F.A.Q.s (Frequently Asked Questions)
F.A.Q:
Before purchasing a web design and development solution, we have listed below some frequently asked questions, which can be used as a checklist prior to sign-off to your web provider.
- How long does it take to build a website?
- The length of time it takes to build a website is dependent on the individual project. However, a basic website can take between 3 - 4 weeks to be up and running, while a comprehensive website may take between 12 - 16 weeks. In each case, our Project Manager will keep each client informed from the outset and will always work towards launching the website within the agreed deadline.
- What is the cost of a website?
- Digital Virtue's website solutions start from as little as £1000 up to as much as £50,000, depending on the amount of time it takes for us to design and develop a custom-made website, which meets the needs of your business. We always recommend using products, which are most suited to your requirements and are the most cost-effective to suit your budget. From the outset, we provide each client with a transparent and comprehensive proposal document, which not only outlines the specification of your website, but also details the cost.
- What is a Content Management System (CMS)?
- A Content Management System (CMS) is an intuitive publishing tool, which allows non-technical staff with no programming knowledge to go into your website and manage the site, making any changes necessary from any internet-enabled computer. Our CMS is a WYSIWYG Editor, which is able to maintain any site's layout and integrity by utilising style sheets, created by our design staff, to control the look of the content which is edited and manage the website navigational layout and structure. A secure browser interface is utilised when website content is input, while at the same time multiple-user levels are facilitated, ensuring data integrity and administrative efficiency. Digital Virtue's CMS is user-friendly and we provide training, together with a manual, so each client is able to use our CMS effectively after his/her website is launched.
- Will I know enough to be able to update the content on my own website?
- As Digital Virtue offers a complementary CMS training session and provides each client with a CMS manual, it is expected that you will reach the expected level of competency to update your website quickly and easily. However, we are always available to provide more extensive set price training packages, so you can rely on our help and support.
- What is the procedure if I experience problems using your CMS?
- Should our manual not supply you with a solution to your problem, then you are free to contact our support team by telephone or email Monday - Friday between 9am - 5pm to receive a same day response.
- If I decide that I don't want to update my own website, can Digital Virtue do it for me?
- Of course, we can! We will provide you with a range of Maintenance Plans to suit both your business and budget requirements, so that you can be sure your website will reflect a new and fresh look, with the most up-to-date content on your site.
- How long am I tied into a contract for the design and development of my website?
- Like most web providers, Digital Virtue will design and develop your website within an agreed and specified time-frame, which will vary according to the project requirements. In most cases, clients will expect their websites to be hosted by Digitial Virtue, so the hosting is provided on the basis of an annual contract.
- Do I need to purchase my own website domain name?
- No. However, you will need to select the domain name which is right for your business and then, Digital Virtue will do the rest for you. Our design and development solutions include the registration of a .com domain name for 1 year, which is then configured to work with your website.
- What if I already have my own domain name?
- That's simple. Digital Virtue will transfer your domain name to your new Digital Virtue website completely free-of-charge.
- What happens to my domain name and/or email, if I cancel my service with you at any time?
- The domain name within your Digital Virtue account is registered in your name, so if you decide to cancel your account with us, you are free to transfer your domain name with another provider. Regarding your email addresses, you will need to reconfigure them within the new server's settings.
- What happens to the copyright of my website, if I choose to use another web provider?
- Once your website is completed, Digital Virtue will supply you with a copy of the HTML and graphics files used for the website on CD/Email. Unlike many other web design and development companies, we will also pass the copyright of the final output of the site over to you. This means that you are free to have your website amended by a thrid party, should you so desire. Meanwhile, Digital Virtue will retain the Intellectual Property of the source code, but you are free to reuse the code with permission from Digital Virtue.
- Can you advise me on using graphics relevant to my business?
- Yes. Digital Virtue can access a wide variety of photographs/images and streaming video, all of which will be selected to relate to your business or industry and will help to create the optimal professional design for your website.
- How can you help me to promote my website?
- As a recognised barometer for all websites, Digital Virtue positions our design principles with the accepted benchmarks for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). This means that all our solutions include full keyword, metatag administration and page title tools to enhance the probability of a conducive search engine ranking for our clients' websites. If you wish to further promote your website, Digital Virtue can discuss with you an online marketing and/or an emarketing strategy to promote your business to a wider range audience, if necessary - whatever best suits your business and budget requirements.
- If I decide on an eCommerce website, can you explain to me what a merchant account is?
- Simply put, a merchant account is the bank account that will track all of your payments and transfer all of those monetary transactions, which take place through your website. If you have decided upon having an eCommerce site, you will need to set up a merchant account with a provider.
- How do I go about setting up a merchant account?
- It is always best to speak to Digital Virtue first, as we can discuss how you can set up a merchant account through your bank.
- Are all your websites and eCommerce systems secure?
- Yes. Digital Virtue can reassure you that all of our websites and eCommerce systems are all secure. Digital Virtue uses a state-of-the-art data centre provided by Level 3, which provides secure, reliable hosting and email services. As one of the largest data centre providers in the world, Level 3 provides back-up power, multiple internet connections and fire suppression systems to ensure that Digital Virtue’s servers remain operational 24 x 7. This means that our clients can have full confidence in the security of our websites and eCommerce systems.
- What are the payment terms for the design and development of my website?
- Digital Virtue operates default payment terms, which are 50% deposit, 20% main build, 20% development stage and 10% on completion.
- What are the payment terms for the hosting of my website?
- Digital Virtue offers Standard Shared Hosting, starting from £100 per annum + VAT, which is costed into the solution (as per the proposal Document) and would be paid as part of the default payment terms referred to in the above question.
- Are there any other costs for my website?
- The only other costs for your website would be the provision of a server, ancillary to those used by Digital Virtue, or any additional training costs, all of which would be discussed and agreed on an individual basis.