I am always happy to assist.

WordPress training is charged at $140 per hour (+GST). Typically, 1 – 2 hours training is sufficient for most small businesses. If you require WordPress training and assistance on a needs-only basis, I offer telephone support which is charged at an hourly rate of $140 + GST and is calculated in 15 minute increments. Ongoing monthly support contracts are also available if required.

Important: WordPress training does not include learning the intricacies of search engine optimisation. SEO is complex and would require many, many hours of training to impart all the necessary information required.

Can you help by writing content for my website?

If you need assistance writing content for your new website, I am happy to assist.  To this end, I can ‘interview’ you over the phone to gain an understanding of your business and the services you offer.  With this information I will be able to write the necessary content for all pages on your website, including details of the jobs you have completed for the blog.

Copywriting is not included in the cost estimates quoted previously as I am unsure whether you’ll require this additional assistance.

My copywriting services are charged at an hourly rate and charged based on the time I spend undertaking the work.  Please be aware that it is difficult to ascertain exactly how much time will need to be spent interviewing you, researching and writing the content required.  Please let me know if you have any questions or would like more information about my copywriting services.

Do you offer website hosting?

Yes, if you don’t have a preferred web host company, I can assist with website hosting.

Will my website be mobile friendly and look great across all devices?

Yes, your website will be mobile friendly (responsive) and look great on all devices including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Can you help with website maintenance and updates?

Yes, I am happy to assist with website maintenance and updates anytime you need them. I don’t charge any ongoing fees or lock you into a contract.  I only charge for work I complete based on the time spent undertaking the work. Cost estimates can be provided before starting the work.

What is the difference between organic SEO and Adwords / pay-per-click advertising?

Organic SEO shouldn’t be confused with Adwords or the pay-per-click advertising that often appear in the Google search results (SERPs). With organic SEO (which is what I specialise in) you are not paying money to the search engines to be ranked in the search results. It is an ‘earned’ result due to effective search engine optimisation.  That’s why the organic listings on Google are considered more authoritative, as opposed to the ad listings who have paid Google for the privilege.  SEO is earned and often results in more relevant information. As an example, when searching for a “local plumber”, have you ever clicked on one of the ads at the top of the Google search results only to find the plumber is not local? That’s because they have paid Google Adwords to appear in the search results for a range of keywords, including perhaps your local suburb. Then when you scroll down the results to the organic listings, you find the local plumbers located in your region.

How do I track the number of visitors to my website?

I install Google Analytics on all websites I build.  You can use this to track information including website visitors, user behaviour and performance metrics. If you’re unsure how to assess this information, I am happy to assist.