Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page!
We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about our WordPress services, cloud solutions, and project management processes.
Please explore the sections below to find the information you need. If your question isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly – we’re always happy to help.
Section 1: General & Project Enquiries
Q: What types of businesses do you typically work with?
A: We work with a diverse range of businesses, but primarily those looking to enhance their digital presence with professional WordPress solutions and efficient cloud services.
Q: How do I get started on a new project with 127 Media?
A: The best way to start is by contacting us through our website.
Q: What information do you need from me to provide a project quote?
To provide an accurate quote, we typically need to understand your project scope, budget, specific requirements, any existing assets (such as branding or content), and your desired outcomes.
Q: Where are you based, and do you work with clients internationally?
A: We are based in Southport, UK, but we proudly serve clients locally, nationally, and internationally. Modern communication tools allow us to collaborate effectively regardless of location.
Q: What makes 127 Media different from other digital agencies?
A: Our key differentiators include our deep understanding and expertise in the technologies that drive the web, modern communications, and the internet, as well as over 30 years of industry knowledge and a commitment to personalised client support.
Q: How long does a typical project take to complete?
A: Project timelines vary depending on the complexity and scope. A basic WordPress website typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete, while more complex projects may require longer timelines. We will address this as part of our proposal.
Q: What are your standard payment terms?
A: For most projects, we require an initial deposit of 50% to secure the booking, with the remaining balance due upon completion or upon reaching specific milestones. We’ll outline this clearly in your project proposal.
Q: Do you offer consultations before starting a project?
A: Yes, we offer an initial consultation to discuss your requirements, explore potential solutions, and determine if we’re a good fit for each other.
Q: Can you help with content creation (text, images) for my website?
A: Yes, we can provide content guidance and creation services. It’s best if you already have some ideas of your own, but we can help you develop them. We can discuss specific content needs during the discovery process.
Q: What is your process for communication and updates during a project?
A: We believe in regular and open communication at every stage of the process. We typically use email to provide updates, gather feedback, and ensure the project stays on track.
Section 2: WordPress Design & Development Services
Q: What's your process for designing and developing a new WordPress website?
A: Our process typically involves the following steps: 1. Discovery and Planning, 2. Design Mock-ups/Prototyping, 3. WordPress Development, 4. Content Integration, 5. Testing & Quality Assurance, 6. Launch, and 7. Post-Launch Support/Training.
Q: Can you redesign my existing WordPress website?
A: Absolutely! We can help refresh your existing WordPress site with a new design, improved functionality, and better user experience, while often preserving your valuable content.
Q: Are all the websites you build mobile-responsive?
A: Yes, every website we design and build is fully responsive, ensuring it looks and functions perfectly on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Q: Do you build e-commerce websites using WordPress?
A: Yes, we have extensive experience building robust e-commerce solutions using WordPress and WooCommerce, tailored to your specific product and sales needs. One of our development team also specialises in Magento.
Q: Will I be able to update the website content myself after it's launched?
A: If you’d like to, yes! We build websites with user-friendliness in mind. We can provide training on how to manage your content using the WordPress dashboard, as well as any specific tools we implement. Similarly, if you prefer not to, we can arrange this for you as part of one of our maintenance packages.
Q: Do you provide SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) services for WordPress sites?
A: We build websites with SEO best practices in mind. We also offer ongoing SEO services to help improve your site’s visibility.
Q: Can you integrate third-party tools or APIs with my WordPress site?
A: Yes, we can integrate a wide variety of third-party services, including CRM systems, booking platforms, payment gateways, and marketing automation tools, to enhance your website’s functionality.
Q: What WordPress themes and plugins do you typically use or recommend?
A: We prioritise well-coded, reliable, and flexible themes and plugins. Selecting plugins based on project needs, with a focus on quality and security.
Q: How do you ensure website security during development?
A: We adhere to security best practices throughout the development process, utilising trusted tools and implementing security measures.
Q: What if I need features that are very specific to my business?
A: We specialise in custom WordPress development. If you need unique functionality, we can develop custom plugins or features tailored precisely to your business requirements.
Section 3: WordPress Hosting & Ongoing Management
Q: What kind of WordPress hosting do you offer?
A: We offer managed WordPress hosting solutions optimised for performance, security, and reliability.
Q: Is website maintenance included with your hosting plans?
A: Website maintenance isn’t included as standard in our hosting plans. However, we offer different tiers of maintenance, ranging from basic to best. Find out more here: Optimise Your Website
Q: How do you handle website backups?
A: Website and database files are not backed up as standard. They are dealt with through our maintenance packages. If a maintenance package isn’t in place, the site owner should make provision for backups and security. Discover more here: Optimise Your Website for Growth..
Q: What security measures are in place for your hosting?
A: Our hosting environment includes the necessary firewalls, malware scanning, DDoS protection, regular security audits, and free SSL certificates. What it doesn’t do is protect against breaches caused by the website owner’s lack of security measures.
Q: Can I transfer my existing WordPress site to your hosting?
A: Yes, we can assist you with migrating your existing WordPress website to our hosting platform. For basic sites, with up to ten pages, there is no charge. Anything above ten pages can be chargeable, depending on the number of pages and the amount of content.
Q: What level of support is included with your hosting/management plans?
A: We offer email support for all hosting and maintenance customers during business hours for any hosting-related issues or questions about managed services.
Q: Do your hosting plans include an SSL certificate?
A: Yes, all our hosting plans come with a free SSL certificate to ensure your website traffic is encrypted (HTTPS).
Q: What happens if my website goes down?
A: Our servers are proactively monitored. In the rare event of downtime, our team is alerted immediately and works to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Our uptime target is 99.9%.
Q: Do you offer performance optimisation for WordPress sites?
A: Yes, we offer performance optimisation for WordPress websites.
Q: Can I get email hosting with my website hosting?
A: While our primary focus is website hosting, we can offer basic POP and SMTP email services. For professional email, we offer solutions like Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Section 4: Cloud Solutions & Synergistic Integrations (Microsoft, AvePoint, NordSecurity & More)
Q: What range of cloud solutions and integration services do you offer beyond standard Microsoft products?
A: While we have expertise in Microsoft Cloud services, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure fundamentals, we also partner with other leading providers to create comprehensive solutions. This includes specialised services, such as AvePoint, for advanced Microsoft 365 backup and management. We continually evaluate other best-in-class cloud solutions.
Q: You mentioned AvePoint. What specific AvePoint solutions do you offer, for example, for Microsoft 365 backup?
A: Yes, we partner with AvePoint to provide robust data protection and management for Microsoft 365. This includes comprehensive backup solutions for Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Teams, ensuring your critical data is secure, compliant, and recoverable.
Q: How can Microsoft 365 still benefit my business as part of these broader cloud solutions?
A: Microsoft 365 remains a cornerstone for many businesses, offering essential productivity tools (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Office Suite). We leverage these core strengths and then enhance them with aligned services, such as AvePoint backup or other integrations, to provide a more comprehensive and resilient cloud environments.
Q: What do you mean by "synergistic cloud services"?
A: Synergistic cloud services are third-party applications or platforms that work together with your core cloud infrastructure (like Microsoft 365) to provide enhanced functionality, security, or efficiency. For example, a specialised backup service like AvePoint or a security specialist such as NordSecurity is synergistic with Microsoft 365 as it adds an extra layer of protection.
Q: How do you approach integrating different cloud services to ensure they work together efficiently for a client?
A: Our approach starts with understanding your business needs. We then identify the best combination of services, focusing on seamless integration, data flow, security, and user experience. We leverage APIs, connectors, and best practices to ensure all components work harmoniously.
Q: Beyond AvePoint and NordSecurity, what other types of third-party cloud services might you integrate?
A: We continually explore services that add value. Things such as advanced cybersecurity solutions, specific CRM integrations, industry-specific cloud applications, data analytics platforms, etc. Our goal is to provide a customised cloud ecosystem tailored to your business needs.
Q: How can we stay updated on new cloud services or integrations that 127 Media begins to offer?
A: We recommend subscribing to our newsletter, checking our blog and news section, and following us on LinkedIn. We’ll announce new partnerships and service offerings as they become available. This FAQ page will also be updated accordingly.
Q: What kind of support do you offer for these integrated cloud solutions?
A: We provide setup, configuration, ongoing management, user support and training for the cloud services we implement and integrate, ensuring you have a single point of contact for assistance.
Q: How do you ensure data security and compliance when integrating multiple cloud services?
A: Security and compliance are paramount. We select reputable service providers, implement strong access controls, ensure data encryption, and adhere to relevant data protection regulations. We can discuss specific compliance needs (like GDPR) for your integrated solution.
Q: We already use some cloud services. Can you help us integrate them better or suggest complementary solutions?
A: Absolutely. We can conduct a review of your current cloud stack, identify areas for improvement or better integration, and recommend synergistic services that could enhance your existing investments and overall efficiency.