Conor Murray Design - Web site development services

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why do I need a web site
A. Whether you are a for-profit business, a non-profit organisation, or an individual trying to get an important message out, it is nearly impossible to reach your goal, or compete effectively in your market, without an 'online presence'. Further reading can be found here.

Q. Will I be charged for my initial consultation regarding my web site needs?
A. Absolutely not! I am always ready to answer your questions and help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible, before you make any decisions.
contact me, and I will be happy to discuss your unique needs free of charge.

Q. I notice that others are charging a lot more for the same service - how can you do this?
A. I am a one man show with an established home studio so my overheads are minimal. I invested a large amount into my studio equipment and as such my running costs going forward are quite low. As a result, I can pass on this saving to my clients and price very competitively.

Q. My existing web site hasnot performed to my expectations. What's wrong?
A. There are many factors that could cause a web site toperform poorly. Search engine compatibility, color scheme, ease of use and navigation, and many other factors affect how well your web site functions.I will evaluate your web site forpossible areas of improvement and offer suggestions on how I can help to rectify the problems. Contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Q. What's involved in setting up a new site?
A. It really does depend on the size of the site and the amount of content within. If you already have company documentation - ie brochures etc - a lot of the work is already done! The best first step is to have a sit down meeting where we can evaluate what would best suit your company...

Q. How long will my web site take to build?
A. The timescale of a project is generally dictated by the client. If you have a deadline in mind I will endeavor to meet it for you. The most common delay in the creation of a site is waiting for content (text / images etc) to be sent to me by the client. In the event that you can provide me with full content, I can build a typical standard site within a fortnight.

Q. Are there any hidden costs?
A. After a first meeting, I draw up a site plan, mockup design page and a quote. Once you are happy with the design, a 25% deposit is required. If additional content is required beyond what was originally agreed, there may indeed be additional costs added. That said, all of these costs would be presented to you before any work is done. I am very flexible and would allow a little 'wiggle-room' for reasonable additions. But if the site expansion is decidedly over the agreed size, additional labor costs will be presented to you at such times.

Q. Can you update the site for me going forward?
A. Yes. 80% of my client base require that I update / maintain their web sites. It's important to note that even once a site is launched, Visitors are put often off by the 'build and run' web site. This factor depends on the business model obviously. In some cases, it's not required to update the site... in others, clients feel that an 'up-to-date' site sends a better message.

Q. Can I update the site myself?
A. If you have some literacy with web design programs, then simple text additions can be done by yourself. However, in my experience, the overall design and look of the initial build can be adversely effected when a site is updated by a non-articulate party with the technical and design elements already in place.

Q. Why should I consider sub-hosting with you to host my web site
A Hosting services ensure the smooth operation of your web site. Working with me for all of your technical and billing matters will result in less wasted time and confusion for you. It's all part of my goal to give you the most affordable and comprehensive solution possible.

Q. What is sub-hosting and why might it save me money?
A. I have been genuinely shocked at the prices some small companies are paying for annual hosting and domain services. I can provide a non-profit price for new customers and move their old domains and hosting for a fraction of the price. This price varies due to different hosting costs - example: a standard site with a .com domain would cost €100 per annum. If you are paying more than this - contact me. That said, some hosting can be more expensive when dynamic forms and other technologies are used within the site. Also .ie domains are more costly than a .com on an annual basis.

Q. Can I use my existing hosting and domain for a new site?
A. Absolutely! I would require your "FTP username and password" to access your site online - If you don't have this information at hand, I can tell you how! It's also entirely possible that I might save you money on what you are paying already! See the sub-hosting answer directly above for more information...

Q. In terms of web site updates how long between my request and the change appearing online?
A. Generally, within a few hours - but in most cases almost immediately. As I work from home, I check in with any email requests on the hour - even outside the business 9 to 5 and on weekends! I will inform the client as soon as the work is done.

Q. Is a deposit required?
A. A percentage deposit is required. This varies on the project specifications. Once a draft is authorised by the client and work is carried out, this deposit is non-refundable.

Thank you for taking the time to read my FAQ's- I hope I have answered any questions you had. In the event that I haven't, please feel free to contact me and I will endeavor to help you in any way I can.

Regards,

Email: info@conormurraydesign.com

Further Reading:

The following are examples of how a web site can be beneficial to any progressive company...

Finances:
A web site reduces marketing costs and saves money on long-distance phone calls, and when someone wants or requires more information you can get them to look at your web site.

Company Growth:
Why limit your business to your locality, when you can reach out to the entire world? Using the power of the Internet to connect with the millions of customers who are online every day!

Communication:
The Internet is an entirely different way of advertising your business. A web site provides a medium for your customers to learn about your products and services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why a web site can work for you:
Sales and Marketing haven't changed much, but the methods of doing so have. A web site is your gateway to the world 24/7.

Protect your Company name by registering your Domain name:
You may not want a Web site now but will you want it at a later date?
By registering the Domain now you protect it from others. You may not be the only person with that name in the world. I will help you achieve what you want, when you want, at a cost you want. I will register, design, host, and maintain your web site..

Meeting the ever-changing demands:
I will build you a virtual business where people can come in and browse through your products and services available.