How It Works
It's easy. You do some basic preparation using our easy-to-follow steps as a guide. Then book a 3-hour session with us. You actually sit down with a designer in our studio. Together we'll design a basic brochure-style website customized to your brand and image, incorporating your ideas and feedback at every step. Your site will launch the next business day!
How is this possible?
All of our code "under the hood" is pre-built. That means we know it works in all the major web browsers out there, complies with industry standards, and is search-engine friendly. We just add in your content, custom design, color scheme, and we're done.
Do you use templates?
Nope. We know it's important for your website to capture your unique brand identity, so we're morally opposed to cheesy, cookie-cutter templates. We do start with some basic design elements, then completely customize the design according to your feedback. You get to play art director, telling us exactly what you do and don't like, and we'll revise your design while you watch. If you're like most of our clients, you'll actually find this process kind of fun!
What if I don't like it?
First off, we're going to try really hard to make you happy. We're overachievers like that. If, despite our best efforts, it doesn't work out, we'll just keep your initial deposit of $150 and you can be on your way. No hard feelings!
We've had clients come to us AFTER wasting months and thousands of dollars on a site they don't like! Look at it this way-if you don't like ours, at least you haven't invested all that much time or money in it.
Who does the site updates?
You do. During our session, we have you add your own text to the website using an extraordinarily easy-to-use content management system (with our help, of course). We also give you documentation to take home, and tech support in case you need help.
What content management system do you use?
We build all 3 Hour Websites using Drupal, an open-source content management system (CMS). We think it's awesome because there are no licensing fees, we can easily add onto your site as your business grows, and it's really user-friendly—even for our least tech-savvy customers.
There's also a huge community of Drupal developers out there, meaning you're not forced to work with us. (We're pretty sure you'll LIKE working with us, but if not, you have alternatives.)
I'm also going need a blog (or a logo, or image gallery, or an e-newsletter, or e-commerce, etc. etc. etc.)
Great, we'd be happy to give you a quote for any additional design or development services beyond the basic website. Just tell us what you need!
What about my domain name?
If you already have registered a domain name, great! You're one step ahead. If not, don't worry about it. We'll help you get a domain name when you come in.
Do I get any email addresses?
We can set up Gmail to work with your domain name, so you'll get to take advantage of all Gmail's great features and spam protection, and still look professional by sending and receiving email from your domain name. You can set up as many email addresses as you want—just let us know what you need.
What about web hosting?
We set you up with our hosting service (starting at $29/month) which includes tech support by phone or email. If you run into any questions or problems, you can just call us up. Yes, you will get to talk to a real human being. Oh yeah, and we also routinely upgrade your content management system with the latest security updates as they come out.
Can I use my own web hosting?
Sure you can, with a few caveats:
- We'll have to make sure the host has the right technical requirements. All hosts are not created equal.
- We'll have to charge you an additional setup fee of $200 because it can be tricky to get the CMS up and running on a host we're not familiar with.
- You will have to pay as you go for tech support and routine upgrades if you want them. Support time is $100/hr, billed in 15 minute increments.
So: if you've got your heart set on another host, it's no sweat for us to set you up there. But you would be missing out on all the really valuable services you get by hosting with us. Think it over before you do anything rash, or better yet, talk to us.
Any other fees?
No, that's it! Let's recap:
- Basic Website: $1250.
- Hosting, tech support, and routine upgrades: starts at $29/month.
- You'll also have to register a domain name (if you haven't already): roughly $10/year.
What's the catch?
We know, it seems too good to be true, but it's true. We specifically developed 3 Hour Web for small businesses and organizations like yours who do not have a huge marketing budget and need professional service at an affordable price. Check out our portfolio of happy clients.
