timeforcake frequently asked questions (and answers)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the company called timeforcake?

Sorry to disappoint, but there's no amazing story behind the name. It's just that Erin has always had a sweet tooth . . .and cake is one of those wonderful words with wonderful connotations that brings happy thoughts to just about everyone.

Can you fix my computer?

Sorry, we honestly can't.

What are your payment terms?

For most website projects, we typically request 30% - 40% upfront with the remainder due upon project completion.

Do you offer free consultations?

We offer an initial, free 30-minute phone consultation to anyone considering working with us. During these consultations we often provide answers to problems, suggest cost-saving options, and point people to various service solutions and resources. You have complete access to our expertise and recommendations for 30 minutes, completely free of charge. After 30 minutes we begin billing for our time.

What are your rates?

Please take a look at our pricing page.

How long does it take to build a website?

It varies and depends on the complexity, size, and design of your website. While small, simple websites can take as little as 2 weeks to complete, larger more complex websites may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months (or more).

What is the difference between a "Flash" website and an HTML website?

Websites built using HTML make up the majority of websites you see on the Web. The following websites were built using HTML (we did not build any of these websites):

Websites built using Flash tend to have movement, animation, and sound. The following websites were built using Flash (we did not build any of these websites):

Flash sites are often more dynamic and, well ... flashy. However, Flash sites often come with longer loading times, higher costs, less accessibility, and poorer Search Engine rankings. In fact, many companies with Flash sites end up building duplicate "sister" HTML sites that circumvent these issues.

Often, our clients find that hybrid sites--those built with HTML as well as a bit of Flash sprinkled in--are desirable solutions. The timeforcake website you're viewing right this second is a hybrid site. We built the following websites with HTML while also including Flash to add the finishing touches:

Will my website have Flash in it?

If you'd like sound, movement, fade-ins and outs, or animation in your website, it's quite possible that your website will contain Flash.

Why aren't I showing up on the first page in Google?

Unfortunately, this question doesn't have a simple answer. If your site has been live for more than a few months and is not ranking as well as you'd like in the Search Engines, you'll likely require Search Engine Optimization and/or marketing services to rank better than your competitors.

If you'd prefer not to invest in a full-blown Search Engine Optimization campaign, keep in mind that we do offer exceptionally helpful Search Engine Ranking consultations and site reviews that can pinpoint strategies you can engage in on your own to better your rankings. Contact us to learn more.

When will I show up on the first page in Google?

Unless you're in a not-very-competitive industry, the odds are low that you're going to be showing up as #1 in Google for general keyword phrases (other than your company name) unless you invest a lot of time and effort (or money) into the goal. This is why an entire industry of full-time Search Engine experts exists; high rankings no longer "just happen" whenever you launch new new sites . . . as they often did back in the good ol' days of the early 2000s.

You wouldn't just open up a retail store (off of Main Street, let's say) and expect people to immediately "just know" you're there and start flocking to your new business, would you? No. You'd promote and market your store; the same needs to be done if you want potential customers to start visiting your website.

Do you host websites?

We sure do! We currently manage the website (and email) hosting for the majority of our clients.

If you do manage my hosting, how many email accounts do I get?

As many as you'd like.

What programming language do you use?

We use PHP.

You've mentioned that you code to Web Standards -- what exactly are these and why do they matter to me?

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops guidelines and recommendations known as Web Standards, which detail how web pages should be built..

In a great article published in 2006 on Evolt, Thomas Ashworth stated, "web standards bring real tangible benefits to business. Although finding a design company that will construct a standards compliant site is more difficult than just finding a web designer, the benefits speak for themselves. By moving to a standards based website, businesses can ensure they have accessible sites which are maintainable and future proofed. Increased customer exposure and search engine prominence can all improve the level of business that comes to you via your website. Web standards are the future of the internet and to ignore it could leave your business trailing behind the online competition."

Here are some of the business benefits of having a site built with Web Standards:

Site-wide look and feel consistency
Your pages will LOAD FASTER, providing improved user experiences
Better search engine rankings
Future-proofing (your site will be viewable in all future browsers)
Reduction in maintenance costs
Increased accessibility for people with disabilities

timeforcake creative media, inc. - really good website & graphic design