Frequently Asked Questions

The packages

Q: What will be included in my package?
A: An easy-to-use website, built according to your chosen template design and containing your choice of images, will be provided at no upfront cost. It will already contain the compliance-approved text, as well as your logo and contact details. You can choose between using an already existing URL (web address) or having one purchased for you. Depending on the package you choose, your website will be updated with regular new articles, each accompanied by a pre-approved social media post.

You have a wide range of options to choose from, including:

  • Three website packages, each with their own set of features
  • Three website design templates
  • Up to six image collections
  • The option to add additional website pages

Q: What is the minimum contract term for a website?
A: For monthly payments, the minimum contract period is three months. On an annual payment plan, this minimum is 12 months.

Q: Is there an option to switch between website packages?  
A: Yes, after we have built your site you’ll be able to switch between them when required.

Q: Can you host my emails?
A: Email hosting is not included in the website package. If, however, you purchase your domain name from a company like www.123-reg.co.uk, email hosting will usually be included in the cost. Talking with your current IT support would be a good idea – they should be able to give you advice on how best to go about setting up your email account. They will also help with your email settings when you repoint the DNS for your new website.

Q: What is a Content Management System and what is CMS+?
A: A Content Management System (CMS) allows you to access your website content and manage, amend and edit certain elements (usually just text and images).Your chosen package will determine the extent of the changes you’ll be able to make to your website. CMS+ (which is included in certain packages) allows you to add additional pages (adviser profiles, for example).
We build our websites in WordPress, which incorporates an easy-to-use CMS. You’ll also receive a helpful user guide from us.

Q: Will my site be compliant?
A: We include a variety of pre-set and pre-approved compliant pages on your site, with the option of providing continued compliant copy depending on your chosen package. However, if you change this copy in any way, or begin adding your own content, then it will be your responsibility to ensure that these pages remain compliant.

The design

Q: Can I choose my own design?
A: Yes, there are three different designs, or ‘themes’, to choose between. Text and images are uploaded into a set template for each design. Their names are Curve, Edge and Shadow; they each have a contemporary feel, meaning that your website will look modern and professional. As well as choosing your design theme, you can also choose from up to six image collections on top of other features such as the main colours used to build the website.  The final touch will be your company logo, after which the website will look unique to your firm.
Should you choose a bespoke site, your exact specifications will be used to build the site.

Q: Do I have a choice of images for my site?
A: Yes, you can choose between a range of image collections, each with a different theme – this ensures that all the images from a given collection work well together. At any time, you may change between image collections as desired, or even use your own images.

Q: Can I change the images myself? 
A: Of course – simply access the Content Management System (CMS) admin area of your site to switch between image collections.

Q: Do I have the option to use my own images?
A: Yes, if you have the Advanced+ package – but do ensure that their format is correct for the image areas on your site. You are responsible for verifying that you are in possession of the requisite licences and rights to use those images on your website. We would also remind you that our sites do come with a choice of image collections, which are specifically chosen to work in the image spaces on the site.

Q: Can I choose which fonts are used?
A: Yes. You’ll be able to choose between a wide range of fonts.

The costs

Q: What does a website cost? 
A: You can choose between three different levels of site:

  • Foundation      £35 per month*
  • Advanced         £55 per month*
  • Advanced+       £75 per month*

To add pre-approved news articles to your existing site or to a bespoke site, the price is £30 per month*. This can be increased to £40 per month* if you want the Economic and Property updates, budget summaries, etc. in addition to the news articles.  Included in our Advanced+ package (or for an extra £10 per month* for the Advanced package) is the use of the social media facility, which provides a ready-to-use, pre-approved social media post for every news article. *All costs plus VAT

Just like with the template sites, you are not required to pay a set-up fee. The minimum contract is three months if you’re paying monthly, or 12 months if you’re paying by the year.

Q: How do I pay?
A: Monthly fees are collected via Standing Order, or you can make a single annual payment. If you choose to pay annually, the price will be reduced (12 months for the price of 10).

Q: Are there any hidden costs?
A: No. However, if you commission us to create your site and then do not end up using it, we will charge you for three months at the monthly price of your chosen package.

Q: When will you start to charge for my site?

A: Your payments will start once the site has been agreed and we have instructed you on how to make the site live, or four weeks after you have commissioned the site to be built – whichever happens first.

The process

Q: How do I order a website?
A: There is a button to Register on the Homepage, from which you can access and fill out our simple online form. We will need some basic information so that we can build your site and inform you how much it will cost.

Q: How long does it take for the website to be built?
A: You can expect to receive a first draft of your website two to three working days after we have received your completed registration and briefing form, along with your company logo. After we have received your feedback, we can begin working on any amendments that may be needed.

Q: Can I choose my own URL (domain)?
A: Yes, you can either buy your own domain (we recommend www.123-reg.co.uk or any other similar site) or transfer in an existing domain.