Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like a website designed for me but have no idea where to start – what do I need?

To have a website viewable on the internet, you need 3 things:

1. - a domain name. If you don’t have one already, you probably have one in mind. Check for availability at 123-reg using their easy to use tool, which gives details of availability for domains with a range of extensions (i.e. whether “example.com” is available as “example.co.uk”, “example.net” and so on. 
2. - web hosting. I provide web hosting using a couple of different, reliable providers at very reasonable cost.
3. - a website. The text, images and other assets you have to show the world, gathered together in a well-coded bundle that loads quickly, looks great and is easy for search engines to find.

I can provide all of these services for you, included in the overall price of your website – it’s convenient and means you don’t have to worry about these things. If you already have a domain and/or hosting set up, I’m happy to work with what you have.

I’m also happy to advise on choosing a domain name for your website – sometimes this can be a very difficult decision, and there are a few do’s and dont’s that are worth considering.

Do you provide hosting for my website?

Yes, I can provide reliable hosting that is suitable for your website, included in the price and then charged annually. I work with a couple of providers to take care of all the technical details of getting your website up and running. Naturally I am also happy to configure email on your behalf also. If you have any questions regarding technical specification of your hosting, please contact me for further info.

I offer carbon-neutral hosting as an option in addition to standard hosting.

I’m not sure what kind of website I need – static or dynamic?

A static website is the more traditional, ‘brochure’ style site that includes a number of pages of text and images, typically including a homepage, about us, contact details and a number of product/service info pages. This kind of website is often suitable if your site content is unlikely to change on a regular basis.

A dynamic website can feature all the elements of a static site, but gives you extra control in that you have the ability to edit and delete your existing content, and add new pages whenever you wish. this is achieved by the inclusion of a content management system (CMS) in your website – basically, a simple to use editor to which you have password-protected access.

I use two CMS systems in my work – WordPress and Drupal. Each is used to run hundreds of thousands of websites around the world, including the sites of some of the most high profile organisations and brands around.

Offering huge amounts of flexibility, both offer thousands of ‘plugin’ modules that can be configured for your site, making it possible to do more or less anything you can imagine with your site, from blogging to information portals to e-commerce.

Do you convert existing sites into WordPress or Drupal?

Yes, I am experienced in converting your existing static site into one you can update yourself, as well as bringing all the other benefits offered by WordPress and Drupal.

I have a WordPress or Drupal site with a downloaded theme – can you create something unique for my site, so it will look different to anyone else?

I am adept in both adapting existing themes/templates to your specifications, and in designing entirely new themes for your site. If you have a blog running in WordPress which you would like to be integrated into the look and feel of your existing website, I can do that too.

How much will my website cost?

Every project is costed individually. I don’t offer ‘cookie-cutter’ packages which shoehorn your content into a pre-made template. The reason for this is that in my experience every project has different requirements that make such pre-determined prices impractical.

As a freelancer, my reputation is vitally important to me. It’s in my interests as well as yours to give you the very best value for money, the kind of service that only an passionate freelancer working with you on a one-to-one basis can offer, and to only charge for the time and work that you need.

Contact me with a brief description of your needs for and I will be able to give you a ballpark figure within 24 hours. For the quality of work you will receive, I believe my prices are exceptionally hard to beat. But it’s not just about the work itself – I offer extensive support and help once your website is up and running, and aim to be a long-term business partner – to be your go-to person for all things web.

What methods of payment do you accept?

You will be provided with a login and password to my secure online billing system where you can view any invoices and balances due, and pay using a PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account or do not wish to use it for this transaction, you can still pay online using any major credit card, processed by PayPal’s secure server.

For clients in the UK I am also happy to accept payment by cheque. I request a 50% deposit in advance on all projects, with the balance payable on completion of your website.

Do you offer any discounts?

This depends on the nature of the individual project, but yes, I consider discounts for charity and non-profit organisations.

How long will it take to have my website up and running?

Naturally this depends on the size of the project. I have very good turnaround times and if you do have a deadline to meet, will make every effort to get you up and running in time, and give you an honest opinion on if it can be reached. What’s more I make myself available to you throughout the lifecycle of your project, so if you need an update on your site’s development, I’ll provide you with all you need to know within 24 hours – usually less.

Contact me for details of my current availability for work.