FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a web site?

Having a web site is more important for some businesses than others. Companies trying to reach customers in different locations (i.e., hotels or tourist attractions) or who have products that can be shipped to customers far away obviously need to have an online presence. However, even local businesses (i.e., dry cleaners or barbers) can benefit from a web site that shows their location, lists their services or offers special promotions. And businesses that serve other businesses rather than retail consumers can benefit from a web site. Many businesses search for new suppliers online, and order online, too. If you want more customers, you should be online.

What can a web site do for me?

Create an online brochure that will help potential clients, customers, and partners learn about your company and look at it in a favorable light. Provide product information to drive local sales of your products and services at dealer locations. Provide customer service and support. Websites are a great place for troubleshooting guides, FAQs, or technical information. Provide multiple ways for your customers to contact you. Save on paper, printing, and distribution costs. Use online FAQs and knowledge base articles to cut the number of customer service personnel you need.
A web site can do a lot of things. And knowing what you want to accomplish through your web site should be first and foremost on your mind when you contact Ali Professional Services. A clear understanding of your goal and the possible routes to reaching your goal is important. Consider how others have used the Internet. Examine other sites, including your competitors’ sites. Which sites do you like or dislike? Print out pages and make notes for your discussion with our team.

How much is a website?

Prices are influenced by a multitude of factors including: number of pages, time involved in developing the site, costs for graphic design, consultation hours, client preparation (for example, clients submitting print copy that requires reformatting and manual transcription for html design will find costs higher than clients who submit electronic files).  A simple site, with no complex programming, could be done for as little as $250. E-commerce modules, Database applications, and other types of features increase the overall price. Ali Professional Services does quality work at affordable rates, so please give us the opportunity to provide you with a free quote.

Why should I pay for site development and hosting? Can’t I just do it myself?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Your website is a reflection of yourself. A poorly designed website is a glaring sign of incompetence. Websites can indeed boost your image, but they can also damage it. Web site design done right is complex and requires a number of different skill sets that aren't commonly found in any one person, especially someone that doesn't do this for a living. Technically, you can build a site yourself. The real question becomes this: can you afford to take time away from your customers and your business to develop your site? Time is money, and it’s often a better use of your time and money to outsource web design projects.

I’ve seen web site templates for sale at prices as low as $50. Will I save money by buying a template instead of hiring a designer?

Although affordable site templates are available, your choice between buying a site template or building a unique site needs to be made with the understanding that other businesses, perhaps even your competitors, may also be using that template. Remember, too, that after buying a template, you will still need to add text and images, create links, and otherwise complete your site.  Templates that are available for free, or very low cost, tend to be cookie-cutter in design-- in other words, one size fits all. There is limited flexibility with style, colors, and format. Ali Professional Services creates personalized sites, working closely with the customer to develop an aesthetically pleasing and functional web presence. Your unique web site results in an improved web presence and marketing tool.

How can I reduce my cost for developing a web site?

Ali Professional Services bids most projects on a complete site development, including consultation, domain name research and registration, content development, digital photography, design, layout & navigation, and on-going maintenance and service. By taking care of one or more of these on your own, you can reduce the investment required to build and maintain a web site. Talk to an Ali Professional Services representative today for details.

What will my on-going costs be after launching my site?

On-going costs will vary depending on your specific use for your site. These costs will likely include hosting fees, site updates and maintenance, and domain name renewals.

How do I get a quote?

Just fill out this form. We'll get back with you promptly.

How long will it take for Ali Professional Services to build my web site?

There are several factors that will affect your project’s timeline. Obviously, your own target date is our first concern. How soon do you want to be online? Once we understand your goals, we also consider the complexity of the site you need, our current workload and outstanding commitments, your availability to provide the information, images, and other resources we need to create the site, and other considerations. In the end, our goal is to deliver your web site the way you want it, and when you want it. Work on your site begins when the initial deposit is received. Most sites are available online within 2-4 weeks, depending on how comprehensive the site is, the client's timeliness in getting material to the developer, and the type of site being considered. For example, a one page private practice site will take considerably less time to develop than a 20 page e-commerce site.

Is there anything I can do in advance to help Ali Professional Services get my website done quicker?

Getting an idea ahead of time about various design elements, as well as website goals can significantly decrease your total cost and engagement time. Try to answer these questions before you engage in a web project: Is there a certain type of font you want to use in your website? What colors would you like your website based around? Does your company have its own logo in digital format, or do you need us to create a logo for you? Are there any websites in your company's industry field that you particularly like? Are there any that you dislike? What is the primary purpose for your website? (to inform? to entertain? e-commerce?)

Can we work together effectively across long distances?

Absolutely! We regularly work with customers throughout the U.S., exchanging information and files via e-mail and FTP, and we stay connected through telephone and e-mail.

Do you offer discounts for non-profits and service organizations?

We are happy to support the ongoing efforts of charitable organizations through reduced fees for our services. Contact Ali Professional Services for detailed information about how we can help your organization.

Will you host my site?

Ali Professional Services has partnered with MidPhase hosting, in order to deliver the right hosting solution for your specific needs and budget. Our affordable pricing and convenient service are guaranteed to perform. However, you are free to host your site with whatever company you choose.

Who will maintain and update my site?

Internet-savvy businesses keep the content on their Web sites fresh, and redesign their sites at regular intervals. Why? It takes only a byte or two of dated information for users to think they've come to a dead or an orphaned site. Contact Ali Professional Services to learn more about our hourly and contract rates for site maintenance and updates.