FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with Cedar Madison.

Have Questions?

I've answered the most common questions below. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—I'm happy to help.

General Questions

How long does it take to build a website?

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Most basic websites (4 pages) are completed within 4-8 weeks from project start. This timeline assumes you're responsive with providing content (text, images) and feedback during the design process.

Larger sites with more pages or e-commerce functionality take longer. If you need it done in under 4 weeks, rush fees apply to prioritize your project.

Do you work with clients outside Grand Rapids?

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Yes! While I'm based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, I work with clients nationwide. Everything is done remotely via email, video calls, and screen sharing.

Distance has never been an issue—I've successfully completed projects for clients I've never met in person.

What makes you different from other web designers?

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I'm a one-person operation, which means you get direct communication and personal attention throughout your entire project. No account managers, no middlemen—just you and me working together.

I also build custom hand-coded websites instead of using template builders. This means your site is faster, more unique, and built specifically for your business—not forced into a template's limitations.

Do you design logos?

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No, I don't design logos from scratch. Logo design is a specialized skill that requires deep brand strategy work, and it's not something I offer.

However, I can work with your existing logo or recommend talented logo designers I've worked with. I specialize in brand refinement—developing color palettes, typography, and visual identity that complement your logo and make your website look cohesive and professional.

Technical Questions

What platform do you use?

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I build on WordPress with custom hand-coded themes. This gives you the best of both worlds: a professional, fast-loading site that's built specifically for your business, on the world's most popular website platform.

Unlike page builders (Elementor, Divi, etc.), hand-coded themes are cleaner, faster, and don't come with bloated features you'll never use.

Can I update my own website?

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Because I build custom-coded sites (not drag-and-drop page builders), making updates requires some technical knowledge. You can't just log in and easily edit text like you would with a page builder.

This is actually a good thing—custom code means your site is faster and more reliable. Most clients opt for monthly maintenance ($150/month), which includes content updates so you don't have to worry about the technical side.

Will my website be mobile-friendly?

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Absolutely. Every website I build is fully responsive, meaning it looks great and works perfectly on phones, tablets, and desktops. Mobile-friendliness is built in from day one—not added as an afterthought.

Will my website be optimized for Google?

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Yes! SEO foundation is included in every website build. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and making sure your site is ready for AI-powered search tools.

I don't guarantee rankings (no ethical SEO professional does), but I make sure your site has a solid foundation to compete in search results.

Do you offer website hosting?

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I don't provide hosting directly, but I can recommend reliable hosting providers and help you get set up. I personally use HostGator.

Hosting typically costs $10-30/month depending on your needs, but you can save money if you choose an annual plan instead.

Pricing & Payment

How much does a website cost?

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Every project is unique, so pricing varies based on your specific needs. Factors that affect cost include:

  • Number of pages (basic package includes 4 pages)
  • E-commerce functionality
  • Custom features or integrations
  • Timeline (rush projects cost more)

After our initial consultation, I'll provide a detailed custom quote. Check out the pricing page to see how my pricing works.

Do you offer payment plans?

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Standard payment terms are 50% upfront and 50% at completion. For larger projects, I'm open to discussing payment arrangements that work for your budget.

Is monthly maintenance required?

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No, maintenance isn't required. However, it's highly recommended. Without regular maintenance, your site is vulnerable to security issues, technical problems, and compatibility issues as WordPress and plugins update.

Monthly maintenance is $150/month and includes WordPress updates, security monitoring, daily backups, and content updates. Most clients find the peace of mind worth the investment.

Can I cancel monthly maintenance anytime?

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Yes, there's no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.

Process & Support

What's the process for starting a project?

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  1. Send inquiry: Fill out the contact form with details about your project
  2. Quick reply: I'll respond within 24 hours with initial thoughts
  3. Get quote: We'll discuss your goals and I'll create a custom quote
  4. Build site: Once you approve, I get to work with regular updates

What do I need to provide?

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To get started, you'll need:

  • Text content for your pages (or I can help you refine what you have)
  • Images/photos (if you have them—I can recommend stock photo sources)
  • Logo (if you have one)
  • Any specific brand colors or fonts you use
  • Examples of websites you like

Don't worry if you don't have everything ready—I'll guide you through what's needed.

What if I need changes after the site launches?

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Small tweaks within the first 30 days are included. After that, you can either:

  • Sign up for monthly maintenance (which includes content updates)
  • Pay hourly for as-needed support

What if I don't like the design?

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We'll work together through revisions until you're happy with the result. I include revision rounds in every project to make sure you love the final product.

During the design process, I share progress updates and gather your feedback to make sure we're on the right track.

Do you offer ongoing support after launch?

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Yes! Monthly maintenance includes priority support for any issues that come up. If you're not on a maintenance plan, I offer hourly support as needed.

Still Have Questions?

I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Reach out and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Get in Touch
Or email me at [email protected]