FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions about custom website development answered. If you don't see your question below, please contact us at info@shoplucidmedia.com
About Our Services
What types of websites do you build?
We specialize in information websites and e-commerce stores built on Shopify. Our custom approach allows us to tailor each website to your specific needs, whether you're showcasing services or selling products.
Do you work with businesses in any industry?
Yes! We've created websites for clients across various industries. Our diverse experience allows us to understand the unique needs of different business sectors.
How is Lucid Media different from other web design agencies?
Unlike many agencies that rely on templates, we create truly custom websites built to match your exact specifications. We prioritize clear communication, transparent pricing, and ongoing support throughout the process and beyond.
Can you update my existing website instead of building a new one?
No, we specialize exclusively in creating brand new, custom-built websites from the ground up. This approach ensures every website we create is built with clean, efficient code and modern best practices.
Free Features & Add-Ons
What free features come with all websites?
Every website we build comes with five premium features at no additional cost: high quality AI-generated images, file optimization, file conversion, AI image optimization, and sender email setup.
How many AI-generated images are included for free?
We provide a customized set of AI-generated images based on your website needs. Typically, this includes 10-15 high-quality images for information websites and product-specific images for e-commerce sites. Additional AI images can be created at a nominal fee.
What does "file optimization" include?
Our file optimization service ensures all images, videos, PDFs, and other media files are properly compressed and optimized for web use without sacrificing quality. This results in faster page loading times and better user experience.
How does AI image optimization differ from regular file optimization?
While standard file optimization focuses on compression, AI image optimization uses advanced algorithms to enhance image quality, adjust colors for brand consistency, improve clarity, and create custom-sized versions for different devices—all while maintaining fast loading times.
What is included in the sender email setup?
We configure a professional email address that matches your domain (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com) and ensure it's properly set up for sending and receiving. This includes configuring SPF and DKIM records for improved deliverability and helping you connect it to your preferred email client.
Can I request specific types of AI-generated images?
Absolutely! We work closely with you to understand the style, mood, and subject matter you need for your AI-generated images, ensuring they align perfectly with your brand identity and website content.
E-Commerce Questions
Why do you use Shopify for e-commerce websites?
Shopify provides the most reliable, secure, and scalable platform for online stores. Its robust features, excellent payment processing, and user-friendly interface make it ideal for businesses of all sizes.
What's included in my e-commerce website package?
All e-commerce packages include a custom Shopify store, mobile-friendly design, secure payment integration (Stripe or PayPal), basic SEO optimization, and two rounds of revisions.
How are e-commerce websites priced?
Our e-commerce websites are priced based on the number of products, starting at $5,500 for stores with 1-10 products. Larger stores (11-25 products) are $7,500, and established stores (26-50 products) are $10,000. For stores with over 50 products, we offer custom quotes.
What ongoing costs should I expect with an e-commerce store?
In addition to our one-time development fee, you'll need a Shopify subscription ($29-$299/month depending on your needs), domain registration (~$15/year), and optionally, a maintenance plan.
Process & Timeline
What is your website development process?
Our process follows six key stages:
- Discovery & Consultation
- Planning & Design
- Development & Content Integration
- Testing & Refinement
- Launch
- Ongoing Support (if opted in)
How long does it take to build a website?
• Information websites typically take 1-2 weeks
• E-commerce websites typically take 2-4 weeks depending on complexity and size
• Custom functionality can extend these timeframes
What do you need from me to get started?
To begin, we'll need information about your business and target audience, your brand assets, content for your website, examples of websites you like, and your project goals and requirements.
Do you help with content creation?
While we don't provide full content creation services, we do offer guidance on content strategy and can recommend professional photographers.
When in the process are the AI images created?
We create AI-generated images during the Planning & Design phase. We'll first discuss your vision and preferences, then create sample images for your approval before finalizing them for the website.
Technology & Features
Will my website work on mobile devices?
Absolutely. All websites we create are fully responsive, meaning they automatically adjust to look and function properly on any device.
Can I update the website myself after it's built?
Yes! We build all websites with user-friendly content management systems that allow you to easily update content without technical knowledge. We also provide training to ensure you're comfortable making updates.
Do you include SEO in your website development?
Yes, we build all websites with SEO best practices in mind, including proper HTML structure, fast loading speeds, mobile optimization, and basic on-page SEO elements.
What about website security?
Security is a top priority for every website we build. We implement multiple security measures including secure contact forms, regular software updates, and protection against common vulnerabilities.
How does the file conversion service benefit my website?
Our file conversion service transforms your existing files into web-optimized formats (like converting Word documents to PDFs, or large video files to streaming-friendly formats). This improves website performance and ensures compatibility across all devices and browsers.
Pricing & Payment
How much does a website cost?
• Information websites: $4,000 (reduced from $7,000)
• E-commerce websites: $5,500-$10,000+ depending on size
Additional costs include domain registration (~$15/year) and hosting ($39/month or $29/month billed yearly).
Do I have to pay the entire amount upfront?
No, we divide payments into two main installments:
• Information websites: $2,000 initiation fee + $2,000 finalization fee
• E-commerce websites: 50% initiation fee + 50% finalization fee
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal payments. We can also discuss custom payment schedules.
Are there any recurring costs?
Yes, necessary ongoing costs include:
• Domain registration: ~$15/year
• Website hosting: $39/month (monthly) or $29/month (yearly)
• Shopify subscription (for e-commerce): $29-$299/month
• Optional maintenance plan: from $300/year
Are the free features truly included at no extra cost?
Yes, all five premium features (AI images, file optimization, file conversion, AI image optimization, and sender email setup) are completely free with your website purchase. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs for these services.
Website Maintenance
What maintenance plans do you offer?
Premium Plan - $1,000/year
• 3 free updates per month
• Additional updates: $30/hour
• Priority support
Standard Plan - $650/year
• 2 free updates per month
• Additional updates: $40/hour
• Standard support
Basic Plan - $300/year
• 1 free update per month
• Additional updates: $45/hour
• Basic support
No Plan Selected: $70/hour for any updates
What counts as an update?
Updates include text modifications, image uploads, product listing changes, layout adjustments, form updates, design tweaks, social media link updates, contact information changes, new pages, and SEO adjustments.
Please Note:
• Each update is limited to 1 hour of work
• Major redesigns or extensive changes may require additional hours
• Emergency requests outside business hours may have additional fees
• Updates can accumulate month to month
Can I cancel the maintenance plan?
Yes, you can cancel the maintenance plan. There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees.
What happens if I don't sign up for maintenance?
Your website will continue to function, but you'll be responsible for managing updates and changes. We're available to help on an as-needed basis at an hourly rate of $70.
Do maintenance plans include additional AI-generated images?
Creating new AI-generated images beyond your initial set would count as an update under your maintenance plan. Depending on complexity, a single update hour typically allows for 2-3 new AI images.
Getting Started
How do I get started with Lucid Media?
The first step is to book a consultation with our team. During this conversation, we'll discuss your needs, answer your questions, and determine if we're the right fit for your project.
How soon can you start my project?
Our project start dates typically range from same-day to 1 week after the initiation fee is paid, depending on our current workload.
What if I'm not satisfied with the design?
Your satisfaction is our priority. Our process includes multiple review points and revision cycles to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
Ready to Get Started?
Book A Free Zoom Call Below!
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