Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? You’ll find answers to some more commonly asked questions below. However, if you have any other questions, or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Logo and Graphic Design
What graphic design services do you provide?
Pretty much everything.
I can help you with:
- Web design
- Logo design
- Print design
- Packaging design
- Illustration & infographics
- e-books
- Email Newsletter design
- Social Media content design
- Photo manipulation… and more.
I have many tricks up my sleeve gained from years of experience working within the industry. There’s not many tasks I haven’t been confronted with before. If you want graphic design services, chances are, I can help you get what you need.
How much do you charge for your graphic design services?
Abbie Taylor Design is a small business with low overheads which means we are able to price very competitively. Prices depend on many variants, but you can be sure you are getting great value for your design project. Design jobs are charged by the hour at $80/hr. I’m always very conscious of your budget and we can talk about that upfront. If I think we are going over budget you will be advised as the project progresses.
How does your logo design process work?
During our initial logo design meeting, we will begin by discussing your ideas, target market, and uses for your logo. It is great if you are able to provide examples of existing logos that you like or dislike to give me an idea of your personal taste.
Sometimes a client already has a design concept in mind and other times, they have no idea and are looking for inspiration. Either way, I make sure we have collected enough information before I begin work.
I’ll draw up approximately 5 options (normally 2 week turn-around) and you might be happy to select one of these or you may want to narrow it down, make changes, switch it up a bit, adjust colours etc until we have reached a design that you are completely happy with.
Once we agree on the final logo design I will supply you with several high resolution and vector file formats of the logo for applicable purposes such as print, social media, web, signage, transparent background etc.
What if I don't like it?
Customer satisfaction is highly important to me. It doesn’t sit well with me if we don’t achieve a result that you can feel completely proud of. If you dislike the first draft, I will not take offence to your constructive criticism. If I feel this is a miscommunication on your part we may need to revise the pricing. However, I will totally own it, if I haven't delivered on design and I am very reasonable about re-tracking and starting in a new direction. It is not often that clients feel like my work has greatly missed the mark… but I’m not perfect. When I do miss, I will be sure to put it right.
Who has the rights to my files once the project is over?
You do! Some graphic designers try to hold files hostage in order to keep your business, but with Abbie Taylor Design, you get it all. That includes copyright. I don’t attempt to retain any rights on the work, although I do like to use what we have created for my personal portfolio and advertising needs. Unless you express that you wish to keep your project confidential – then I will certainly adhere to those requirements.
Do you do printing and signage?
Yes. Well, sort of… while I don’t physically produce printing and signage myself, I’m more than happy to guide you through this. I’ve worked hands-on in both industries so I have a solid understanding of what works best. I really prefer it if I’m able to set your files up for your printing and signage needs. As no one is going to respect your brand as much as me! I will ensure your brand is presented as best as it can be. It’s about ensuring the consistency of your brand and paying the attention to detail that your brand deserves.
Why choose Abbie Taylor Design for your project, what makes you different?
Go to a fancy design agency that looks amazing. You’ll often find a junior designer is assigned to your job.
With Abbie Taylor Design you will benefit from a responsive, flexible, and personal service.
I have 20 years’ experience so I have gained a lot of insight over the years about how to give you an easy and stressful process while delivering amazing results.
I’m a reasonable person to deal with. I have a small business myself. I am compassionate and considerate and put my heart and soul into my work. I go the extra mile for my clients, often stretching and juggling my workload to accommodate those last-minute rush jobs.
Thank you to all my happy customers!
Web Design
What's different about Abbie Taylor Design websites?
Let’s face it, you want your website to be functional but you also want it to look amazing at the same time.
Not many technical web developers have an eye for good design. Not many web designers can code.
By working with Rocketspark – I have technical support at my fingertips. This amazing company is constantly evolving their technology to incorporate the latest online needs.
I can concentrate on making your site look amazing, while the Rocketspark support team will handle all the techy stuff. You get the best of both worlds!
Why Rocketspark websites?
Rocketspark is my preferred platform for many reasons including:
- You can customise the design layout.
- Rocketspark websites rank well in search engines due to being hosted locally in New Zealand.
- Rocketspark are always improving their platform to take advantage of new trends and technology.
- There’s always technical support available. Backups and updates are included in your hosting plan.
- Rocketspark is compatible with 3rd party software (eg. Mailchimp).
- Rocketspark is mobile friendly & responsive.
- Rocketspark platform makes it easy to add in lots of SEO information and creates charts detailing your website visits and sales.
- Rocketspark ensures your SSL certificate is current.
- There are no hidden, recurring fees.
What do I need before we can begin?
You will need to provide the website content which includes all your text and high-resolution photos and images.
I highly recommend getting professional photographs taken. If you really want a website that will offer maximum return and conversions. Do not under estimate how much of a difference professional photography can make to how you business is portrayed to a potential customer.
Again, content writing is also a crucial component of your website. Hiring a content writer who can target keywords for google search optimisation is important to achieve the best results.
If you’re unsure of who to use for photography and content writing, I can put you in contact with the right person to help out here.
You will also need a logo. If you don’t have one, well of course I can whip you one up right away!
We also need your domain name registered. Which we can set up together. Or if you have an existing domain name elsewhere no problem.
It can be really helpful if you are able to provide some urls / examples of websites that you like and dislike to give me some clear direction of your personal taste.
What is better, a .co.nz or .nz or a .com domain? Does it matter?
Google geo-targets its results to rank New Zealand extensions (.co.nz and .nz) higher for New Zealand searches because they are more relevant. If your audience is international, the .com domain can still be relevant for wider reach.
With your own domain name you can create a web address and email addresses all based on your brand.
How long does it take to build a website?
The length of time it takes to create a fully functional website is based on several factors. For example, the complexity of the site, how many pages, functionality required etc.
Typically a website takes about 2-6 weeks to turn around, after receiving the content in terms of text and imagery. It also depends on how quickly feedback, deliverables, and approvals are given. I will make every effort to meet the time-frame you have in mind.
Will I be able to update the website myself?
Yes, if you’d like to make changes yourself, I’ll provide you with a login to the administration area, and provide you with access to online support. Parts of the administration area will be restricted. This is to protect the security of your website.
If you find you are having trouble, I’m happy to arrange an one on one session to teach you the basics.
Do you provide ongoing support for websites?
Yes, I can maintain and make the updates of your website for you, if and when required. This will be charged at an hourly rate.
Are there any ongoing costs?
Yes, every website that is online has two ongoing costs to keep your website live:
Hosting: Your website on the internet needs to be ‘hosted’ on a server somewhere. It’s like paying a “rent” for your website to “live” on the internet. Most of the websites I design have a hosting fee of $39/month + gst, paid directly to Rocketspark. It may be slightly less or more, dependant on the number of pages and whether it requires e-commerce or not.
Domain Name Renewal: With Rocketspark your domain name is free for the first year. Thereafter, each year your domain name will require renewal. Renewal is charged as an annual fee of NZ$35 + gst/year. Note, if you already have a domain name listed elsewhere you can choose to remain with your current domain provider.
If you decide you no longer require your website further down the track you can simply cancel the hosting and domain name plans.
What about search engine optimisation?
All sites have an initial search engine optimisation plan implemented. I always aim to build results-oriented websites. Your written content is important here to capture keywords and search terms relevant to your business. However, ranking in search engines is a complicated and competitive market. Results take time and are not a given. Ongoing support from a SEO expert or digital marketer would be advised if your particular line of business falls in a very competitive market online and you want your site to rank well.