Q:How much do websites cost?
A:This is by far the most frequently asked question and by far the most difficult to answer. The quick answer is this: Most of the sites I build come in somewhere between $2000 and $5000 depending on the amount of content and complexity of the functionality.
Q:What do you specialize in?
A:I specialize in web-based sites and applications for small to mid sized businesses or creative projects. As of late I've been converting a lot of sites from Flash to HTML5, while maintaining some of the fun that Flash provided.
Q:Will my website work on an iPhone? What about an iPad or a Droid or a Blackberry or a... ?
A:Yes! Any site I've built for nearly two years now has either been mobile-friendly out of the box, or in the case of Flash sites, has had a little brother version specifically designed for mobile devices.
Q:Can you give us a ballpark estimate over the phone?
A:No. It's not necessary to meet in person in order to draw up a quote, but a detailed creative/technical conversation is needed in order to do so. I do not give verbal ballpark quotes over the phone.
Q:Do I have to be located in the Los Angeles area to work with you?
A:No. It's quite possible to handle all business over the phone and email. I have clients all over the US and the world.
Q:My step-brother Bill says he can probably build me a website for a few hundred bucks. Why should I pay you a few thousand?
A:Because, 'good work isn't cheap and cheap work isn't good.' If you decide to go the Brother Bill route, I wish you the best of luck.
Q:How long does it take to build a website?
A:This too is difficult to answer because it depends so heavily on the size of the job, but the average site I build usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks.
Q:What do you need from us?
A:The content: Text, Photos, Video, etc. This is an important point. I like to 'design around' the content, as it's the most important element, and therefore I ask that a client has a fairly firm idea of what content the site will house before we begin the process.
Q:How do you charge?
A:I charge a flat creative fee for the design and layout of the site and an hourly rate for the programming and the rest. Updates to the site are also charged hourly.
Q:When do we pay you?
A:I bill 1/3rd the total estimate up-front, 1/3rd after the design has been approved and the remaining balance upon final approval of the site.
Q:What does that 1/3rd down get us?
A:It pays for the initial creative designs and mock-ups - up to three separate conceptual designs, if needed. At that point, if it ain't happening, you are not obligated to pay the remaining balance, but the down payment is non-refundable.
Q:Can I update the site myself?
A:It really depends on the type of content and your confidence behind the wheel, but most of the time, yes. WordPress has a very robust and user-friendly content management system (CMS) that most folks feel comfortable using and I also work with a great 3rd party CMS system for sites not built in WordPress - which is most of them for a number of reasons I can explain in person.
Q:I have a website already but need someone to maintain it. Can you do that?
A:I prefer not to, sorry.
Q:Do you also host websites?
A:Yes, but I only host sites that I've built or for established clients.
Q:Do you offer computer tech support?
A:No. Please don't ask me to fix your computer or set-up your email. I beg of you.
Q:I don't have a website. What do I need to do before building one?
A:The three most important things are registering for a domain name, i.e., www.station-eight.com, finding a server to host your site - I can help with both of those things - and last but by far from least, having your content and ideas ready and prepared.
Q:Where did you get the photos you use for the backgrounds on your website?
A:I took them. Feel free to visit my Picasa gallery and download any of them as long as you use them for non-commercial purposes. Or, if you'd like a print contact me and we'll work it out.