Frequently Asked Questions
I don't believe in "one size fits all," so the starting line depends on what you need. Here are the two most common paths:1. For New Builds & Ecosystems: If you are looking to build a new site or completely overhaul your current marketing system, we start with a Discovery Call.- Step 1: Fill out the Discovery Call Request Form on the Contact Page.
- Step 2: If we are a good fit, you’ll be invited to book a complimentary 15-minute Strategy Chat.
- Step 3: Following that chat, I will provide a detailed proposal and scope of work.
2. For Troubled Sites: If you have an existing site that is slow, broken, or underperforming, we start with a Diagnostic Audit.- Step 1: Visit the Plan It page.
- Step 2: Select the Audit that matches your issue (Performance or Ownership).
- Step 3: Book your live review session immediately.
My "No Surprises" Promise: Whether it’s an Audit or a full Build, I believe in total transparency. You will always receive a clear contract outlining the scope, the timeline, and the cost before we begin. Projects typically require a 50% deposit to secure your slot on my production calendar.I believe Foundational SEO is not an "add-on"—it is the standard. A website that Google cannot read is a broken website.
However, there is a difference between building the system and marketing the system. Here is how I break it down:
1. What is INCLUDED (The Architecture) Every site I build is "Google-Ready" from launch. I use my 25+ years of experience to ensure the technical foundation is perfect. This includes:
Mobile Optimization: Ensuring it works on every device.
Site Speed & Performance: Google penalizes slow sites.
Proper Coding Structure: Clean H1/H2 tags, meta descriptions, and schema markup so robots can read your content.
Security: SSL certificates and secure protocols.
2. What is EXTRA (The Growth Strategy) While I build the car, you still have to drive it. Ranking for competitive keywords (like "Best Dentist in Chicago") requires ongoing content creation, blogging, and backlinking. This falls under my Grow It pillar. We can build a strategy for this, but it is a separate ongoing effort from the initial build.
The Bottom Line: I don't charge extra to build it right. You will launch with a technically superior site that gives you the best possible head start in the search results.
You don't just get a website; you get a fully functioning Digital Ecosystem.
I believe a website is useless if it doesn't integrate with the rest of your business. That’s why every custom build is delivered as a turnkey system, ready to perform on day one.
1. The Infrastructure (Safety & Speed)
Complete "Tech Stack" Setup: Configuration of your hosting, DNS, and SSL.
Security Suite: Installation of firewalls, anti-spam filters, and automatic backup systems so you never lose your data.
Google Integration: Setup of Google Analytics and Search Console so you can track your success.
2. The Marketing Engine (Growth)
Lead Generation: Integration with your email marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) to capture leads.
Social Connectivity: seamless integration of your social profiles for sharing and following.
SEO Architecture: A site structure built to be read and ranked by search engines.
3. The Education (Control)
The "Owner's Manual": I don't just hand over the keys and run. You receive training on how to update your content, write blog posts, and manage your new asset.
Strategy Implementation: We don't just guess at the design; we build it based on the marketing goals we established in the planning phase.
The Result: You walk away with full ownership of a professional, secure, and strategically built asset—plus the knowledge of how to actually drive it.
believe in straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Because I offer different levels of support—from quick fixes to full ecosystem builds—my pricing structure changes based on the service you need.
1. Custom Builds (Flat Project Fee) For new websites and digital ecosystems, I work on a Flat Project Rate.
We define the full scope in a written proposal.
You know the exact total before we start.
Payment Terms: Typically a 50% deposit to book your slot, with the remaining balance due upon launch.
2. Audits & Diagnostics (Fixed Price) For site reviews, I offer fixed-price products so you can get answers without committing to a big contract.
Performance Audits and Ownership Audits are one-time fees paid at the time of booking.
3. Maintenance & Care (Subscription) For ongoing support, security updates, and peace of mind, I offer Care Plans.
These are billed automatically on a Monthly or Quarterly basis.
You can cancel with 30 days' notice—no long-term handcuffs.
4. Consulting & Strategy (Hourly) For clients who just need a "brain pick," specific coaching, or DIY support, I offer Strategy Sessions billed at an hourly rate.
The Bottom Line: Whether it’s a $300 audit or a $10,000 build, everything is in writing. You will never receive a bill you didn't approve.
I use a streamlined digital invoicing system to make payments easy and secure for business owners.
1. Accepted Methods
Credit Cards: I accept all major credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex) via secure online link.
Bank Transfer (ACH): You can pay directly from your business bank account via the invoice link.
Checks: Corporate checks are accepted for projects over $2,000. Please make checks payable to: Colleen Nelson
- Zelle and Paypal also accepted.
2. Payment Schedules
For Custom Builds: A 50% deposit is required to secure your start date on my production calendar. The remaining balance is due upon the completion/launch of the project.
For Audits & Strategy: These are fixed-price services and are paid in full at the time of booking to reserve the time slot.
3. The Process No need to calculate fees or mail cash. You will receive a professional digital invoice via email with a simple "Click to Pay" button.
We follow a proven 3-Phase Roadmap to ensure your project stays on time, on budget, and free of stress.
Phase 1: The Blueprint (Discovery & Planning) Before a single pixel is designed, we get the strategy right.
Initiation: You fill out the Project Application or book a Discovery Call.
The Proposal: We define the scope, the goals, and the timeline in a clear agreement—no surprises.
Onboarding: You sign the contract and pay the 50% deposit to secure your start date on my production calendar.
Phase 2: The Build (Development) This is where the heavy lifting happens. 4. Architecture: I build the "skeleton" of the site (hosting, tech stack, and structure). 5. Design & Content: We flesh out the visuals and the messaging. You will have specific checkpoints to review the progress and offer feedback. 6. Optimization: I refine the mobile experience, site speed, and SEO settings.
Phase 3: The Handoff (Launch & Training) I don't just launch and leave. I ensure you own your system. 7. Testing: We run a final quality assurance check on all forms, links, and integrations. 8. The Launch: The balance is paid, and we flip the switch. Your site goes live to the world. 9. The Training: I provide a "Training Session" (recorded for you to keep) of sorts showing you exactly how to use your new website depending on the functions that were built.
My production calendar is typically booked weeks in advance to ensure every client gets my focused "Deep Work" time.
However, I understand that emergencies happen. If you need a project completed faster than the standard timeline, I offer an "Express Lane" option depending on my current availability.
The Fee: Rush projects incur an additional 25% - 50% fee on top of the project cost.
Why: This premium covers the cost of working nights/weekends or rearranging other scheduled deliverables to prioritize your immediate needs.
Note: Rush availability is not guaranteed—please ask during our initial consultation.
I view our scheduled time as a commitment to your business's success, and I ask that you respect my calendar as I respect yours.
1. For Audits & Strategy Sessions (Paid Appointments)
Rescheduling: You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty using the link in your confirmation email.
Cancellations/No-Shows: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment (or no-shows) are non-refundable. Since these are live diagnostic sessions, that time slot cannot be filled by another client at the last minute.
2. For Project Builds
The Deposit: The 50% deposit paid to book your project is non-refundable. This fee secures your specific slot on my production timeline and covers the initial setup and research phase.
Mid-Project Cancellation: If you choose to stop a project midway, the deposit is retained, and you will be billed for any additional billable hours worked beyond the deposit amount up to that date.
- Step 1: Fill out the Discovery Call Request Form on the Contact Page.
- Step 2: If we are a good fit, you’ll be invited to book a complimentary 15-minute Strategy Chat.
- Step 3: Following that chat, I will provide a detailed proposal and scope of work.
- Step 1: Visit the Plan It page.
- Step 2: Select the Audit that matches your issue (Performance or Ownership).
- Step 3: Book your live review session immediately.
I believe Foundational SEO is not an "add-on"—it is the standard. A website that Google cannot read is a broken website.
However, there is a difference between building the system and marketing the system. Here is how I break it down:
1. What is INCLUDED (The Architecture) Every site I build is "Google-Ready" from launch. I use my 25+ years of experience to ensure the technical foundation is perfect. This includes:
Mobile Optimization: Ensuring it works on every device.
Site Speed & Performance: Google penalizes slow sites.
Proper Coding Structure: Clean H1/H2 tags, meta descriptions, and schema markup so robots can read your content.
Security: SSL certificates and secure protocols.
2. What is EXTRA (The Growth Strategy) While I build the car, you still have to drive it. Ranking for competitive keywords (like "Best Dentist in Chicago") requires ongoing content creation, blogging, and backlinking. This falls under my Grow It pillar. We can build a strategy for this, but it is a separate ongoing effort from the initial build.
The Bottom Line: I don't charge extra to build it right. You will launch with a technically superior site that gives you the best possible head start in the search results.
You don't just get a website; you get a fully functioning Digital Ecosystem.
I believe a website is useless if it doesn't integrate with the rest of your business. That’s why every custom build is delivered as a turnkey system, ready to perform on day one.
1. The Infrastructure (Safety & Speed)
Complete "Tech Stack" Setup: Configuration of your hosting, DNS, and SSL.
Security Suite: Installation of firewalls, anti-spam filters, and automatic backup systems so you never lose your data.
Google Integration: Setup of Google Analytics and Search Console so you can track your success.
2. The Marketing Engine (Growth)
Lead Generation: Integration with your email marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) to capture leads.
Social Connectivity: seamless integration of your social profiles for sharing and following.
SEO Architecture: A site structure built to be read and ranked by search engines.
3. The Education (Control)
The "Owner's Manual": I don't just hand over the keys and run. You receive training on how to update your content, write blog posts, and manage your new asset.
Strategy Implementation: We don't just guess at the design; we build it based on the marketing goals we established in the planning phase.
The Result: You walk away with full ownership of a professional, secure, and strategically built asset—plus the knowledge of how to actually drive it.
believe in straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Because I offer different levels of support—from quick fixes to full ecosystem builds—my pricing structure changes based on the service you need.
1. Custom Builds (Flat Project Fee) For new websites and digital ecosystems, I work on a Flat Project Rate.
We define the full scope in a written proposal.
You know the exact total before we start.
Payment Terms: Typically a 50% deposit to book your slot, with the remaining balance due upon launch.
2. Audits & Diagnostics (Fixed Price) For site reviews, I offer fixed-price products so you can get answers without committing to a big contract.
Performance Audits and Ownership Audits are one-time fees paid at the time of booking.
3. Maintenance & Care (Subscription) For ongoing support, security updates, and peace of mind, I offer Care Plans.
These are billed automatically on a Monthly or Quarterly basis.
You can cancel with 30 days' notice—no long-term handcuffs.
4. Consulting & Strategy (Hourly) For clients who just need a "brain pick," specific coaching, or DIY support, I offer Strategy Sessions billed at an hourly rate.
The Bottom Line: Whether it’s a $300 audit or a $10,000 build, everything is in writing. You will never receive a bill you didn't approve.
I use a streamlined digital invoicing system to make payments easy and secure for business owners.
1. Accepted Methods
Credit Cards: I accept all major credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex) via secure online link.
Bank Transfer (ACH): You can pay directly from your business bank account via the invoice link.
Checks: Corporate checks are accepted for projects over $2,000. Please make checks payable to: Colleen Nelson
- Zelle and Paypal also accepted.
2. Payment Schedules
For Custom Builds: A 50% deposit is required to secure your start date on my production calendar. The remaining balance is due upon the completion/launch of the project.
For Audits & Strategy: These are fixed-price services and are paid in full at the time of booking to reserve the time slot.
3. The Process No need to calculate fees or mail cash. You will receive a professional digital invoice via email with a simple "Click to Pay" button.
We follow a proven 3-Phase Roadmap to ensure your project stays on time, on budget, and free of stress.
Phase 1: The Blueprint (Discovery & Planning) Before a single pixel is designed, we get the strategy right.
Initiation: You fill out the Project Application or book a Discovery Call.
The Proposal: We define the scope, the goals, and the timeline in a clear agreement—no surprises.
Onboarding: You sign the contract and pay the 50% deposit to secure your start date on my production calendar.
Phase 2: The Build (Development) This is where the heavy lifting happens. 4. Architecture: I build the "skeleton" of the site (hosting, tech stack, and structure). 5. Design & Content: We flesh out the visuals and the messaging. You will have specific checkpoints to review the progress and offer feedback. 6. Optimization: I refine the mobile experience, site speed, and SEO settings.
Phase 3: The Handoff (Launch & Training) I don't just launch and leave. I ensure you own your system. 7. Testing: We run a final quality assurance check on all forms, links, and integrations. 8. The Launch: The balance is paid, and we flip the switch. Your site goes live to the world. 9. The Training: I provide a "Training Session" (recorded for you to keep) of sorts showing you exactly how to use your new website depending on the functions that were built.
My production calendar is typically booked weeks in advance to ensure every client gets my focused "Deep Work" time.
However, I understand that emergencies happen. If you need a project completed faster than the standard timeline, I offer an "Express Lane" option depending on my current availability.
The Fee: Rush projects incur an additional 25% - 50% fee on top of the project cost.
Why: This premium covers the cost of working nights/weekends or rearranging other scheduled deliverables to prioritize your immediate needs.
Note: Rush availability is not guaranteed—please ask during our initial consultation.
I view our scheduled time as a commitment to your business's success, and I ask that you respect my calendar as I respect yours.
1. For Audits & Strategy Sessions (Paid Appointments)
Rescheduling: You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty using the link in your confirmation email.
Cancellations/No-Shows: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment (or no-shows) are non-refundable. Since these are live diagnostic sessions, that time slot cannot be filled by another client at the last minute.
2. For Project Builds
The Deposit: The 50% deposit paid to book your project is non-refundable. This fee secures your specific slot on my production timeline and covers the initial setup and research phase.
Mid-Project Cancellation: If you choose to stop a project midway, the deposit is retained, and you will be billed for any additional billable hours worked beyond the deposit amount up to that date.