Frequently Asked Questions
Development of a website takes on the several stages during the development. It all starts with an idea.
Here are a few questions that I anticipate would be asked about developing a website:
What is the initial function of a web site?
How much will it initially cost to have a web site created, designed, then implemented?
How long will it take to design my website and see it on the Internet?
How will I keep my web site up to date?
And, the bottom line is - How much overall will a web site cost me?
How much does a web site hosting service cost?
Do web site hosting companies charge by the month or annually?
Will I have to hire someone to keep my web site up to date?
If I do hire someone to keep my web site up dated, do they charge a flat monthly fee, or by the request?
What is the initial function of a web site?
The actual reasons for creating a website are numerous - to provide Information, e-commerce/storefront, message board, business portal, content management, portfolio, news, personal, etc.)
Its one thing to create a web site to do these things. Having a web site that will do these things and be easy to use, find and navigate is an important part of the design and development stages. There are several different levels involved and you need to plan ahead. This means checking out other websites (Your competition? Hmm! That's an idea!) to get some ideas about what you would like to see on your web site.
It is much easier to work with your "Web Site Designer" on a personal basis, instead of thru phone calls and path-crossing emails. I like to meet and talk face-to-face with my clients, before during and after the development stages.
However, one of my favorite projects involved working with two writers clear across the country, in Florida! They wanted to distribute some newly revised educational materials online to the home-schooling audience. It didn't make a difference that they were so far away. In addition to emails, we used instant messaging to implement changes in the design of their web site, which they could review immediately by refreshing their browser, then give me instant feedback and suggestions. A very smooth and seamless method of communicating.
How much will it initially cost to have it created, designed, then implemented?
That can vary. Some web design firms will charge you by the hour - others will charge you based on the entire project.
I prefer the "flat rate" method.
I base my cost projections upon project goals and complexity. Some web sites are easy to create - others more intense . . .
I would rather flat-rate a project because this allows me to ponder and reflect on the design elements without worrying about a time factor. Sometimes I may even go thru a complete redesign halfway thru the project, so its on my time, not yours.
How long will it take to design my website and see it on the Internet?
Most websites can be developed and online within a day, week or a month. A lot of this depends upon the function of the website, the size, number of different pages and sections, the navigational structure, amount of graphics, etc.
Usually, the part that can take the longest is actually designing the graphics (i.e., logos, banners, backgrounds, navigation buttons, animation, image optimization, etc).
How will I keep my web site up to date?
Hopefully the person, or web design firm you hire will include a "training and instruction period" in your contract. I offer anywhere from 90 days to . . . . . .
Initial web design should be focused not only on your clients (the web site being user-friendly and easy to navigate) but also on the client (you) as well. My approach is to keep things as adequately simple as possible (The K.I.S.S. Philosophy).
I make a point of providing a my personal phone number so you can contact me at anytime for support (reasonably before midnight), or to answer any questions, or if you need to use another lifeline. :)
And, the bottom line is - How much will it cost me?
The initial cost of the actual Web Site Design itself, then also some of the following factors:
Anywhere from $5/month to over $100/month, usually depending on the amount of web space you need, the web site hosting company, and the type of network server. (Unix, Apache, FreeBSD, IIS)
(Note - There are some FREE web hosting companies out there, but 99.9% of them put their banner ads all over your web site pages, or those annoying "Popup" windows. Not a good thing if you want to keep your visitors focused.)
Either. Again, it depends on the web site hosting company. It definitely pays to shop around. There are so many different packages available, it boggles the mind.
In my opinion, the best deal I have found on the table right now is at Bluehost. Not only is their package very competitively priced, they have put together an excellent backend support team.
Sometimes - The following 90 days after I deliver your web site as a "finished" product, I implement a "training period". This involves training you or your team regarding all the aspects of your web site, how to make changes, upload files, create and administer multiple email accounts, computer settings, etc. I also "maintain" your web site during that 90 day period. During this period, there will almost always be adjustments, additions and fine-tuning as needs arise.
Either - If I can train you or your team to keep the site maintained, then why pay a monthly fee! If you need to create additional content later on, then that would entail an additional expense.
I make it a point to take care of my clients. I work with you, one on one, to create and develop a website that will promote your image, create your piece of internet real estate and make it easier for potential and existing clientele to utilize your services.
