Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the things people always ask me (and a few they don’t).
Browse FAQs by Category
How does your website design process work from start to finish?
Every project follows the same clear roadmap. We start with a quick intro call and a ballpark estimate. If it’s a good fit, we move into a discovery session where we dig into goals, content, and functionality. From there, I’ll send a detailed proposal and, once approved, we kick things off. Design and development happen in close collaboration with you — lots of check-ins, no surprises. After testing and launch, you get 30 days of after-care (and I can handle ongoing maintenance if you’d rather not think about it).
How long does it usually take to build a site with you?
Most websites launch in 6 to 10 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the project’s size, features, and how quickly we can keep things moving together. When feedback and content come in on time, we often finish faster. Before we start, you’ll get a clear project schedule, and I send weekly updates so you always know where things stand.
What happens after I fill out the “Get Started” form?
Once you submit the form, I’ll review your details and reach out with any quick follow-up questions. From there, we’ll schedule a short call to get to know each other, talk through your project, and make sure it’s a good fit. It’s a relaxed chat — no pressure, just a chance to see what you’re trying to accomplish and how I can help.
How do you handle feedback and revisions during a project?
I use a simple visual feedback tool that lets you leave comments right on the design — like digital sticky notes. It keeps everything organized and easy to track. We also do weekly check-ins to review progress and make sure we’re always on the same page.
Who will I be working with — is it just you or a team?
You’ll work directly with me from start to finish. OGAL Web Design is my small business here in Virginia — how I support my family — so every project gets my full attention. I don’t outsource work overseas or hand things off to strangers. Everything’s done in-house, by me.
How much should I budget for a new website?
Until I know exactly what we’re building it’s hard to answer. Our project minimum is $3,500, and our average project in 2024 was $8,750. Simple brochure sites land on the lower end, while sites with more pages, strategy, or custom functionality cost more. You’ll always get a clear quote before we start — no surprises.
Do you charge hourly or offer fixed-price projects?
I quote every project at a fixed price based on your goals and scope. That way you know exactly what you’re paying before we start, and you’re never watching the clock.
When are payments due during the project?
Projects are split into two payments — 50% to get started and 50% when the site launches. Larger projects can be broken into milestones if needed, but I like to keep it simple.
What makes one project cost more than another?
Cost mostly comes down to scope and complexity — things like the number of pages, special features, integrations, and how much content needs to be created or migrated. My goal is always to make sure you’re investing in what actually moves the needle, not fluff.
Can I start small and add features later?
Absolutely. I often build sites in phases — start with the essentials, then layer on new features as your business grows. It keeps the upfront cost manageable and lets you see real results sooner.
What’s included in your website management plan?
My management plan covers everything your site needs to stay healthy — hosting, plugin and theme updates, backups, uptime monitoring, security, and quick fixes for small content changes. Basically, I handle all the behind-the-scenes stuff so you don’t have to.
Do you handle backups, updates, and security for me?
Yes — that’s the heart of my management plan. Your site is backed up regularly, updates are tested before going live, and I keep an eye on security and uptime so everything keeps running smoothly.
What if I need small changes after launch?
That’s included. Need to swap a photo, update text, or add a new team member? Just send me a note and I’ll take care of it. Bigger changes or new features can be quoted separately if they go beyond routine maintenance.
How do I know my site will stay online and up to date?
I monitor your site 24/7 for uptime and errors, and I get alerts if anything goes wrong. Updates, licenses, and backups are handled on a schedule — and you’ll always know your site’s in good shape.
Can you take over maintenance from my previous developer?
Absolutely. I regularly “re-home” websites that need better ongoing care. I’ll review your current setup, fix any lingering issues, and then get your site onto my management plan so it’s stable and protected moving forward.
Is hosting included in your website management plan?
Yes — hosting is included for all sites on my management plan. I use fast, reliable servers optimized for WordPress, so you don’t have to mess with hosting accounts or support tickets. If you already have a great host, we can review it together and decide what makes the most sense.
How do you make sure the website loads quickly?
Performance is built in from day one. I use lightweight themes, optimized images, clean code, and modern caching so your site feels fast everywhere — not just on a speed test.
What are Core Web Vitals and do you optimize for them?
Core Web Vitals are Google’s measurements for how fast and stable a page feels. I design and build with those metrics in mind — keeping layouts steady, pages light, and interactions smooth — so your site scores well and feels great to use.
Do you include basic SEO setup when you launch a site?
Yes. Every site goes live with proper metadata, clean URLs, redirects, and schema so search engines can understand your content. SEO is considered with every decision and feature.
Will my site keep its Google rankings after the rebuild?
That’s always the goal. I map and redirect old URLs, preserve content structure, and test everything before launch so you keep your search visibility — and often see improvements once the new site goes live.
Do you install analytics or tracking tools for me?
Yes — every care plan includes Fathom Analytics for simple, privacy-friendly tracking. If you prefer Google Analytics or another platform, I can set that up too.
Do you write the copy or should I provide it?
If you want to get the most out of your website, I highly encourage hiring a copywriter that will work with you to present your copy in the most effective way possible. Copy is one of the most important parts of a website, so I don’t advise clients to write their own copy unless they have extensive SEO, copywriting, and semantic HTML knowledge.
Can you help organize my content so the site’s easier to navigate?
Absolutely. I’ll help map your pages and structure content so visitors can find what they need quickly — it’s a big part of the strategy phase.
Do you offer photography or can I use stock images?
If you’ve got great photos or can afford to hire a photographer, that always turns out best. If not, I’ll help pick stock images that actually look like you and not generic “business handshake” stuff.
How do I make sure my content fits the design?
This is another reason hiring a professional copywriter is always going to be the best move. Copywriters understand how to format copy to align with how people read websites (which is much different from how they read a book!).
Will my website meet accessibility (WCAG) standards?
I follow WCAG best practices on every build — things like proper heading structure, color contrast, and keyboard navigation. Accessibility isn’t an add-on; it’s part of how I design and develop. If you need certification, I can connect you with an accessibility expert to help make sure you website conforms to WCAG standards.
Do accessibility features affect how the design looks?
Good accessibility and good design go hand-in-hand. In most cases, the changes that make a site accessible also make it cleaner and easier to use for everyone.
Can you audit my current site for accessibility issues?
Definitely. I can run a full accessibility audit and give you a clear list of what needs fixing, how to fix it, and what should be prioritized first.
How do you handle privacy policies and cookie consent?
I partner with Termageddon, which automatically keeps your privacy policies and cookie consent tools compliant with changing laws. You don’t have to worry about chasing new regulations yourself.
Who owns my website once it’s finished?
You do — 100%. Once the final payment is made, everything I create for your project belongs to you. You’ll have full admin access, files, and licenses (except for any third-party tools that require their own subscriptions).
Do you work with agencies or just direct clients?
Both. Most of my projects are direct-to-business, but I also collaborate with agencies that need a reliable developer behind the scenes. Either way, you still get me — not some mystery freelancer.
Can you fix or finish a site another developer started?
Yes, as long as the site’s in a condition that can be safely taken over. I’ll review what’s there, let you know what’s working (and what isn’t), and outline what it’ll take to get things back on track.
Do you work with clients outside Virginia or the U.S.?
Absolutely. Most of my work is remote, so location doesn’t matter. I’ve built sites for clients across the U.S. and beyond — everything runs smoothly over Zoom and email.
What happens if I want to move my site to another host or developer?
No problem at all. I’ll help you export your files, database, and DNS settings so the transition is clean. My goal is to make things easy — even if you decide to move on.
Do you provide email accounts with my website?
I don’t host or manage custom email addresses (like info@yourdomain.com), but I do set up transactional email — the automated messages your website sends, like form submissions or password resets. If you need business email, I can point you toward reliable options like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
