Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you develop your websites on WordPress?

I work with WordPress because of its flexibility and easy-to-use interface for clients. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are great starter platforms for clients who want to build a website themselves, but they do not provide users with the flexibility and functionality they need to grow their business. With WordPress, the sky really is the limit. It also has better SEO plugins and capabilities than the aforementioned platforms.

What is the difference between sites that use WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com?

All of the websites I design are self-hosted, which means I use the WordPress.org codex. Here’s a great article explaining the difference between the two.

But when I’ve used WordPress in the past, it hasn’t been that easy for me to navigate.

We develop WordPress websites that are really easy and intuitive for clients to use. Once a site is complete, I either record a screencast tutorial of the backend or the developer provides you with a PDF tutorial so you can always refer back to specific instructions on how to make changes.

That said, most of my clients find the backend so intuitive that they don’t even need to refer to the video. Clients can change all images and text on the website, though some changes, such as font colors and font sizes, are coded into the custom theme.

Here’s an example screenshot of the backend of a site (click to view at 100% and scroll down), and here’s what that page looks like from the frontend (what users see).

What is a host?

A web host provides space on a server where your website’s files are saved. Hosting also allows users to access your site via the Internet by typing your web address into a browser (Safari, Fire Fox, Internet Explorer etc.). There are a few hosts I highly recommend: Bluehost, Site Ground or WP Engine.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address for your website. It is what visitors type into their browser (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer etc.) to go directly to your site. For example, my domain name is sarahcauble.com. Sometimes domains are registered with the same company as your host, and sometimes they’re registered with another domain registrar. Either way we can always point your website to your domain name.

If I DIY my website design, what platform should I build it on?

I recommend Squarespace or WordPress with a premium theme, depending upon what type of functionality you need and how you envision your website to grow. This is a great question to ask me during a chat on the phone so I can help you determine what’s the best fit for you.

Do you do SEO?

During design and development, my developer and I keep SEO best practices in mind, however, SEO rankings are highly determined by written content (the text and keywords used on your pages, titles, images and in URLs).

Because I do not write or help you with your content, I cannot guarantee SEO rankings, as SEO is not solely a function of website design or development.

If SEO ranking is a primary goal or concern, I can recommend you to an SEO expert. Just get in touch with me and I’ll send you a few names and websites.

How do you track website analytics?

Analytics are a great tool for measuring web traffic, it can also be used for business and market research, and to assess and improve the effectiveness of a website.

I implement Google Analytics for you because it’s free for you to use. But… you get what you pay for (eg: it’s a bit difficult to navigate).

I also recommend Gaug.es – a subscription website analytics provider with a simple, readable, and intelligent user interface. Plans range from $6 to $48 per month.

Whichever analytics provider you choose, send me the tracking code snippet and I’ll add it to your source code.

Are the websites you design easy to use on tablets and phones?

We develop all of our websites responsively, which is an approach aimed at coding sites to provide an optimal viewing experience on all devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers) utilizing fluid grids and flexible images.

What about on TVS?

We do not optimize websites for television screens, however, you’ll still be able to view the website on a TV.

Will my website have a favicon?

A favicon is an icon associated with a URL that is variously displayed, as in a browser’s address bar or next to the site name in a bookmark list. (My favicon is the little green dot that you see).

Yes, I’ll create a favicon for your website.

Can you provide me with the RGB and CMYK color codes that you use on my site?

Yes, if requested.

Can you tell me the font names you use on my logo or website?

Yes, if requested, however, I cannot send you the font files because of licensing restrictions.

Can you give me the source Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign files after our project is complete?

Yes, if requested prior to the completion of our projects. However, I’m not responsible for version compatibility and cannot provide font files because of licensing restrictions.

But after our project is complete, I am not required to keep or provide any native source files that I used in the making of your logo, website, or build-out materials.

What are your payment terms?

Fifty percent of the fee is due upon acceptance of my proposal. This saves a place for your project in my schedule and is a non-refundable deposit.

For identity projects, the remaining fifty percent of the fee is due 4 weeks after our start date.

For web design projects, the remainder of the fee is due 8 weeks from the start date of your project.

How do you accept payment?

Check is preferred. Under special circumstances and for non-U.S. residents I can accept PayPal payments.