Hello!

You’ve most likely come across this page because we sent you a link regarding your current website.
I’ve created this page to explain the upgrades taking place, your current website status and why it would be good idea to upgrade.
Please take time to read the below and if you have any questions please contact me.

Thanks - Cathy x

why the upgrades?

I have used a number of programs and platforms to design websites in the past, however your current website is built using a technology called Sitemaker.
This technology was born out of the UK in 2000 and has taken a number of turns along the way, from flash websites in pre 2013 to then adapting their platform in HTML 5 format to allow your sites to be seen on iPads and iPhones. I have been a ‘reseller’ to sitemaker since the beginning, meaning I pay them to use their program and build websites. I pay them to host the website whilst I point the domain records to their server. In 2016 Sitemaker (now known as Moonfruit) was bought by Yell (like Yellow Pages) and recently they announced they were no longer supporting re-sellers (Thats me!).

The websites that are built on this platform have been live and working fine, however recently with changes to google and other web browsers requiring stricter security certificates, and because our friends at Yell won’t support re-sellers and upgrade our SSL I am finding issues with websites getting privacy errors.
(SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and encrypts any information entered through your website)

I am aware this all sounds technically hard to understand, so here is a way it might be better put…
I am a corner shop providing grocery items for my customers, although my wholesalers are giving me expired products.

what now?

To be honest, this annoying transformation to my business has turned out to be a blessing, because I get to work with a new program that I LOVE.

I have been using a program called Squarespace, to upgrade clients websites. I create a unique website using photoshop skills, CSS code and colour styling to ensure your website doesn’t look like one that just anyone can create.

This upgrade will give your website a fresh new look, as well as a whole heap more in terms of capability.

WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT IT?
The four main things I love about Squarespace are:

1. Automatic responsive mobile website version
This means your website turns into a mobile version automatically when someone views it on a mobile phone or a tablet.

2. Easy to update
More and more I have clients wanting to update their own websites. Sitemaker was harder to learn than others, so I wanted to use a platform that clients can use easily and update themselves. It has been used to build millions of websites and I love it.

3. Security
The very main reason I have moved away from our current platform and onto Squarespace - it’s reassuring to know domains pointed to Squarespace come with free SSL certificates when connected to your Squarespace site.

Squarespace also has built-in security to fight off malware or unwanted bugs, and the inbuilt protection helps protect your site from malicious traffic.

3. How good it looks
The fonts, styles, layouts makes your brand look good.

Read more about Squarespace here.

the costs

The price of a new website for a new client will start at approx $2499 for a 5 page website (with an extra $75 per page there after), however for current clients, I’m offering an upgrade offer that just covers my time for the upgrade.

Assuming your website information and pages are staying the same, this can usually take anywhere between 14 - 16 hours (@ $75 p/h) will most likely be around $1050 - $1200. Sometimes faster if there are no changes to your copy etc.

Your website will be made to suit your colours, logos, and brand’s identity.

Does the hosting cost more?
Yes it does. You are currently paying $99 for hosting, Squarespace is between $192 - $300 for a website or $300 - $408 for a e-commerce website. I will pass on the cost I get charged without profiting from hosting.

What if I don’t want to upgrade?
If you just want to keep the site you have, I’ll have more information for you soon. I am in talks with the company in the UK to see if your website can remain as is and can be transferred into your ownership so you can manage it yourself.

what about future updates?

Once your site is live, you have two options…

1. Return to me for any updates.
As it was in the past, this is billed at $75 p/h and I can undertake any updates to existing or new pages for you.

THEN

NOW

TURNAROUND + LEAD TIMES

Like the old saying, “It’s first in first serve.”
If you are happy for your website to be upgraded please let me know asap and I’ll add it to my list.
At the moment, turn around time is about 10 days.
Your current site can remain up until the new one is ready. There is little to no downtime.

HAPPY FOR US TO UPGRADE YOUR SITE?

Simply email Cathy and let us know and we’ll get started on the upgrade.
Again, in regards to timing, please understand it’s a first come first serve basis.
We’ll give you a date your new website will be live when you email us.

What if I don’t want to upgrade - what will happen to my site?

Okay - no worries. here are your options:

1. An Upgrade
As detailed above

2. A holding page
I can design a free holding page with your contact details on it that will cost $99 a year (including hosting)

3. Takeover your site yourself
You can have your current website migrated over to your own account so you can manage / design / DIY it yourself
This option will mean you are responsible for your website and design and will have a account set up with a company called moonfruit based out of the UK.
This is the company I am choosing to split from however you are welcome to have your account. I am still awaiting instructions from them should clients wish to use this option.