Introduction
Whether you're getting your first website or replacing an existing one, it's normal to have questions. We've answered the most common questions from small business owners. Whether you are in the Ardmore area or throughout Oklahoma, we hope we can be of service. If you have more questions, please contact us.
Do I really need a website if I'm already on Facebook?
Yes. Facebook and a website work best together. Your website becomes your business's permanent home on the internet, while Facebook helps you connect with customers. After we build your website, we can also help you keep your Facebook Business Page up to date.
Facebook is great for:
- Building a community
- Posting updates, photos, and videos
- Messaging customers
- Running ads
- Getting reviews and engagement
A website gives you:
- Full control over your brand and content
- A professional appearance that many customers expect
- Better visibility on Google search
- A place that isn't affected by Facebook's changing algorithms or policies
- More options for selling products, collecting leads, booking appointments, or publishing detailed information
- A website also helps potential customers find your business through Google and other search engines, something Facebook alone cannot do.
How much does a website cost?
Every business is different, so every website is different.
At Ardnet Web Design, we specialize in affordable websites for small businesses. We'll discuss what you need, explain your options in plain English, and provide a straightforward quote with no surprise charges.
Our pricing is based on a project flat rate. Hosting and maintenance are included the first year.
For more information see our Prices page.
How long does it take to build a website?
Most small business websites can be completed within a few weeks after we receive your content.
The timeline depends on:
- How many pages you need
- How quickly you provide photos and information
- Whether special features are required
What information do I need to provide?
Usually just the basics:
- Information about your business
- Your services or products
- Contact information
- Your logo (if you have one)
- Photos
Don't worry if you don't have everything. We'll help you organize it.
Do you write the content?
Yes. We can help.
Some customers already have their text written. Others only have a few notes.
We'll organize your information into clear, professional pages that are easy for visitors to read.
During our initial meeting, we will help you to organize what you have and give you suggestions of what you may want to add.
I don't have a logo. Can you still build my website?
Absolutely.
A professional logo is nice, but it isn't required to get started. We can use your business name with attractive typography until you're ready for a custom logo.
We can recommend a local designer when you're ready to create a professional logo.
Will my website work on phones?
Yes.
Every website we build is mobile-friendly, meaning it automatically adjusts to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
Today, many customers visit websites from their phones first, so mobile design is essential.
Will people be able to find my website on Google?
We build every website with search engines in mind.
This includes:
- Fast-loading pages
- Mobile-friendly design
- Clear page organization
- Helpful content
- Proper page titles and descriptions
While no one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google, we build websites that give your business the best possible foundation.
Can you help me with my Google Business Profile?
Yes.
We can help you set up, optimize, or troubleshoot your Google Business Profile. You can manage your business information directly through Google Search or Google Maps to improve your local visibility. We can also include it in your Maintenance package.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.
It's simply the process of helping search engines understand what your business does so they can show your website to people searching for your products or services.
Think of SEO as making your website easier for Google—and your customers—to understand.
Can I update my own website?
Yes.
If you'd like to make your own updates, we can build your website so you can edit text and photos yourself.
If you'd rather not worry about it, we're happy to handle updates for you through one of our Maintenance plans.
Do you maintain websites after they are built?
Yes. We offer ongoing website maintenance plans to keep your site secure, updated, and running smoothly.
For information about what is involved in website maintenance, see our Maintenance page.
Do I need web hosting?
Every website needs hosting, which is simply the computer that stores your website and makes it available on the internet 24 hours a day.
We offer secure website hosting so you don't have to deal with complicated technical details. See our Hosting page.
How much does web hosting cost?
Web hosting can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the type of hosting and the needs of your website. Most of the websites we build require only basic hosting, which helps keep the monthly cost very affordable.
If we build your website, the first year of hosting is included. You can visit our Hosting page for more information.
Do I need a domain name?
Yes. A domain name is your website's address, such as:
www.yourbusiness.com"
If you don't already have one, we'll help you choose and register an available domain.
Can you transfer my domain?
Yes, but you don't have to for us to make your website. You can leave the registration where it is and update the information in the registration.
We can update your DNS settings so your domain points to your new website. Your DNS will need to be changed to make sure your domain name is directed to the correct place. For a brief explanation click here. For more details, see IBM's explanation.
Do I need a professional email address?
We strongly recommend using a professional email address. It builds trust, shows potential customers and lients that you are serious, and separates your work communications from your personal life. You can have one address for your business and another for personal use.
To set yourself up for success: Use your real name (e.g., firstname.lastname@example.com) and avoid numbers, nicknames, or inside jokes.
Can you redesign my existing website?
Absolutely.
If your current website looks outdated, loads slowly, doesn't work well on phones, or no longer represents your business, we can redesign it while keeping the information that's still useful.
What if I already have a website?
That's perfectly fine.
We can improve your current website, redesign it completely, or build a brand-new one while preserving your existing domain name.
Will my website be secure?
Yes.
Security is important for every website, regardless of size.
We build websites using current security practices and can provide secure hosting to help protect your site and your visitors.
What happens if my website goes down?
We know it is more than just an inconvenience if your website goes down. Visitors cannot access your site until the issue is resolved. This can affect your business, reputation, and user experience.
If your website ever becomes unavailable, we'll investigate the problem immediately. If the issue is related to hosting, we'll work directly with the hosting provider on your behalf so you don't have to. Our goal is to restore your website as quickly as possible.
Do you work with businesses outside Ardmore?
Yes.
Although we're based in Ardmore, Oklahoma, we work with businesses throughout Oklahoma and across the United States.
Will my website load quickly?
Yes.
We build every website to load quickly by optimizing images, minimizing unnecessary code, and using reliable hosting. Fast websites provide a better experience for visitors and are favored by search engines.
Can you add online payments?
Yes.
We can integrate secure online payment systems into your website so customers can pay online using credit or debit cards. In other words, we will make it work with whoever we need to.
Can customers schedule appointments online?
Yes.
Customers can easily schedule appointments online through online scheduling systems. By using popular platforms, businesses can provide customers with a self-service 24/7 interface to view real-time availability, select a service, and book a time without needing to call or email.
Do I own my website?
Yes.
We believe your website should belong to you, not your web designer.
When Ardnet builds your website, you own the website we create for you, along with your content, photos, and logo. If you already own your domain name (such as yourbusiness.com), it remains yours. If we register a new domain name for you, we'll register it in your name whenever possible so you maintain control.
If you ever decide to move your website to another hosting provider or work with a different web designer, we'll help make the transition as smooth as possible. We believe you should stay with Ardnet because you're happy with our service—not because you're locked into a contract.
Our goal is to build long-term relationships based on trust, quality, and excellent customer service.
Why choose a local web designer instead of a national company?
Choosing a local web designer provides personalized, face-to-face collaboration, faster turnaround times without timezone delays, and a partner who deeply understands the Oklahoma market nuances. Local professionals are heavily invested in the regional business community and can optimize your site for local SEO to help you reach customers nearby.
Because we're local, we can also meet with many of our customers in person when needed.
Why should I choose Ardnet Web Design?
We believe getting a website shouldn't be confusing.
When you work with Ardnet, you'll receive:
- Friendly, personal service
- Clear explanations without technical jargon
- Affordable pricing
- Custom website design
- Mobile-friendly pages
- Secure hosting options
- Ongoing support after your website launches
Our goal is simple: create a website that helps your business make a great first impression and makes it easy for customers to contact you.
Can I add more pages later?
Absolutely. Your website can grow with your business. As your business expands, we can add new pages, services, photo galleries, online forms, blogs, or other features whenever you're ready.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help.
Whether you're starting your very first website or updating an existing one, we'll explain everything in plain English and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Contact Ardnet Web Design today for a free consultation. We'll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you choose the website that's right for your business.