Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know About Web Design, SEO & Hosting
General Questions
Yes. Social media is great for engagement, but your website is your digital home base — where you control the message, the design, and the data. A website gives your business credibility and allows you to show up in Google searches, collect leads, and convert visitors into customers.
Start with a website audit to identify issues (speed, structure, missing keywords), then set up analytics tracking and a local business profile (like Google Maps Listing). From there, a digital agency can help you create a plan combining SEO, content marketing, and web design improvements tailored to your goals.
Start with a website audit or consultation to understand where you stand. An expert can evaluate your current online presence, identify opportunities, and create a roadmap that fits your budget and goals, from building or updating your site to launching marketing campaigns that attract real customers. Gliffen’s professional expertise is at your disposal; reach out for a quote to get started!
Our servers are monitored by software that will automatically reboot should any downtime occur to ensure maximum uptime (typically 99.9% or better). If your site ever goes offline you can also reach us directly 24/7.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of improving your website so that it ranks higher in Google and other search engines when people search for what you offer. It’s important because most online experiences start with a search, and higher rankings mean more visibility, more traffic, and ultimately more customers.
SEO is a long-term strategy. You can start seeing measurable improvements within 3–6 months, but competitive keywords or industries can take 9–12 months to rank strongly. It’s like investing in a foundation; the longer you work on it, the more stable and visible your site becomes.
SEO builds organic visibility; your site earns its place in search results naturally. Pay Per Click ads (PPC) are instant visibility that disappears when you stop paying. SEO compounds value over time, while PPC gives short-term exposure. The best strategies often combine both for balance.
An expert uses keyword research tools to find search terms that your customers actually use, balancing three factors: search volume (how many people search for it), competition level, and relevance to your products or services. For example, a local bakery might target “custom cakes in Jackson WY” instead of just “cakes”. Keywords are central and vital to successful SEO and PPC campaigns.
Yes. Search engines favor websites that regularly publish helpful, relevant content. A blog gives you a platform to answer customer questions, showcase expertise, and target additional keywords, all of which increase your authority and ranking potential. Content writing is another of the digital marketing services Gliffen offers; reach out and request a quote!
Web Hosting Services
Web hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. Think of it like renting space on a computer (called a server) that stays online 24/7. Without hosting, your website can’t be seen by visitors or found through Google.
Every website needs a hosting service to make it accessible on the internet. Hosting provides the storage and bandwidth for your site’s files, images, and databases. Without hosting, your website can’t appear online.
You can choose from several types of hosting:
Shared hosting: Affordable and best for smaller sites.
Managed hosting: Includes security, updates, and performance monitoring (a great option for busy business owners).
Dedicated or VPS hosting: Ideal for larger or higher-traffic websites.
If you’re unsure which type you need, a digital agency can recommend the best fit based on your site’s size and traffic goals.
If you’re unsure which type you need, a digital agency like Gliffen can recommend the best fit based on your site’s size and traffic goals, contact us and/or request a quote.
A domain name (like yourbusiness.com) is your website’s address, while web hosting is where the site actually lives. You need both; the domain tells browsers where to go, and the hosting delivers your website’s content when someone visits that address.
Hosting plays a big role in site performance. Faster servers and optimized configurations lead to quicker load times, which not only improve the user experience but also boost your Google ranking. Reliable hosting helps reduce downtime, another factor search engines consider when ranking your site. High quality web host providers like Gliffen often work to assist in the streamlining and efficient operation of their client’s sites, reach out for a quote so we can determine which services might benefit you most!
Absolutely. We can migrate your website from another host with minimal or no downtime. We’ll handle transferring files, databases, email accounts, and DNS settings, ensuring a smooth transition and verifying everything functions properly on the new server.
Yes. Our hosting includes built-in security features like SSL certificates (for HTTPS), firewall protection, malware scanning, and automatic updates. We also perform regular backups so your data can be quickly restored in case of an issue. Security is an important aspect of website maintenance, a core service offered by Gliffen.
Hosting plans vary based on your site’s needs (for Gliffen generally $8-$12 per month billed annually), but typical packages include storage space, email accounts, SSL certificates, backups, and support. At Gliffen, we offer managed hosting plans that include maintenance, security updates, and performance monitoring, so your site runs smoothly year-round without extra hassle. Many providers require you to manage updates, resolve performance issues, or troubleshoot resource usage. With Gliffen, those “technical headaches” are off your plate.
While providers like SiteGround ($3-$18/month) or InMotion ($2.30-$30/month) give you general “one-size-fits-many” plans, Gliffen delivers tailored infrastructure (caching, CDN, backup policies) aligned with your site’s needs at similar prices. When your site grows, we can manage upgrades to VPS or dedicated tiers, orchestrate migrations, and optimize configurations, all without needing you to shop for and test new servers. You avoid “gotcha” renewal hikes or surprise limits when your traffic grows. Gliffen’s proposals are built on predictable ROI, not hidden restrictions forcing you into a new service tier with significant price hikes.
Reach out for a quote!
This depends on your site’s size and traffic. A small business website with a few pages and images can function well with 1–5 GB of storage. If you have large media files, e-commerce functionality, or high daily visitors, you’ll need more space and bandwidth. We can help estimate what’s right for you.
Creating a Website
A good website is fast, mobile-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. It should clearly explain who you are, what you offer, and how to get in touch. It also needs strong calls to action (like “Request a Quote” or “Book Now”) and a design that reflects your brand personality.
Template websites take less time to set up and are cheaper but can look generic and have limited flexibility. Custom websites are built around your goals, branding, and audience, giving you more control, better performance, and stronger long-term results. Think of it like the difference between buying and building a home.
The timeline depends on the project’s size and complexity. A basic website might take 4–6 weeks, while a larger or more customized site could take 8–12 weeks. That includes planning, design, development, testing, and revisions. Working with an experienced agency ensures the process runs smoothly and stays on schedule.
Most business websites perform best with a clear, well-structured set of pages that tell your story and guide visitors to take action. At a minimum, include:
Home: Overview of your business and value proposition.
About: Your story, experience, and what sets you apart.
Services or Products: Details about what you offer.
Portfolio or Testimonials: Proof of your quality and credibility.
Contact: Easy ways to reach you (form, phone, location, etc.).
Other helpful pages include FAQs, blog/news, and privacy policy. The right structure depends on your industry and goals, but clarity and organization are key to keeping visitors engaged.
Costs depend on your goals. A simple informational site may start around a few thousand dollars, while an e-commerce or custom site can cost more. Don’t forget hosting, domain renewals, and maintenance, which are small ongoing expenses to keep things running smoothly and securely.
Once your website is built, there are a few ongoing costs to keep it running smoothly and securely:
Web hosting: This is the server space that keeps your site online, usually billed monthly or annually.
Domain name renewal: Your web address (like yourbusiness.com) must be renewed each year.
Maintenance and updates: Websites need periodic updates for security, plugin compatibility, and performance improvements.
Optional services like SEO, content updates, backups, and marketing campaigns may be added to keep your site visible and effective.
Overall, expect to budget a few hundred dollars per year for basic upkeep, or more if you use managed hosting or ongoing marketing services.
Custom database development involves creating tools or systems that store and manage your business data — such as customer records, inventory, bookings, or memberships — in a secure, structured way. If you rely on spreadsheets or manual tracking today, a custom database can automate and simplify those processes, saving time and reducing errors. A custom database is a particularly potent tool, contact us for a quote for specialized tool sets your business could benefit from.
Marketing and Other Digital Services
Digital marketing uses online strategies like SEO (search engine optimization), Google Ads, social media, and email campaigns to reach your ideal customers where they spend time online. It helps increase your visibility, generate leads, and build lasting relationships with your audience. The best digital marketing strategies are measurable, so you can track what’s working and adjust for better results.
Graphic design covers all your visual branding needs from logos and business cards to digital ads, brochures, and trade show displays. Consistent, high-quality design helps your business look professional and memorable, ensuring that your brand stands out both online and offline. This distinction in providing continuity of brand identity is another vital service Gliffen offers; we’d be happy to offer a quote.
Almost every business can benefit from video production services. It’s one of the most engaging ways to tell your story, show your products, or highlight customer testimonials. Videos can be used on your website, YouTube, social media, or even in digital ads. They increase engagement, improve SEO, and help potential customers connect with your brand on a personal level.
Even in a digital-first world, print materials still play a powerful role in marketing. Professionally designed business cards, flyers, brochures, and signage reinforce your brand in face-to-face interactions and local marketing efforts. Print marketing and digital should work together for example, a brochure that drives people to your website or QR code links to a video.
Good design isn’t just about looks. A professional website is optimized for performance, mobile usability, conversion tracking, and search visibility. If your site loads slowly or isn’t structured correctly, Google may rank it lower and visitors may leave before contacting you.
Have Questions Not Listed Here?
We’re happy to help! No matter what your needs are, Gliffen Digital Agency is here to answer your questions and help your business reach its full potential. Reach out today!