Site Build FAQs for Stand-Alones

When we create a website to establish your online business presence, we always, but always include the option of teaching you all about that site's functionality, so that you can learn to add your own content (pages, pictures, text, video, you name it), and so that you can market it yourself (SEO, SMO, offline marketing, and so on). We will show you how your site works, where everything in it can be found, and how, over time, you can do it all yourself - and really, it's not hard. The new landscape of content management systems (CMS), php based applications, and plugin components, has changed how we handle our businesses online. As a business owner, you or your personnel can now control all that information without having to depend on a web company after the initial site-build - new pages, content, blogging, images, videos, links: you can add and manage all of it.

And if there is a web company out there who tells you different, or who insists on masking its practices and trying to make everything look mysterious and highly technical (and expensive, therefore), then they're ripping you off.

Of course, if you simply want turnkey solutions and want to let us handle everything, from design, through hosting, through updates, then we'll assign you a project manager, as in the good old days of the Internet, and that will be that.

2. I already have a website. Why should I have Neural Tornado build me another?

If you have a highly functional website, then you don't need us, and we'll make that perfectly clear. If you have the equivalent of an online business card, whether it looks dated or otherwise, and you want your website to actually enhance and make the process of conducting business easier, then you do need us.

3. Do you just add onto my existing website, or do you build me a new one?

We build you a new one. However, we take the content from the old one, and add that to the new one. Why do we build you a new one? Because between the time when your website was built, and the present, Internet technologies have changed radically (it's something like the difference between old-style tube televisions and the new LED flat screens). To make your site functional, we need to work in the new technologies. It's that simple.

4. So if you build me a new one, am I getting charged extra?

No way. Chances are your new, functional website will cost you less than the original one did - depending what degree of functionality you want, of course. In most cases it won't cost you much more than it would to have your current web design company update your old one.

5. What exactly do you mean by "functionality?"

Well, imagine a website that doesn't use flat pages to describe what your company does. A restaurant, for example: With flat websites you post your hours and a contact number or email, perhaps a seasonal menu, and that's it. With a functional website you have a feature that lets you update your menu daily, that allows customers to book reservations online as well as by phone, that allows you to update a calendar for special events, and so on. And you run it all, without having to call your webmaster every time you need to update something. That's the difference between flat and functional.

6. I'm convinced. I want a Neural Tornado Website. What's the process?

From start to finish, we try to stick as close as possible to the following five steps (the last one is optional):

a) We make a free assessment appointment (at your place of business if you're fairly local, or by phone, otherwise). During the assessment session we determine together what you really need - that means typical pages, like a home page, an about us page, a contact page, a services page, etc.; and also what kinds of functionality you need, for example, lesson scheduling, events calendars, blogging, classified ads. This shouldn't take more than an hour.

b) Then we build a layout and color template on the spot. If you are not local and we can't visit you, then we get your color and basic layout information and build three mockups from which you select the one you like best. If we're working locally, then this should take another hour or so. If you are not local, then you get the mockups the next day.

c) Once you sign off on the requirements and layout, we begin the build. As we build, we request your input. This saves having to do many things twice and ultimately costs you less.

d) When the initial build goes live, we test it with you to make sure everything is up to your specifications and standards. When everything is to your liking, the build is done.

e) Last but not least, we schedule a training session with you. During this session we show you where everything is and how it works. Depending on how involved you want to be with the website, this can take up to four hours (billed separately). During this time we show you how to run the programs we installed, and we show you how to create your own pages and add your own content, including pictures, video, and anything else.

7. After you've shown me how to run my own functional website, are there manuals and other help sheets so I can continue learning?

Absolutely. Every program we install, including the base Content Management System, comes with a manual to help you work through it and to troubleshoot if necessary.

8. Do you really need to show me how to run my own website?

No. You can do the whole thing with manuals if you like, although we rcommend you schedule at least a couple of hours with us to show you how everything works - it will save you time and money in the long run.

9. What if I run into a problem that's not in the manual?

Then we're here to help you. If it's a simple problem, there's no charge. Otherwise, we charge $65 per hour of work.

10. What if I don't like your work or change my mind. Do you have a money back guarantee?

Yes, we do. The guarantee, however, depends on how far along we are in the build process. This is also one of the reasons why we request your input in item c), number 5. above: to ensure you are satisfied at every step of the build.

However, if you still decide at the end of the build that you no longer want the website, then we offer 50% money back on the advance. We feel this is only reasonable since our time is an investment which we undertake in partnership with you.

11. So how do I pay for the website?

We request 40% to begin the work. The rest is due when the site goes live and has been tested. For larger websites we can also work out a payment plan (40%, 30%, 30%). We will also consider other arrangements.

12. Are your web design costs one time?

Yes. Absolutely.

13. I've never seen a web company post prices. How come you post yours?

We post them because we believe in letting you know the cost up front, so that you can make up your own mind about choosing us without feeling ripped off afterward. We also post them because we believe in operating with integrity, and because we will never, ever scam you. This way you know up front exactly what you get and how much it costs.

14. Why are your prices so low for such great quality and excellent functionality? Is this a scam?

No scam. Our prices are so low because we use the latest technologies to streamline the build process. This automatically transfers the savings (where time = money) to you. If you run into other design companies out there that charge twice as much, you can rest assured they're ripping you off.

15. Do you have your own servers and do I have to host with you?

No, we do not have our own servers and no, you do not have to host with us. We use exclusively HostGator (www.HostGator.com) servers because they are fast, reliable, and HostGator is in the business of hosting, while we are in the business of designing. Moreover, we do not charge any fee for setting you up on HostGator. That is simply part of our service.

16. Do you offer emergency after hours support?

Yes, we do. Someone is monitoring emails at all times.

17. Can you create a logo to go with our website.

Yes, we can. There is, however, a design fee.

18. What about brochures and other offline content?

Absolutely. We can create any media you might need and send it directly from our desktops to the printer for you.

19. What about getting us listed in search engines, social media, industry-related websites, that sort of thing?

Again, we can do that. But please keep in mind that this is separate from the design package and is charged separately.

20. I seem to have run out of questions. Is there anything Neural Tornado would like to add?

Yes, there is. When you partner with a web design company to build your website, you enter into a trust relationship with that company. We would like to assure you that we operate with the highest standards of integrity and that we really are there for you, not just for your money. Of course, anyone can make these claims. We hope, instead, that you will give us a chance so that we can substantiate them. We won't let you down.

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