Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ
Commonly asked questions and answers.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple! Just fill out our quick Request Preview form with basic details about your business. We'll get back to you within 24 hours and deliver a free mockup preview within 48 hours—no payment required until you're ready to move forward.

Why should I use Cornerstone Web Company to create my website?
We specialize in fully managed websites for small businesses in the Tristate area and beyond. We handle the design, hosting, security, updates, and support so you don’t have to. Our goal is simple: deliver a professional website that works for your business without the high agency price tag.

How long does it take to build a website?
Most websites are completed within about one week. We typically provide an initial preview within 48 hours so you can see the design direction early on. The final timeline depends on how quickly content and feedback are provided, but we work efficiently to get your site live as soon as possible.

Will you really design my site for free?
Yes. Every project begins with a free custom website preview. You can review it, request changes, and make sure it fits your vision before committing. We don’t ask for payment until you’re ready to move forward.

What kind of businesses do you work with?
We specialize in working with local small and medium-sized businesses across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, including contractors, professional services, retail shops, restaurants, and healthcare providers. If you need a professional website without the hassle of managing the technical details, we're a great fit.

What makes you different from other web design companies?
Unlike traditional web design companies that charge thousands upfront and disappear after launch, we're your long-term website partner. Here's what sets us apart:
  • One Simple Monthly Plan instead of huge upfront costs or setup fees.
  • Free mockup before you pay anything.
  • All-inclusive service – hosting, ongoing management, updates, and support in one plan.
  • Fast turnaround – websites ready in days, not months.
  • Personal service – we're here when you need us, not just at launch.
  • 30+ years experience building websites for local businesses in Cecil County and beyond.

What happens if I'm not happy with the design?
We begin by creating a custom site mockup at no cost, giving you a clear idea of the overall look and feel. You'll have the opportunity to review this mockup before making any payment. Once you're happy with the design direction and we begin customizing the website specifically for your business, the first monthly payment is processed as work officially starts on your site.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
No. Our services operate on a simple monthly plan. You can cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice. We believe in earning your business through great service, not locking you into long-term contracts.

Do you provide email addresses with my domain?
We can help you set up professional email addresses with your domain through third-party email services like Google Workspace or similar providers. Email hosting is separate from website hosting, but we'll guide you through the setup process.

Do you work with businesses outside of North East, Maryland?
Yes. While Cornerstone Web Company is based in Cecil County, Maryland, we work with businesses across the United States. All communication can be handled by phone, email, or virtual meeting, making it easy to work together no matter your location.


Timeline & Process

What information do you need from me to get started?
Start by filling out our quick Request Preview form with basic contact information and a brief description of your business needs. This takes just a few minutes. We'll use that information to create your free mockup preview within 48 hours. Once you see and approve the preview, we'll send you a more detailed questionnaire to gather additional information about your services, branding, goals, and any content or images you'd like to include. If you have existing materials like logos, photos, or branding guidelines, they're helpful but not required—we can assist with content creation if needed.

How involved do I need to be during the build process?
Your involvement is minimal. After our initial consultation and content gathering, we handle the bulk of the work and build your website for you. Once it's ready, we'll share a preview so you can review it. You'll have the opportunity to request revisions and adjustments to make sure the site matches your vision. We typically go through one to two rounds of feedback before finalizing the website. Our goal is to keep the process simple and stress-free while ensuring you're fully satisfied with the final result.

When will my website go live?
Your website will go live once the final design is approved and all required content is provided. For most projects, this typically takes one to two weeks from the start date. We usually provide an initial preview within 48 hours, so you can see the direction early and share feedback. The exact timeline depends on how quickly content and feedback are provided. Delays in receiving required information or approvals can extend the timeline, but we work efficiently to get your website online as soon as possible once everything is received.


Pricing & Plans

What exactly is included in the monthly plan?
Your monthly plan includes everything needed to keep your website running smoothly: secure managed hosting, ongoing maintenance, security updates, daily backups, an SSL certificate, performance monitoring, technical support, and regular content updates. If you don't already have a domain name, we'll help you register one. For standard domains, we often cover the cost and keep it included as part of your plan.

How does pricing work?
Our pricing is simple and transparent. There is no setup fee. You pay one flat monthly rate that covers everything: a professionally designed website, secure hosting, maintenance, security updates, backups, SSL certificate, technical support, and small content updates—all covered in one simple monthly fee.

Can I cancel my monthly plan anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your monthly plan at any time with 30 days' notice. There are no long-term contracts or commitments. Our goal is to earn your business long-term by providing great service, not by locking you into a complicated contract.

Do you offer refunds?
Before any payment is required, we provide a basic mockup at no cost so you can review the design direction and make sure it's a good fit. Monthly plan payments can be canceled with 30 days' notice at any time.

What happens to my website if I cancel?
If you cancel your monthly plan, your website will be taken offline at the end of your final billing period. Your domain name remains yours. You are free to transfer it to another provider or allow it to expire. Because your website is built and maintained within our managed proprietary platform, the website files and underlying system are not transferable to another hosting provider. Websites can be reactivated within 8 days of cancellation. After that period, the site may be permanently removed from our system.

Do you offer any guarantees?
Yes. Before any payment is required, we provide a free mockup so you can review the design direction with no risk. During the design process, we'll work with you to make adjustments and ensure the website meets your expectations. Our goal is your complete satisfaction with both the website and the service we provide.


Security & Maintenance

Is my website secure?
Yes. All websites include enterprise-grade security features, including an SSL certificate for encrypted connections, regular security updates, and continuous monitoring for potential threats. Your website is hosted on secure, reliable infrastructure with built-in protection against common security vulnerabilities and attacks. Security is included as part of your monthly plan.

Do you provide SSL certificates?
Yes. Every website includes a free SSL certificate, which encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors' browsers. This is essential for security, trust, and search engine rankings. Your SSL certificate is automatically installed, configured, and renewed as part of your plan—no additional cost or technical work required.


Website Features & Services

What if I need changes to my website?
Small content updates—such as editing text, swapping images, or updating contact information—are included as part of your monthly plan. Larger changes, like adding new pages or design updates, may be included depending on the scope of the request. If a change requires significant additional design or development work, we'll review it with you and provide a clear quote before moving forward.

Will my new website look good on smartphones?
Yes. Every website we build is fully responsive and automatically adjusts to desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Mobile performance is built in from the start, not added later. That means your visitors get a seamless experience no matter how they access your business online.

Can I update my own website content?
At Cornerstone Web Company, we handle all content updates for you as part of your monthly plan. Simply send us the changes you’d like made and we’ll take care of it promptly. This keeps your website consistent, secure, and professionally maintained. If you prefer to make your own edits, limited access can be enabled upon request. However, most clients choose our fully managed approach so they can stay focused on their business.

How many pages can my website have?
Your website includes up to 10 professionally designed pages, which covers what most small businesses need (Home, About, Services, Contact, Gallery, etc.). If you need more than 10 pages, additional pages are $100 per page. This is a one-time setup and design fee, not a monthly charge.

Do I own my website?
You own your domain name and all content you provide, including text, images, and media created specifically for your business. The website itself is built and maintained within our managed platform, which allows us to provide ongoing hosting, updates, security, and support. Because of this, the website files are not transferable to another hosting provider.

Can I sell products on my website?
Yes. We can integrate basic ecommerce functionality into your website for simple product sales through PayPal Merchant. For businesses that require advanced features like inventory management or shipping calculators, we’re happy to guide you toward a dedicated ecommerce platform that can integrate into your new website.

Do you offer SEO optimization as part of your services?
Yes. Local SEO best practices are built into every website we design. This includes proper site structure, optimized page titles and meta descriptions, mobile responsiveness, and foundational on-page optimization. We build every site to help you rank online and your local search terms from day one.

What if my website goes down?
We maintain 99% uptime through reliable hosting infrastructure and continuous monitoring. In the rare event an issue occurs, our technical team is alerted promptly and works to resolve it as quickly as possible.

What platform will my new site be built on?
Your website is built on Cornerstone Web Company’s proprietary website system. It uses current HTML5 standards and optimized code to ensure fast performance, strong security, and long-term reliability. This is not WordPress or a public website builder; our system allows us to maintain consistent performance and security across every site we manage.


Billing & Payment

When is payment due?
Your first monthly payment is due at signup before we begin the final build of your website. After that, the monthly service fee is automatically billed on the same date each month. This covers everything to keep your website running smoothly.

How do I update my payment method?
To update your payment method, simply contact our team. All payment information is processed securely through Stripe and is never stored or shared by Cornerstone Web Company.

What happens if a payment fails?
If a monthly payment fails, we'll automatically retry the charge and notify you by email so you can update your payment method. You'll have a short grace period to bring your account current before service is suspended.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and debit cards through our secure Stripe payment processor. Monthly payments are automatically charged to your card on file.

Is my payment information secure?
Yes. All payments are processed through Stripe, which is fully PCI-DSS compliant and uses industry-leading security standards to protect your information.


Domain Names

Can you help me register a domain name?
Absolutely. If you don't already have a domain name, we'll help you choose and register one. In many cases, a standard domain is included with your website package. We handle the technical setup to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Can I use my domain from my previous site?
Yes. You can use a domain from your previous site as long as you still own it. Our team will assist you every step of the way with the connection or transfer.

GET YOUR FREE WEBSITE MOCKUP

Want to see how your new website could look?
Request your free, no-obligation custom website mockup today.
Start My Free Preview