FAQ - SEO | Web Design | Illustration

For more involved questions, please schedule a consultation. I’m available by phone, Zoom, Google Meet, or in person (within 50 miles of South Lake Tahoe), and I can even consult by email if you prefer!

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO):

What is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving your website's visibility on search engines like Google. It involves working on various elements of your website—such as keywords, content, site structure, and technical performance—to rank higher in search results for relevant queries. The goal of SEO is to increase organic (non-paid) traffic to your site, making it easier for potential customers to find your business when searching for products or services like yours.

However, that is only some of what SEO achieves. Best SEO practices improve the accessibility of websites for users who might otherwise struggle to use them. For example, page titles are the first thing a screen reader reads, so people with visual impairments can orient themselves, and well-structured SEO elements assist screen readers in navigating a page effectively. Go to my SEO page for more information.

What can SEO do for my business?

Here are some ways SEO can significantly impact your business:
DRIVING TARGETED TRAFFIC: SEO improves your search rankings so you appear higher in search results. This helps people actively searching for what you offer to find you, leading to higher-quality traffic.

BUILDING CREDIBILITY: The better your SEO, the higher your ranking in search results will be, boosting your brand's credibility and authority in your industry.

INCREASING CONVERSION RATES: Optimized SEO often leads to better user experience, which can result in more conversions—sales, inquiries, sign-ups, etc.

PROVIDING LONG-TERM RESULTS: Unlike paid ads, SEO delivers long-term benefits without additional costs.

Can I do my own SEO?

Yes, you can absolutely do your own SEO! In fact, you're the best person for the job because you know your business, audience, and industry better than anyone else. It is also much less expensive than having someone do it for you. Many aspects of SEO—like content creation, keyword research, and improving user experience—can be done with some guidance and practice.

Consider enrolling in one of my SEO courses (Get on my interest list here), working with me one-on-one for personalized guidance, or consulting with me to make sure you're on the right track. Feel free to schedule a complimentary chat to determine what works best for you.

How can I improve my website's SEO?

Here are some ways you can improve your website’s SEO:
OPTIMIZE YOUR CONTENT: Use relevant keywords in your titles, headings, and content to align with what your audience is searching for.

IMPROVE YOUR SITE SPEED: Search engines favor fast-loading websites because they provide a better user experience.

ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE: Ensure your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and offers valuable content.

GET BACKLINKS: Building links from credible websites back to your own improves your domain authority and helps with rankings. (Do not pay for backlinks. Doing so will harm your rankings.)

REGULARLY UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE: Fresh, relevant content signals to search engines that your site is active and valuable to visitors.

USE ANALYTICS TOOLS: Analytics tools can help you monitor your site’s performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

ASSESS YOUR WEBSITE: Sign up for one of my website audits to see how your website is performing. I offer a range of options to fit beginners all the way to complex situations.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY EASY TIPS NEWSLETTER: My newsletter of easy tips will help you improve your online presence and SEO. (Click here to subscribe.)

If I want to keep track of my search analytics, do I have to use Google Analytics?

No. Every year, Google Analytics gets more and more complicated in ways that most small businesses and creative professionals don't need. If you don't want to, spending the time and frustration required to learn how to use Google Analytics is unnecessary. Plenty of free tools are available that are more intuitive or quicker to learn. The alternatives also do a better job supplying metrics without cookies that compromise your visitors' privacy.

Are there free options for tracking and analyzing my website traffic?

Yes. Most small businesses and creative professionals don't need to pay for advanced website analytics. My clients and newsletter subscribers learn how to track their web traffic in a way that is much easier, free, and doesn't compromise their visitors' privacy. If more advanced metrics are needed, the simple tools I recommend also have inexpensive add-ons.

WEB PRESENCE:

What is web presence?

Web presence refers to all the ways your business appears online. This includes your website, social media profiles, business listings, and any other digital platforms where your business is visible. A strong web presence helps potential customers find and engage with your business, builds credibility, and supports your overall marketing efforts.

WEB DESIGN:

How much does a website cost?

There are a lot of factors that affect the cost of a website. The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule time to tell me about what you'd like. A lot of what I do is figuring out the best way to help people meet their goals—which is unique to everyone. For example, one person may want a website to help them increase sales, and another may want a website solely to explain a project. The approach to each goal is very different. I also consider budgets when deciding the best strategy. The great thing about websites is that they can grow as you go and expand anytime. You don't have to build it all at once.

I'm interested in learning website code. Where do I start?

The Headfirst HTML book is a great way to get started. It's a fun book, and you will learn by doing, which is the best way to learn code.

ILLUSTRATION:

How much does an illustration cost?

It depends on the size, how it will be used, complexity, and medium, to name a few things. My prices start at $250 and go up from there. Contact me if you'd like to discuss an illustration project. I am more than happy to bid projects based on an existing budget.

Will I own all the rights to the illustration you do for me?

Only if you ask for this, and it says so on your licensing agreement. Before a licensing contract is signed, I need to know all the intended uses for the illustration(s). If you need exclusive rights, make sure to let me know. Most illustrations are licensed more than once for different projects over the years. The license specifies when, where, how many times, and by whom the art can be used before a new agreement is necessary. For example, if you license an illustration to be used in the first edition of a book and later decide you want to use the same image in a second edition (or on t-shirts, etc.), you will need to sign a new agreement for each usage. Using a piece of art beyond the licensing agreement can cause severe problems for me and others who have licensed the art for other purposes.

CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING:

Will you illustrate my picture book so I can submit it to a publisher?

Thanks for asking, but the publishing world doesn't work like that. When a publisher invests in an author and acquires a manuscript, they have a vision for the book and will match an illustrator that fits best. One less thing for you to do! Join SCBWI for more information on the steps to submit to publishers.

WORKING RELATIONSHIP:

What is a kill fee?

It sounds ominous. However, a kill fee ensures that I get paid for my time if a client cancels a project before it is finished. The fee is generally 50% of the total cost of the job and will be specified in your contract.

How does work begin, and what can I expect from the illustration/design process?

First – figure out your project, get clear on what you want, and know all the necessary parts and pieces. Some details will include final output requirements (size, color, black and white, etc.), how the art is reproduced, and whether you need multiple resolutions and sizes for different outputs. Knowing the details will save time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Next, decide on your budget and deadline. This will help me determine what work to produce to meet your budget and expectations. I am very creative when it comes to meeting the parameters of a job combined with a budget.

Then, contact me to discuss your project. After I know all the details, I will email you a quote with options and prices.

Once you approve the quote, I will send a contract with all the agreed-upon details and the deposit amount. Work begins after I receive the deposit.

I will create roughs that you either approve or want to revise. When you approve the roughs or revisions, I will begin the final project. One round of revisions is included before the final art begins. Requesting more than one set of significant modifications will cost an additional amount, which will be discussed before work continues.

The remainder of the job total is due upon completion of the job. On large assignments or long deadlines, one-third of the cost is due upon beginning the job, one-third after sketch approval, and one-third at completion. Otherwise, the total is split in two.

How are you going to know what I want?

Be straightforward with yourself about what you want. Sit with it for a while if you're not sure. Then, try explaining it to a friend and see how it sounds. You might notice some things need to be clarified. The more concise your words and examples, the better. I will also ask questions, describe what I hear you say, and, when helpful—offer suggestions or clarifying examples of my own. After the job starts and I present ideas, you will have an opportunity to ask for revisions.

When do you use a rush fee?

Rush fees apply when a job has a deadline that requires a faster-than-normal timeframe and a reshuffling of my schedule to accommodate it. A rush fee is a percentage of the total job fee. You will always know during bidding before work begins if your job is considered a rush job.

Why is there a limit to revisions?

Without limits, jobs can get off track and go on for way longer than they should. It is an industry standard to include one round of revisions to refine a composition, idea, or text to meet the parameters of the job description in the contract. Anything beyond that is billable.

For example (this really happened, although the illustrations were different and you weren't involved): Client B hires me to illustrate an aspen grove, and I present sketches. Then, they decide they want a tropical beach, so I sketch that.

Meanwhile, you're waiting for me to start your job, but I can't because Client B now wants an underwater poker game. As a result, I will never be able to meet your deadline, and I'm not getting compensated for the extra work Client B wants because there are no limits. Although it is great fun to be creative and explore possibilities, I run a business. Boundaries keep us all on track and focused on the process, all deadlines are met, and I can pay my bills.

Why is there a contract?

Contracts are an essential way for each of us to know how things will work so we can minimize the possibility of misunderstandings along the way. You know what to expect from me and my work, and I know what to expect from you. With all the job details taken care of, we can focus on the critical part — the collaboration and the end product.

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