Frequently Asked Questions

About Services & Process

What services does Megan Dorien Creative Studio offer?

I'm a full-service digital agency specializing in UX-focused web design and development, Google Ads management, website maintenance, and WordPress hosting. I work primarily with small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits, and LGBTQ+ businesses who want a personable, results-driven partner.

How long does a website redesign take?

A typical website redesign takes 1-6 months depending on complexity. For a standard business website, expect 2-3 months from discovery to launch. Larger projects with custom functionality or extensive content can extend to 6 months. I work through a clear 4-step process: discovery, design, development, and launch.

What is your website design process?

My website building process has 4 clear steps:

(1) Discovery - I learn your business inside and out through a 26-question questionnaire and kickoff call,

(2) Design - I create mockups and iterate based on your feedback,

(3) Development - I build your site in WordPress using Divi Builder with mobile-first design, and

(4) Launch - I test everything, train you on updates, and go live with ongoing support.

Do you work with clients outside of St. Petersburg?

Yes! While I'm based in St. Petersburg, Florida and Midcoast Maine, I work with clients nationwide. Most of my communication happens via email and video calls, making location flexible. I've successfully completed projects for clients across the US. Check out my portfolio to see examples.

What makes your approach different from other web designers?

I'm not just a designer - I'm a problem solver. I focus on understanding your business challenges first, then creating strategic solutions that drive results. With over 16 years of experience, I combine UX strategy, conversion optimization, and beautiful design. Plus, I'm known for being easy to work with, transparent, and responsive. Learn more about me.

Pricing & Payment

How much does a custom website cost?

Custom website projects start at $12,000 and can go up to $30,000+ depending on complexity, features, and scope. Most of my projects fall in the $12,000-$20,000 range. I also offer a monthly subscription option at $350/month with no upfront cost for businesses who prefer to spread the investment over time.

What's the difference between your one-time payment and monthly subscription?

The one-time payment ($12,000+) gives you immediate full ownership of your website files and is perfect if you have budget set aside. The monthly subscription ($350/month) spreads the cost over time with zero money down, includes ongoing maintenance, hosting, and updates, but you earn full ownership after 24 consecutive months of membership.

Is there a minimum commitment for the monthly website option?

There's no minimum commitment, but you earn full ownership of your website files after 24 consecutive months of membership. If you cancel before 24 months, your website goes offline, but I keep a secure backup for 12 months in case you want to restart service. See all pricing options for details.

What payment terms do you offer for custom projects?

For custom projects, I typically use a milestone-based payments for larger projects. For monthly subscriptions, payments are automated and billed monthly. All invoicing is handled through Waveapps. Contact me to discuss payment options.

Do you offer payment plans for large projects?

Yes! For projects over $12,000, I can structure milestone-based payments (typically 4 milestones) to make the investment more manageable. I'm flexible and work with clients to find a payment structure that fits their budget and cash flow. Start your project to discuss options.

Website Maintenance & Support

What's included in your website maintenance plans?

My maintenance plans include regular WordPress and plugin updates, daily automated backups, security monitoring, performance optimization, content updates (depending on plan level), and priority support. Think of me as your website's personal trainer - keeping it healthy, secure, and performing at its best.

How quickly do you respond to support requests?

I respond to all support requests within the same day to three days maximum. For maintenance clients, I prioritize urgent issues and can often resolve simple requests within hours. Emergency support is available via email at studio@megandorien.com. Learn more about my maintenance services.

Do I need website maintenance if I have a new site?

Absolutely! Even brand new websites need regular maintenance. WordPress releases updates frequently, plugins need updating for security, and backups are essential in case something goes wrong. 95% of my web design clients convert to maintenance retainers because they see the value in ongoing support.

Can I update my own website or do I need your help?

You can definitely make your own content updates! I can train all clients on how to edit pages, add blog posts, and make simple changes. For more complex updates or if you prefer not to handle it yourself, that's what my maintenance plans are for.

What happens if my website goes down?

If you're on a maintenance plan with me, I monitor your site and will typically know about issues before you do. I'll work to resolve downtime immediately. All my hosting clients have daily automated backups at 3 AM, so we can restore quickly if needed.

WordPress & Technical

Why do you use WordPress and Divi Builder?

WordPress powers over 60% of the web and is incredibly flexible, SEO-friendly, and user-friendly. I use Divi Builder because it gives me complete design control while making it easy for clients to update their own content later. It's the perfect balance of customization and usability for custom website design.

Do you build custom WordPress themes or use templates?

I build custom designs using Divi Builder, which gives you a completely unique website tailored to your brand and goals. I don't use pre-made templates, every site is designed from scratch based on your specific needs and UX strategy. See my before and afters for examples.

What is UX design and why does it matter?

UX (User Experience) design is about creating websites that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and guide visitors toward taking action (like contacting you or making a purchase). Good UX design increases conversions, reduces bounce rates, and makes your website work harder for your business.

How do you optimize websites for mobile devices?

I design mobile-first, meaning I start with the mobile experience and scale up to desktop. Every website I build is fully responsive and tested on multiple devices and screen sizes. With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile, this is non-negotiable.

Do you offer SEO services?

Yes! I optimize all websites for SEO to rank well, including proper meta descriptions, title tags, structured data, image optimization, and internal linking. For ongoing SEO work, I can help with content strategy, keyword research, and local SEO optimization. Check out my web design resources for more information.

Google Ads & Marketing

How much does Google Ads management cost?

My standard Google Ads management is $1,400/month with no long-term contracts. This includes campaign setup, keyword research, ad copywriting, ongoing optimization, bid management, and monthly performance reviews via Loom video. You pay wahtever you'd like for the actual google advertising. I have clients that pay $500/mo to Google, and others that pay $20,000/mo to Google. The more you pay, the more eyeballs see your ads. That is totally up to you, but I can coach you the best ad budget for your industry.

What kind of results can I expect from Google Ads?

Results vary by industry and budget, but my clients typically see improved lead quality, better ROI, and more targeted traffic. I focus on conversion-focused campaigns that attract your ideal customers, not just clicks. I provide monthly Loom video reviews showing exactly what's working. Learn more about Google Ads management.

Do you require a minimum ad spend budget?

I don't require it but I recommend a minimum monthly ad spend of $1,000-$1,500 in addition to my management fee. This ensures we have enough budget to test, optimize, and generate meaningful results. Smaller budgets often don't provide enough data to optimize effectively. Contact me to discuss your advertising goals.

How long does it take to see results from Google Ads?

Most clients start seeing traffic within the first week, but meaningful results typically take 2-3 months as we optimize campaigns based on performance data. Google Ads is faster than SEO but still requires testing and refinement to maximize ROI. See my Google Ads services for details.

Do you manage social media advertising?

Sure do! There are certain strategies that are made for Social Media advertising that are different than that what we'd use for Google advertising. Contact me and let's discuss.

Industries & Specializations

Do you work with non-profit organizations?

Yes! I have significant experience working with non-profits and often receive referrals from agency partners specifically for non-profit projects. I understand the unique challenges non-profits face and can work within tighter budgets while delivering high-quality results. View my portfolio to see examples.

Do you specialize in LGBTQ+ businesses?

Absolutely! I'm passionate about providing a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ businesses and healthcare providers. I've worked with clients like Justin Hooks (LGBTQIA+ healthcare provider) and understand the importance of inclusive design and messaging. Check out my case studies.

Do you work with e-commerce websites?

Yes! I design and develop e-commerce websites with a focus on conversion optimization and user experience. Whether you're using WooCommerce, Shopify, or another platform, I can create a shopping experience that turns browsers into buyers.

Can you help with website accessibility (ADA compliance)?

Yes, I build all websites with accessibility best practices in mind, including proper heading structure, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and color contrast. For full ADA compliance audits and certification, I can connect you with specialized accessibility consultants. Learn more about my web design approach.

Getting Started

How do I start a project with you?

Start by filling out my 26-question discovery questionnaire. This helps me understand your business, goals, and challenges. After reviewing your responses, I'll schedule a kickoff call to discuss your project in detail and provide a custom proposal.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

I need to understand your business goals, target audience, desired features and functionality, timeline, and budget range. The discovery questionnaire covers all of this. For accurate pricing, I also need to know if you need copywriting, photography, or other services beyond design and development.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes! After you complete the discovery questionnaire, I offer a free kickoff call to discuss your project, answer questions, and determine if we're a good fit. There's no obligation - it's a chance for us to explore working together. Contact me to get started.

What makes a good fit for working together?

Good fit clients have a clear budget ($12,000+ for custom projects), understand the value of strategic design, complete the discovery questionnaire thoroughly, and are ready to invest in their digital presence. They're collaborative, responsive, and trust my expertise while providing valuable input. Learn about my process.

How involved do I need to be in the design process?

You'll be involved at key milestones - discovery, design mockup reviews, content review, and final approval before launch. I handle all the technical work and make the process as smooth as possible. Most clients spend 5-10 hours total on their project across 2-3 months.

Hosting & Technical Support

What makes your hosting different from GoDaddy or Bluehost?

The real difference is support; you get me, not a call center. I handle everything personally, respond quickly, and actually care about your website's performance. Learn more about WordPress hosting.

Is hosting included in your website packages?

Hosting is included in the monthly subscription option ($350/month). For one-time custom projects, hosting is available as an add-on service starting at $48.50/month. All hosting includes daily automated backups, security monitoring, and my personal support.

Can you migrate my existing website to your hosting?

Yes! I can migrate your existing website from any hosting provider to my premium hosting. Migration is typically included when you sign up for hosting and maintenance services. I handle everything to ensure a smooth, zero-downtime transition.

Do you offer email hosting?

Yes, I set up professional email using your domain through reliable email services. I use Maileroo with domain-specific sending keys and proper SPF/DKIM DNS setup to ensure your emails are delivered reliably and don't end up in spam folders. This is included with my hosting services.

What happens to my website if I stop using your hosting?

If you own your website files (one-time payment clients or monthly clients after 24 months), I'll provide you with a complete backup and help you migrate to another host. Your website is yours - I never hold it hostage. See my pricing options for ownership details.

Results & ROI

How do you measure website success?

Success metrics depend on your goals but typically include conversion rate (contact forms, purchases), bounce rate, time on site, page load speed, and organic search rankings. I install Google Analytics (GA4) on all sites and can provide Loom video explanations of your performance. Learn about my UX design approach.

What kind of conversion rate should I expect?

Average website conversion rates range from 2-5%, but this varies widely by industry and traffic source. Through strategic UX design, clear calls-to-action, and conversion optimization, I aim to exceed industry averages for your specific business type.

Do you guarantee results or rankings?

I don't guarantee specific rankings or results because too many factors are outside my control (your industry, competition, ad budget, etc.). However, I do guarantee strategic, conversion-focused design backed by 16 years of experience and a 100% client satisfaction rate. View my before and afters to see results.

How long before I see ROI from my new website?

Most clients see improved lead quality and conversion rates within the first 3-6 months after launch. SEO improvements take longer (6-12 months), while Google Ads can drive results within weeks. Your ROI timeline depends on your marketing efforts and business model.

Do your clients typically see business growth after working with you?

Yes! 95% of my web design clients convert to ongoing maintenance retainers, which shows they're seeing value. Clients report better lead quality, increased conversions, and improved brand perception. I focus on strategic solutions that drive real business results, not just pretty designs. See my case studies.