Frequently asked questions

This section is dedicated to answering some of the more development/design related questions sometimes asked.

Again should your particular question or concern not be satisfactorily addressed below then simply get in touch. We really are a very friendly bunch!!

• How long does it take to build a website?

This is a difficult question to answer as the time required is largely driven by the complexity and size of a website. It normally takes approximately 28 to 40 days from start to finish. Website design requires the use of a hosting account together with a dedicated email service. However as The First4 Studio utilise the services of a dedicated hosting service these facilities can be up and running in a matter of hours.



• If I already have a website can you help me improve it?

Yes. We can redesign your website or add content to an existing site. This can certainly save you money but it is most important that we ensure we are building upon a stable foundation. It is often just as cost effective and far more prudent to consider redesigning a website from the ground up. This ensures the new site benefits from all the expertise and skills we have to offer.



• Can you use my company's existing logo, brochure design, and other materials for my website?

Yes. If you have an effective brand and associated material we are happy to utilise it. In most instances such material was probably not originally designed to be used on the web so we may need to make certain alterations.



• Does my business need to have a computer to host or maintain a web site?

No. Your website will be hosted using our own web hosting service. Maintenance of your website will depend upon what you have specified. If your website will only contain static content then there will be no need for maintenance. If you chose to utilise our maintenance tools then an internet connected PC will be required to utilise these tools.

Dont forget ... E-mail contact is almost a necessity for any organisation or individual so you will probably be using a PC for this anyway.



• Is there any maintenance required after designing and hosting a web site?

Depending on your business, some amount of web maintenance will be required from time to time. This may be as simple as updating your list of services or maybe just a change of business address.

If you feel you would rather retain control of your website to avoid any maintenance costs then simply mention our "Content Management System". This is a cost effective addition to your website that will enable you to manage all content on your website from a simple to use web based control panel.



• Is there any optimization of a web page required for compatibility with different browsers?

Yes, it is recommended to optimise your web site with respect to various browsers and also to check for any syntax errors. And, of course, don't forget about search engine optimization.



• What can a website do for me?

The answer to this question is neither short nor easy. With a little research and thought you can find hundreds of reasons, but there are a few general statements that may help you realise your needs. Firstly a website can reach millions of people that might not otherwise be available. Secondly customers can view products, services, or whatever you want to share from the comfort of their own office or home.

There was a time when it was thought that the internet was simply a passing phase. We all now know this is not the case with activity growing at a remarkable rate. A website is now seen as a vital tool in providing visibility for any organisation. The secret is to ensure that your website conveys the right image about your business and this is where The First4 Studio excel.



• I don't think a website will do anything for me, am I right?

No, many people overlook the various products, services or business processes that they can include on a website. Any communication or interaction that happens within your business can be made easier and more efficient via the web. Your business will save money and time while appealing to a much wider audience.



• I have heard that my website can be a place to help my employees do their work, is this true?

While most businesses look at the Internet as an opportunity to expand their sales through traditional e-commerce, few people are aware of the opportunities of increasing efficiency and reducing expense. Placing business processes online, especially those completed regularly can drastically improve efficiency.

For example if you have a process that requires employees in different offices to view the same information live, the most appropriate location for its visibility and maintenance is online.



• Can I choose you to design my website and use my own web hosting?

Yes. If you have a preferred web host then we would be happy to use them. However it is most important that your own web host is capable of hosting the solution we develop for you. For simple websites this is not a problem but for more complex websites and applications we would prefer to host them ourselves.



• I just bought a book on html. Why do I have pay a web development company for a site when I can do it myself?

Your time is better spent running your business. Creating a website that works requires the skills of a web programmer, graphic artist, and internet marketeer. To be successful a website needs to excel, it needs to engage and impress. Unless you possess these skills already, don't waste time trying to learn something that could take you years to understand completely. Leave it up to the experts ... us of course.



• What about those companies that will develop my site for £500.00?

Plain and simple. Creating a website that works requires a lot of work, training, experience and education. Utilising a £500 website created by an amateur will guarantee only one thing .. that your online profile will look like £500. Website visitors now know good from bad so this is not an image you want to portray.
With the internet becoming increasingly more competitive the time has come to put aside a realistic budget.



• How frequently do I need to update my website?
It depends on what you're doing with your website, but we definitely recommend you plan for this. Content is critical for optimisation and "fresh" or new content is an important factor for ranking. If you have a small business brochure website you might probably want to update twice a year. You might also have a page to display the latest news on your website and you can add a couple of notes once a month or every two months if you want. For e-commerce or database websites you might update or add content more frequently.

In any case if you're wanting to optimise and promote your website online, you might want to talk with our optimisation people about the importance of getting new information on your website and what will be the best way to do this.




• How will a Web site help my business?

A website will make sure your business stays efficient and most of all, competitive. A website will help your business expand to reach new customers, many many people who may never have had access to you before and will allow you to respond more quickly to their needs. We can help you build a website (web design, web development) that portrays the best side of your business and use the latest online marketing techniques to expand your business.



• Do you offer an Ecommerce facility?

Of course. In fact we design some of the very best Ecommerce websites in the business.
You can take a look at some of our most recent websites in the "Ecommerce" section of our portfolio here.

Our advanced Ecommerce facility offers:

vat,
coupons,
billing,
loans,
shipping,
email notification,
product status review,
basket history
many other facilities.

If you would like further information regarding these facilities simply contact us.



• Who will be taking care of me during the site-building process?

Once your site moves into the build stage, you will have a project manager assigned to your project, meaning you will deal with one person and one person only. Our project managers are trained to follow your project each step of the way to ensure that it is well taken care of and completed on time and within budget. Our project manager is always available to help you with any questions you may have and will keep you updated on the progress of your project at all times.



• Your services seem geared towards business. Do you design websites for individuals, too?

Of course! Our competitive and flexible pricing makes professional website design affordable for individuals and organisations. We can build a website for your club, a family reunion, wedding or other special event. Tell us what you have in mind.



• If I pay for a custom web design, will it be used again by First4Studio in future developments?

NO, absolutely and categorically NO.
All our design work is bespoke for each client.. The First4Studio prides itself on unique approach to both the design and functionality of its web design and web development. With such creative minds why would we ever consider "duplicating" web sites. We are constantly bubbling over with ideas!!
 



• Can you help me figure out what to put on my web site?

Yes of course. If you have a company brochure, that's a good place to start. You will need to decide what you want on your web site. Many sites have pages in common: a home page which introduces the company, a page for products and/or services, a feedback form or order page and a contact page.

As we discuss the possibilities with our clients, for the first time they see what can be achieved. This encourages them to think more creatively about the online opportunities available to them.