Thank you for your consideration.
Working with a web or graphic designer for the first time often prompts a few questions. How successful will she be in interpreting your needs? How long will the process take? Take a minute to review the FAQ’s. If you have a question which is not answered here, send me a note from the Contact Page and I will try to answer it as soon as possible.
Downloads
What is WordPress CMS?
WordPress CMS (Content Management System) is the largest, self-hosted, website and blogging tool in the world and is used on hundreds of thousands of sites across the globe. It uses a simple, intuitive interface to help people maintain web sites themselves.
Once the WordPress CMS framework is set up, all you need is a web browser and an internet connection to update your web site. No additional software is needed. If you have ever used Microsoft Word, you will find the WordPress CMS editing interface reassuringly familiar.
WordPress CMS helps businesses take advantage of the best ways to be heard on the web: blogs, email marketing, forums, calendars, e-commerce and more. When you publish fresh content, it addresses your customer's information needs and search engines love it.
I thought WordPress was just for blogs. How is it a CMS?
If you've avoided looking into WordPress CMS as a solution for your own web site needs because you think it's only a blogging platform (and you don't want a blog) it's time to rethink your position. The self-hosted WordPress version is a dynamic Content Management System (CMS) that is flexible and scalable enough to run an entire web site—with or without a blog. A CMS lets you maintain your site with little or no knowledge of HTML code. WordPress CMS is a robust, yet highly intuitive web site solution. MtnWebs in Hendersonville sets up the framework customized to your needs, then you are able to log-in and update your content without ever having to touch the code. This translates into a huge cost savings for small business owners. The site you are viewing right now was designed using WordPress CMS and shows you some of the functions that can be incorporated.
Why use WordPress CMS over other options?
It's fast and easy to use. It's extendable if your business website needs room to expand. You can create job boards, forums, galleries, FAQ's, contact forms—you can build just about anything with WordPress CMS.
What is a WordPress CMS theme?
A theme is a collection of files that work together to produce the functionality and graphical display for a WordPress site. In other words, it makes your site work and look the way it does.
What do I need to use a theme?
You need a domain name; web hosting that includes PHP 5x, MySQL 4.0 or greater and an Apache server; an installed copy of the current version of WordPress and a basic knowledge of WordPress.
How much does it cost?
One thing is certain, not one single project is the same. We offer a starter web package, but we must provide a detailed estimate for all other web, logo and print projects. This estimate is based on what you communicate to us about your project, what you need, how much content your are expecting to have, graphic/logo design, complexity of design of a printed piece, etc.
Are your themes compatible with WordPress plugins and widgets?
All of our themes are developed according to the guidelines published by WordPress.org and should be compatible with most plugins and widgets. However, there are currently over 4,000 plugins available and not all them have been coded to the same standard. So, we cannot guarantee that a badly behaving plugin won't cause a problem. We do not code themes for browsers older than the current release or those still in Beta testing.
Where can I find information and tutorials on WordPress?
WordPress.tv is an incredible resource for all things WordPress. The official WordPress web site is WordPress.org.
What's your phone number? Can I talk to you on the phone?
The studio phone # is (828) 393-0590. Due to the volume of calls coming in while I'm designing and the different schedules that clients are on, email is always the best way to contact me: stacy@mtnwebs.com. This also enables me to have a record of your requests and updates. You can also IM me at stacyvh on Skype. I'm logged in regularly throughout the day.
I want to set up a meeting in person to discuss my project.
I'm happy to schedule a meeting at my home office. Just call or email and we can set up a consultation. We are conveniently located in Hendersonville off Hwy.
We have a committee working on our project. Will you participate in a meeting or web conference with everyone and discuss our marketing strategy?
I work with one person who is the spokesperson for your committee and represents the decisions you have already made.
Do you handle domain registration and hosting?
Yes, we handle both and charge our hourly fee for set-up. GoDaddy is our preferred hosting provider. The majority of my client's web sites are hosted on GoDaddy.com because they offer very competitive prices and excellent customer service. Visit GoDaddy.com for further information on domains and hosting.
Web Site Project Sign Off
Once a client recieves the notification that their project is nearing completion—minor updates and changes to existing web sites can be made for up to (3) days prior to completion of the site. Please get back to us (via email) as soon as possible with any questions or minor modifications you may need. This also includes problems you may encounter with your site (i.e. something not working or an element not displaying correctly). Any requests for updates, changes, modifications and/or revisions after the 3 day period will be billed at the normal rate of $75/hr.
What is included in your WordPress site packages? What is not included?
Included: Installation of the latest version of WordPress to use as a CMS, creation of a database, installation of theme, configuration of pages and menu, installation and set-up of a selection of plugins that suit your needs, basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO), configure spam protection, daily back-up and all rights of the web site belong to you! What is not included: domain name purchase, hosting, logos, text, stock photos or illustrations.
Do you integrate social media?
We LOVE social media! (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) MtnWebs can help you on your way to social media success by helping you integrate your social media networking on your web site—just let us know if this is something you are interested in.
What search engines do you submit my web site to?
We submit (or check to see if it's already on) Google, DMOZ, Yahoo Search, AltaVista, What U Seek, HotBot, Lycos, Bing, MSN.com, Ask.com and a few others that feed to hundreds of other partner sites. It may take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months for your site to be listed on the partner sites. It all depends on that search engine's back-log of urls to review. We also sign up clients for Google Analytics and submit them to Stumble Upon, Tweet them and mention them on Facebook.
Promotional Use
We reserve the right to use project details and visuals for promotional material, our portfolio and project case studies for training or promotional reasons.
Data Back-up
Client assumes all responsibility for their files and themes. While we do our best to try to keep a back up copy of your files, it is your responsibility to back up your files and themes in case of an emergency.
What kind of a name is Vanden Heuvel?
It's Dutch. Loosely translated means "from the hill".
How long does it take to create my new web site?
We target for a turn-around time of 30-45 days depending on the complexity of your needs. However, understand this is an estimated time frame.
We process our orders on a first-come-first serve basis—we do not accept rush orders. Our estimated turnaround time may fluctuate and change depending on the amount of client projects we currently have in our queue. When you click "Accept" on the estimate and provide the non-refundable deposit (half of estimate), then your project is placed in the queue.
Why can't I get my project earlier than your time frame?
We process orders on a first-come-first-serve basis. Our estimated turnaround time may change depending on the amount of client projects we have in our queue. Our turnaround time is not always a reflection on how long it takes to create and design your project, rather a reflection on the amount of active projects we currently have in our queue. When you click "Accept" on the estimate and remit the deposit, you project gets accepted and placed into our queue for completion.
Do you do print design? Eco-friendly printing?
We do limited print design such as custom business cards, rack cards, brochures, letterhead, etc., for existing web design clients. Printing is done on recycled/recyclable paper with soy ink, if possible.
Who owns the rights to logos, print work or web sites you design after they are complete?
You do:)
What formats will my logo be available in?
.eps, .jpg, .gif, .png and .bmp
Are stock photos or illustrations included in the web site or print design?
No, however I can find almost any image you require at a very affordable price. If you have your own images to use, please send only those that you want to include (no extras)and materials submitted for the website must be the sole property of your company—that no other entity has rights of any kind to the submitted materials. Use on any non-licensed imagery is the sole responsibility of the client. Clients who provide images to us for use in their project assume risk of liability for use of those images. When in doubt, contact the original artist of the image for permission before providing it for us to use in your deisgn.
Will you tweak my existing theme or template?
Yes, we often get requests to tweak and existing WordPress theme. This could mean creating a custom header graphic or logo, adding a different feature to an existing site or changing a color.
WordPress Theme Reuse
You are welcome to use the themes you purchase to learn from and create additional themes on your site only. Reusing our themes for others is discouraged. Our templates are not available for you to reuse for profit in any way.
You designed my web site for me a month ago, I added some things to it and now it is not working. Will you come fix it for me?
We are available to provide design repairs, yes. However, if your project is more than 3 days past the final sign off, any additions or repairs after the fact will incur additional fees. We ALWAYS recommend keeping a back up copy of your information on your computer. Also, we install software that automatically backs-up your data daily.
Will you teach me how to blog and answer all my questions on how to use WordPress, or my platform of choice?
At the beginning of a project, we are happy to answer all of your questions about your individual project. Additionally, e-mail consultation for established client projects, is provided free of charge—Up to three hours total general orientation and design consultation is included in the initial quote.
Additional education and consultation is billed at our hourly rate. We are very happy to point you in the direction of useful resources in order for you to read and learn about the technology. We do not provide ongoing training or endless support. We often post videos, links and manuals on our web site for reference. We may offer group educational events in the future.
What software do you use?
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for images and logo design work. Adobe InDesign or Illustrator for print design. Adobe Dreamweaver for static (HTML) updates. WordPress for Content Management Systems (CMS) web site design and maintenance. Sometimes miscellaneous smaller programs to help with SEO, etc.
When are invoices due?
Invoices are sent at the completion of a project and the balance is due within 21 days.
How do I start a project?
Just click the "Accept" button on your estimate and send a non-refundable deposit for 1/2 the estimate.
What are your Terms of Service?
They are posted for upload at the top of this page and available under the documents tab when you log in to view and estimate or invoice. It contains some very useful information. Reading and understanding our Terms of Service can go a long way to avoid common s down the road.
Do you provide written design estimates?
Yes, we provide written estimates by email. By accepting this estimate you are agreeing to our Terms of Service, available for download on this site or under the Documents Tab when you log in to our invoicing system. A non-refundable deposit of 1/2 estimate due before start of project. Balance due upon completion.
Will you do the design work first, then we'll decide if we like it and want to pay for it?
Occasionally, a prospective client will give us their specifications and ask us to design some rough work for them first (with no deposit or contract). They want to view it and decide if they like it. If they like it, they'll pay us for it; if not, we won't get paid. This concept is referred to as "spec work" and MtnWebs does not provide spec work, under any circumstances. If you want to see samples of our work, please view the portfolio on the web site.
Will you do my site for free, for charity or for a link?
Ummmm...No. MtnWebs has local charities that we support with design assistance.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check and PayPal via your online invoice.
What happens if I don't or can't pay?
I will try my best to exhaust all options in the scenerio—however, after 45 days of a past due invoice, your statements will be turned over to a collections agency or small claims court.
