1. How long does it take to build a Web site?

Like anything, a good Web site takes time. Because 1300bpo focuses on custom solutions, we need to work with you to develop your site to meet your needs. It's a very interactive process that will evolve into a fantastic web site for your organization. A web site of only one page can take just days. That being said, to build a Web site properly and thoroughly, you can expect an average timeline of 10-16 weeks. Many sites will take longer due to their complexity, but one of the first things that we deliver is a detailed timeline for the project. With solid communication from our clients, we meet each stage of the project and deliver our web sites on time and within budget.

2. Why can't I find pricing on your site?

1300bpo builds a wide range of web sites, and each site is custom built. That means custom graphics and custom functionality - specifically for your needs and built for your audience. So naturally, we need to sit down with you and truly think through your web site (with you!) before we can deliver a proposal with a cost estimate. Contact us today and set up an in-person or phone meeting to learn how 1300bpo can help you with YOUR web site. Besides, the initial meeting is free, so give us a call!

3. Is my business/organization too small for your company?

Not at all! Sure, we work with Fortune 500 companies and some pretty big organizations, but we also work with a lot of small and medium sized businesses. Some of our best and most successful clients started out as one-person companies! Of course, one of the big advantages of partnering with 1300bpo while you are just starting off is that you won't have to shift companies as you get larger. We know what works and what doesn't, so we can help you grow according to YOUR schedule.

4. Does location matter?

No. it doesn’t matter where you are, 1300bpo will still get in touch with you.

5. Where can I submit my Request for Proposal?

All RFP's can be submitted via e-mail to sales@1300bpo.com, via fax at 1300 276 266. Once received, an account representative will follow up with you in response.

6. How many professionals do you have on staff?

1300bpo currently employs more than 25 development professionals; our organization is able to serve you with dedicated departments and development teams to ensure your online success.

7. Do I own my Web site?

Yes. You'll be able to take your web site with you - graphics, programming, databases, etc.

8. Can you provide bilingual Web site design?

Yes, 1300bpo can develop sites in alternate languages. Any language is possible and you may choose to provide us with the translated content or let us arrange translation of your content for you. Indeed, our Content Management System can be built to easily accommodate updates to each version of your site.

9. After launch of my new site, how long will it take to obtain visibility in the search engines?

Unfortunately, this is not an easy answer due to the unknowns associated with evolving search engine behavior. However, in our experience, new domains typically achieve search engine visibility approximately six to nine months after launch of the site. Your site may obtain visibility in Yahoo! and MSN prior to Google, due largely to initial aging delays that withhold new Web sites from Google for a length of time before indexing. While 1300bpo develops Web sites to be compatible with search engine indexing technology, there may be unavoidable delays in obtaining organic visibility. During this delay, focus on your offline and pay-per-click advertising to drive traffic to your site.

10. What can I expect when beginning initial discussions with your Web development team?

When beginning to investigate our Web development services, you will be paired up with one of our experienced account representatives. They will be matched with you according to your industry, the needs of your project, in an effort to make communication and understanding both easy and rewarding. The goal of the account representative is to work with your organization to develop a strategy for achieving a successful Web presence, and to provide you with detailed information about our services, pricing, and timeline, as it applies to your project. There is no cost for this initial consultation and we look forward to beginning discussions with you. Please contact us at 1300 276 266 or by e-mail at sales@1300bpo.com.

11. Can you work with my marketing department and/or advertising agency for graphic development?

Yes, if desired, 1300bpo will gladly work with your marketing department or advertising agency for graphic development to ensure that your Web site is properly communicating your brand. However, this third-party involvement can influence the length of the graphic design process.

12. How does my project stay on task?

When choosing to partner with 1300bpo, you will be paired up with a dedicated Project Manager who will oversee a team of developers until your Web site is launched. Here at 1300bpo we rely on our extensive Intranet system for the management of several areas of our business to facilitate internal communication and progress. One area of our Intranet is used by our Project Managers to ensure the proper management of a project—a step-by-step system, which has proven to keep projects running smoothly over the years. Of course, successful project management also relies on clear and continual communication between 1300bpo and the client. During initial meetings, your project manager will work with you to determine the best method of keeping you up-to-date as the project progresses and, shortly after the kick-off meeting, you will be provided with a detailed project plan that will outline the scope of the work and key milestones. As development progresses, you will be provided with graphic design previews and a beta site, which rely on your feedback, approval, and testing. Indeed, keeping your project on task is a mutual effort!

13. What do I need to provide to you in order to get my Web site up and running?

While 1300bpo provides service on Web site development —offering design, development, hosting, and maintenance services—we do require that each client provide us with any desired content in an electronic format. In order to maintain a timely development schedule, content should be provided by the specified deadline.

14. What happens after my site is launched?

When applicable, our Content Management System (CMS) allows you to make changes to your site without any programming knowledge and reduces ongoing maintenance costs. However, for any issues that may arise, or for updates that are not covered through your CMS, we have dedicated Customer Service and Updates departments to handle issues and modifications in a reliable, timely fashion.

15. What kind of technology do you support?

1300bpo is experienced in the following programming languages and applications: HTML, JavaScript, Active Server Pages (ASP), ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET, DHTML, AJAX, Cold Fusion, XML, Microsoft SQL Database Server, Flash, and Adobe CS3 (Creative Suite). All technologies will be non-proprietary, mainstream, and will rely on open architecture.

16. Are there advantages to building a whole Web site in Flash?

There are advantages in implementing Flash components into your web site, but we do not recommend planning the whole architecture in Flash, as it's more difficult to expand and enhance functionality later. Additionally, there are some limitations in search engine visibility if a site is built entirely in Flash.

17. Do you recommend using Flash for advertising and interactive pieces?

Absolutely. Flash is one of the most versatile and capable platforms of content delivery on the web. It's by far one of the most browser compatible players, and we recommend that Flash is at least considered for interactive components, and even for certain dynamic content.

18. What is the difference between streaming and downloading video?

Streaming is a protocol that enables the user to watch the video shortly after clicking the link. You are requesting pieces of video as you watch it, and nothing is saved to your hard drive. By downloading a video, you must wait until the whole file is copied locally before you can watch. And you will have to remove the file yourself once you are done watching. Each protocol has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on the type of web site or content you are offering.

19. Do you host sites as well?

Yes. While it is not a requirement, we do host about 90% of our clients which ensure the reliability and security of our clients' Web sites. Our hosting facilities are structured to handle both shared and dedicated hosting environments. All servers are backed up nightly and, in case of any outages, we have battery-powered and natural gas generators to power our installation indefinitely.

20. What do your hosting packages include?

1300bpo offers flexible hosting packages that are geared towards each client’s storage, transfer, security and database requirements. Both shared and dedicated hosting environments are available. Additionally, hosting packages include maintenance time, traffic statistics, and 24x7 technical pager supports in case of emergencies. Since maintenance time is worked into the hosting package, 1300bpo also takes the client’s internal business operations into account to determine accurate monthly maintenance hours. Your account representative will work with you to create a hosting package to fit your needs.

21. Do you provide marketing services for my new Web site?

Definitely. 1300bpo is skilled in all types of online marketing, including pay-for-click advertising, link building, banner advertising, e-mail outreach, and guerrilla marketing. We also have experience and strategic partnerships for offline advertising!

22. Do you provide search engine marketing services?

Yes, 1300bpo does provide search engine marketing services. Any development work undertaken by 1300bpo will be built in accordance with current search engine indexing technology, in an effort to obtain the highest natural placement possible. Additionally, our search engine optimization services can extend to Web sites that we have not developed. Where organic results may be unpredictable, 1300bpo also offers pay-per-click services to manage your paid advertising campaigns through Google and Yahoo! Overture.