Have a question?
Please don't hesitate to call us directly: 877-354-0823. We'll be glad to provide your answers in-person!
• Why is the cost of a website so high?
• How long does it take to "build" a website?
• What about "Search Engine Optimization" (SEO)?
• What's a blog?
• How long does it take to install a blog?
• What do people blog about?
• Why are businesses and professionals blogging?
• What are the benefits for businesses that blog?
• What's the story on "Comments"?
• Doesn't someone have to "host" my website?
• What is your payment and refund policy?
Why is the cost of a website so high?
The cost for obtaining a professional Internet presence can seem to vary greatly. Some do-it-yourself solutions are advertised as low as $60 per month, while other professionally produced sites can include capabilities that send the initial price over $6,000. Unfortunately, a well-designed website is not the simple, inexpensive tool that many new business persons have been led to believe. Quite the opposite, in fact. Your website is a core element of your marketing and business branding efforts. For that reason, it must occupy a realistic position in your start-up budgeting process.
How long does it take to "build" a website?
Once your project parameters have been determined and payment received, your website design and "build-out" can take approximately 2–3 weeks to complete. Prior to this time, we should have received important imagery, such as your company logo, and other information that might pertain to your branding such as colors and styles. It is very important to remember, that you should immediately prepare any "content" (the text and images you want presented on your pages) so that your site is ready to go "live" on the Internet at the earliest possible date.
What about "Search Engine Optimization" (SEO)?
Not all new websites come complete with basic SEO processes accomplished like the one you can purchase here. This is because inexpensive "template" (i.e. do-it-yourself) solutions cannot envision your site details enough to build them in; and, some expensive graphic designers do not understand basic SEO principles and do not include these files in your site. We do. While we cannot determine your site keywords (only your content can do that), we can and do make certain your page tags (title, meta and headline) are present and SEO-friendly - and we add special files to your site root (i.e. "robots.txt" and "sitemap.xml") expected by major search engines.
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What's a blog anyway?
A blog (short for “weblog”) is a website for which an individual – you – supplies the content. A blog is really an online journal in which each "entry," whether that be the 3 lines of text you wrote today, or an entire essay, is "posted" (jargon for clicking the submit button when your written text is ready to send to the Web). Bloggers are not programmers (that is, at least the vast majority are not). Instead they use simple-to-use web tools to type their text - or paste directly from their PC text editor, such as Microsoft® Word. A blogger can easily include images in their blog too.
How long does it take to install a blog?
Once your project parameters have been determined and payment received, your blog "build-out" can take approximately 2 weeks to complete. Prior to this time, we should have received normal access to your web server in order to install your blog application files and fully test your blog functionality.
What do people blog about?
Your blog can provide commentary on your business or industry, or a specific subject, such as law, marketing, agriculture, health care, small business growth, or the arts. the list is endless. Let's face it: You know a lot about your business, probably more than most people. Okay, maybe you're too humble for that statement, but, you know you like to tell folks about it, don't you? How long is it going to take you before you are going to start blogging?
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Why are businesses and professionals blogging?
"Blogs are changing the way businesses talk to their customers." Robert Scoble and Shel Israel recently wrote a book entitled, Naked Conversations  totally dedicated to this very question. They call business blogs, "Word of mouth on steroids." You already know that traditional marketing and public relations campaigns are becoming more expensive and less effective every day. The mega-corps have sealed themselves off from their primary customers, outsourcing customer service to India and monopolizing the media in a way that prevents smaller players from communicating in the marketplace. Business blogging is changing all that - and with lightning speed. Obviously, your business vision requires that your customers be able to reach your company. A business blog, either integrated into your existing website, or one that complements your web site, brand and eZine is the answer.
What tangible benefits flow to businesses and professionals that blog?
1. Well, let's look at external customers: How great would it be if you could stand before a huge assembly of all your customers and potential clients - like an Evangelist - and preach the gospel of your products, services or industry? Better yet, what if you were able to carry on an individual conversation with your most interested prospects at the very same time? A business blog is an amazing tool that allows you to push your message to the next level by expanding your business networking online and, in a comfortable and informal way, building a lasting appreciation for your business products or services.
2. Then there are your internal customers: Ever wonder how much better your company would operate if you had a better internal communication process? Think about how great would it be if good ideas could flow freely, uninterrupted by normal intimidation factors. How thankful would you be if you were warned about a poor business practice before your customers were effected? Many companies, Microsoft and General Motors among them, have introduced blogs for their employees that have completely revitalized their business culture for the better. What price would you pay for a technology that could save your company thousands, even millions? Blogging is just too cheap to overlook.
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What's the story on "Comments"?
"Comments" (many times with sensible restrictions) allow readers to respond to your post. This idea can be frightening for some. At first blush, no business person would want to receive "negative" comments from anyone, especially customers or, worse, employees. Yet, "comments," both good and bad are part of what makes a blog a "conversation." In fact, comments are perfect opportunities for you to create a positive experience and convert customers or potential customers into Evangelists - for you and your business! Rather than be panic-stricken over the notion that someone might post something negative about your brand or product, you are a savvy business marketer who welcomes the opportunity to respond positively in every situation and change perceptions for the better whenever the chance is there. Comments? No fear, just more opportunity.
Does someone have to "host" my website?
Absolutely. First, as your website is built, it becomes available to you online using a "hidden" (or temporary) IP address. This prevents the general public from seeing partial or incomplete web pages - while allowing you to add text content and images. Eventually, however, you will want to take your new website "live" using your own Domain Name and perhaps also adding the capability to send and receive email using your Domain Name. We usually assist our customers in switching from "hidden" to "live" status. Many of our customers choose to use our hosting services because of the ease and familiarity when service is required. However, you are also free to choose another provider for hosting and email. We will be glad to assist you in in your initial set up at your new hosting provider.
What is your payment and refund policy?
We normally require 50% advance payment for most websites before we can begin work. “Startup” websites and blogs normally require full payment. We accept payment either by MasterCard or VISA, or by check. A full refund of your deposit may be obtained for your order if requested within 48 hours of payment. A $50 handling fee applies to all credit card refunds. After 48 hours, work has commenced on your project and no deposit refunds are available. Design approval/disapproval is not a valid basis for a request for refund. Please be certain you wish to use our web design services before requesting them. The balance due is expected when the final web design is completed and all pages have been built, regardless of whether or not final content is prepared for each page. All sales are final and Jordan Creek does not retain any copyrights or intellectual property rights for web design work.
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Call now: 877.354.0823
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