At Whispering Dog Design, we want our customers to feel confident about how their websites are built, billed, and maintained. When you choose us to create a new site, we’ll guide you through the entire process so you know exactly who handles what, and what charges to expect.
If we are building your website from scratch, we will:
- Purchase and register your domain name
- Develop and launch your website design
- Cover your first year of hosting through our trusted affiliate, Dillon Media
Your first invoice from us will include all three of these items. After that first year, Dillon Media will bill you directly each year for hosting and domain renewals (if applicable).
Of course, every situation is a little different. If you already own your domain or are simply redesigning a site that’s hosted elsewhere, the billing setup may vary. Whispering Dog Design will coordinate with Dillon Media—or your existing host—to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The Three Main Components of Your Website
- Design (Whispering Dog Design)
This is where we come in. We handle the creative side—designing, structuring, and launching your website. Once your initial site is live, Whispering Dog Design steps back unless you reach out for updates, edits, or additional projects. We’re always available to make changes, and we can also serve as your first line of support for simple issues. For more technical matters, Dillon Media may step in, which could result in billing directly from them. - Hosting (Dillon Media or Your Existing Host)
Hosting is what makes your website accessible online. In most cases, our partner Dillon Media provides your hosting service. After your first year, they’ll bill you directly for ongoing hosting, and that fee may also include your domain renewal if it’s managed through them. If you’re using a different host, we’ll work with them to make sure your site functions properly. - Domain Renewal (Registrar or Hosting Provider)
Your domain name (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com) must be renewed annually (or every few years if you choose a multi-year plan). If Dillon Media manages your domain, your renewal will be included in their annual hosting bill. If you purchased your domain through another provider (like GoDaddy), you’ll handle that renewal directly with them.
In Summary
Think of your website as having three parts: design, hosting, and domain renewal. Whispering Dog Design manages the design side, Dillon Media (or another provider) manages the hosting, and domain renewals are handled by whichever company registered your domain.
After your site launches, Whispering Dog Design is available for edits or new projects, but day-to-day hosting and renewals will be billed directly from the provider. This setup ensures your website stays secure, accessible, and fully under your ownership.