Frequently Asked
Questions
The Best Community Engagement Platform
for Arts, Culture, and Tourism.
Design & Customization Questions
These are some of our most frequently asked questions about this subject, but if you have others, please reach out to us.
What degree of customization is possible?
All of our sites include basic customization to align with your brand identity. This includes things like logo placement, color palette choice, footer design, globalized font selection within our standard list, etc.
Our team is capable of providing higher degrees of customization, both functionally and in regards to design elements. The degree of specificity determines the cost of our customization services.
If you would like a higher degree of customization beyond our standard inclusions, we will estimate the number of hours it will take to accomplish your goals, and include a pre-determined number of customization hours in our quote.
If you choose to hire a design firm, we do allow third party developers to customize some CSS elements of the site, but they are not permitted to access the foundational code for the platform. We are happy to work with them directly to explain what can and cannot be changed.
Below are some examples of our standard customization templates:
Sites with a higher degree of customization:
Can we hire a design firm to work with you?
If you choose to hire a design firm, we do allow third party developers to customize some CSS elements of the site, but they are not permitted to access the foundational code for the platform. We are happy to work with them directly to explain what can and cannot be changed.
How long does it take to launch a website with Artsopolis?
Once the agreement is signed, we usually allow 3 months for development and customization of the site, leading up to the launch or soft launch of the website. This time period also includes training your team on the content management process for the platform.
Many communities choose to do a 'soft launch', which allows the site to go live for a period of time without advertising it to the public, but gives community partners time to post events and listings. The duration of the soft launch is up to you.
Can we request platform functionality customizations?
Platform customizations and enhancements can be requested. All system enhancements are performed by Artsopolis development staff - we do not allow outside developers to alter the functionality of the platform. Functionality customization requests often come after the development process, which are considered on a case by case basis, and treat as custom development projects, if approved. Any enhancements may be arranged at $95* per each hour of programming. We are happy to provide a quote upon request after a discovery meeting.
*Hourly rate subject to change without prior notification.
Content Questions
These are some of our most frequently asked questions about this subject, but if you have others, please reach out to us.
What if we already have a calendar and want to transfer that content to the new calendar?
This is a common occurrence, and we have assisted most of our clients with this work. The process is called 'Data Normalization'. Most calendars allow an export of data in the form of an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file, which we then "normalize" by mapping your previous content fields to those within our database. We then import you data to the appropriate locations within out system, requiring no manual entry. This saves your staff a significant amount of time so they don't have to re-enter all the info they've already gathered.
Can calendar listings be shared with other websites in our community?
Yes. We have a Syndication module which allows you to share calendar content via feeds or display widgets so that other community partners can add those listings to their websites. The Syndication module also allows you to filter the content according to each community partner's needs. For example, if a partner only wants Kids and Family listings within a specific zip code, the tool will allow you to provide this type of targeted feed.
Pricing & Payment Questions
These are some of our most frequently asked questions about this subject, but if you have others, please reach out to us.
How much does the platform cost to use?
Our pricing takes into consideration three factors:
Service Area
The population you serve affects the amount a of traffic a site will receive. We have found that Network Members who serve 50,000 people function differently than those who are serving, for example, 3 million people. The sites have different demands placed on them, and we have to price our services accordingly.
- Data Normalization and Data Mining
When building a site, the work required to 'normalize' any import data to work within our platform is always different. Some data is incomplete and may require data 'mining' to make listings appear complete within our system. Each project is considered on a case by case basis and priced accordingly.
- Start-up Cost
Your start-up cost will be dependent on the modules you select and the labour required to achieve your goals. We will work with you to find the right fit of services that works within your budget. We are committed to providing our tools to those who serve the well being of their community. Reach out to discuss our many flexible options with you.
Our start-up period, which includes site construction, standard customization, and staff training, spans a 15 month period, on average. Once your site is launched, your annual maintenance fee will be due exactly 12 months from that date.
What is your payment policy? Do you offer installments?
Upon contract signing, ARTSOPOLIS requires a payment of 50% of the estimated total project cost. The remaining 50% will be due once the site is launched.
We do offer the option for 4 installment payments, once the request is reviewed and approved.
The annual maintenance fee is a lump sum, due every 12 months from the date of the site launch.