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 you have a contract?
- What is my up front cost?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- What kind of maintenance will I need?
- 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?
How do I get started?
Request a call back from the online form, fill out the Estimator Tool or email me so we may discuss your individual online needs and preferences. After initial contact I can build a picture of what is required and issue a proposal of work and approximate cost to you.
Will this be difficult?
In a word, no. I have a process which deals with all aspects of your web site in an organised fashion. I believe building your website should be an enjoyable experience for both of us.
How big a site do I need?
It varies. Some require a simple one page site like an electronic business card if you like, but others need a range of pages to feature all of the content required. If you have a lot of content it is better to distribute it across a range of pages rather than cram it all in to a couple. Viewers tend to lose interest where tons of scrolling is required and a lot of content on a single page increases page loading time significantly.
What is the process like?
Please see our process document for a full review on the design process from start to finish
How long will the process of designing a web site take?
This is dependant on a number of factors. It depends how quickly you can decide on a design and how promptly you are able to give us the content for the site e.g. photos, information etc. It also depends on the amount of content and pages required. It may be possible to produce a 1-5 page website within a week if all the required info. is in place. When a client is keen and fully in to it the process is obviously much quicker.
What if I don't like your first designs?
Initially I will produce the shell of a design and present it to you before we are too far down the road. You can then give me feedback and advise any potential amendments before I continue with the rest of the site. I will work with you to refine a solution that you are happy with.
What do I need to do?
You should gather as much information as possible in relation to your site. Think about any images you want to appear on it. Prepare some content in the form of wording you want to use. If you have any specific ideas in relation to colours or the look and feel of the site let me know! If you don't, it's not a problem. I will design around my perception of what you need and use your content.
What is a domain name and how should I choose one?
Domain names are the easy to remember unique addresses of websites. The Domain Name helps users to find their way around the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a unique address and you should try to choose a Domain Name for your site which is relevant. You may find that your chosen web address is taken but you can make slight changes to a preferred address such as adding a hyphen between words e.g. if www.mywebsite.com is taken, try www.myweb-site.com.
What is a web host and how do I choose one?
Web Hosting is the process of putting your website onto a computer which is connected to the Worldwide Web (internet). Larger companies can buy their own machines but most small/medium sized companies and hobbyists tend to buy 'space' on shared machines. I can make recommendations for web hosts based on your needs or feel free to research it, ask friends or business associates.
Do you have a contract?
Yes. My web design contract is available to view here. We both sign the contract before work commences which is a commitment from me to produce your website as per the proposal of work and a commitment from you that you intend to see the project through. Both parties are protected.
What is my up front cost?
After discussing your requirements, I will provide you with a proposal of work containing the costs involved. You will be required to sign the contract and 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. Domain registration and hosting costs are not included in these prices. Those fees would be paid directly to your domain registrar and your internet hosting provider. 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 cheques or money orders. If you pay by personal cheque, work will begin as soon as the cheque clears.
What kind of maintenance will I need?
Some sites require very little updating and some require much more. I have clients whose content changes slightly once a year and others who have dynamic websites which require weekly updates. It all depends on the nature of your business or venture. I have a set rate for updating exisiting content which is chargeable by the hour.
Will I be listed in the search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN?
Being listed in the search engines takes time. It typically takes six weeks to six months for the search engine spiders to completely crawl new web sites. I can submit your site to all the major search engines and many of the lesser known ones as well. They can all lead to potential hits and potential revenue. The search engine submission service is an additional cost charged by the hour.
I already have a web site. Can you maintain it?
Of course. I can amend content, tidy up, revamp or completely overhaul your exisiting site!
Who owns my new website?
You will be the sole owner of your website as soon as it is complete and when payment is made in full as per the contract.
If you would like to discuss your requirements verbally please send me your contact number and I will call you within 24hrs (between 9:00am - 8:00pm)
Or....
Use our Estimator Tool to apply for an online estimate for your website.