Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: January 2025

General Questions

What services do you offer?

I build fully managed, custom websites for small businesses. This includes design, development, hosting, security, maintenance, SEO optimization, and ongoing support. You get a professional website with a custom admin dashboard - all handled for you.

How is this different from website builders like Wix or Squarespace?

Unlike template-based builders, you get a completely custom website built specifically for your business needs. Plus, you get a custom admin dashboard tailored to your workflow, not a generic one-size-fits-all interface. And I personally manage all the technical aspects - you never need to figure anything out yourself.

What's included in the monthly fee?

Everything technical: hosting, domain management, SSL certificates, security monitoring, performance optimization, software updates, bug fixes, SEO maintenance, analytics, regular backups, and email support. One flat fee, no surprise bills.

Code Ownership & Your Data

Do I own the website code?

You own all your content and data. However, the website runs on our proprietary platform and custom dashboard system, which remains our intellectual property - similar to how Shopify, Squarespace, or Webflow work.

Think of it this way: when you use Shopify, you own your store's products, images, and content, but Shopify owns the platform that powers your store. Our service works the same way.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

When your subscription ends (due to cancellation or non-payment), here's what happens:

  • Immediate: Your website will go offline and show a 404 error once hosting payment is not received
  • 6-Month Grace Period: You have 6 months from the date your site goes offline to either:
    • Request a full data export by emailing support (all content, images, text in portable formats)
    • Resume your subscription and bring your site back online ($99 reactivation fee)
  • After 6 Months: Your site and all data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered
  • Domain Transfer: If you purchased a domain through us, you retain ownership for 1 year from purchase date. We can initiate a domain transfer to your Cloudflare account upon request

Can I export my data anytime?

Yes. While you're an active subscriber, you can request a full data export at any time by contacting support. If you cancel, you have 6 months to request your data export. After 6 months, all data is permanently deleted.

Why don't I get the source code?

Our custom dashboard platform is proprietary software that we've developed and use across multiple clients. It's our competitive advantage - the "secret sauce" that lets us offer enterprise-grade features at small business prices.

You're licensing the service, not purchasing custom software development. This model allows us to keep costs low while providing powerful features. Your content and data remain yours and can be exported at any time, but the platform code is not included.

What if I want to reactivate my site after canceling?

If your site has been offline for less than 6 months, you can resume your subscription and bring your site back online. There is a $99 reactivation fee to restore service, plus your regular monthly subscription resumes.

What happens to my domain if I cancel?

If you purchased a domain through us, you retain ownership for 1 year from the original purchase date (this is standard domain registration). We can help you transfer the domain to your own Cloudflare account - you'll just need to create a Cloudflare account and contact us to initiate the transfer.

Pricing & Payment

How does pricing work?

Pricing is customized based on your specific needs, but typically includes:

  • One-time setup/design fee
  • Monthly service fee covering hosting, maintenance, and support
  • Optional: Additional features like e-commerce, payment processing, booking systems, etc.

Fill out our questionnaire to receive a custom quote tailored to your business.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The monthly fee covers everything technical. The only additional costs would be third-party services you choose (like email marketing tools, paid stock photos, or premium plugins), which we'll discuss upfront.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers through Stripe. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your build date.

Timeline & Process

How long does it take to build my website?

You'll see a working MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in 7 days. This gives you a functional prototype with your custom admin dashboard so you can visualize the site and request changes. Final launch typically happens within 2-4 weeks depending on complexity and revision rounds.

What if I need changes after launch?

Small updates and content changes are included in your monthly service. Need a new feature or major redesign? We'll discuss scope and pricing, but ongoing maintenance and minor adjustments are covered.

Can I update content myself?

Yes! Every site comes with a custom admin dashboard built specifically for your business. You can update text, images, blog posts, products, etc. without touching any code. I'll train you on how to use it.

Technical Questions

What if my site goes down?

I monitor all sites 24/7. If there's an issue, I'll be notified immediately and work to resolve it. You're also welcome to contact me anytime if you notice a problem.

Is my site secure?

Yes. All sites include SSL certificates (HTTPS), regular security updates, automated backups, and protection against common threats. Security monitoring is included in your monthly service.

Will my site work on mobile devices?

Absolutely. All websites are fully responsive and optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop viewing. Mobile-friendliness is also crucial for SEO, so it's a priority.

Do you provide SEO services?

Basic SEO optimization is included: proper meta tags, sitemap generation, mobile optimization, fast loading speeds, and structured data. For advanced SEO (content strategy, link building, local SEO), we can discuss additional services.

Still Have Questions?

If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to discuss your specific needs and how I can help.

Email: contact@jamesweb.dev