Need an Answer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Confused about something? Want some stuff cleared up?
No worries, have a read through of my most frequently asked questions below...
General Stuff
Are you currently taking new clients?
Potentially! I am a pretty busy lass most of the time so I keep my Instagram bio and top of my website updated with my current schedule status to keep it easy.
I do use waiting lists, so even if I am currently not open to taking new clients, do still hit me up and I'll add you to the list!
How much will it cost?
It really depends on what your website needs. An online store with thousands of products and a booking functionality is going to take a lot more time to build than, say, a single-product landing page.
If you'd like to see some general estimates for some pretty common projects, take a look at my Pricing page.
After each free consultation call for project work, I will provide you with your very own ranged estimate so you know how much your individual project will cost.
Do you charge GST?
I am not registered for GST in New Zealand (still just a wee business myself), so any invoices from me will not include tax.
Do you have a minimum charge?
Nope! You pay for the work I complete - that's it.
Do you attached itemised timesheets to your invoices?
Not by default, but I do track my hours using Toggl so itemised timesheets are available.
If you need a timesheet alongside your invoice, just let me know and I can send it through.
I'm on a budget. Do you offer payment plans?
I got you! Classic small business cashflow troubles doesn't mean you have to miss out on investing in your business now to improve that flow later!
I offer a Custom Deposit with Weekly Payments plan - learn more on my Pricing page.
I have a tight deadline. Can you still help?
Probably, but it depends on what you need. A full ecommerce website with 500 products might not be able to be completed in less than a week, but I will always try to accommodate you. No small biz left hanging!
I'm in Aussie, can I be a Studio Ray Ray client?
G'day cuzzie! Sorry I had to...
Yes I do, though Aussie invoice payments will look a little different to my Kiwi ones.
Website Design
Do you do coding?
I am no coder. I would never pretend to be one, as it takes a hell of lot of knowledge, years of honed experience and technical know-how to be one.
However, I know enough about code to be able to insert simple pieces of code and make cosmetic tweaks as needed.
In saying that, with today's technology we don't need to know how to code in order to create a beautiful website. Don't believe me? Check out my Website Design page for examples of my code-less work.
Why can't I just make my own website?
Excellent question - you can.
However, I know first-hand for a lot of small business owners, time is of the essence. If you don't have experience in design or website development, you might find it's a lot more challenging than it looks. Not to mention it may take you 10x longer.
In saying that, many website platforms were developed with not-so-technologically-savvy merchants in mind, so you do have the resources available to DIY.
But it's the knowing where to click, what to drag, and which features you need that comes with experience in the industry - that's what I bring to the table.
Plus, it's one less stressful thing you have to shoulder. Go on, give Studio Ray Ray a chance!
I already have an existing website, can you still help me?
Absolutely! In fact a lot of my work involves making touch-ups/revamps to existing websites.
Once we've confirmed the work needed, all you need to do to get started is add me as a collaborator or staff member with necessary permissions, and off we go!
Do you do SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?
Yes indeedy! All platforms I work with have built-in SEO settings, making it super straightforward for me to use tailored keywords to set up your meta descriptions, image ALT text and more, to get you higher in the search rankings.
However, I don't offer advanced SEO as a service, such as utilising the code directly to optimise your site.
What website platforms do you work with?
Currently, I am partnered with Shopify, Squarespace and Wix. What platform I recommend to you will depend on your business' needs.
How long will it take to build?
You will receive a ranged time estimate for your website, though that doesn't mean a 24 hour project will be completed within a day.
To help balance my workload with existing clients and tasks, a standard website will typically go live in 3-4 weeks. If you urgently need something sooner, I'm sure we can make that work too.
Do I get full access once the site is completed?
Yes, once the project is ready you will be made the account owner of the site as well as any IP I have created specifically for your project.
How many revisions am I allowed for the design?
As many as needed in order to fully achieve your dream! I'm not having you go off with a website you aren't in love with.
eCommerce
Do I need an eCommerce website?
Putting it bluntly, e-commerce is the future of shopping.
Especially in this post-pandemic age and dodgy global economy, more and more people are looking to the internet to buy their products.
Your customers are most likely used to the independent, beautiful yet professional websites of larger companies, where they can browse their products with ease and tantalisation.
You can be that too. Easily.
Will having an online store get me more sales?
On a surface level, yes. Having a website will help you to sell to a wider audience, in a much more convenient way.
However, a website will only get you more sales if there are people to see it.
By driving traffic to your store through social media, word-of-mouth, digital or traditional marketing, your beautiful, accessible and enticing website will then be able to work its magic by directing those visitors to purchase your products.
I am not a digital marketer myself, however I've found the best place to look for one is in Facebook groups like Small Business Connect NZ or Women in Business NZ - see you in there!
Can you help manage my ecommerce store?
Absolutely! There are a lot of daily/weekly tasks to complete that aren't just packing or shipping.
These little things add up, so let me take the weight off!
I'm going on holiday. Can you monitor my orders?
Sure thing! You just let me know when you're going to be away for, and bring me back a souvenir*
*Optional
I also sell in person. Can you help me set up a POS system?
If you're using the Shopify platform, I can get you all set up with Shopify POS which connects directly into your admin.
And if you're located in Christchurch, I can even come to you to set up your POS hardware system.
All this talk of Shopify! Can we use a different platform?
We definitely can, however I will almost always recommend using Shopify instead.
Unlike Squarespace and Wix which are best for service-only businesses and landing pages, Shopify was designed specifically for e-commerce. It has a lot more features and functionality that you need, as well as an extensive App Store to cover anything not included natively.
Shopify has a slightly more expensive subscription fee, but leagues more to offer an e-commerce business.
Other Offerings
I hate my branding. Can you liven it up a bit?
Of course I can! I've come across far too many small business owners who just hated their branding, and it's honestly heartbreaking. For many, your business is your life... to get the ick looking at your branding every day is just not it.
Let me spruce it up for you, maybe even go in a new direction. Whatever road we take, I promise you it'll be one you can't stop looking at! Just book yourself a Brand Treatment, and away we go!
What is website accessibility and why should I care?
Picture this: you have 20/20 vision and you’ve come up with the most beautiful, aesthetic colour palette full of all your favourite colours for your new website. Everything looks perfect... though not to everyone.
To some people, your product information is illegible, the add-to-cart button is practically invisible and your promotion may as well not be there. You lose out on sales, and you lose valued customers... *GASP*
Luckily for us, there is a global standard called the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2) that offer three different levels of conformance to ensure websites are accessible to people with disabilities.
Inclusivity is sexy.
Do you make logos?
Nope. Not yet, anyway...
I'm more than happy to touch up your logo for you if we do a Brand Treatment though - you'll just need to have an editable file (and a happy graphic designer).
I purchased a Digital Resource but I haven't received it yet?
What?! That's terrible, there must be something we can do!!
Sure no worries, I'll get it sorted for you, no big whoop. Chances are it's ended up in your spam folder, but if it's gone walkabout, I'll happily resend it. Just flick me an email here.
Do you offer digital marketing?
Not at this stage, but I'd highly recommend checking out local Facebook groups like Small Business Connect NZ or Women in Business NZ to find the best marketer for you and your business.
Can you do a backflip?
Lol no. At least not since I was like, 12. Quality question though!