FAQs
Welcome to our FAQs section! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our web design services, processes, and everything you need to know to get started. Whether you’re curious about our offerings, costs, or how we can help bring your vision to life, we’ve got you covered. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly on 0863 255922.
Why do I need a Website?
A website will generate leads, retain clients and save on costs. Not having a website is a big gap in your marketing ability. Previously, people referred to The Golden Pages, today, more and more people are using The Internet to search for information, to find a phone number or address, catalogues and price lists, directions, colour photos of products and more, all without leaving the house
- Websites level the playing field, allowing you to compete equally with much larger businesses
- Websites are now deemed stronger than business cards
- Your current and potential clients are already using The Internet – over half the Irish population has an Internet connection
- A website can be viewed worldwide 24/7/52 weeks of the year
- A website is huge value for money giving more information and more detail than any other form of advertising
- Customers are increasingly net-savvy and are doing more and more research online before calling a company
- A website can be updated in minutes – even getting a web developer to do this is cheaper than re-printing literature.
- By putting items like student handbooks, employee guides, and flyers online, you can save an enormous amount of money.
- Combine this with a web-friendly email- marketing program and you can save thousands of euros each year.
- You can also improve on the quality of your handouts and flyers by using full colour and photographs, rather than the black and white clip art we often see
- Website can be tailor-made i.e. with automated email replies, with documents that can be downloaded, instant texts, it can be a way of capturing a client by having a question and answer page
- You can convey your business’ image, brand & philosophy
- A website can be monitored – you get real visibility on return on investment
- Many people today look at the existence of a website as a ‘validation of legitimacy’, much as we often look for the acceptance of credit cards. People who are reluctant to call can, at their leisure, visit your site and see what you offer. This means if its 3am on a Sunday, they can get some information. A well designed website will have an easy means of them contacting you, perhaps a sign up form they can fill out to schedule a visit or request additional information.
- A website can also be used by existing clients to generate referrals.
- A website is a 24 hour a day salesperson. Being able to learn more about your business will often turn a browser into someone who makes that phone call, or stops in to visit.
- Having a website puts you ahead of the competition. There’s no delay in customers getting information on your products or services. Imagine if your competitor has information online, and the best you can do is send a brochure overnight. A day is a long time for that potential customer to form an opinion.
- Having a website is an excellent way to generate new business, keep and grow existing clientele, save money and improve your bottom line.
- It is available rain or shine, night or day, helping you to grow your business
- With more and more people each year using The Internet, a website has become a requirement of business, much as a phone and credit card acceptance did in the past
- The Internet will be the first place someone familiar with computers will look for information.
- See a sample of Format.ie’s Websites.
Can I get a grant for a website?
Grants used to be available from the Local Enterprise Office (LEOs) for e commerce websites but these ceased in December 2024 so it is worth checking with your local LEO to see what other grants might be available to you.
How much does a Website cost?
When Format.ie Web Design Services Sligo are asked to quote for a website, we will talk to you in great length as to your exact and specific requirements. Generally we will ask the following questions to get a grasp for your website needs in order to provide you with an accurate quotation.
- Do you require a domain name & hosting?
- Do you have a logo already or do you require Format to design a logo for you?
- Do you require an e-commerce website i.e. whereby customers can purchase from the site? If so, approximately how many products are you looking to sell from the site? Do you want to see via PayPal or other i.e. Realex payments?
- Will you be requiring video to be added to your website? Do you have video already made or are you looking for a video quotation for this too?
- Is this a simple website or will the pages contain links that go to other features within the site?
- Are you happy for us to show you how to update your website once built or would you prefer us to do that for you?
- Is your business on social media or do you need this set up? We can then link the social media pages to the website.
- Do you plan to send a regular newsletter to your customers as newsletter sign-up can be incorporated into your website?
- Do you plan to list your website on other business listings or do you require us to do that on your behalf?
- Do you require a Blog on the website?
How long does it take to build a website?
The timeline for building a website can vary depending on its complexity and the specific requirements. A simple website might take a few weeks, while a more complex site with custom features could take several months. Factors like design revisions, content creation, and testing can also influence the timeline.
If you want a website within a week, we offer the ‘5 Day Website Build‘; a dedicated team of experts work non-stop for 5 days. We streamline the process without compromising on quality or functionality. From concept to launch, we work diligently to bring your vision to life, providing a polished website tailored to your needs. Contact Lisa today for further info on 0863 255922.
If you want a website within a week, we offer the ‘5 Day Website Build‘; a dedicated team of experts work non-stop for 5 days. We streamline the process without compromising on quality or functionality. From concept to launch, we work diligently to bring your vision to life, providing a polished website tailored to your needs. Contact Lisa today for further info on 0863 255922.
Do I need a custom domain name?
Having a custom domain name (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com) is important for establishing a professional online presence. It makes your website easier to find, builds credibility, and can improve your search engine rankings.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows you to publish your website on the internet. When you purchase web hosting, you’re essentially renting space on a server where your website’s files are stored and served to visitors. Speak to us re our fast fast speed hosting – ideal for e-commerce websites and sites where a lot of images are being put on the website (such as school websites and educational websites on a daily basis.
What is responsive design?
Responsive design is an approach to web development that ensures a website looks and works well on devices of all sizes, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. It involves using flexible layouts, images, and CSS media queries to adapt the site’s design to the user’s device.
What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?
Search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing is any type of activity which is intended to bring traffic from a search engine to another website.
Format.ie optimises all their sites as standard practice ensuring they appeal to search engines and humans alike. We identify major keywords which best describe your business and products, group these into phrases and build them into well-written copy for your site. We may well suggest changes to your copy. This may also include the addition of press releases and articles.
The website will need, possibly, to contain hundreds of keywords within the copy.
The famous META TAGS for holding descriptions and keywords are no longer enough; the copy must be engaging to both humans and search engines.
Getting this balance right is crucial. Localisation, word-stemming and mis-spelling within a user search are all considered.
See here for more information on Format Web Design Sligo Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
What is the Alt Tag/Alternative Text?
When you put an image up on your website, every image has to have written in the alt text (alternative text) in the code behind the scenes, a description of the image and ideally its function on the page.
his is for the benefit of web users who might have the images deselected on their pc and for the visually impaired who may be using a screen reader. So by completing the Alt Tag, you are making the website accessible to everyone. Moreover, it is also a tool for search engine optimisation.
By writing a description of the image, it enables you to use a keyword. However, I would generally recommend keeping it to one keyword as if you start jamming keywords into the alt text, Google will penalise you for spamming and as opposed to going higher on the search engine rankings, you will start falling.
Do you need to have a separate alt tag /alternative text for a gallery? Absolutely, however laborious this may be, every image needs to have a short descriptive text (ideally no more than 15 words).
However if you have a database of images with a descriptive text relating to each of these, the web designer will be able to write code enabling the image description to automatically complete the Alt Tag saving you a huge amount of time.
How can I speed up my website?
What is the difference between an App, a Website and a Website App?
What is a Website?
- Can be searched for by your customers on Google
- Is responsive – works on all mobile devices, laptops etc, user does not need to download an APP
- Can have e-commerce feature to take payments which will also work on mobile
- Can feature galleries, video, information pages etc which can be easy to add
- Future proof and scalable, often at no cost
- A website is easy for the client to manage content and layout
- See an example of some of Format’s websites
What is an APP?
- An App cannot be searched for via Google – generally it has to be searched through app stores on a phone, An therefore the customer is forced to download this onto their phone – i.e. Facebook App, Gaming Apps, etc. The app store has the ability to remove or discontinue the software remotely which can cause loss of data.
- An App can only work on an Android mobile phone or iphone or tablet running correct OS
- An App costs a great deal more than a website
- An App is not easy to change features – the customer has to go back to the original programmer to make these changes and this will equate to more money
What is a Website App? A web app is like a web page that has been specifically designed for a mobile for a specific function i.e. we created a web app for a McGowan Landscapes Sligo to complete gardening tasks done for his client (tick boxes) which when the ‘send’ button was hit was emailed to the client. Some web apps are used in intranets and schools.
What are broken links and the 404 page?
Broken links, also known as dead links or link errors, are hyperlinks on a website that lead to non-existent or inaccessible web pages. When a user clicks on a broken link, instead of being directed to the intended destination, they encounter an error page or the infamous “404 Not Found” message.
What is a Content Management System (CMS)?
A CMS is software that allows you to create, manage, and modify content on your website without needing specialised technical knowledge. Popular CMS platforms include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. They offer various templates and plugins to enhance functionality. All Format Web Design websites come with a CMS. We train and provide a CMS Guide on the launch of your website.
How do I secure my website?
Securing your website involves several steps: using SSL certificates to encrypt data, keeping software and plugins up to date, using strong passwords, implementing firewalls, and regularly backing up your site. Additionally, consider using security plugins and monitoring tools. Read more on SSL Certificate.
Can I update my website myself?
Yes, all Format Web Design websites are built with content management system (CMS) platforms like WordPress, which allow you to easily update content, images, and other elements without needing to know how to code. We provide training and support to help you manage updates.
What is a website template/theme?
A website template or theme is a pre-designed layout that you can use to build your website. Templates come with various design elements and functionalities, allowing for a faster and more cost-effective way to create a professional-looking site. They can often be customized to suit your brand’s needs.
What is user experience (UX) design?
UX design focuses on creating a positive experience for users by ensuring a website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and meets the needs of its audience. Good UX design can improve user satisfaction, increase engagement, and boost conversion rates.
How can I track my website's performance?
You can track your website’s performance using web analytics tools like Google Analytics. These tools provide insights into visitor behaviour, traffic sources, page views, bounce rates, and other key metrics. Regularly reviewing these metrics can help you make informed decisions to improve your site.
What is a website redesign and when do I need one?
A website redesign involves updating and revamping the look, feel, and functionality of your existing site. You might need a redesign if your website looks outdated, isn’t mobile-friendly, has poor user engagement, or doesn’t align with your current branding and business goals.
How do I integrate social media into my website?
You can integrate social media into your website by adding social media buttons for sharing content, embedding social media feeds, and including follow buttons. This can increase engagement and help drive traffic between your website and social media profiles.
What is a landing page?
A landing page is a standalone web page designed for a specific marketing campaign or goal. It typically includes a clear call-to-action (CTA) and is used to capture leads, promote products or services, and drive conversions. Landing pages are focused and free of distractions to improve effectiveness.
How do I ensure my website is accessible?
To make your website accessible, follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This includes providing alternative text for images, ensuring sufficient color contrast, enabling keyboard navigation, and using semantic HTML. Accessibility ensures your site can be used by people with disabilities and improves overall user experience.
What are cookies and how do they affect my website?
Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device by their web browser. They help websites remember user preferences, login information, and track user behavior. While cookies enhance user experience, you must inform visitors about their use and comply with privacy regulations like GDPR by providing opt-in consent and a clear privacy policy.
Can you help with website content creation?
Yes, we offer content creation services, including writing, editing, and optimizing content for SEO. Quality content is essential for engaging visitors, conveying your message, and improving your search engine rankings.
What are the best practices for website maintenance?
Regular website maintenance includes updating software and plugins, checking for broken links, backing up your site, monitoring security, and ensuring all content is up to date. Regular maintenance helps keep your website secure, functional, and performing well.
How do I get more traffic to my website?
Increasing website traffic can be achieved through various strategies: optimizing for search engines (SEO), creating valuable content, using social media marketing, running paid advertising campaigns, and building backlinks from reputable sites. Consistent effort and analysis are key to driving traffic.
What is a blog and should I have one on my website?
A blog is a section of your website where you regularly publish articles or posts on topics relevant to your audience. Blogging can improve your SEO, establish your authority in your industry, and engage your visitors. It can be a valuable tool for content marketing and driving traffic to your site.
Can you integrate e-commerce into my website?
Yes, we can integrate e-commerce functionality into your website, allowing you to sell products or services online. This includes setting up online stores, shopping carts, payment gateways, and product management systems. An e-commerce site can help you reach a broader audience and increase sales. View some of our e-commerce sites here.
What is GDPR and how does it affect my website?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union regulation that governs how personal data of EU residents is collected, used, and protected. If your website collects data from EU residents, you must comply with GDPR by providing clear consent mechanisms, a privacy policy, and ensuring data protection measures are in place. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.
Where is Format Web Design based and what services do you offer?
Based between Counties Sligo and Leitrim, Format Web Design Limited offers comprehensive web design services, including:
website design;
logo design;
SEO;
CMS;
e-commerce websites;
training;
website consultancy;
app development.
website design;
logo design;
SEO;
CMS;
e-commerce websites;
training;
website consultancy;
app development.
We proudly serve clients throughout Ireland and are available to work with clients worldwide.
