Web Design Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1 - How much does it cost to design and develop a website?
A1 - Our pricing will be based on your unique requirements, so it is virtually impossible to say how much it costs to build a website. We specialise in creating custom/bespoke websites: each with different goals and aims, and targeted at different audiences. We develop websites from scratch, producing a unique look and feel, along with the functionality you require. You tell us what you need, and with no obligation, we'll get back to you with a price.
Q2 - Why should we choose Frieze Design?
A2 - A good question. Our strengths, put simply, are that we really do know what we're doing. Professional web design is not easy any more. Yes, anyone can open up Photoshop, learn some basic HTML, and say they're a web designer. Even a large established 'design' agency can employ a good 'sales team' to convince you they know what they're doing. The truth though, is there really aren't that many people who properly understand the complexities of producing a good website.
Professional web designers (like us) are required to understand:
- Project Objectives & Requirements Gathering
- Marketing & Brand Presence
- Project Scope & Technological Options/Limitations
- Information Architecture
- Content Strategy
- Interaction Design
- User Research Methods
- Accessibility
- User Experience (UX) & Usability
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Site Mapping & Navigation Hierarchies
- Wireframes & Task Flows
- Graphic Design
- Typography
- Multimedia - Web based Audio & Video
- Website Optimisation Methods (Fast and Responsive)
- Standards based Front-End Coding (HTML, CSS, Javascript)
- Responsive Design for Mobile, Desktop & Tablets
- Cross-Browser/Platform Variation & Testing
- Content Management Systems ...
... we could go on? As stated on our Homepage; we have a deep, specialist understanding of how the Web works at every level.
Q3 - How long will it take you to design and develop a website for us?
A3 - Hopefully the questions answered above go some way to answering this? Again, how long a website takes to develop will depend on your individual requirements. When we know your requirements we will set-out a development plan that will include phase-based deadlines and an overall completion date.
Q4 - Do you do web hosting?
A4 - No we don't do web hosting. Nor do we know of any web design agency that does. Real web hosting requires ownership of multiple server computers. These are similar to the 'hardware' desk-top computers that we all use at home or in the office. Any web design agency that offers web hosting are very likely just using profit-making 'Reseller' packages offered by the same hosting companies that we all already use. We'd prefer you have the choice on which hosting company you use: one that is most suited to your particular needs. We will of course offer recommendations.
Q5 - What technologies do you use?
A5 - Web technologies are often divided in to two distinct groups: 'front-end' and 'back-end'. The front-end technologies used to develop websites are nonproprietary and generally the same for everyone - HTML, CSS, JS, etc. It's how these are used that makes the difference (see Web Standards). Back-end technologies however, vary and can have consequences for your website. As strong advocates of Web Standards and Open Source licencing (see below), we gravitate towards nonproprietary back-end technologies: those not owed/licenced by, or reliant upon, any single company or commercial organisation. These include JavaScript (JQuery), PHP, MySQL, Apache Server, etc, and the Open Source Content Management Systems (CMS) using these technologies.
Q6 - Do you use Open Source software & technologies?
A6 - Yes absolutely. Where possible, when available and practical, we'll always select software and technologies with Open Source licencing, over any other. We don't necessarily do this because Open Source software is often free to use, but because the collaborative development model makes for better, more responsive, modern and robust web based applications.