Whistlewood Web Design

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a website cost?

I have four pricing options to simplify decision-making. After learning what your business needs, I will recommend the best option for your needs.

02Are there monthly fees?

There is no required monthly maintenance fee paid to me after the website is launched. However, every website—including this one—requires a domain name and web hosting. You pay those costs directly to the provider, either monthly or annually.

Your domain name is the address people use to find your website, such as YourBusiness.com. Think of it like your business’s street address online.

Web hosting is the space where your website’s pages, photos, and files are stored. Think of it like the building at that address. Without hosting, there would be an address, but nothing there for visitors to see.

03What do I pay for?

You pay for:

• The one-time website project
• Your domain name
• Your web hosting
• Optional future changes, only when requested, at the current hourly rate

You do not pay for:

• A required monthly maintenance plan
• A website design subscription
• An ongoing agency retainer
• Services you do not need

04How does payment work?

A 50% deposit is due when the project begins, with the remaining 50% due after you approve the finished website and before it goes live.

Before launch, you'll also purchase your domain name and web hosting directly from the third-party provider. Those costs are separate from the website design fee and are paid directly to the provider.

05How long does it take?

A simple small-business website may take several weeks, depending on the size of the site, how quickly content is provided, and how long reviews and approvals take. Your estimated schedule will be included in the project proposal.

06Will my website work on phones?

Yes. Every website is designed to work across common phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop screen sizes.

07Do I have to write all the website copy?

No. I will interview you about your business and help organize and write the key website content. You will have the opportunity to review the wording and request reasonable revisions before launch.

08How many revisions are included?

Your website includes two rounds of revisions before launch, allowing you to review the design and request changes.

09Do you maintain the website after launch?

Ongoing maintenance is not included unless it is specifically listed in your project agreement. The standard service is to design, build, launch, and hand over the website.

10What happens if I need a change later?

You may be able to make simple updates yourself, depending on how the website is built. You may also request help with future changes at the current hourly rate. Availability and pricing will depend on the type of update.

11What does the 30-day guarantee cover?

The guarantee applies to the agreed-upon website work described in your written project agreement. Exact terms, exclusions, and refund conditions will be explained before the project begins. Note that third-party expenses, such as domain registration and hosting, may not be refundable.

12Can you improve my existing website?

Possibly. After reviewing the current website, I can recommend whether it makes sense to improve what you have or create a new site.

13Will I own my website?

Yes. Once the project is completed and paid for, the website is handed over to you. You'll also have control of your domain and hosting accounts, which you pay directly to the provider.

14What do you need from me to begin?

We will start with a conversation about your business. It is helpful to have information about your services, customers, contact details, preferred style, existing logo, photos, and examples of websites you like.

Don't worry if everything isn't organized yet. Part of the process is helping you determine what the website needs.

15Can you guarantee that my website will rank first on Google?

No honest web designer can guarantee a first-place search ranking. The website will include basic search-friendly structure, but rankings are influenced by many factors, including competition, location, content, reviews, authority, and ongoing marketing.