FAQs

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT

FAQs

Design + Development

Design + Development

What is the difference between a "static" and a "dynamic" website?

A static website is one that is written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Each page is a separate document and there is no database. This means that you need knowledge of HTML to update page content.

A dynamic website uses much more complex code and it can do a lot more than a static site. Each page is constructed from information in a database table and the information in that table is updated through an easy-to-use administration interface (for example, product information in an e-commerce site). Dynamic websites are easier and faster to maintain and result in lower ongoing maintenance costs.

What is responsive web design?

Responsive web design uses HTML and CSS to modify a website presentation for optimal viewing on desktop monitors, tablets and smartphones. Instead of having to build and maintain an additional website for mobile devices, you can lower costs by only needing a single website.  All of the websites that we develop are fully responsive for optimum user experience and search engine indexing.

Do your website designs work on mobile devices?

Yes. All of our websites are designed for optimal viewing on any device. With the rapid growth of the smartphone market, some of our clients now see a majority of their website traffic coming from mobile phones.

How many design revisions do you allow for?

You may make as many revisions as necessary. However, we do request that you provide us with a comprehensive list of changes each time to be as efficient as possible.

Do your websites include a content management system (CMS)?

Yes. We use WordPress, currently the most popular CMS powering websites. We can also connect WordPress into large scale e-commerce systems like Magento if needed.

What kind of technology do you support?

We specialize in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, XML, PHP, and others.

Do you build e-commerce websites?

Yes. We support Woocommerce, Prestashop, Magento, Shopify and BigCommerce e-commerce platforms. We work closely with you to understand your market, your products and your goals. With this in mind we’ll recommend the ideal platform and develop your website to attract visitors and turn those visitors into customers.

Are your websites search engine friendly?

All of our websites are designed to be search engine friendly and adhere to Google’s guidelines for organic SEO. We also setup your website sitemap as well an XML sitemap that we submit to Google and Bing when your website launches. To ensure your site maintains its search engine rankings we setup 301 redirects so the search engines will know that an old page has been permanently replaced with a corresponding new page.

Do you provide training?

Yes. While WordPress is easy to use, training is always helpful to cover the subtle points. We run through the administration screens with you when we design your site. If you have any questions you can always call us for clarification on how to make an update.

How many pages can I have in my website?

As many as you need to promote your company and/or your products. Generally, more content is better for better rankings in search engine results.

How will the files be delivered to us on completion of our project?

We provide you with an electronic copy of all the project files and database generally on a USB stick.

Do you design adult content sites?

No, we do not design adult content sites.

What happens after I decide to have Pinnacle build my website?

Once you decide to proceed with your project we will send an electronic copy of our Initial Client Survey. This will help you to provide us with valuable information about your company, your market, your challenges and your competition. It will also help you organize content for your new site. Once the Client Survey has been finalized and all of the accompanying artwork has been received, our graphics team will begin preparing a prototype design for your website.

Will I have a say in the graphic design process?

Yes, indeed. We aim to provide a unique design while meeting all of your requirements. We need your valuable input to ensure your complete satisfaction and to adhere to your corporate brand standards.

Do you provide mockups?

Yes. Once a contract has been signed and you’ve completed our Initial Client Survey, we will provide you with design mockups. These mockups are the first step in our design process. Once we’ve had a chance to review them with you and incorporate your feedback, they will form the foundation for your new website.

Can I see my website while it's in development?

Yes. We build your website on our staging server, and provide you with a username and password so that you can log in and monitor the progress of your site build. We welcome your comments during development and can often make updates very quickly. Once you approve your site on our staging server we will move it to a live server, install a secure certificate, set up 301 Redirects (if applicable) and submit an XML sitemap to Google and Bing search engines.

Website Content

How should I supply content for my site?

We request that your content be provided to us in MS Word or HTML format. Images for e-commerce sites should be identified with the product SKU so we can easily match images to their respective products.

Can you help me write content for my website?

Yes. We can help with both compelling copy writing and copy editing. We also offer press releases, PR articles and blog posts as part of our digital marketing services.

Do you use stock photography?

In some cases we use stock photography for our clients – particularly if the stock images are directly related to our client’s industry. In other cases, it’s best to have a custom photo shoot for specific images. Stock photography is always less expensive than photography from a custom shoot.

Can I use content from my existing site?

Yes. We can transfer content from your current site to your new site. We will also review and recommend changes to your copy for search engine optimization.

What if I have trouble getting my content ready in time?

Some people have difficulty writing – and even more difficulty writing for the Web. To help, we offer a content development service. This includes the services of one of our copywriters, a designer/illustrator and a photographer (if necessary). This service will be presented as a separate option for you to consider.

Can you help with some updates I need on my website?

Yes. We will provide you with an estimate before beginning the work and charge at our standard hourly rate. If you need regular updates, one of our Maintenance Plans will likely be more cost-effective.

How can I send you large files?

We suggest using WeDeliver.com to send large files. It’s quick and convenient.

READY TO GET STARTED?

To learn more about how Pinnacle website design or digital marketing solutions can work for you, give us a call at 416-421-2689 or fill in our form.