Frequently Asked Questions
Before the Purchase
We haven't purchased a website before. Will you help us through the process?
Of course! We're here to serve you, so any questions you may have will be answered. We'll make sure that you understand each step of the process before proceeding to the next.
Once the website is completed, do we own the finished product?
You own your website at all times. Sometimes clients choose a host service other than Blue Bison; sometimes they want to maintain and update their site. Whichever path you choose, we'll provide you access to your website’s files.
How long does it take to build a website?
Several factors determine how long a project will take: from the overall scope and size of the project to the number of pages and complexity of functionality. Generally we estimate 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish. How quickly we work through content, edits, revisions, etc. will also impact the amount of time needed.
Do we need to have all of our content ready before starting?
Not at all. We'll start with a basic layout and design of your website. We can use dummy text (often latin "Lorem ipsum") and images as placeholders until you have your content ready to go.
We don't see any examples of your work with companies in our industry. Do you work with companies like us?
Absolutely! We build websites for all companies regardless of size or industry.
Our company isn't local to your area. Can we still work together?
Of course! The good news with digital work is that it can be done remotely from anywhere. We're very responsive when it comes to emails and phone calls, so we'll always be in touch.
Development
You've mentioned "responsive design" a few times. What does this mean?
Most website views come from mobile users, as opposed to desktop or tablet users. To be effective, websites need to be mobile responsive - able to automatically adjust from a computer monitor to a phone screen. The layouts and flow should be understandable and clear on all screens.
Are your websites mobile responsive?
Yes and we take great pride in this fact. We make sure that your message is clearly communicated regardless of the screen being used to view the message.
How many revisions can we make?
We'll make as many revisions as are needed as long as they're within the initially agreed upon scope of the project. Things like content tweaks, the addition of new pages, etc. would be additional services included in a monthly maintenance package if you so choose. Overhauling or redesigning your website as a whole would likely incur additional fees as that's like building a whole new website.
Do you use content management systems (CMSs) to build your websites?
WordPress is now the leading CMS and is very adaptable. While we like to code our websites by hand, WordPress is becoming much more common on the internet. We think WordPress is easy to learn but difficult to master. If you like WordPress, we've put in the time to learn all of the in's and out's so you don't have to.
Payments & Guarantees
What forms of payment do you use/accept?
We prefer to use PayPal as it is very secure. We can also use Stripe or other means of payment, but we will never use an unsecure system.
What fees should I expect?
Fees for the project are based on scope-of-work and are agreed upon before we start. We structure payment to each client and their needs. Typically, there is the agreed upon flat fee up front and a recurring monthly fee. The flat fee covers the costs we incur from purchasing hosting, email addresses, domain names, and building your site. Monthly fees include on-going maintenance, hosting, domain name ownership, email hosting, etc.
Do we have to "subscribe" to a monthly payment model?
You don't need to, although we recommend it. Even if it's not us, we recommend using a single developer team for building and maintaining the website. Switching teams is like switching tattoo artists in the middle of the design or barbers halfway through a cut. The style will change which can negatively impact the flow of your website. We're happy to continue working on your website after it's live and we will work with you to determine a monthly plan that works for you.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately, we can't offer any refunds for digital services rendered. This is because the work we have put in can't be resold to another client like a physical product. That being said, we will work with you on your website until you are happy with it.
SEO
What is search engine optimization (SEO)?
Search engine optimization is the process of altering a website so that it appears more often on search engines like Google and Bing. There are many different aspects that play in to SEO and they're constantly changing as search engines change their algorithms.
Can you help us get our business listed on Google?
We will certainly try! We can almost guarantee that your website will show up when explicitly looked for (like someone Googling "Blue Bison Web Design"). It can be much more difficult to have a website appear based on industry key words (like someone Googling "Web Design"), especially in a very saturated market. That being said, we'll be trying our best to get your website appearing first on every relevant search.
Can you guarantee that my website will be the first result on Google?
No. And frankly, we'd warn you to be wary of anyone who says they can. Anyone guaranteeing this may be using practices that violate Google's Terms of Service and may actually penalize your website or get it removed from the listings entirely.
Does Blue Bison Web provide SEO services?
Yes we do. We stay up-to-date on search engines' various algorithms and policies. We then tailor our methods to your company so that your website has the best chance of appearing in relevant searches.
Maintenance
What happens if our website is down or is displaying incorrectly?
Get in touch with us immediately. If we're providing the hosting, it should only take a single phone call or email to get the website working again. If we're not providing the hosting, we'll get in touch with the host to figure out the problem as it may be on their end. If we can't resolve the issue, we'll put you in touch with them.
Will we need to pay for technical support?
If you're paying our monthly fee, then technical support is included.
How long does it typically take you to respond?
We shoot to respond within 4 hours and try to respond to emails within 24 hours at the latest. Each client is also given an employee's personal phone number to use in case of emergency.
Hosting
What is web hosting and do we need it?
Every website needs web hosting. Web hosting can be thought of as the place that your website's files exist on the internet. There are no files without web hosting and there is no website without the files.
Does Blue Bison Web provide web hosting?
We do not directly host your website's files and any other small or local web design company likely doesn't either. Web hosting companies have incredibly massive server banks to provide premium hosting. That all being said, we deal with those companies so that you don't have to and we include those fees in our monthly invoices so that you're not paying extra. If you don't want us to manage the web hosting, you're welcome to pick another provider and set it up yourself (and we'll help you with that).
Do you provide email hosting?
We try to avoid this for the same reason that we don't host websites ourselves. Our hosting plans come with basic email services but they don't provide spam controls, fraud protection, or antivirus. We can set a basic email up for you but we heavily recommend using a service like Microsoft Office 365 or GSuite. We can help you with these services or set them up for you if requested.
Laramie, WY
82072