MacMillan Design is a top-tier web application development company that has worked with small companies, startups, and non-profits across the globe. We leverage our experiences to build customized digital products for you using your input as guidance.
What is a WordPress website?
A WordPress website is an online platform where you can display information about your business or organization. It makes use of a content management interface (CMS) which lets you edit the text and media on your site without having to know how to code. This makes it easier for non-technical users like you to make changes in your site without hiring a web developer. WordPress is an open-source platform which means it’s free to download and use, but you can also get premium themes (that are customized) or hire developers to create a custom theme for you.
Who uses WordPress?
There are over 74 million websites worldwide that run on the WordPress CMS, and it is powering 26% of the internet by market share. These include some businesses (big and small) as well as individuals who use the platform to create a web presence for their business or themselves.
Why should you have a custom WordPress website?
Having a WordPress website could give you more exposure to your target audience. It could help you rise above other websites in your industry by improving your search engine rankings due to its rich functionality and content management system. A customized WordPress site is also easier to use for first-time users compared to plain HTML sites, so it is great when you need to encourage site visitors or existing customers to make changes on your site.
What platforms do you support?
MacMillan Design works with clients using all major platforms like Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems; Microsoft Office; as well as mobile applications for the iOS (iPhone/iPad) platform using Objective-C and iOS SDK.
What is the process like?
First, you will need to discuss your project with us. You should give some specific details about your needs, for example: does your website have to be mobile-optimized or do you need a blog included on it? After that initial discussion, we’ll lay out a proposal which will serve as our contract with you. If everything is in order, we’ll begin work on your site right away. Finally, we will provide finishing touches and test the website for any bugs before delivering the final product to you.
Do you need a domain name?
Yes, if you don’t have a domain name, you will need to buy one from a registrar like Namecheap. There are instructions on this page how to point your domain to our hosting server.
Do I have to buy my own hosting?
You are not obliged to purchase web hosting (server space) for your WordPress site through us or anyone else. You can host your site anywhere you like, but we recommend that you use a shared hosting plan (at $5/month and up) from reliable companies like SiteGround.
Do I need an SSL certificate?
Yes, it is now a requirement by the Google search engine for all websites to provide secure connection (https) for their site. We recommend getting a trusted security certificate provided by companies like Symantec (or Let’s Encrypt, which is free).
How can I improve my website performance?
There are several factors that affect the speed of your WordPress site, including plugin usage, images and multimedia files, and hosting choice. For example, if you are using a lot of plugins or media files on your site, this could slow down the loading speed of your site. It is also advisable to choose a hosting plan that guarantees faster speeds like SiteGround shared plans which offer SSD drives, PHP 7 and HTTP/2 support etc.
Do you provide ongoing support?
Yes, the support team is available for emergencies 24/7. We like to help with all aspects of WordPress including plugin issues and theme conflicts as well as general questions about how to use it. Our designers are also able to provide graphic design services around your website which could be a great way to expand your business.
Who needs managed hosting?
WordPress experts/enthusiasts who do not have a large budget.
Small business owners. The managed hosting plan is ideal for small businesses and start-ups that are just getting off the ground because of its affordability and flexibility without compromising speed or security which could be very important when you are starting out alone.
Website owners who do not have time to manage their website regularly. Managed hosting plans come with scheduled maintenance and updates which take the hassle out of managing your WordPress site on a daily basis.
Anybody else really! We know it may seem like common sense, but if you like more freedom to customize your website, and you don’t mind the added monthly cost of a premium hosting plan, then you should definitely consider getting your own managed hosting plan.