Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose LEAR Web Design?

In skillful hands, the web is one of the greatest marketing tools of all time and yet 95% of the web sites out there are under-utilized, un-visited and non-productive for their owners - don't become a statistic. There are only a few key criteria you should use when choosing your web designer... With so many web design firms out there it can often be difficult to decide which web designer will actually meet your needs. Keep in mind that a web site is just like any other business tool. You "acquire" the tool and then you "use" the tool.

For some reason, many small business owners feel the need to have a website without a real understanding of how one is used and why you should have one.

The reason for this can be traced back to web designers, who themselves, don't understand the purpose and use of a web site and mis-educate prospective buyers.

For many designers, a web site is merely a collection of pretty pages and imagery about a company that hopefully gets seen by someone - a tremendous waste of money in this case.

Simply stated, a web site is an advertising and public relations tool that should be used in such a way, as to:

(1) reach your target market
(2) position an idea about your company into the mind of your target market
(3) promote your products and services to them
(4) facilitate the exchange of goods and services.

Notice that the above 4 items all have to do with the use of the tool? That's right folks, just like a car needs to driven or a wrench needs to be turned, a web site needs to be "worked and used" in order to bring any benefit. A web site sitting out there idly in cyberspace amongst 3 billion others is not going to help anyone.

So, cut through the hype and showmanship when you meet with a prospective web designer and see if they mention 1-4 above during your meeting. If they are very anxious about building you a "great site" but don't heavily stress 1-4 above, then they are simply lacking a fundamental understanding of what a web site is for and how it is used.

If you would like to find out more about how to use a web site in your business contact me . I'd be happy to explain how I can put 1-4 above to work for you. And yes, I can also design you a great web site too!

What's the difference between a Web Designer and a Web Developer?

Web Designers create the style/look of the web site to be, plus other small graphics, buttons and icons.

Web Programmers code the advanced applications that web sites need.

Web Developers utilize all the graphics and programs created by the Designers and Programmers and put it all together into the final working version of the web site.

Web Masters maintain the web sites after the web sites are done being created/developed.

There are some people who have enough skills to play more than one role.

How much does a web site cost?

There are a few factors that affect the total cost of your web site. These factors include how many pages you are going to have, if you will sell products on your website, the graphic work involved, and how interactive your web site will be. There are also side costs involved that are not part of the actual web site creation, such as domain name registration and web hosting and licensing of software/applications that might be needed. If you need an entire site created from scratch, this will be more expensive than if you need some additions or changes done on an existing websites.

What are the excepted payment methods?

I accept cash, checks and PayPal. If a check is issued, I wait until the check clears to begin work (in the case of down payments).

When are payments due?

If it's a project that's being created and developed from scratch, I require a 50 percent down payment to begin work, then the other 50 percent upon completion. If it's on-going or maintenance work, it will be hourly at my hourly rate and depending on how much work is needed, the payment will either be once after work is done or there will be check points.  What that means is if there is a lot of work to be done, payment will be due after a certain amount of time or when the balance reaches a certain amount (whichever comes first). From the time I begin work, the clock starts and the balance begins.  When 2 weeks has past or a balance of $250 has been reached that's when a payment is due.  If there is more work to be done, I pause work and collect the balance due then I continue work.  This pattern continues until no more work is needed.

Where are you located?

I am located in sunny South Florida, in the tri-county area (between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade). I can take jobs from anywhere in the United States, I am not limited to the cities and counties around me.

How long have you been making websites as a career?

I have been in the Web Design & Development industry since 2003, but before that I have dabbled with code and design on my free time (as a hobby) since 1995 or 1996, which means I have a lot of experience and knowledge about the web design & development industry.