Website Design & Marketing FAQs

Website Basics

What is a website?

A website is a collection of documents (web pages) that are accessible on the same domain/URL (amazon.com or wikipedia.com, for example).

The web pages are located on a web host, that serves the pages to viewers when they request them. These web pages contain information, also referred to as content, such as text, images, and videos. Visitors can go from one page to another by clicking on links.

What is web hosting?

A web host is (usually) a company that provides the service of hosting websites. Websites are hosted on servers, or computers, that send formatted information to you when you request a web page.

What is the website design process?

A website is created through a process of planning, design, development, and deployment. The first step is to determine the purpose of the site and the target audience. Once that is established, the site can be designed with those goals in mind. The next step is to develop the site, which involves creating the content and coding the pages. Finally, the site is deployed onto a server so that it can be accessed by everyone. This process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the site, but these are the general steps involved in creating a website.

How long does it take to design a website?

The amount of time it takes to design a website can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. For a simple site, the entire process may only take a few weeks. However, for a more complex site, it can take several months to complete.

What coding languages are used to make websites?

The most common markup and coding languages are HTML, Javascript, and CSS. HTML is used to structure the content of a web page, while Javascript is used to add interactivity, such as responsive menus and form validation. CSS is used to style the appearance of a website, including its layout, colors, and fonts. In addition, websites often rely on SQL databases to store information, such as user data and product listings. Python is another popular language that is often used for web development. It is particularly well-suited for creating dynamic and interactive web applications.

What software is used to make my website?

A text editor like Atom or Sublime Text can be used to write HTML, CSS, and JS code, which can then be uploaded to a web server. Alternatively, an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Dreamweaver or Adobe brackets can be used to create and edit web pages directly on the server. There are drag & drop website builders like WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, and Hubspot CMS that allow users to create websites without any coding knowledge.

What is a CMS?

A content management system (CMS) is a software application that helps users create, edit, and manage digital content. CMSs are often used to power websites and blogs, but they can also be used to manage other types of digital content, such as videos, images, and documents. One of the most popular CMSs is WordPress, which powers millions of websites and blogs around the world. HubSpot is another popular CMS that helps users manage their website content, social media accounts, and email marketing campaigns.

What’s the difference between a webpage, landing page, and blog post?

A webpage is any page on a website that can be accessed by clicking on a link. A landing page is a webpage that is designed to encourage visitors to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. A blog post is an article or piece of writing that is published on a blog (short for web log). Blog posts are often medium to long-form informative text addressing a specific topic.

How do I make sure my website data is secure?

Any website that collects user data must take security seriously. Protect your data using SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption. This ensures that all data transmitted between the user and the website is securely encrypted and difficult for hackers to intercept.

How often should I redesign my website?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You may need to redesign your website more or less often depending on your industry, the age of your website, and other factors.

How much does it cost to redesign my website?

The cost of redesigning a website can vary widely depending on the scope of the project. By taking the time to plan your scope, pages, and functionality, you can create a budget that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your goals and budget before submitting an RFP (request for proposal) to a web design agency.