We understand that there are many questions when seeking a web development firm. We've compiled a list of questions we're frequently asked to help make the process a bit easier.
1. What is the typical cost of a web project?
2. I received an estimate from another firm that’s less expensive than CommonPlaces. Why should I choose CommonPlaces? Why can other firms offer lower quotes?
3. What is CommonPlaces’ process for a web development project?
4. What benefits are received by using open source software?
5. How long does a typical engagement last?
6. Will I be able to ask questions and provide input while my site is being developed?
7. Will I be able to update my website on my own?
1. What is the typical cost of a web project?
Cost depends on the level of intricacy and complexity your project requires. Due to the customized nature of our business, it is important to us that we provide you with an accurate estimate upon having a conversation about your goals. Please contact us today to get started.
2. I received an estimate from another firm that’s less expensive than CommonPlaces. Why should I choose CommonPlaces? Why can other firms offer lower quotes?
Many things must be taken into consideration in addition to price, such as:
- Proven history of happy clients and successful projects
- Level of expertise, both technically and strategically
- Project management services
- Unique and innovative approaches to finding customized solutions for each project
- A professional, dedicated and accessible team that will not disappear, much like a freelancer could
In our experience, we have found that other firms offer lower quotes for the following reasons:
- A lack of technical and strategic knowledge of a project’s complexity
- Deception tactics, whereby an initial quote may be low, but the actual hours and associated costs keep expanding and adding up far beyond the original estimate
- Planning is not included, leaving projects susceptible to roadblocks and failure
- Unwillingness and failure to support the client beyond the length of the original project
3. What is CommonPlaces’ process for a web development project?
Discovery – Before you make the decision to partner with CommonPlaces, we like to have a discussion to determine your goals and alleviate any concerns. During this time we’re happy to answer any questions you have about CommonPlaces to help you decide if we’d be the right fit for your project. Are you lacking a formal strategic plan for your company? We can discuss how CommonPlaces can get your business off the ground and advance you beyond your competition.
What you receive: A free quote for your project, including an analysis of your existing site, or forecast for your future site.
Planning - Once you decide to move forward with CommonPlaces, we first take the time to thoroughly plan out your project. Learn about our planning offerings here. During this time, we will set you up with a dedicated project manager, who will serve as your main point of contact, and a technical team with a designated leader.
What you receive: Detailed project specification documents that act as a blueprint for development.
Development – During this phase we design, theme, and build your website or application and implement all desired functionalities. Learn about our development offerings here.
What you receive: A preliminary version of your complete website, existing in an unpublished environment, ready for testing and review.
Quality Assurance – We take pride in all our web projects and aim to deliver the highest value. Through quality assurance testing, we make sure every feature of your site is functioning as it should. Following the testing, we move your site to a live server, so that it is published and accessible to your target market.
What you receive: A polished, fully functional, live version of your website, along with a Content Management System (CMS).
Marketing – Our marketing services offer the necessary tools to make your site a success. Learn about our marketing offerings here.
What you receive: While our marketing services come in a variety of formats, the end result is always the same: Targeted brand exposure resulting in qualified opportunities.
Support – Once your site is live, it needs to be maintained and updated. We like to establish long-term relationships with our clients, and pride ourselves on being a single provider of all the pieces our clients need to achieve online success. Learn about our support offerings here.
What you receive: In addition to your specific service selections, you receive the partnership and expertise of the CommonPlaces team. We are well-versed in knowing how to best leverage and install these technologies to reach your goals.
4. What benefits are received by using open source software?
We recommend using open source models because of their strong communities, continuous features & releases, QA verification, maintainability, reliability & support, and the free or low costs associated with open source. Learn more about why CommonPlaces uses open source frameworks here.
5. How long does a typical engagement last?
CommonPlaces conducts the “heavy lifting” that most web firms cannot complete. With this in mind, a typical project for CommonPlaces usually occurs over a two month time period, depending on the exact amount of features built into a website. After this time, we regularly work with clients to perform maintenance and updates, or complete subsequent phases of long-term projects.
6. Will I be able to ask questions and provide input while my site is being developed?
Of course. You are free to contact CommonPlaces at any time regarding your project. Your dedicated project manager will also provide you with weekly status updates so that you are aware of your project’s progress.
7. Will I be able to update my website on my own?
Yes, we will provide you with a Content Management System, which you can use to easily perform content updates to your website. A CMS allows you to edit your site at any time, without requiring the use of an IT or web professional.
