Knowledge Base

Like we do for our clients this is our company knowledge base. We use this as a public access point for all of our policies, culture, and business practices. We leave this as an open page for customers to read through but also as training page for our customer service AI Chatbots.

1. Company Overview

  • Cove Design is a web design studio based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, focused on helping local businesses establish a strong online presence.

  • We offer affordable, modern, always-updated websites on a subscription basis starting at $199 per month, with no large upfront costs.

  • Our service model focuses on providing a monthly service rather than traditional project-based web development.

  • Visit us at CoveDesign.ca for more information.

2. Service Areas

  • Cove Design caters exclusively to businesses in Nova Scotia, targeting cities such as Halifax, Dartmouth, Bridgewater, Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Truro, and Sydney.

3. Subscription Model

  • Websites are leased to clients, which means Cove Design retains ownership of the website and intellectual property while clients own the domain, business assets, and business itself.

  • The subscription model ensures clients always have an updated, functional website.

4. Website Lease Details

  • Websites remain active as long as payments are made on time.

  • If payments are 14 days overdue, the website becomes inactive.

  • If payments are 60 days overdue, the website is deleted.

5. Design Philosophy

  • Cove Design offers modern, mobile-responsive, user-friendly designs that suit Nova Scotia small businesses.

  • We use a templated system that allows for fast delivery while maintaining customization to reflect each client’s brand.

6. Turnaround Time

  • Most websites are designed, developed, and launched within two weeks.

  • The quick turnaround is possible due to our streamlined design process and templated system.

7. Website Customization

  • Cove Design provides two monthly change requests for clients as part of the standard subscription.

  • Custom page creation, photography, and video content creation are available for an additional fee.

8. Customer Communication Tools

  • Our subscription plans offer optional customer communication tools, including customer service chatbots, email marketing, and real-time AI-based customer support.

  • We also offer real-life customer service admin services as part of our advanced plans.

9. Monthly Maintenance and Updates

  • Our monthly model ensures that client websites are continuously updated to stay functional, secure, and relevant.

  • Cove Design will provide regular content updates, software upgrades, and SEO maintenance.

10. Hosting and Domain Management

  • Hosting is included in the subscription, making it easy for clients to manage their website.

  • Clients are responsible for managing their domain names, but Cove Design can assist with this if needed.

11. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

  • Cove Design includes basic SEO setup for each website, including keyword optimization, metadata, and basic on-page SEO.

  • For clients looking for advanced SEO strategies, we offer additional packages.

12. Security and Backups

  • Cove Design ensures all websites are equipped with SSL certificates, providing secure and encrypted data transfer.

  • Daily backups are performed to ensure client websites can be restored in case of any issues.

13. Website Performance

  • We prioritize website speed and performance, ensuring websites are optimized for both desktop and mobile devices.

  • Performance audits are conducted regularly to maintain optimal speed.

14. Ownership Details

  • Cove Design retains ownership of the website's intellectual property, while the client retains ownership of their domain, content, and business assets.

  • If a client wishes to leave Cove Design, they will not be able to take the website as it is owned by Cove Design, but they can take their content and domain.

15. Termination of Service

  • Clients can terminate their subscription at any time.

  • Upon termination, the website will be deactivated and deleted after 60 days.

16. Payment Terms

  • Payments are collected monthly, and invoices are issued automatically.

  • Payment methods include credit card, bank transfer, and online payment gateways.

17. Late Payments

  • Websites become inactive if payments are overdue by 14 days.

  • If payments are overdue for 60 days, the website is permanently deleted.

18. Extra Services

  • Cove Design offers additional services, such as custom photography, video production, content writing, and advanced SEO, for an extra fee.

19. Template-Based System

  • Our templated system allows us to offer high-quality websites at an affordable price.

  • Templates are customized to match each client’s brand, ensuring their website feels unique.

20. AI-Powered Customer Service

  • Cove Design offers AI-powered customer service chatbots to help clients manage customer inquiries effectively.

  • Chatbots can be customized to provide specific answers based on the client's business needs.

21. Real-Life Customer Service Administration

  • For clients who require a more personal touch, Cove Design offers real-life customer service administrators who can handle chat, email, and customer service queries on behalf of the business.

22. Website Updates and Revisions

  • Clients are entitled to two website change requests per month.

  • Requests beyond the two-per-month limit are billed additionally.

23. Content Ownership

  • Clients retain full ownership of all content added to their website, such as text, images, and videos.

  • Cove Design provides guidance on content optimization for SEO.

24. User Training

  • We provide training for clients to manage their website's basic content updates through a user-friendly content management system (CMS).

25. Customer Support

  • Cove Design offers customer support through email, live chat, and phone during business hours.

  • Emergency support is also available for urgent technical issues.

26. Email Marketing

  • Email marketing tools are available as part of our advanced subscription plans.

  • We assist clients in designing and sending campaigns to boost customer engagement.

27. Analytics and Reporting

  • Clients have access to website analytics to track visitor behavior, traffic sources, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).

  • We provide monthly performance reports as part of our advanced packages.

28. Pricing and Packages

  • Cove Design offers different subscription packages, starting at $199 per month.

  • Additional services and customization options are available at different pricing tiers.

29. Mobile Optimization

  • All websites are fully responsive and optimized for mobile and tablet devices.

  • Mobile usability is a priority in our design process to enhance user experience.

30. Design Revisions

  • Clients can request design revisions during the initial website build phase.

  • Once the website is launched, further revisions can be made as part of the two monthly requests.

31. Ongoing Development

  • Cove Design offers ongoing development for clients needing additional functionality on their websites, such as eCommerce, booking systems, and more.

32. eCommerce Integration

  • Cove Design offers eCommerce integration for clients looking to sell products or services online.

  • We support popular eCommerce solutions and payment gateways.

33. Local SEO

  • Cove Design helps clients optimize their website for local searches, ensuring their business ranks well for relevant search terms in their geographic area.

34. Social Media Integration

  • We integrate social media accounts with client websites, making it easy for visitors to share content and follow the business.

35. Accessibility

  • We follow accessibility guidelines to ensure websites are usable by people with disabilities.

  • We offer accessibility audits and recommendations for clients wanting to make their site more accessible.

36. Blog Functionality

  • Blog functionality is available as an optional feature for clients wanting to publish articles and updates.

  • Blogs are optimized for SEO to drive organic traffic to the website.

37. Lead Generation Tools

  • Cove Design provides lead generation tools, such as forms and call-to-action buttons, to help clients capture visitor information.

38. Email Setup Assistance

  • We provide email setup assistance for clients looking to create professional email addresses with their domain name.

39. Third-Party Integrations

  • Cove Design supports third-party integrations, including CRM tools, booking systems, and email marketing platforms.

40. Website Redesigns

  • Clients can request a complete redesign of their website if they feel their current design no longer meets their needs.

  • Redesigns are available for an additional fee.

41. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

  • Cove Design can assist clients in creating Privacy Policy and Terms of Service pages for their website.

42. Content Writing

  • Content writing services are available for clients needing professionally written content for their website.

  • Our writers focus on clarity, SEO, and engaging messaging.

43. Website Analytics Training

  • We provide training for clients on how to use website analytics tools to understand their audience and improve their marketing strategies.

44. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

  • We help clients improve their website’s conversion rate by optimizing design elements, call-to-actions, and user flow.

45. Backup Retention

  • Cove Design retains backups for 30 days, allowing us to restore a previous version of a website if needed.

46. Website Transfer Limitations

  • As Cove Design retains ownership of the website, clients cannot transfer the website to another provider.

  • However, all content, including text and images, can be exported upon termination.

47. Performance Monitoring

  • We use tools to monitor website performance, uptime, and security to ensure optimal functionality.

48. No Large Upfront Costs

  • Cove Design eliminates large upfront costs by offering an affordable monthly subscription, making high-quality web design accessible to small businesses.

49. GDPR Compliance

  • We assist clients in ensuring their websites comply with GDPR and other privacy regulations.

50. Branding and Design Consistency

  • Our designs are tailored to match each client's branding, ensuring consistency across all digital channels.

51. Mobile-First Design Approach

  • We prioritize mobile users by employing a mobile-first design approach, ensuring the website functions well on all screen sizes.

52. Customizable Contact Forms

  • Clients can add customizable contact forms to gather customer information efficiently.

  • Contact forms are designed to be easy to use and visually consistent with the rest of the website.

53. Fast Loading Times

  • We optimize all websites to ensure fast loading times, which enhances user experience and improves SEO.

54. Image Optimization

  • Cove Design optimizes images for faster load times and improved performance without compromising quality.

55. Page Speed Insights

  • We use page speed insight tools to measure and improve the loading performance of all websites.

56. Sitemap Submission

  • A sitemap is generated and submitted to search engines to improve website indexing and visibility.

57. SSL Certificates

  • Every website we create is equipped with SSL certificates, providing secure data transmission between the user and the server.

58. Website Responsiveness Testing

  • We thoroughly test each website for responsiveness across various devices and screen sizes before launching.

59. Customizable Navigation Menus

  • Clients have control over navigation menus, which can be customized to improve user flow and help visitors find what they need quickly.

60. Call-to-Action Buttons

  • We implement clear and visually appealing call-to-action buttons to drive customer engagement and conversions.

61. Social Proof and Reviews Integration

  • Client websites can include social proof, such as customer testimonials or reviews, to build credibility and trust.

62. Content Management System (CMS)

  • Our user-friendly CMS allows clients to easily update their content, such as blog posts and images.

63. Meta Descriptions and Title Tags

  • We add meta descriptions and title tags for each page to improve search engine rankings.

64. Image Alt Tags

  • Image alt tags are added to every image for accessibility purposes and better search engine optimization.

65. Regular Security Checks

  • We perform regular security checks to protect against vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.

66. Web Accessibility Standards

  • Websites are developed to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, improving inclusivity.

67. Social Media Feed Integration

  • Clients can display live social media feeds on their websites, keeping visitors up to date with their latest posts.

68. Testimonial Sections

  • Dedicated testimonial sections are included to highlight positive customer feedback and increase trust.

69. Online Appointment Booking

  • Cove Design can integrate online appointment booking features, perfect for service-based businesses.

70. Website Navigation Optimization

  • We focus on clean, intuitive website navigation to improve user experience and engagement.

71. Google Business Profile Integration

  • We can integrate Google Business Profile listings into client websites to help users find business information quickly.

72. Custom URL Structures

  • Custom URL structures are used to improve SEO and make web addresses easy to read for users.

73. Easy-to-Read Typography

  • Our designs use easy-to-read typography to ensure a positive user experience.

74. Landing Page Creation

  • We offer landing page creation for specific campaigns or promotions, optimized for conversions.

75. Regular Analytics Review

  • Our team reviews website analytics regularly to suggest data-driven improvements for performance.

76. Heatmap Analysis

  • Heatmap tools are used to analyze user behavior on websites, allowing us to make data-driven changes to improve user flow.

77. Blog Writing Assistance

  • We help clients produce engaging blog content that attracts visitors and builds authority in their industry.

78. Secure Payment Gateways

  • For eCommerce sites, we integrate secure payment gateways, ensuring safe transactions for customers.

79. Google Analytics Setup

  • Google Analytics is set up for every website to help track traffic and visitor engagement.

80. Newsletter Signup Forms

  • Newsletter signup forms are integrated to help clients grow their email subscriber lists.

81. Interactive Elements

  • We incorporate interactive elements such as sliders, video backgrounds, and animations to keep visitors engaged.

82. Video Content Integration

  • Clients can showcase video content directly on their website to increase visitor engagement.

83. Font and Color Branding

  • We ensure all fonts and colors used on the website align with the client’s brand guidelines.

84. Social Sharing Buttons

  • Social sharing buttons are added to blog posts and other key pages to encourage visitors to share content.

85. FAQ Page Setup

  • FAQ pages are available for clients wanting to address common customer questions and reduce support requests.

86. Custom 404 Pages

  • Custom 404 error pages are designed to keep users engaged, even when they encounter a broken link.

87. No Hidden Fees

  • Our transparent pricing structure ensures that clients know what they are paying for with no hidden fees.

88. Cookie Consent Banner

  • Cookie consent banners are added to ensure client websites comply with privacy laws.

89. Browser Compatibility Testing

  • Websites are tested across multiple browsers to ensure compatibility and consistent functionality.

90. Scalability

  • Our websites are built to grow with our clients' businesses, allowing for future scalability and additional features.

91. A/B Testing

  • We offer A/B testing for clients looking to compare different versions of a webpage to see what performs best.

92. Quick Page Navigation Links

  • Quick navigation links, such as "back to top" buttons, are added to enhance the user experience.

93. File Downloads

  • File download features can be added to allow users to download brochures, menus, or other resources.

94. Blog Categorization

  • Blog posts can be categorized for easy navigation and improved SEO.

95. One-Page Website Design

  • Cove Design offers one-page websites for small businesses or personal projects requiring a simple online presence.

96. Custom Graphics

  • Custom graphics can be created to match a client’s brand and improve website aesthetics.

97. Customer Portal

  • We provide clients with a customer portal to submit change requests, track progress, and access billing information.

98. Schema Markup

  • Schema markup is added to help search engines understand website content and improve SEO.

99. Pop-Up Forms

  • Pop-up forms are available for promoting special offers or collecting visitor information.

100. Sitemap Accessibility

  • An accessible sitemap is provided to ensure users can easily find specific pages on the website.

101. Website Migration Assistance

  • We provide assistance for clients looking to migrate from an existing website to a new Cove Design website.

  • This includes content transfer and SEO setup to maintain search engine rankings.

102. Personalized Design Consultations

  • We offer personalized design consultations to understand each client's brand and business needs.

  • Our goal is to tailor the website design to align with the client's vision.

103. Event Calendar Integration

  • For clients hosting events, we can integrate event calendars that allow visitors to see upcoming events and register.

  • This feature is ideal for community-driven organizations or businesses that regularly host events.

104. Website Audit Service

  • Cove Design provides a comprehensive website audit for clients looking to improve their existing websites.

  • The audit covers aspects like performance, SEO, user experience, and accessibility.

105. Custom Landing Pages for Ad Campaigns

  • We create custom landing pages tailored for online advertising campaigns.

  • These pages are designed to increase conversions and improve the success rate of paid marketing efforts.

106. SEO-Friendly Blog Templates

  • Our blog templates are optimized for search engines to help improve the discoverability of content.

  • This includes proper use of headings, keywords, and meta descriptions.

107. Domain Acquisition Assistance

  • We help clients purchase and manage domains if they do not already own one.

  • This ensures that clients can secure a relevant domain for their business.

108. Integrated Google Maps

  • We integrate Google Maps into websites to help users easily find a client’s physical location.

  • This is especially useful for businesses that rely on local customers.

109. Custom Thank You Pages

  • We create custom thank you pages for lead generation forms and eCommerce checkouts.

  • These pages help improve customer experience and allow for additional calls-to-action.

110. Custom Fonts Integration

  • Clients can choose to use custom fonts that align with their brand identity.

  • We support Google Fonts as well as other licensed font libraries.

111. User Access Levels

  • We provide user access level customization for client websites.

  • This ensures that different team members can have different permissions, such as editor, admin, or viewer roles.

112. Job Board Integration

  • Cove Design can integrate a job board into client websites to allow them to post job openings and receive applications.

  • This is ideal for businesses that frequently hire new staff.

113. Auto-Responder Integration

  • We integrate auto-responders for lead generation forms to ensure potential customers receive immediate confirmation.

  • Auto-responders can be customized based on client needs.

114. Online Learning Platform Integration

  • For clients in the education or training sector, we can integrate online learning platforms.

  • This allows them to offer courses and manage learners through their website.

115. Website Health Monitoring

  • We actively monitor website health to identify any issues that may arise.

  • This proactive approach ensures uptime and optimal website performance.

116. Image Gallery Integration

  • Image galleries are added to websites for clients who need to showcase portfolios, products, or events.

  • The galleries are designed to be easy to update and visually appealing.

117. Website Heatmap Reports

  • We provide clients with website heatmap reports to understand how users interact with their site.

  • This data helps inform design changes that can improve user experience.

118. Poll and Survey Integration

  • Clients can use polls and surveys to gather feedback from website visitors.

  • This feature is particularly useful for market research and customer satisfaction tracking.

119. Recurring Payment Setup

  • For clients offering subscription-based services, we can set up recurring payment systems.

  • This feature is useful for membership sites, clubs, or regular service providers.

120. Cookie Policy Generator

  • Cove Design provides a cookie policy generator tool to ensure clients' websites are compliant with cookie regulations.

  • This helps with transparency and compliance with international data laws.