Website-as-a-Service:   Here's the scoop:

The traditional way of business as a web developer is to design and build a website for a client, deploy it on a host of their choosing, collect the fee for the work, and then move on to the next project. Websites, traditionally, have been a product.

However:

• Websites don’t last forever – like software, its survival is limited.  A website is at the mercy of design trends, business plan evolution, new technology, and browser standard updates.
• The website will eventually become obsolete. Change is inevitable. Owning and maintaining your own site can prove to be extremely expensive over time.
• Most people do not know how to run a website properly. A support service for those managing their own content is therefore extremely valuable.
• Security is a major concern when running a website.  If you don't have a secure connection, your site will be susceptible to hackers who can steal sensitive information such as passwords, keystrokes, or credit card numbers.

 

What does it mean to have website as a service (WaaS)?

 

Constant Development

Like meat – websites have an expiration date. As technology evolves, that expiration date grows shorter and shorter.

Since ValerieRickert.com hosts all its clients' websites itself, we are able to continuously update and add new features to to your site to keep it current and technologically up-to-date.  You get the latest plug-in versions, APIs, toolsets, etc.

New devices and browsers

Whenever a new device comes out, such as the latest phone or tablet, websites usually need to be redesigned to fit the new screen size.

Not so at ValerieRickert.com.

I build websites that are completely responsive, meaning the site fluidly adjusts itself to fit all devices. So no matter what device you use, your website will work and display properly.

And it’s not just new devices that can come along and tinker with a site’s layout. Changes to browsers are equally dangerous. Like all software, browsers are constantly being tweaked to suit the changing needs of consumers and the industry itself. In the past, this has had some dire consequences for websites that didn’t change with them. ‘Flash’ websites, for example, were notorious for being susceptible to hackers and are now very much extinct.

When you pay for a Website as a Service or WaaS for short, your website is backed by teams of developers who post the latest software versions of WordPress, plug-ins, database updates, and security to your server on a regular basis. You don't have to worry about a thing.

Latest designs

What about what’s under the hood? Your website might work, but it has to look good too. Design trends are equally important and must be kept current.

The site I build for you will stem from the latest and greatest templates available with design features that draw in customers.  At our Brainstorming session and through the data you provide in the Build Your Project questionnaire and in Website Prep Guide,  you will choose the layout most appropriate for your business. Your site will be one that you will be proud of.

 

Support and security

Support

Here is a common scenario for live websites:

When you need an update to your site and you try to contact the developer, progress can be exceptionally slow. Web developers are busy people and sometimes your updates get lost in the shuffle.

Not so with ValerieRickert.com.  We give you control of all your content, menus, branding, and other customizations through WordPress.  Once your website is up and running, I will show you how to take advantage of the WordPress dashboard.

Like any software, WordPress needs to be learned.  I'll provide you with a user's guide with email and/or email support.  How-to-videos will also be available and will be coming soon.  The point is that you will have plenty of support to help you out with any issues you might face along the way. You'll get the help you need as fast as humanly possible.

And if you feel all this is intimidating, don't worry; I will step you through it.  However, if you prefer, I can take care of all the updates for you.  You can purchase my time in 1, 3, or 5 hour increments of work per month.  Hours do not carry over to the next month so you'll need to plan ahead.

Security

In the (unlikely) event of a hardware failure, our downtime (if we ever experience any) will be minutes, not hours.

Your site's contents and interaction with your customers will be protected through Transport Layer Security (TLS), formerly known by its predecessor Secure Sockets Layer or SSL. When you see the lock in the address window, you can relax, knowing that your data is safe from hackers.

 

Return on investment

Buying your own custom website can, and usually does, cost you upwards of ten grand ($10K). My start-up fee at ValerieRickert.com is a fraction of this, and the recurring payment pays for your hosting, full access to support,  updates to all software such as WordPress, plug-ins/APIs, database, and full security features.  We consistently update your site.  And that is a load off your shoulders!

Rather than paying for a website that’s going out of date, rest assured you pay for one that’s getting better and better with each passing day.

Break down the benefits

All in all, I believe using WaaS is a far better way to provide websites to our clients.  Here’s the breakdown;

• Most websites have an expiration date.  Ours don't.
• I protect my clients from changes to browsers that might slow the website down or render it obsolete.
• I create websites that are as modern and trendy as possible.  And keep it that way.
• I give you complete control over your content, and I'm here to help you whenever you need it.
• Your website is secure under the HTTP Secure protocol.
• Website as a Service (WaaS) is the cheaper option for any website - without sacrificing any style or functionality.

There are so many benefits. WaaS is key to having the most up-to-date site at your disposal.  Contact me today!