frequently asked questions
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Branding, copywriting, WordPress web design, website management, and training for all of the above. My services are bundled into three packages called “The Editor,” “The Manager” and “The StoryBoard.” Click on RATES & PACKAGES in the top navigation menu to learn more.
Nope! StoryBoard Designs offers free 30-minute discovery calls. Click the DISCOVERY CALL button at the top of this page.
StoryBoard offers three web design packages: The Editor ($3,000 + $75/month web management fees + taxes), The Manager ($3,500 + taxes), and The StoryBoard (custom package $4,000 + management fees, if applicable). A signed service agreement and $1,000 deposit is required before work begins. The $1,000 deposit is applied to the cost of your website. During your free 30-minute discovery call we’ll agree to a payment plan that works for both of us, and it will be outlined in your service agreement.
A website usually takes around 1 month to complete. There are 5 rounds of reviews included in your package. Scroll to the bottom of this FAQ page for a comprehensive timeline.
Click RATES & PACKAGES in the top navigation menu and then scroll to “The Editor” and “The Manager” to see a list of what’s included in each package. “The StoryBoard” package is a custom package that we can build together based on the full list of StoryBoard Designs services.
Each package has a list called “Extras.” Click RATES & PACKAGES in the top navigation menu and then scroll to “The Editor” and “The Manager” to see a list of “Extras” for each package.
No. StoryBoard offers one-click integrations for third-party stores like the JaneApp or GoPrep. If you are already using a third-party store (or you have one in mind), I will integrate it for you as part of your package. If you don’t have one yet, I can help you find the right one for your business. Hourly rates for research and small business setup apply at $50/hr.
Yes, StoryBoard can implement one-click integrations to payment portals such as Stripe and Paypal. When a client clicks on your “pay now” or “book now” button, they are redirected away from your website to the official Paypal or Stripe website where secure online transactions are made. The reason I prefer to use integrations instead of embedding credit card payments directly on your website is because the regulations concerning privacy and security for online payments change frequently, and if you are found to be non-compliant you could incur massive fines. And they require the expertise of a coder, and I’m just a basic web designer.
A branding kit is a collection of visual and written assets that gives your small business its identity. It includes a logo, a selection of colours, a brand voice, and sometimes a recognizable slogan or catch phrase. Creating a brand identity not only makes you more easily recognizable, but it also builds trust with new and returning clients.
If you don’t already have a branding kit, we can work together to create one for $500 + tax. Once we’ve developed your branding kit, you can pass it along to your marketing manager to create print materials, marketing emails or social media posts, and anything else you can think of!
Search engine optimization is the practice of using keywords, headers and a sitemap to make it easy for Google and Bing (and your clients) to find your website on the internet. The better your SEO, the higher your website will rank in organic searches. All of my website packages include SEO.
Professional email uses your small business @domain, giving your small business visibility in your customer’s inbox. It’s not always necessary, but it adds a professional touch for small businesses that engage in email marketing campaigns. If you operate an established business and already have an email address that your customers are familiar with, I would recommend against switching to professional email.
Web content accessibility guidelines are an international set of standards to make web content accessible to those with disabilities. WCAG is legally required in BC for specific public sector organizations, and further regulations are anticipated for private companies in the near future. Already, some SEO apps (like Yoast, which is what StoryBoard uses) require WCAG implementation. StoryBoard is proud to offer this service in all web design packages.
Yes, I can recommend stock photo resources and local photographers in the Victoria, BC area. If you choose to download photos from a stock photo website make sure they’re listed as “available for commercial use.” I’ll set up a Google Drive or similar shared folder so that we can share media without compromising image quality.
Absolutely! Set your camera or phone to take high-resolution photos, then share them with StoryBoard Designs at full resolution.
How long does it take to build a website?
A small business website with 8-10 pages typically takes a month to build and launch. Here’s a timeline of events:
Week 1:
- I’ll provide you with the StoryBoard Designs Small Business Website Questionnaire
- At the end of the first week we’ll have a 1-1 meeting over the phone or Zoom to go over it together
Week 2:
- I’ll create the first draft of your website, then I’ll pass it to you for review
- We’ll have a meeting to go over your first round of suggested edits together
- At the end of the second week I’ll get the first round of edits done and then pass your website back to you for a second review
Weeks 3 – 4:
- We’ll continue to edit your website until it looks and works the way you want it to.
NOTE: The design phase of your package includes 5 rounds of edits, with a 1-1 meeting for each round. Each additional round of edits is available at $50/hour.
What if it takes longer?
Sometimes it can take a client longer than a month to work through all 3 rounds of reviews, and that’s just fine with me. If it makes you more comfortable to take a week (or two!) to provide me with edits, then that’s what it takes. I’m here to answer any questions you have, and to provide insight if you get stuck.
My goal is to make sure your small business website looks and works the way you want it to, and that it’s something you’re proud to share with your clients and friends & family.