brand refresh FAQ's
Who is a good candidate for a brand refresh?
If you're mostly ok with your logo, but feel it's "not quite right" or "not professional enough", that usually means you're a good candidate for a logo refresh.
So much of good design is invisible: adjustments to fine details that can sometimes take more time than the original logo design itself. If your original logo never received that polish, that might be just the thing it needs.
Can you work with an AI logo?
Yes, we can. As an artist, it's hard to endorse AI for logo design, but at the same time I (Sarah) recognize that it's a good tool for founders to iterate and produce an image that gets close to what's in their head.
However, AI will rarely get you all the way there. If you've played with ChatGPT generated logos and found something that communicates what you're going for, send it over and we'll take a look.
What are your credentials for logo design?
We originally began as a design/print agency focused on branding for small businesses (Sarah was a brand designer for years before pivoting to websites).
Good design is in our DNA, and it's why we emphasize the "well-designed" aspect of our website development. A good brand is the foundation to ensure we're able to deliver on that, and it's why we include a brand style guide in every website package.
What if I want to spend more time on this, or overhaul my logo completely?
Although we began as a brand agency, we no longer offer in-depth brand design as a service.
Our preference is that you come ready with a logo and brand guide, or enough info that we can create one fairly quickly. This brand refresh is intended for those clients who know their logo needs help and/or need guidance on a color palette, but don't want to get derailed from their primary goal of a new or redesigned website.
If you'd like to spend more time on branding, we will make a referral to a brand design specialist in our network.
If you already have a brand designer, we can collaborate on overall style and feel for your website.
How do you define "in-depth" brand design?
Branding is more than just a logo, and a good brand designer will ask you about your target market, your differentiators, and many other deep questions to determine your positioning (prior to any of the "fun" conversations around colors and icons).
While Sarah can make recommendations, we find that diving into these questions with newer founders is often overwhelming, and can derail the entire website design process.
If you think you need more time to work on your brand, we will recommend working with an experienced designer first, then coming to us when you're ready to communicate everything you've learned so we can build a website to match your vision.
business card FAQ's
Why does a website agency offer business card printing?
Because Sarah just can't let go of this one thing.
Print was our first love, we truly believe great business cards are an important part of every founder's arsenal, and we know how to produce them, so why not?
Where do you print business cards?
We were (technically are) a print broker, so we have relationships with wholesale printers who specialize in business cards and other materials.
Our business card printer is wholesale only and does not sell to the public, but for other print items we can sometimes make referrals.
These days, we mostly use our print connections to produce our own merch.
OK, why not a digital business card though?
Only one example is needed: Sarah was once at a networking event where someone was using a QR code business card, which she scanned. When she returned to the tab later that week, the QR code had disconnected or encountered an error. Not only was the contact information lost, after talking to so many people she couldn't even remember who that person was.
A physical business card, on the other, might appear on the recipient's desk at an opportune time, particularly if it looks so cool they hate to throw it away...
domain name/URL FAQ's
What is a domain name?
Your domain name (or URL) is what potential customers will type into their browser address bar to access your website. For example, yourbusiness.com. You would use that domain name to create branded email, such as [email protected].
What is privacy protection?
By default, your name and contact info will be made public when you register a domain name.
Some registrars will charge extra (*cough* godaddy *cough*) to hide that info, but we only use registrars who include protection by default.
It means that if anyone looks up ownership of your domain name (which is very easy to do), they will see a generic forwarding information instead of your name, home address, and email.
Can I use my new domain name with Gmail?
Yep. Email account setup is one of our most common services, and 99% of those are for Google Workspace, which is the paid version of Gmail.
Can you help me with a domain I already own?
Sure! Many of our clients have already registered domains and simply need help with technical setup. Send us an email with your request and where your domain is registered, and we will provide instructions on how to share access.
What if I'm not ready to build a website yet?
Register the domain name anyway! If the one you want is available, it's best not to wait, but you don't have to build the website right away. We can set up email for you using this domain, and you can temporarily redirect it to a company LinkedIn or social page while you get ready to build the real website.
What does 'URL' stand for?
Uniform Resource Locator. If they didn't exist, we'd have to type IP addresses (random numbers) into our browser bars to go to websites, which would not be fun.
email account FAQ's
What is a custom email domain?
Your domain name (or URL) is what potential customers will type into their browser address bar to access your website. For example, yourbusiness.com. You would use that domain name to create branded email, such as [email protected]. We can use an existing domain name you own to set up your email, or we can register a new domain name on your behalf.
What is an email host?
A web host (or server) is where files and data are stored. When accessing a website, you're loading content from a server. Email works the same way. Paying for an email account is paying for the cloud storage that collects, filters, and displays those emails. Google Workspace, Office365, Rackspace, Zoho... these are all examples of email hosting options.
Some (cPanel) websites will allow you to set up email accounts on the same server. We recommend against this; if there are issues with your website hosting and your site goes down, so does your email. It's also less secure and you're more likely to end up with your emails being flagged as spam.
Can't I just set up a free Gmail account for my business?
Like [email protected]? Technically, yes. But it’s less professional than using a custom domain and offers less control. If you want to continue using the Gmail interface, but for your business, that's exactly what Google Workspace is.
Does my email have to use the same domain as my website?
No, although it usually should. Some businesses might use a shorter URL for email if they have a really long website address. If you have multiple businesses underneath a parent company, you could also set up your email with the parent company’s domain. But other than that, we recommend using the same name for your domain, email, and social media handles.
One caveat: it's often a good idea to use a different domain if you send a lot of marketing emails (as a precaution to prevent your primary domain from getting flagged as spam).
Can I have a custom email domain if I don't have a website yet?
Definitely. In fact, we usually set up email before we build the website. Our startup package includes URL registration to secure your domain name and set up an email account.
If necessary, we can register a new domain name on your behalf as part of the email setup process.
Can I set up Google Workspace myself?
You sure can. Google has created a nice onboarding flow, but be aware that you'll have to access your domain name and add TXT and MX records, so it does get a bit technical. In addition, you'll also want to set up DKIM and SPF records to ensure deliverability, and those settings are a bit hidden and more confusing.
If you're not comfortable with the technical side of things, complete this form to request setup. If you'd like to do it yourself, click here, then click 'Get Started' on your preferred plan (Starter is fine for most businesses), then follow the prompts. Watch out for the AI upcharge...
What is email forwarding (email alias)?
Email forwarding is when email sent to [email protected] will forward to [email protected]. It’s not actually an email account, just a free setting available with your domain name.
Setting this up allows you to use a business email address on your business cards, and receive that email at your existing account. The downside is that when you reply to someone, they’ll see your personal email address. You’ll also be mixing personal and business correspondence. You’ll eventually have to set up a business email address.
We only recommend email forwarding:
- as a temporary solution for startups/while decisions are being made.
- as part of a strategy after purchasing an email hosting plan
(example: accounting@ could be an alias that is forwarded to the appropriate person in the company)
What is an email client, and do I need one?
An email client is the software/app that runs on your desktop or phone. So rather than going to Gmail.com to log in, you would install Apple Mail or Outlook, then add your email account. It allows you to check your email from your desktop (or iPhone’s Mail app) instead of having to keep a browser tab open.
Personally we love using Apple Mail and often recommend mail software for ease of use and better workflow (right on your desktop, no need to log in, etc.) But this is also a personal choice; if you're a wizard with Gmail's shortcut menu, you do you.
Can't I just set up Google Workspace through my website service?
Many website hosts and builders are Google Workspace resellers, meaning they offer inline setup when you're setting up your website. We do not EVER recommend doing this. It means that your email is essentially held hostage by the website provider, which can cause issues if you decide to leave, lose access to your account, or even want to administer settings without a convoluted login process.
We are a Google affiliate, but we don't resell the accounts. Meaning that we set up Google Workspace on your behalf (hopefully with a coupon code when we have them). But the account, billing, and everything else is fully between you and Google after that. We do not retain any control after setup.
What if I want to use business email that isn't Google?
We totally understand, and there are certainly other options. While we no longer offer email hosting, we can set up other accounts. Inquire here if you have something else in mind.
email marketing FAQ's
What if I already use email marketing software?
To best advise you, we'd want to know how you're currently using any email marketing software, but if it's just for basic email campaigns, you could probably switch without issue. MailPoet is much simpler and with fewer features than Mailchimp, which our clients often like (less to be confused by).
A switch would involve export of your lists and segments, then import into MailPoet. Templates and/or welcome emails would need to be recreated as well.
What's a welcome email?
A welcome email is an automated email that's scheduled to send as soon as someone subscribes to your email list. It's best practice to confirm their subscription, thank them, and often offer a free download or other resource (when presenting this as the primary reason to subscribe, it's known as a lead magnet).
How is this different from an email account?
Email accounts are like setting up a Gmail account, but under your business domain ([email protected]). So an inbox with the ability to send and receive mail on your phone and computer.
Email marketing software is how you send bulk email newsletters, and it's completely different. It also needs to be connected to your domain in order to verify that you aren't spamming people, but it usually offers a design interface, a way to manage lists, tag people, and create automations (when a user subscribes, then send them this welcome email).
While you can certainly BCC multiple emails, this is not how you stay in regular contact with people. There's a limit for how many emails you can send per day, you might be flagged for spam, and you lack the statistics and tracking features possible with email marketing software.
Can I use this software on a non-WordPress website?
No, MailPoet is a plugin designed to run inside of WordPress sites only.
If it's about time for a redesign and you'd like to migrate to WordPress, learn more about our Website Redesigns.
email signature FAQ's
Why would I use Scribe instead of the default signature box in Gmail?
Because it looks awesome.
For real though, you can have your headshot, links, 1-2 buttons and/or a banner campaign that automatically shows up in team member signatures for the time period you choose. You can also see how often those items are clicked.
If you're happy with a basic signature, you certainly don't need this. But in a world with business often done purely online, it looks incredibly professional when emailing leads.
What are the downsides of email signature software?
Mostly the initial setup/install, which is why we take care of that for you and provide instructions.
With Scribe, there's currently no way to sync a signature with an iPhone, so you have to add it manually.
hosting migration FAQ's
Can you migrate my non-WordPress website?
If you already have a website on Squarespace or Wix, for example, we can rebuild it on WordPress. This isn't a migration but rather a website redesign, and if it's time to make a change, we're happy to give you a fresh start. We do not work on Wix or Squarespace sites.
We also offer static website hosting for specific use cases (startup websites or simple landing pages). If you're not sure what you need, schedule a discovery call and we'll provide personalized recommendations.
Will there be any downtime?
There's always a small amount of downtime, but to minimize the impact, we plan migration for the evening (usually Thursday nights) so the settings have time to update overnight.
What does the migration process look like?
Once we've performed a technical audit on your site to confirm it's a good candidate for migration, we will confirm access to all the necessary website accounts.
We'll migrate DNS records first (this is generally where downtime comes into play). While this is happening we'll migrate and test your website on a development domain. Only after confirmation will we point your domain name at the new server.
static website FAQ's
What is static hosting?
Static simply means a stack of files and images hosted on a server. Unlike WordPress, which has core, theme, and plugins that are constantly being updated, static sites don't require maintenance, so the hosting costs are much lower.
When should I choose static hosting?
We'll make a recommendation on the discovery call, but in general, it's tied to your long-term plans for the website.
If all you need is the equivalent of an online resume, and you don't plan to update it often, this might be a good fit.
However, if you want to have a blog, contact or other forms, frequent updates and potentially more complicated functionality, WordPress will be a better fit. We'll walk you through your options before presenting a proposal.
Are static websites good for SEO?
Not exactly... WordPress is so good for SEO it's hard to even compare. But in general, when we recommend a static site it's going to be because you don't plan or need to have a lot of content. Small sites won't do well SEO-wise because there's less for Google to crawl (and it's updated infrequently).
Who's a good fit for static hosting?
Someone who'd like to pick up work as a consultant while also looking for a full-time job could be a good fit. Imagine a single landing page that outlines who they are, what they do, how to reach out, and with a link to download a resume.
On the other hand, if this person wanted to write a blog and have a portfolio they could update, WordPress would be a better fit.
website policy/cookie FAQ's
Why does my website need a privacy policy?
Currently, there are four laws in the United States and the European Union that require most websites that collect personal information to have a Privacy Policy:
- European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
- The California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA);
- The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA);
- Nevada’s Revised Statutes Chapter 603A and SB220.
These laws were created to protect the consumers of those states and countries, not the businesses. This means that these laws can apply to businesses outside of those states and countries and may apply to you if you collect the personal information of or enter into transactions with consumers from the European Union, California or Nevada. Fines for violations of privacy laws start at $2,500 per violation (per website visitor).
Over a dozen states have proposed or already are implementing privacy laws to protect the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of its citizens.
How do I know which laws apply to me?
Once we set up your dashboard, you'll receive an email to log in and complete a questionnaire for each policy. Your answers will determine what the policy generates.
When laws are added or updated, you'll receive an email asking a question to determine whether that law applies to your policy. Once answered in the dashboard, the page on your website will automatically update with the new verbiage.
Why does my website need a cookie notice?
From this article by Termageddon:
The California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) is a privacy law that went into effect in 1994 to protect residents of California from eavesdropping on conversations that took place on landline phones. While “communications” was initially meant to cover phone calls, it has recently been reinterpreted by Courts to cover any communications of an individual with a website. Since CIPA prohibits the eavesdropping of communications without consent, consumers have started suing businesses arguing that the use of cookies, web beacons, pixels, scripts or code that track a user while they are using a website constitutes a violation of CIPA. It is important to note that CIPA applies to anyone that is tracking residents of California through their website, regardless of business size or location.
We install Google Analytics on every website we build, because it's important to benchmark your visitor traffic over time. If you choose to run an ad campaign or take flyers to an event with a QR code, you'll want to track the ROI, which is often connected to how many new website visitors you receive.
This means your website is tracking visitors, so a cookie notice is necessary, even if you're located outside of California.
wordpress hosting FAQ's
Do you only offer WordPress hosting?
While we specialize in WordPress, we do offer static website hosting for specific use cases (startup websites or simple landing pages). If you're not sure what you need, schedule a discovery call and we'll provide personalized recommendations.
Do I need all those software licenses?
Probably not all of them, but our core tech stack? Absolutely.
At minimum, every site will utilize our WordPress theme, page builder + add-ons, forms/integrations, caching, image compression, SEO, and security.
If needed, we have more robust integrations, email marketing software, portfolios, digital contracts, and online booking.
Practically, this means that if you have an idea for functionality you'd like your WordPress website to have, we probably already have licensing we can add to your site, and if not, we can make recommendations for the best tool for your use case.
I still don't understand what "managed" means...
At the bare minimum, website hosting is just server storage space that's accessible to other computers on the Internet. That's it.
The best feature of WordPress is also the worst; you can extend the functionality of your website with plugins. The problem is that those plugins need to be updated consistently (97% of hack attempts are through outdated plugins). In addition, you should be running routine backups on any website.
"Managed" simply means that someone is providing that service for you. Some web hosts will charge more to turn on automated updates (we don't recommend this) and backups should be included by default. But generally speaking, there aren't humans monitoring your site.
When we say managed, we mean that we have a plugin/theme/WordPress update schedule. While we use tools to help us manage all of our sites, if a new plugin update breaks something, it's easier for us to pinpoint when it happened and what it was, so we can fix it. We also run backups, and have uptime monitoring that will ping us if a server goes down or a website crashes. We're also monitoring any odd security notices, and sometimes Google warnings as well, so we can look into any issues. These services are why our monthly hosting cost is higher, but they're invaluable for the small business owner who wants peace of mind.
If there's a problem, you can give us a call and we'll take a look, update, revert to a backup, whatever needs to happen.
I thought WordPress provided hosting?
There are two different types of WordPress. WordPress.com is the equivalent of Squarespace; you sign up through them to get the hosting account and software pre-installed, and pay extra to remove the .wordpress.com part of the domain name.
We offer, and are referring to self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org), which is when you download the software and install it on your own server.
If you're new to this, read our blog post What Is WordPress to get an overview.
The beauty of self-hosted WordPress is that you are fully in control of everything. Don't like your web host? Pick a new one and move your website. Unlike Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow, self-hosted WordPress means you aren't locked into an account on a platform that limits what you can do or changes pricing twice a year.