Website Design FAQ

_____________________Website Design FAQ's _____________________

Q. What is web site development?
Q. How will I receive my design project once it is finished?
Q. What can a website do for me?
Q. What is Design Process?
Q. How long will the designing process takes place?
Q. Why should I use your website design services and not another company, and have you got a proven track record?
Q. Are there any hidden charges for your website design or optimization services?
Q. Can I update my web site?
Q. How long will it take to create my site?
Q. What is a template and why might I want to use one?
Q. Will my web pages work with any browser?
Q. Can you design a logo for me, copy my corporate logo or create a banner ad?
Q. What is the difference between web design and web maintenance?
Q. How many pages is the average site?
Q. What domain name should I choose?
Q. Can you register my domain name for me?
Q. What is the difference between a "static" and a "dynamic" site?
Q. What is the client's involvement in the design process?
Q. What do I have to do to get my own website?
Q. How frequently do I need to update my website?
Q. How does your logo design process work?
Q. Why does it matter how it looks as long as it works?
Q. I don't think a website will do anything for me, am I right?
Q. I have heard that my website can be a place to help my employees do their jobs, is this true?
Q. Do I need to use a website design company that is local to me?
Q. Can I see the design while my website is under development?
Q. Can I make changes to the website design or text content once it has been started?
Q. What screen resolution will you design my website for?
Q. I would like to use your website design service, what do I do now?
Q. What kind of graphic design services do you provide?
Q. Will I need any special software to run my website?
Q. How do I check on the progress of my job during the design process?
Q. What is Search Engine Optimization?

Web Development incorporates all of the elements that combine together to create, host, publish, market and maintain a web site. These elements all work together and depend upon one another.Each element has a significant purpose and has an effect on the project as a whole. For example; you cannot publish a web site that has not been created or designed, your web site cannot be broadcast on the world wide web without a server, proper marketing and optimization techniques cannot be accomplished without a registered domain name, and so on. Web site development is the process of putting together an HTML program that is published on the world wide web or in house intranet. This would include all of the web sites you have seen on the web and many more you have not. Each web site you visit is in fact a program designed to work with internet and web protocols.

How will I receive my design project once it is finished?

A finished project is yours upon receipt of final payment. At your request, we will supply the electronic files to you on CD, floppy, or through e-mail. We also keep a copy of your project on file for later updates or should you lose your copy

What can a website do for me?

The answer to this question is neither short nor easy. With a little research and thought you can find hundreds of reasons, but there are a few general statements that may help you realize your needs. First a website can reach millions of people that might not otherwise be available. Second, customers can view products, services, or whatever you want to share from the comfort of their own home. No matter what type of business you are in, their are ways to grow and make money on the web for you.

What is Design Process?

We require a deposit on all projects. We provide you with a web site questionnaire and business analysis. This will help you refine your ideas, goals and needs and helps us to understand your vision for your web site. To get your design right the first time, we need a clear vision to begin. We will then send you a Project Proposal stating the working agreement and clarifying what we will do. You will also get the estimated time frame and cost for your project. After that is accomplished, we move into the design phase. We will provide you with a full mockup graphic presentation of what our concept of your design ideas have created. We will then work together on any changes that may need to be made. As those pages are approved, we move into the next phase - Content and HTML. We ask that you provide us with all content so that your website can be complete. E-commerce processes are slightly different. We will also do order testing and provide training and support as needed.

How long will the designing process takes place?

Once the content is provided to us and the design selections have been made, we can usually have your website up and running within a few days. Actual time is based on the size, scope and nature of your web site. It can fluctuate, especially if there are lots of changes during the design phase. We will work with you to ensure that all of the elements and aspects are handled in the proper order to produce an affordable web site in a realistic time frame.

Why should I use your website design services and not another company, and have you got a proven track record?

We provide a one to one personal service and are friendly and accommodating. We are always available by phone or email to answer your questions. Our website design prices are very competitive. We are experts in search engine optimization, most website design companies are not.

Are there any hidden charges for your website design or optimization services?

No! Once we have all the information about your requirements you will be given a price and that price will stand firm for both the website design and the optimization, if required. The only time a given price would change is if you want another page or any other material added before completion of the website.

Can I update my web site?

Yes, we provide updating and maintenance as well as marketing services. Our rates go by the hour or we can give you a price per instance. We also provide the necessary training for you and your staff that include simple, effective strategies.

How long will it take to create my site?

That will depend on several things: 1) The number of pages to the site; 2) The amount (if any) custom graphics needed; 3) The number or complexity of forms needed. The average site, however, can often be built in as little as two weeks.

What is a template and why might I want to use one?

A template is a pre-made site layout. The best reasons for using them is they allow us to create your site in much less time than if we create a custom template from scratch. We have a few carefully chosen sources for our templates, based on their excellence and affordability. There are litterally thousands to choose from.

Will my web pages work with any browser?

They should. We test all pages in Internet Explorer, Netscape and Opera (the primary browsers), and do our best to insure each browser displays the pages correctly. We create our pages in HTML 4 which is universal code for all browsers. In spite of that, the browsers still tend display the same page differently. Since, at times, it is not possible to eliminate this problem, we make sure IE displays correctly since it is the most widely used browser. Important note: Certain elements, such as a PowerPoint presentation may only be accessible with the Internet Explorer; others may only be viewable with Netscape. You should keep this in mind if your target customers are more likely to use an alternative browser.

Can you design a logo for me, copy my corporate logo or create a banner ad?

Yes, we can design a new logo, copy a corporate logo give your current logo a make-over, or create banner ads.

What is the difference between web design and web maintenance?

Web design is the actual creation of the website. Options are previewed and choices are made regarding themes, styles, colors, page layout, navigation, graphics, fonts and content. We want to convey a look and feel that will uniquely represent your particular business. Web maintenance is the updating and changing of content on that site. The web design contract is separate from the web maintenance or webmaster services. For simple additions to existing e-mail just e-mail the new account name and we will update at no charge. However, we do suggest a maintenance agreement or training for your staff to accomplish these tasks in house. Certain maintenance tasks will need to be scheduled and performed on a regular basis in order to keep your content fresh, maintain links, submissions to search engines, and to keep it user-friendly. The amount of time spent on maintenance depends on the type of web site (informational or e-commerce) and on your own specific business needs.

How many pages is the average site?

The average site ranges between 7 - 20 pages, but can vary depending on the nature of the business and/or the purpose of the site.

What domain name should I choose?

This depends on how you are going to use it. If you are going to be telling people over the phone, choose one that is easy to say and spell out loud. Above all, I would choose one that is memorable and not confusing.

Can you register my domain name for me?

Yes, we would.

What is the difference between a "static" and a "dynamic" site?

A static site is one that is written in HTML only. Each page is a separate document and there is no database that it draws on. What this means functionally is that the only way to edit the site is to go into each page and edit the HTML - so you'd either have to do it yourself using a webpage editor like FrontPage or pay me to go in and edit the site each time you wanted something changed. A dynamic site is written using more complex code and can do a lot more. For instance, I can make an area where you can log in and change various parts of the site, such as adding information or products. This is because each page is constructed based on the information in a database, and the information in that database can be changed via another interface. Dynamic sites can reduce ongoing maintenance costs if you don't want to change things yourself with a webpage editor or with the HTML. They usually cost more to develop, as they require more complex coding and a content management utility needs to be developed to help you manage your website information. Another benefit of dynamic sites is that they allow you to change only the content of the site and not the design, so you will not be able to accidentally break the visual style of the site. They have other benefits when sites start to get very large, as they make data management much more efficient and your site more expandable. Many clients do a combination, having some dynamic areas such as a product catalog where they have to change information or pictures regularly, and leave other pages such as contact information as static pages.

What is the client's involvement in the design process?

We thoroughly discuss the project at hand with our client from the beginning. We encourage the client to bring in any samples, color combinations/swatches, and ideas they may have. During the design process, the client is asked to approve certain milestones before work continues. At the conclusion of a project, the client may request the artwork in various formats.

What do I have to do to get my own website?

Getting your own website is easier than you might think. You tell us what you want, you provide us with your pictures, texts, and logos, and we do all the work necessary to create your website and to post it on the Internet.

How frequently do I need to update my website?

It depends on what you're doing with your website, but we definitely recommend you a plan for this. Content is critical for optimization and "fresh" or new content is an important factor for ranking. If you have a small business brochure website you might probably want to update twice a year some pages on your website, you might also have a page to display the latest news on your website and you can add a couple of notes once a month or every two months if you want. For e-commerce or database websites you might update or add content more frequently, those kind of websites are build to have those changes as need it. In any case if you're doing optimization, you might want to talk with our optimization people about the importance of getting new information on your website and what will be the best way to do it without having problems with the code and content to optimize your website.

How does your logo design process work?

We first discuss the client's needs, target market, and uses for this logo. We then ask for samples of existing logos that the client likes or dislikes to get an idea of their taste. Sometimes the client already has a design concept in mind. Other times, they have no idea what they want. Either way, our designers make sure they've collected enough information before they begin work. Our logo design service is very flexible. If you'd like to see only a few concepts or if you need many, our service can be priced according to your needs.

Why does it matter how it looks as long as it works?

When you recieve a visitor to your site, they will instantly percieve the quality of your services or products. The first impression a customer or potential customer gets depends on the appearance of your website. A visitor will be interested and explore your site if it is appealing and easy to navigate. You are marketing yourself and your business to the world over the Internet and it is important to show your best.

I don't think a website will do anything for me, am I right?

No, many people overlook the various products, services, or business processes they can include on a website. Any communication or interactions that happen within your business can be made easier and more effecient by the web. Your business will save money and time while appealing to a much greater audience, the world.

I have heard that my website can be a place to help my employees do their jobs, is this true?

While most businesses view the Internet as an opportunity to expand their sales through traditional e-commerce, few people are aware of the opportunities of increasing efficiency and reducing expenses. Placing business processes, especially those done daily, on the internet is possible for all types of businesses.