Good questions make better projects
If you’re thinking about a new website or redesign, it’s completely normal to have questions before getting started.
This page answers some of the questions I’m most often asked by business owners who are planning a website project.
Useful starting points
Getting started
Before your website project begins
How do I know if Web Matters is the right fit?
Web Matters is usually a good fit if you want practical website advice, clear communication and direct access to the person doing the work. I work best with clients who are ready to collaborate, provide feedback and make decisions during the project.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. You can book a free Zoom, Google Meet or phone call so we can talk through what you need and decide on the best next step. I find even just the intial call can be really helpful in understanding your business and where you want to go with your website.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before contacting you?
No. It helps if you have a general idea of your goals, but you do not need to know the technical solution. I can help you work out whether you need a new website, a redesign, support, training or a checkup.
What information should I prepare before getting in touch?
Useful information includes your current website address if you have one, your main goals, examples of websites you like, your approximate budget and any must-have features.
Can you help if my previous web designer disappeared?
Yes. Many clients contact me because they have inherited a website, lost access to their previous developer, or need someone experienced to review and support an existing site.
Can you review my existing website first?
Yes. If your WordPress website has not been maintained or you’re unsure what condition it is in, a WordPress website checkup is often a sensible first step.
Pricing
Website pricing and payment questions
How much does a website cost?
It depends on the size, platform, content, design requirements and functionality needed. Smaller tasks may be charged hourly, while larger projects are usually quoted after I understand the scope.
Do you publish your prices?
Yes. You can view common pricing and charging methods on the pricing page.
What is your hourly rate?
My standard hourly rate is $110 + GST, with a minimum charge of $65 + GST for smaller jobs.
Do you require a deposit?
For larger website projects, a deposit or staged payment arrangement is always required. This will be outlined in the proposal or quote.
Can I pay by credit card?
Invoices are sent via Xero and can usually be paid by internet banking or by credit card using the Pay Now link on the invoice.
What are your payment terms?
Invoices are generally due within seven days unless otherwise agreed.
Platforms
WordPress, Shopify or Squarespace?
Which website platform do you recommend?
It depends on what you need the website to do. WordPress is flexible and powerful, Shopify is often the better choice for online stores, and Squarespace can suit simpler websites where ease of management is important.
Do you build WordPress websites?
Yes. WordPress is my main platform and where I have the most experience.
Do you build Shopify websites?
Yes. I can help with Shopify store setup, theme customisation, product loading, content structure and ongoing support.
Do you build Squarespace websites?
Yes. I offer Squarespace website builds for businesses that want a clean, manageable website platform.
Can you help me choose the right platform?
Yes. If you’re unsure whether WordPress, Shopify or Squarespace is the best fit, I can help you compare the options based on your goals, budget and long-term needs.
Can you move my website from one platform to another?
Sometimes. Platform migrations depend on the current site, the destination platform, the content and the functionality involved. I can review what you have and recommend the best approach.
Content
Website content, images and copy
Do I need to provide all the website content?
Usually, yes. You know your business best. However, I can help structure the content, improve wording and suggest what each page should include.
Can you write website copy?
My expectation is that your copy will be written before it gets to me. For larger copywriting projects, I recommend using a specialist copywriter or AI (with a a human edit).
What images should I provide?
Good-quality photos of your team, premises, products or work are ideal. If you do not have suitable images, I can help source appropriate stock photography where needed.
Can you use my existing branding?
Yes. If you already have a logo, colours, fonts or brand guidelines, the website can be designed to work with your existing visual identity.
Do you design logos?
Logo design is not a service I offer. If you need a full brand identity, you are best to find a graphic designer before starting the website.
Can you help organise the pages?
Yes. Site structure is an important part of the process. I can help organise pages, navigation and content so the site is easier for visitors to understand.
Process
Timelines, feedback and launch
How long does a website project take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project, and how quickly content and feedback are provided. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger projects can take longer.
What causes website projects to be delayed?
The most common delays are missing content, slow feedback, unclear decision-making, additional scope changes, or waiting on access to domains, hosting or third-party services.
Will I see the website before it goes live?
Yes. You will have an opportunity to review the website, provide feedback and request agreed changes before launch.
How many rounds of changes are included?
This depends on the project scope. Larger projects usually include review stages, and the proposal will outline what is included.
Can you launch the website for me?
Yes. I can help with the launch process, including connecting the domain, checking key pages and making sure the site is ready to go live.
What happens after launch?
After launch, I can provide training, support or ongoing WordPress care plans depending on what you need.
Support
After launch and ongoing help
Can I update the website myself?
In most cases, yes. I can provide training so you understand what you can safely update and where to be careful.
Do you offer WordPress training?
Yes. I offer one-on-one Zoom training based on your actual WordPress website.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance?
Yes. WordPress care plans are available for ongoing updates, backups, monitoring and support.
Can you host my website?
Yes, if it's a WordPress site, I can provide hosting and management. If you use Squarespace or Shopify they include hosting in their service.
Do you provide email hosting or IT support?
No. Email accounts and general IT support are best handled by a dedicated IT provider. I can assist with website form delivery and SMTP setup where needed.
Can you help if something breaks later?
Yes. I provide website support for existing websites, including fixes, troubleshooting and practical improvements.
Related pages
More helpful information
Website Design Process
Learn how a typical Web Matters website project works from first enquiry through to launch.
View process →Getting Started
Find out who Web Matters is a good fit for and what helps make a website project successful.
Who I work with →Website Pricing
See common pricing, hourly rates, care plans and charging methods.
View pricing →Still have questions?
If you’re thinking about a new website or need help with an existing one, book a Zoom call and we can talk through what you need.
Book a Zoom Call