If you have questions about web design, SEO, online marketing, design process, or how we can help you with your project, below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions.
Have a question about web design or marketing we haven’t covered? Drop us a line. We’ll be happy to answer.
Company Questions
Why is the company called Big Apple Media?
Despite the fact that we serve clients all over the world, the original agency started and operated in Brooklyn, New York for almost 20 years. Many of our original clients are still based in New York, so the name stuck. Our current office is located on the west coast of the US, near Seattle.Why should I work with you?
We’ve been in business for 20 years and have a long track record of successfully completed projects. Most of the website we design get great reviews, and we make sure all our clients are completely satisfied with the final results. Don’t take our word for it. Browse client testimonials, google our name and see that we have all 5-star reviews in all the major directories including Yelp, GMB, Womply and many others.Do you meet face to face?
Usually not. All clients meetings are done over Skype, Zoom or over the phone. Thanks to technology and advancements in communication tools, we can work seamlessly with clients regardless of where they are.
What type of clients do you work with?
Most of our clients are health professionals and wellness practitioners. However, we work with all types of small businesses interested in improving their websites, growing organic traffic, and generating more leads. Click here to browse our client’s projectsWeb Design Questions
How long does it take to design a website?
The amount of time it takes to complete each website can vary greatly. There are many factors that influence the length of the project. Small informational type websites can take as little as 4 weeks to complete. Larger sites requiring advance features, complex navigation, numerous revisions can take longer. Client cooperation also plays an important role. Clients can hasten the process by having content and assets ready prior to the start of the project. Providing feedback and communicating in a timely manner is another factor that can drastically speed up the rate of progress.Who designs websites at Big Apple Media?
From the very beginning when the company started almost 20 years ago, our work has always been done in-house. We never outsource any of our work to another company.
All the websites we build are designed in-house by Gene Armstrong, founder of Big Apple Media. None of the work gets outsourced. This means you won’t be dealing with project managers, 3rd party vendors or anyone else outside the company. This makes the development process much faster and easier to implement. It also keeps us agile and responsive to all our client needs. All comments, feedback and questions are answered directly and within 24 hours, using client’s preferred method of communication.
On rare occasions, we may hire programmers, copywriters and other freelancers to fulfill clients needs if we are unable to do so internally. However, this process is always transparent and clients will be notified about this ahead of time.
Interested in a custom website? Contact us directly at info (at) bigapplemedia.com or by using our service request form.
How much does the website cost?
There are many factors that go into determining the final price. Prices can fluctuate greatly depending on the size of the website, the complexity of the design, the implementation of advanced features, the number of revisions, and the amount of customization.
We offer a wide range of small business web design packages to suit all budgets. Our web design packages are perfect for small business owners. Typically the cost of a custom brochure-type, informational website is between $2K and $5K.
Of course, each project is different, and we work with each client to accommodate their needs and offer the best possible solutions within budget.
Ready to get started? Request a free quote or schedule a free discovery call.
What is your web design process?
A web design agency typically follows a process that includes discovery, planning, design, development, testing, launch, and ongoing support. The agency will work closely with the client to understand their requirements, goals, and audience, and create a website that meets their needs. For a more detailed description, please refer to this website design process article.
The typical web design process involved the following stages:
Step 1. After the initial interest, the client submits a website questionnaire.
Step 2. We conduct research and discovery to gain insights and determine the goals of the projects.
Step 3. Based on the feedback and findings, we determine the scope of the project and provide the quote.
Step 4. Once the scope has been determined and the client pays a small deposit, the design process begins. We start by creating a sitemap and wireframes to ensure the website is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Step 5. After the client signs off on the sitemap and wireframe, we start building the website using WordPress CMS.
Step 6. We work closely with every client to design the look and feel. During this stage, the client is able to preview the website and provide constant feedback regarding the design.
Step 7. After the main page templates (home, internal pages, page with and without the sidebar, blog) has been designed and built, the rest of the website gets developed.
Step 8. During the testing & launch stage, everything gets tested and reviewed. Clients can make suggestions and ask for adjustments. During this step, we also provide training sessions so the website can be updated and managed by the clients themselves.
Step 9. Post-launch support. After the website has been launched, we continue to provide support, free of charge for up to 30 days. That means, any questions about website maintenance, fixes, or general inquiries are included and are part of the web design quote. After 30 days, there is an hourly rate for making the changes and updates.
Can you redesign an existing website?
Yes, in addition to building new websites, we also specialize in redesigning existing websites to improve their appearance and functionality. This may involve updating the design elements, adding new features, and optimizing the website for search engines.
Do you offer website maintenance and support services?
Yes, we offer website maintenance and support services to ensure that the website is up-to-date, secure, and functioning properly. This may include regular updates, backups, and security checks. The maintenance packages are available, but the cost is not not included as part of initial quote for website development.
I have a small budget, can you still help?
The majority of websites we build are custom designed, and this can be cost prohibitive for a small business on a budget. To accommodate companies with small budgets, we offer a low-cost solution using pre-built templates.
Template based websites require less customization and reduce the development time. Website based on pre-built templates cost between start at $1K.
Furthermore, we offer an extended payment plan options. The total cost is broken down on smaller payments and is repaid over a longer period, usually within one year. This option is only available for clients using our hosting plan.
Ready to get started. Click here to request an estimate.
What are payment options?
We accept Venmo, PayPal, major credit cards via Wave, and direct bank payments.How does the payment process works?
Before we start, we require a small deposit. Then the payments are made at different stages of web development process. The total cost is broken down on 3-5 incremental payments, with the final invoice paid at the completion of the project after review and approval. We work individually with each client to set up a payment schedule that fits their budget. Extended payment options are also available.Can I see my website while it’s being developed?
Yes, absolutely. During the entire web design process, you’ll have full access to the website and will be able to review and provide necessary feedback.What platform do you use to build websites?
Most of the websites we build run using WordPress content management system. WordPress is used by over 30% of the web and is the easiest and user-friendly platform for our clients. We do not use Drupal, Joomla, Shopify or any other platform.What does the website process looks like?
Creating an affective website is never as simple as it seems. Successful design is more than simply making a website look attractive. It requires an understanding of the business, website goals, audience and many other factors. We break down website design process into following stages: Research & Discovery → Project Scope & Strategy → Sitemap → Wireframes → Design → Development → Launch → Measure & Analyze To learn more, read the article detailing our web design process.Who creates content for the website?
Typically, clients must provide copy, logos, images, and graphics before the start of the project. We understand it’s not always possible for clients to have all the necessary assets. We work closely with each client and help them acquire materials required for the project to move forward. For images, the most popular stock photo sites we recommend are istock.com and shutterstock.com For blogs, there are many high quality free stock galleries.Will I be able to update my website when it’s finished?
Yes. Most of our clients are able to update and manage the websites on their own without any assistance. Our design packages include free training sessions and video tutorials for clients, providing detailed instructions on how to properly manage and maintain their websites. We also offer monthly maintenance services including website updates, fixes and troubleshooting, backup creation and virus detection scans.How do you ensure that the website is user-friendly?
A web design agency can ensure that the website is user-friendly by using best practices in website design, such as clear navigation, responsive design, fast loading times, and intuitive layout.
What software do you use?
Below is a list of some of the tools we use and recommend.
– Communication: Zoom, Skype, Google Meet
– File Sharing: Dropbox, Google Drive
– Project Management: Trello, Asana, ClickUp
– Visual Boards: Milanote
– Design Feedback: inVision, Markup
– Design, Sitemap, Wireframes: Photoshop, Illustrator, Balsamiq
However, we are agile and adaptable and open to using the apps our clients prefer.
Do you only work with small business and medical websites?
Even though the majority our clients are health professionals and small business owners, we do take on other type of clients. We also work with lawyers and attorneys, home remodeling businesses like roofing companies. We’re open to clients in other areas and are willing to explore other type of collaborations and partnering opportunities. If you’re a business interested in taking their web design and marketing to another level, let us know. We’d love to help.SEO & Marketing Services Questions
How do you optimize a website for search engines?
Website optimization involves a range of techniques to improve the visibility and ranking of a website in search engine results pages. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, link building, and technical optimization.Can you integrate social media into the website?
Yes, a web design agency can integrate social media into the website by adding social media icons, social sharing buttons, and social media feeds. This can help increase engagement and drive more traffic to the website.Do you offer social media management services?
While we do not offer full-scale social media management services, we are always happy to provide our clients with the guidance and support they need to succeed on social media.
Our social media consulting services involve providing guidance and advice to our clients on how to effectively use social media platforms to promote their brand, engage with their audience, and drive traffic to their website. We can help clients develop a social media strategy, create engaging content, and measure the effectiveness of their social media campaigns.
We believe that social media is an important component of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, and we want to ensure that our clients are making the most of this powerful tool.
Hosting Services Questions
Do you offer hosting services?
Yes. If you don’t have hosting or looking to switch, we are happy to host your website.
We’re managing hosting for many of our clients. Our affordable hosting services include 24/7 monitoring, free SSL certificates, off-site backups, technical support and 99% uptime.
Whatever you decide, you will have the complete ownership of your website and your hosting account. You will have a full access and will be able to update, download and migrate your website at any time.
If you use our hosting and need support, let us know and we’ll take care of all the technical issues, so you don’t have to.
Where will my site be hosted?
It’s totally up to you. Many of our clients already have a hosting provider they like, including GoDaddy, Bluehost or HostGator.
The development can take place on your server, or it can be moved there after the website has been completed.
How much does hosting cost?
We offer two plans. Regular and Deluxe plans. Annual hosting costs $250 and $350 respectfully. Both options use a reliable hosting with average 99% uptime.
We also offer Hosting & Care Plan that combines hosting and support for companies looking for regular WordPress website maintenance. Learn about our pricing packages to see if any of them might be a good fit.
Do you offer any maintenance services?
In addition to hosting we offer Hosting & Care Plan that combines hosting and support for companies looking for regular WordPress website maintenance.
