Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is PNW Digital Solutions?
PNW Digital Solutions is a web development consultancy that brings proven open source technologies to small business owners and artists. We specialize in WordPress customization, modern web development with React and Astro, and helping the little people build professional websites without enterprise price tags.
Who do you work with?
We specialize in helping small businesses, artists, and solo entrepreneurs who need professional websites but don't have enterprise budgets. This includes local restaurants, freelance consultants, photographers, musicians, Etsy shop owners, and service providers who want to compete online.
What makes you different from other web developers?
We focus exclusively on bringing enterprise-grade open source technologies to small businesses at affordable rates. We charge $50/hour for quick updates, provide honest pricing upfront, and use proven technologies instead of experimental solutions. You work directly with us, not junior developers or outsourced teams.
Do you only work with clients in the Pacific Northwest?
While we're based in the Pacific Northwest, we work with small businesses and artists anywhere. All our services can be delivered remotely, and we're experienced at collaborating with clients across different time zones.
Services & Pricing
What services do you offer?
We offer three main services: Quick Updates ($50/hour) for small changes to existing WordPress or Squarespace sites, Custom Development (custom quotes) for new websites and complex projects, and Consultation ($75/hour) for strategic guidance on technology choices and digital planning. Visit our pricing page for detailed information.
How much does a new website cost?
Custom development pricing varies based on your specific needs, complexity, and timeline. Simple business websites typically start around $2,000-5,000, while more complex e-commerce or custom applications can range higher. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your requirements during our free 15-minute consultation.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we understand that small businesses need flexible payment options. For larger projects, we typically structure payments as 50% upfront and 50% upon completion. For very large projects, we can discuss milestone-based payment plans to spread costs over time.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance?
Absolutely! Many clients use our $50/hour Quick Updates service for ongoing maintenance, content updates, and small improvements. We don't lock you into monthly contracts - you only pay for the time you actually use.
Process
How do we get started?
Every project starts with a free 15-minute consultation where we listen to your needs and explain how we can help - no sales pitch, just honest advice. If it's a good fit, we'll provide a clear quote and timeline. For quick updates, we can often start work the same day.
How long does a typical project take?
Quick updates are usually completed within 1-3 business days. Simple business websites typically take 2-4 weeks, while more complex projects with e-commerce or custom functionality can take 6-12 weeks. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the quote process.
What do I need to provide?
To get started, we just need access to your current website (if you have one), a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and any specific content or branding guidelines. Don't worry if you're not sure - we can help clarify your needs during the consultation.
Will my website be mobile-friendly?
Absolutely! All websites we develop are fully responsive and mobile-friendly, ensuring they look great and function well on all devices. We test on multiple screen sizes and can provide specific mobile design samples upon request.
Technical
What platforms do you use for web development?
We primarily use WordPress for content-driven websites and e-commerce, React for interactive web applications, and Astro for ultra-fast static sites. We can also work with existing Squarespace or Wix sites for updates and improvements. We choose the right technology based on your specific needs and budget.
Do you provide hosting and domain services?
We can help you set up hosting and register domains, but we don't provide hosting services directly. This keeps your costs low and gives you flexibility to choose the hosting provider that best fits your needs and budget. We'll recommend reliable, affordable options and help with the setup.
What about website security and backups?
All websites we build follow security best practices, including SSL certificates, secure hosting configurations, and regular updates. We'll show you how to maintain backups or can set up automated backup systems. For WordPress sites, we recommend specific security plugins and practices.
Can you integrate with my existing business tools?
Absolutely! We specialize in connecting websites with the tools you already use - email marketing platforms, payment processors, booking systems, social media, and more. Check out our integrations page to see what's possible.
Support & Training
What kind of support do you provide after launch?
We provide ongoing support through our Quick Updates service for any changes or issues that arise. We're also available for consultation calls to help you plan improvements or troubleshoot problems. You're not locked into contracts - just pay for what you need when you need it.
Do you provide training on how to use my website?
Yes! We include basic training as part of every project to help you update content, add new pages, and perform basic maintenance. For more comprehensive training, we offer consultation sessions where we can teach you advanced features or help optimize your workflow.
What if something breaks on my website?
If there's an issue with our work within 30 days of project completion, we'll fix it at no charge. For issues that arise later due to plugin updates, hosting problems, or other factors, we can help troubleshoot and resolve them through our Quick Updates service.
Can you help me understand website analytics and performance?
Absolutely! We can set up Google Analytics, explain what the data means for your business, and help you track the metrics that matter most to your goals. We also offer consultation sessions focused on improving website performance and search engine optimization.
Still have questions?
We're here to help! Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to get answers to your specific questions about web development and digital strategy.
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