(we answer your questions)
Not Your Typical FAQ Page
We talk about your real concerns and provide answers to questions you genuinely want to know.
We know what you’re thinking. Another boring FAQ page. One where they only answer the frequently asked questions that benefit the agency. e.g., “How can I work with you?” and “What was your favorite web design project?”
We like to do things differently. Our FAQ page isn’t your typical FAQ page. This FAQ is the type of FAQ where we discuss the REAL concerns you have. You’ll be able to find answers to questions that you genuinely want to know.
(frequently asked questions)
Web Design Questions
How much do you charge for a website?
Our website packages usually range from $4,500 – $9,000. However, it really depends on what kind of website you need. A simple landing page costs about $1500, while a large business website with all the options can run $25,000 or more. We published a guide on how much it costs for a website to give you an idea of the different options available. You can also learn what your website or online store will cost by using our interactive website cost estimator.
Why do you cost more than website builders?
The process we use to build your website takes a certain amount of time and a lot of planning and research. Unlike other agencies, we DON’T use templates. We build your website from scratch, which means you get a unique design tailored to your business.
Buying a website from us should not just simply be seen as a business expense as your website is a sales tool that should earn you money. Therefore, you should treat it like any other business investment.
Why are you cheaper than other agencies?
Yep. We’ve also been asked that question as well. We’re typically cheaper than larger agencies because…
- We work remotely, so you don’t pay for a fancy office, designer water, or foosball tables.
- Our small team takes on a limited number of clients each year. All of us are focused on web design and related tasks. We manage our projects and answer our emails. This helps us avoid unnecessary administrative costs.
How long does it take to build a website?
It takes approximately 6-10 weeks to build a website from start to finish, provided we have all your information. Our full web design process is broken down here. Generally speaking, the website will only take a long time if we still await your text and images.
How do we communicate throughout the website build?
Before we begin working together, we’ll usually have an initial chat on the phone or via Zoom to discuss the project. Once we get started, most of the communication will take place over email. This makes the process a lot easier as we’ll have all of the information saved and can come back to it later. Once we’ve finished the project, we will book your one-hour WordPress training session.
What will you need from me?
It really depends on what type of website or online store you want. We’ll be able to discuss this on our discovery call before we start working together. Depending on which package we agree on, we may need…
- Your logo
- Any images and graphics you want to include on your website
- Content for the website, e.g., text, PDFs, etc.
- Product images and descriptions
- Any videos you would like to add to your website
- Login details to your existing website
- Access to your email marketing and social media platforms
Some of this might already be on the existing website, in which case it can be transferred over to the new site.
What if I don't like the website?
We start our web design process by designing an initial version of your new site on our staging server. The initial design is usually limited to the home page and a few subpages. This is your opportunity to review the design on several devices and screen sizes and give us feedback.
Based on your feedback we will either modify the existing layout or create a completely new design. If you are still unhappy with the design, we will go back to the discovery and strategy phase to see what we missed. If you don’t want to continue working with us, you pay us for the work we did, and we part as friends.
What if I don’t want to manage the website at all. Can you do it all for me?
Yes, we offer complete website support and maintenance services. We can arrange a maintenance package to suit your needs. This can range from 1hr per month to 10+ hours per month and we can discuss a package that’s right for you.
Can I update the website myself once it's been built?
Yes. We want our clients to be able to update their websites themselves. We use the WordPress CMS and provide you with training and tools so you can add, edit, and delete content without paying us to do it for you.
I want to have an email signup form on my website. How can we do this?
When we design your website, we’ll build in all the features you want, including an email sign-up form. As we design all our websites from scratch, we’ll make sure it fits in with your website style and branding. You will need an email marketing platform such as Aweber, Mailchimp, or Sendinblue. As you’re collecting customers’ private data it’s best to invest in a secure and reliable third-party service, such as these. We can set this up for you, however, some of these services do charge as well. For example, Aweber charges approximately $16.25 per month for an annual subscription.
How many pages are included with my website?
You can have as many pages as you like on your website; that all depends on your business objectives. We will usually design 3 different page layouts, i.e. a homepage, a subpage, and a contact page. Some websites will also have a service page and a blog page.
In addition to the above, e-commerce sites include a product page, a shop page, and shopping cart and checkout pages. You can then use whichever layout you want for each new page you want to add.
Will you write the content for me?
Yes, we can help you with content creation and editing. Our team of creative storytellers uses digital tools to create optimized content, including website content, blog posts, product descriptions, white papers, and other marketing-related content.
In addition, our professional editors can edit and proofread any content provided by you.
Can you help me buy stock images?
Yes. We can either purchase images for you or help you select images from stock image sites like iStock Photo, Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Depositphotos. You can then buy your images so that you own the license instead of us.
If you are budget conscious you may want to check out free stock photo sites such as Pexels, Unsplash, and StockSnap.
How will you build my website?
We build your website from scratch using a number of professional tools. We use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create and optimize the visual aspects of the design. The actual website design and development is done using the WordPress platform. We also use code editors to modify your website code and functionality.
Here is a complete breakdown of our entire web design process.
I don't want WordPress. Can I choose anther CMS?
No. We only use the WordPress CMS to build websites. WordPress is a platform that makes it easy for our clients to update themselves, it’s search engine friendly, and it’s easy to integrate with third-party functionality. Here are some additional details of why we recommend WordPress for your business website.
I already have a website. How easy is it to change it?
If you already have a website it will not be affected while we build your new site. We build your new website on our staging server while your current website is still live.
Once we are ready to go live and you are happy with the new site we can then swap the old site for the new one. It can take as little as 15 minutes for the new website to be visible. This means you’ll barely even notice a dip in your traffic numbers.
Will my website be mobile-friendly?
Yes. Your website will be fully responsive and will look great on all devices. We don’t charge extra for this. It comes as standard.
Do I really need a website?
No, technically you don’t. If you have more customers than you can handle and don’t want any more leads then you might not need a website.
However, if you want to expand the business, get more leads, or become the go-to person in your space, then you should have a website. Here are a few more reasons why you need a website.
My new business idea will be huge, maybe the next Amazon! Can you help me build it?
No. While PixoLabo was founded in Seattle just like Amazon, we are not Jeff Bezos. We don’t have billions of dollars or our own spaceship. This means we simply don’t have the resources to build the next Amazon for you.
Websites like Amazon, Facebook, and YouTube are not like standard websites. They require hundreds or thousands of hours of work just to get the website launched. Not to mention that you’ll need a team of developers on hand 24 hours a day to keep the website running smoothly.
(frequently asked questions)
E-Commerce Questions
Do you build e-commerce sites?
Yes, we use a combination of WordPress and WooCommerce to build online stores. This combination gives us the ability to design and develop custom e-commerce sites that meet even the most demanding business requirements and consumer expectations.
What does an e-commerce site cost?
That depends on the number of products you intend to sell and the basic functionality you require. A simple online store can cost as little as $4,500, and large e-commerce sites with hundreds and even thousands of products and product configurations can cost well over $50,000.
What e-commerce platform do you use?
We specialize in WooCommerce stores. This platform integrates seamlessly with WordPress since the same company owns both. This makes it easy for shop owners to manage their online stores and update their products. WooCommerce is compatible with every major online payment processor and integrates with hundreds of third-party tools and applications.
Will my online store be secure and protected from hackers?
Yes. We include basic security features in every e-commerce site we build. On request, we can also develop a package including advanced security options such as two-factor authentication (2FA).
Can you help me set up my online store?
Yes. We add the initial set of products to your new store, configure shopping carts and payment gateways, and provide you with initial training to familiarize you with your online store, how to manage your products, and how to track your orders.
We can also manage your store for you so that you can focus on running your business.
Can you host my online store?
Yes. We offer secure high-performance hosting options specifically for WooCommerce stores. Hosting packages include SSL Certificates, regular backups and updates, enhanced security features, and website optimization.
What kind of products can I sell online?
That is pretty much up to you and your business. Many of our clients sell physical products ranging from jewelry and décor items to clothing, furniture, and even food and beverages.
You can also sell downloadable and virtual products, such as e-books and videos, and even online training, subscriptions, and memberships. Pretty much the only limit is your imagination.
How many products can I add?
As many as you want. Some of our clients only sell a single product; others have large online stores with hundreds of items.
I want to sell product subscriptions. Can you do that?
Yes. We can help you establish a subscription model for your products, including recurring billing.
Can buyers download products from my online store?
Yes. Once you receive payment, you can allow buyers to download virtual products such as e-books, podcasts, PDFs, and videos from your e-commerce site.
Can you help me accept online payments?
Yes. All our e-commerce design packages include setting up an online payment processing service such as Stripe, Square, or PayPal. This will allow you to accept credit card payments from all major credit card companies.
We can also help you accept payments from payment providers including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and AliPay. Please note that not all payment providers are available in every country or region.
Can you help me with my sales tax configuration?
No. Sales tax can be a complicated issue, and we are not tax professionals. We can install tools to help you simplify sales tax collection on your e-commerce site. But for specific requirements based on your location, we recommend you consult with your accountant or tax advisor.
I want to sell to both retail and wholesale clients. Can you help with that?
Yes. We can help you set up both retail and wholesale user options and pricing.
I am not very tech-savvy. Can you help me manage my online store?
Yes. We offer complete e-commerce maintenance and support packages. We can also create a package suited to your specific requirements.
Can you help me market and promote my online store?
No. We are a web design agency, not a digital marketing agency. We can connect your online store to your social media profiles and help you collect emails for your email marketing. But for anything else, we recommend you reach out to a digital marketing agency. If you don’t have one, we are happy to recommend one for you.
(frequently asked questions)
Hosting + Domain Questions
Do I need hosting?
Yes. Hosting is like renting space on the internet. You’ll need to buy hosting; otherwise, people won’t be able to access your website.
How much does hosting cost?
That depends on what type of hosting you select. Here are some different hosting options you may want to consider. We recommend that you avoid low-cost hosting options. Expect to spend around $150 or more per year to host your site. You can expect some basic options, decent website performance and security, and regular backups for that amount.
Our website maintenance packages include hosting and provide several options for regular theme and plugin updates, daily backups, and website updates.
Who hosts the website?
We can manage your hosting, so you don’t need to do anything. We use the same hosting company for our own website and ALL our clients. Each website is managed individually to avoid any security issues. Every website we build has unlimited bandwidth, 20GB of disk space, 2GB RAM, and 99.9% uptime. If you’re interested, the company we use is Cloudways.
Alternatively, you can host the website elsewhere and manage it yourself. It’s entirely up to you. We recommend Cloudways for WordPress and WooCommerce hosting.
Can you buy my domain for me?
Yes. We can purchase your domain and bill you for the cost. Domain ownership is like leasing a car; you get to use it for a certain amount, ranging from one to ten years. We recommend purchasing a domain for at least two years; otherwise, search engines will not index it.
If the domain name you have in mind is unavailable or you don’t have a domain name, we can help you choose a domain for your new website. You can also purchase your domain yourself on a domain registry; we recommend GoDaddy.
Who will own the domain?
You will own the domain. We will register the domain in your name and address and it belongs to you. This means you have ultimate control over it. It also means that you will be responsible for renewing your domain after two, five, or ten years.
Can you set up my email for me?
Yes. We can set up and configure your email through Google Workspace (formerly G Suite for Business.) This gives you a branded email (my****@my********.com) and several additional business and collaboration tools.
Please note that Google Workspace charges a monthly fee starting at $6.00 per month per basic user.
Will you help to keep my website updated?
Yes. Our hosting and maintenance plans all include regular WordPress themes, plugins, and database updates. We also offer plans including website content and e-commerce product updates.
Will you install an SSL Certificate on my site?
Yes. We install Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificates on every website we host. You don’t have to pay extra, this is included. If you want to use your own hosting provider, you will need to check if they offer the same service. Most providers do.
If you require, we can also install other types of SSL Certificates, and bill you accordingly.
Can you help me with page speed optimization?
Yes. Page speed optimization is essential to meet the requirements of Google’s Core Web Vitals. All our website and e-commerce projects include basic page speed optimization and receive performance scores above 90%.
Should you require we also offer additional page speed and WordPress optimization services.
(frequently asked questions)
SEO Questions
Do you do SEO for my website when you build it?
Yes. All our website and e-commerce projects include basic on-page and on-site SEO. We follow all current Google webmaster guidelines regarding the site and page structure and information architecture.
If you provide us with keywords for your content, we will use them in the SEO page titles and meta descriptions. We will also create your sitemap and submit your site to search engines.
How much does SEO cost?
It can vary dramatically. Our monthly SEO packages start at $275 per month. This is generally a starter plan for a local business with a moderate amount of competition.
Some of our other clients pay over $1000 per month for our SEO services. It really depends on how much work will be required and how much competition you have in your industry.
How do I know if the SEO is working?
We track your rankings using Google Analytics and RankMath. We get regular updates and we’ll be able to see what’s working and what isn’t. We’ll send you a monthly or quarterly report so you can see your traffic numbers and rankings.
How long will it take to get on the first page of Google?
This question has no clear answer, as search engines constantly change their requirements. We have had clients get to the first page for their main keywords within 2 days of launching, and we’ve had websites take 6 to 12 months for Google to show them on the first page.
However, there is no guarantee you will ever get to the first page of Google for your main keywords, some of your competitors might have substantial marketing budgets or have been there for years.
Please note that we cannot guarantee specific SEO results nor be held accountable for any business loss due to reduced search positions.
How long do I have to keep doing SEO?
SEO is usually an ongoing commitment and will require continuous work. Depending on your business and competition, it may take longer to show an increase in search rankings and traffic.
Stopping search engine optimization will result in a decrease in search rankings and traffic. This decline will be gradual at first but will increase over time. Therefore, we recommend you perform at least some SEO duties every month.
We recommend pay-per-click advertising if you are looking for immediate or short-term results.
What are the different types of SEO?
Generally, search engine optimization is divided into the following types of SEO:
On-page SEO – optimizing pages to improve a website’s search engine rankings and earn organic traffic. In addition to publishing relevant, high-quality content, on-page SEO includes optimizing your headlines, HTML tags (title, meta, and header), and images.
On-site SEO –what you do to your website to make it easy for the search engines to find.
Off-site SEO – actions taken outside of your website to impact your rankings within search engine results pages (SERPs), including linking to or promoting your website and effectively “vouching” for the quality of your content.
Local SEO – a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps your business be more visible in local search results on Google.
Can I do my own SEO?
Yes, technically you can. But we advise against it. SEO requires a certain amount of training and experience to achieve measurable long-term results. It also requires a significant amount of time, which most business owners do not have. If you want to do your own SEO here are some SEO tools that will help.
(frequently asked questions)
General Questions
Do you work with everyone?
No. We only work with business owners who we can TRULY help. We’re not the type of company that works with anyone and everyone just to make money. We need to be confident that we are the right fit for one another. This is why we have a free discovery session at the start of the process.
What kind of business or company do you work with?
We specialize in custom WordPress web design focused on consumer goods, retail, hospitality, medical, technology, and professional services. Our team works with both the B2C and B2B segments, as well as non-profit and educational organizations.
Do you only serve clients in specific areas or countries?
No. Although our headquarters is in Japan, with a technical support office in Seattle and representatives in Canada and Germany, we serve clients and business owners all over the US, Canada, Europe, and SE Asia. Our business type means we can work with any business anywhere.
We believe that remote work is the best solution for both ourselves and our global clients. The digital age has made business simpler because by leveraging the latest technologies, costs can be cut, but quality doesn’t need to suffer.
Will you meet with me face to face?
No. All of our client meetings are done over Google Meet or Zoom. It’s rare that we NEED to meet people face to face. Technology allows us to do so much in a small space of time so we don’t believe face-to-face meetings are necessary.
We are always happy to meet you in person if you really need us to but we’ll arrange a consultation and expense fee for travel and possible accommodation depending on the distance and time required.
Do you offer a payment schedule?
Yes. We split the payment into several parts, depending on the scope of your project. We require a deposit to start work on your project, and progress payments at the completion of key stages of your project. This will be outlined in your project estimate and proposal.
Projects costing less than $1000 need to be repaid in full. We also reserve the right to bill you for work completed to date or the entire project balance if your project falls behind because we are waiting for feedback or content from you.
Can I make the final payment when the site is ready to go live?
Yes. Your final payment is due when the project is completed and has been approved by you. We require final payment before we launch your website unless we agree to different terms at the beginning of your project.
I have a few initial questions. Do you offer consultations?
Yes. All our projects include a free consultation via Zoom or Google Meet. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, explain how we can help, and see where we go from there.
Do you provide written estimates and contracts?
Yes. At the beginning of every project, we will ask you questions related to your website or e-commerce requirements. Based on the answers you provide and the scope of the project we will either offer you a detailed written proposal or a quick written estimate. You get to review our proposals and request changes, and upon approval, we will provide you with a written contract outlining what both parties agree to.
How do you accept payment?
We issue payments through our online invoicing and payment system, and you can pay via credit card directly from the invoice. Please note that online payments incur a fee charged by our payment processor.
Depending on your location we also accept payment via bank transfer.
Do you set up my social media pages?
Typically we don’t. Social media is not a part of the web design process. However, we are always looking for ways to make your life easier. If you’d like us to do this for you, we can arrange a package that suits you.
Can you help me with digital marketing?
No. We are a web design agency, not a digital marketing agency. But we do try to help as much as possible. If you do not have a digital marketing agency in mind, we will help you find one.
Do you do blogging for your clients?
Usually, we don’t. We are not a content marketing agency. While we write posts for our blog, we may not be the best fit to tell your story or write your posts.
However, we would be happy to discuss other options, such as potentially writing a few guest posts for you.