Frequently Asked Questions
General ForWardAI & Our Approach
What is ForWardAI and what makes you different?
ForWardAI is your dedicated digital partner, run by my wife and I. We help small to medium businesses (SMBs) truly shine online. Our secret sauce? We blend personal, human-focused service with powerful AI technology. You get the best of both worlds: a real relationship with folks who care, plus cutting-edge tech that helps you grow, without the big agency price tag or complexity.
Why should a small business choose ForWardAI over a larger agency or trying to do it themselves?
Large agencies can be impersonal and expensive, while doing it yourself can be overwhelming and time-consuming. We're different. As an SMB ourselves, we get SMBs. We offer personalized attention and tailor-made solutions that actually fit your budget and goals. We make advanced tech accessible, so you can compete and thrive without the headache.
Website Solutions
How long does it take to build a new website?
Typically, a new website project takes 4-8 weeks from kickoff to launch. This time frame can vary a bit depending on the complexity, the number of pages, and how quickly we receive content and feedback from you. We'll give you a clear timeline upfront!
AI-Powered Enhancements
What exactly are "AI tools" and how can they help my small business?
Don't let "AI" sound intimidating! We integrate practical AI tools into your website to make things smarter and easier. This could mean an intelligent chatbot that answers customer questions 24/7, analytics predictors that show you future trends, or personalized experiences that show each visitor the most relevant content. They help you save time, understand your customers better, and boost sales.
Will AI replace the need for human interaction on my website?
Not at all! Our philosophy is Human + AI Synergy. AI tools are designed to enhance human interaction, not replace it. Think of them as super-efficient assistants that handle routine tasks, gather information, and free up you and your team to focus on meaningful customer relationships.
SEO & Online Visibility
What is SEO and why is it important for my business?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about making it easier for potential customers to find you when they search on Google. It's crucial because if your business doesn't show up in search results, you're missing out on tons of potential clients. We help your website rank higher, bringing more organic traffic and leads your way.
How long does it takes to see results from SEO?
SEO is a long-term strategy, like planting a tree – it takes time to grow! While some initial improvements can be seen within weeks, significant results, like higher rankings for competitive keywords, typically take 3-6 months or even longer. Patience and consistent effort are key, and we're with you every step of the way.
Business Model & Pricing
How does your pricing work? Is it project-based or recurring?
We use a hybrid model designed to be flexible for SMBs. New website builds and major overhauls are typically project-based fees. For ongoing services like SEO, AI content management, and website maintenance, we use monthly retainers. This ensures consistent support and allows us to build long-term growth strategies with you.
What's included in your monthly maintenance and retainer plans?
Our monthly plans vary based on the specific services, but generally include things like regular website updates, security monitoring, performance optimization, content updates (for content plans), and ongoing SEO improvements. We tailor each retainer to your specific needs, ensuring your online presence is always performing its best.
Do you offer payment plans?
We understand that managing cash flow is important for SMBs. For larger projects, we can discuss flexible payment schedules. Let's chat about your specific needs during our initial consultation.