Frequently Asked Web Design Questions
- How do I get started?
- Will this be difficult?
- How big a site do I need?
- What is the process like?
- How long will the process of designing a web site take?
- What if I don't like your first designs?
- What do I need to do?
- What is a domain name and how should I choose one?
- What is a web host and how do I choose one?
- Do I need a logo?
- Do you have a contract?
- What is my up front cost?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What kind of maintenance will I need?
- What is the range of maintenance costs?
- How can I make future changes to my web site?
- Will I be listed in the search engines such as Google,
Yahoo and MSN? - I already have a web site. Can you maintain it?
- Who owns my new website?
Give me a call or email me so we may discuss your individual online needs and preferences. At that time, I will work out an effective individualized plan for your online web site.
TIP: It's most helpful if you can tell me what you want your website to accomplish, that is, what role you want your website to play in your business.
No, this will not be difficult. I will walk you through a proven process step by step.
It varies. The size of your site is determined by the number of pages and the density of content. Each page of a web site is like a chapter of a book. Each page has a message of its own to tell. For my web site, which you are viewing, you can see the different pages I have listed on the top left hand of the page. (Portfolio, services & rates, testimonials, etc) In simple terms, each page should be approximately the size of an 8.5 x 11 inch typed paper single-spaced.
TIP: It's better to have more pages with less content than it is to have fewer pages with too much content. This will slow down your site's load time, and it could frustrate viewers.
First we discuss your needs and wants. If you hire me, you sign a contract and submit a deposit. Next is to acquire a domain name and web hosting. Then the fun begins. We usually start with a logo that you already have or that I design, you plan the color scheme, and we talk some more about design layout. While I'm building the first page, you should be getting your content ready to submit. After you're happy with the format and layout, I put your content up. After you're happy with the finished site, I submit the web site to l the major search engines. At this time the balance owing on the contract is due. If additions were agreed to after signing of the contract, the balance will be adjusted accordingly.
How long will the process of designing a web site take?
It varies. It's not a race. I've had web sites completed in two weeks while others have taken months to finish. It depends how quickly you can decide on a design and how motivated you are to organize photos, information, write content, and submit the information needed to complete the web site.
TIP: It's best to have all of your content ready to go before the designing work begins.
What if I don't like your first designs?
This is part of the process. Part of the process can only occur once you see your site taking shape. It's not uncommon for the final site to differ from the initial idea.
You need to start planning your site from the ground up. Think about the colors you love, the "look" you want as well as the message you want to convey. If color and design are not your "thing" go right to organizing your thoughts, your photos, information, other sites you want to link to. If you are selling a product or service, plan your pricing, take excellent photos and think about shipping costs. Leave the designing to me!
What is a domain name and how should I choose one?
A domain name is a series of letters or numbers separated by periods, such as that locates an organization or other entity on the Internet. A domain with fewer characters is often better. It's easier to remember and also allows less chance for typographical errors to occur. However, it's not as easy to find an available .com or .net domain name so a longer domain name maybe required. Try to choose a domain name that has your "niche" keyword in it. Maine-ly Web Design has one keyword and one keyword phrase. "Maine" and "Web Design".
What is a web host and how do I choose one?
A web host is a computer, or set of computers that have been specifically created to store and display web sites. If you were to own and operate a fishing tackle shop, you would need to rent space from someone to place your fishing equipment so people could visit and purchase. The web host is the equivalent of the retail rental space. You need to put your web site onto a public computer server so other web users can see your site. I can make recommendations for web hosts based on your needs or feel free to research it, ask friends or business associates.
My opinion is yes! GREAT logos are often more memorable than words. Logos are a form of branding. Logos give a visual to your goals, achievements and message you want to convey. Most people are primarily visual, so a professional logo is an important way of connecting with your viewers. Logos are the backbone of all promotion.
Yes. I believe in business it is better to know what the policies are before you enter into a working relationship. Both parties are protected.
After our discussion of your online needs, I will provide you with a cost estimate for the design of your web site. You will be required to place a 50 percent deposit prior to work. The balance will be due upon completion of the web site. Your other costs will be domain name and web hosting. Depending on your individual needs, there maybe additional costs for your site, which we can discuss.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept all major credit cards through Paypal as well as personal checks or money orders. If you pay by personal check, work will begin as soon as the check clears.
What kind of maintenance will I need?
Maintenance varies. Updating your site is an important aspect of keeping your clients informed, increasing sales, and it is crucial to improving your ranking with the search engines. Maintenance rates apply.
What is the range of maintenance costs?
The range of costs is as individual as each web site. Some sites need as little as $15.00 worth of maintenance per quarter , others as much as $500 or more per quarter. Most of the web sites I manage require $75-$100 worth of maintenance and updating per quarter. I would recommend we keep the lines of communication open until you get on a routine and feel comfortable with maintenance.
How can I make future changes to my web site?
Simply email your changes to me. If you can batch your changes to me, that will save me time and you money.
Will I be listed in the search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN?
Yes. Part of my service is to submit your web site to the major search engines. Being listed in the search engines takes time. It typically takes six weeks to six months for the search engine spiders to completely crawl your site.
I already have a web site. Can you maintain it?
Yes I can!
Once terms of the contract are fulfilled, YOU own your web site.