Frequently Asked Questions
Hello! I'm glad you stopped by. We know it can be a confusing task finding a consultant to help you build a website for your business. We've put together an article that will help answer some of the initial questions you might have.
If you can't find the answer to your question, feel free to send through an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call on 03 5439 5801.
How long will it take to build my website?
This depends on a few things. The complexity of the design, the number of pages, the Content Management System being used, whether the content is already available, how fast you’re able to provide feedback for changes.
If you have a deadline in mind, let us know ASAP and we’ll most likely be able to accommodate it.
As a guide, once we’re provided with the content and photos to be used in a site, then it is usually quite quick to get the site done; approximately 2-4 weeks – this time does include time for approvals and reviews at your end. Delays in getting your content, changes or approvals to us, can delay the project.
What is the difference between template and custom design?
A template is a predesigned and prebuilt purchased design template that we alter to suit your style.
There are a finite range of customisations that can be made, whereas a custom design is just that, a website designed and built for your specific needs; such as building an online shopping service or a particular webpage design or function not available through template.
Opting for a custom-made site means you can have everything your way, just as you envisioned it.
Can I update the content on my website, myself?
Yes you can! Many clients like to self-manage their website to update images or blog posts, as the Content Management System is easy for clients to log into and make their own changes.
We know how important it is for businesses to be able to update and edit the content on their websites themselves, we're happy to provide training and guidance on how to get the most out of your site.
If you don’t have the time, or don’t feel confident in self-managing, then we can manage the software updates and create and upload your content for you.
What is a Content Management System?
A Content Management System is a computer program which allows the user to manage, publish and modify their website text and images.
There is no special software requirements to use this, just an internet connection, username and password.
We generally use Joomla or Wordpress, two great content management systems with unique properties. We’ll select the most suitable CMS for your site’s needs.
What support do you offer?
Unless you decide you’d like ongoing support, training or website maintenance the only ongoing costs will be for website hosting and domain name registration. We’re happy to provide support by way of software updates, content creation and uploading of content.
We also offer after-hours, or rush services. Our office hours are 10am-5pm, however we can make exceptions to this.
Can you re-design my old website which was made by another designer/developer?
Yes we can! We will analyse the old website’s performance and assess whether it is still suitable for your needs or requires updating. We can then work with you to rebuild.
Can you help me with a website someone else made?
If you want training in how to use your website, we’re likely able to help.
If you want customisations made to your theme, then that can be a more complex process. There are many ways to achieve the same outcome when creating software - every developer does things a different way. In much the same way all cooks create their food a little differently.
We can look at your website and from there determine whether or not we’re able to alter it to suit your needs.
Will there be hidden or ongoing fees?
We detail all of our charges in the proposal and we never proceed with additional work without first getting your approval for the cost.
We want you to be happy working with us so we offer you a free no obligation proposal outlining what we believe will best meet your needs. Our service doesn’t require ongoing monthly costs, but we’re happy to provide any extra service you may need.
Do you provide web hosting and domain name registration?
Yes! We have partnered with one of the largest internet hosting and domain registration companies in Australia to provide you with great service and our personal support.
Who will actually own my website?
You do! This is very important to us. We build your site, train you how to use it and hand it over to you. There are no lock-in contracts for service or hosting.
If you’d like us to manage this for you, we’re happy to help. Ask us about our support packages.
When will my website come up in Google search?
When we build your site, we submit it to Google to be listed. This can range from a week to a month, and is dependent on content, competition and search engine optimisation (keywords, meta-tags).
Talk to us about promoting your website through Google ads.
When will my website rank?
Website ranking is dependent on about 200 factors which Google doesn’t like to share, so we base our work on best practice.
When we build your site, we submit it to Google to be listed. How well the site ranks is a practice called Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and is a discipline in itself, which we can undertake for you.
What is your process?
Proposal stage
You’ve come to Thrive for a website. During this stage we will meet with you and discuss what you hope to get out of your website.
We will discuss what features you would like and whether it is a template or custom design you are after. Once we have this information we will come back to you with a design proposal for you to approve.
Content gathering
This is where we work with you to gather all the content you’d like on your website, this can be written copy, images, videos and logos. We use a Google document shared with you so we can interact with ease.
During this time, we will prepare a site map that you will sign-off on and we’ll then go through the pages and figure out what content we’ll require for each of them and how the content might be displayed.
For more complex sites, a wireframe may be developed to outline how the elements will be laid out for the design. The wireframe is the part of the design process that makes it about how the information is displayed and the user interacts with site, removing the focus from the visual elements until the next stage.
Design
The concept design may be done in the initial proposal stage, or it may be completed at this stage. You will have a copy of this and confirm that you don’t require any changes. If changes are required, they will be made, finalised and signed-off by you before progressing to the build stage.
If we're working with a template for your site, we'll select the template based on layout and style at this stage.
Website build
The template for the site is built based on the approved graphic design – this stage is like building a new home. We have the design signed off (blueprints) and then build the code that creates the pages. Changes made here can be likened to moving a wall that’s already been built.
It’s not a simple task that takes two minutes, it can involve hours of recoding. Even though you can’t see the code, a substantial amount of work goes into building the template and specific elements. This is why it’s imperative to be happy with the design before it’s built.
The website’s pages, menus and additional features are set up and all content entered. The site is then reviewed against the wireframe (site design) and any stylistic fixture are addressed. If any more content is required from you, we will ask for it during this time.
Testing
Once the site it set up, the content entered and the template built, we test the site on our development server.
You’ll get access to review and test the site as well, ensuring that it’s working as you expect it to – it’s here that we address any fixes you request.
Once you’re happy with the site, we move it to the hosting, ready to launch!
Website handover
The domain is directed to its new hosting and the site is live! Again, we’ll get you to check the site, ensuring that all is working as expected.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is simply the address of your website. For example, Thrive’s domain name is: www.thrivewebdesign.com.au.
You need a domain name for your website.
What is website hosting ?
A web host is a business that provides the service and technology for the website to be accessible on the Internet. Websites are a series of files that are hosted, or stored, on servers.
When Internet users want to view your website, all they need to do is type your website address or domain name into their browser and their computer will connect to the server your website is hosted on. Website hosting can also be used to store email addresses.
This is a necessary component of your website.
Why do I need a website?
Reasons for getting your business a website:
- They give your business legitimacy – it’s the first place many potential customers will interact with you and your brand
- Allows you to provide instant customer service
- Gives you a direct means for reaching your customers and engaging with them directly
- More cost effective than many traditional advertising mediums
- Ability to measure how your site is being used and accessed, whereas measuring the effectiveness of other advertising streams can be more difficult
- More responsive to business needs e.g. you can put up daily specials, instead of waiting a week until an advertisement goes in newspapers or magazine
- Showcase your knowledge and expertise
- Showcase your products and services
- Sell products directly online
- As a foundation for targeted marketing campaigns through mediums such as Google Ads and Facebook
- Additional stream for enforcing your corporate branding
Why are the words you use on your website important?
The textual content on your site is incredibly important as keywords are what attracts your web traffic and speak to your customers.
The first reason is if you can utilise keywords for internet searches in your content, it means that more users will see you pop up in searches.
For a web design business for example, we might use keywords such as: web design, web developer, creative, digital marketing etc.
The second reason is that you need to write your website copy in such a way that speaks directly to your customers or clients.
Have you ever been on a website where they speak in such a way, that you can’t understand what they’re saying? We have, and it’s the difference between doing business with that company, or going to someone who knows how to speak to you in a way that you understand.
Why are professional photographs important for your website?
Photographs are essential to visually showcasing your brand. Not only do professional photographs ensure a perception of quality, they should sell the benefits of your product or service and show potential consumers why they should invest in your business.
It adds professionalism and credibility to your business that iPhone photos can’t always give.
What’s involved in managing my website?
If you’d like to manage your website yourself, you’ll most likely need to do the following tasks:
- Backups
- Software updates
- Content changes
- Setting a strategy for creating content that’s useful to your audience
- Writing and then posting blogs, articles and news
- Taking photos, cropping and optimising them and uploading to the website
We’re always here to help. Through the content management system (CMS) we can manage software updates, in addition to this we can perform content reviews, set a direction, copywrite/edit valuable content and produce photography to compliment the site and brand.
Many sites websites are now accessed via mobile phone or tablet, so we review and make sure that your website maintains responsiveness for whichever device it is viewed on.
Why should I have a website strategy?
A website is a powerful marketing tool, so having a strategy for what you wish to achieve with your business through your website should be paramount in your plan.
Your website is a platform in which your business can communicate to the user what you offer and how your product will make their life better.
Understanding who your target customer is, and what motivates them to buy enables you to create a strategy that speaks to them, at their level while addressing their pains.
Why choose a website developer/designer instead of ‘do it yourself’?
Our job as a consultant is to bring all the raw materials together to create a solution that solves your problem.
Creating an online presence through your website, website content, social media and search engine ranking takes time and knowledge.
We understand that you spend your time running your business. That’s why at Thrive Web Design we have the skills and experience required to solve your online problems.
These are many of the client problems that we come up against in the online space...
- Getting you started with a website because you don’t have one
- Updating the look of your website
- Implementing an easy to use content management system or blog so you can easily update your website
- Helping you show up in the search engine rankings
- Getting started with social media
- Managing your social media because you don’t have time
- Optimising your website for maximum sales conversions
- Training on how to update your website or use social media
- Creating the text and images that sell your business online
We’ve worked with businesses like yours to solve these problems.
Why choose Thrive Web Design?
- Unlike many other providers that just setup the templates and walk away, we have been building custom template from the ground up for 10 years and can create a website customised to your requirements
- We buy local and support local businesses
- We provide phone support in addition to one on one training (if you have a problem you can call)
- We have experience developing larger sites through to small business sites. We love working with businesses and not for profits to create a platform for growing their audience
- We love to see how well a great website and content can work for a business (whether it be through google ranking or just showing customers what you can do)
- All our software is open source so no lock in contracts or surprises
- Turn around of 14 business days for Template.