Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Getting Started
Q: What types of businesses do you work with, and how do I get started?
A: We work with a diverse range of UK businesses, primarily those looking to enhance their digital presence with professional WordPress solutions and efficient cloud services. The best way to get started is by filling in the contact form on our website; we’ll respond within 24 working hours. If it’s urgent, call us on 01704 332127.
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: We’re based in Southport and work with clients across the UK and internationally, backed by over 30 years of hands-on technology experience. We partner directly with specialists like AvePoint for Microsoft 365 backup and Nord Security for password management and secure access, giving you one point of contact for a properly integrated setup rather than a generic, one-size-fits-all package.
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.
WordPress Development
Q: What's your process for designing and developing a new WordPress website?
A: Our process typically involves the following steps:
- Discovery and Planning
- Design Mock-ups/Prototyping
- WordPress Development
- Content Integration
- Testing & Quality Assurance
- Launch
- 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.
Hosting & Support
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 about our WordPress maintenance packages..
Q: How do you handle website backups?
A: For clients on our managed hosting, daily automated backups are included as standard. Your website and database files are backed up off-site every day, and we can restore a clean version quickly if anything goes wrong. For clients who host elsewhere, backups are handled through one of our WordPress maintenance packages. If neither is in place, the site owner is responsible for making their own backup provision.
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.
Q: How does website migration work if I want to move to 127 Media hosting?
A: We handle the entire migration process for you. For most business websites, migration is free, and we aim for zero downtime during the cutover. We take a full copy of your existing site, move it across to our servers, test everything thoroughly, and then switch the domain over once we’re confident everything is working correctly. You don’t need to do anything technical. The hardest part is usually deciding to move. Find out more about our hosting migration service here.
Cloud Services
Q: What cloud solutions do you offer beyond standard Microsoft 365?
A: Alongside Microsoft 365 and Azure, we offer Microsoft 365 backup through AvePoint, and password management and secure remote access through NordPass and NordLayer. We add new services when they’re genuinely useful, not for the sake of it.
Q: What Microsoft 365 backup do you offer?
A: We partner with AvePoint for Microsoft 365 backup, covering Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Teams, so your data stays secure, compliant, and recoverable.
Q: What other security tools do you provide alongside Microsoft 365?
A: We resell and support NordPass for business password management and NordLayer for secure network access, both of which work alongside your existing Microsoft 365 setup to add an extra layer of protection.
Q: Can you help us integrate or review the cloud services we already use?
A: Yes. We can review your current setup, spot gaps or overlaps, and recommend where AvePoint, NordPass, NordLayer, or other services could improve your security or save you money.
Q: What support do you provide for the cloud services you manage for us?
A: We handle setup, configuration, ongoing management, and user support, so you’ve got one point of contact rather than juggling multiple vendors.
Q: How do you handle data security and compliance across these services?
A: We use reputable providers, strong access controls, and encryption throughout, and we’re happy to talk through specific compliance needs like GDPR for your setup.
