Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I use a web site designer?
- Who do you design web sites for?
- I'd like a web site. Where do I begin?
- Do I need to buy a domain name and arrange web site hosting?
- I already have some web space provided by my ISP, can I use this for my web site?
- Do you require a deposit before you start work?
- I have a small business and would like a web site. What do you need to know to design a web site?
- What is a Home Page?
- Do I need an About Us Page?
- How do I tell people about the services or products I have to offer?
- What is a FAQ Page?
- What is a Contact Us Page?
- What is a Contact Form?
- We are a non-profit organisation and have a limited budget. Can you help?
- I have a web site, but I'd like it to look more professional. Can you help?
- Can I start with a few pages to my web site and add more web pages to it later?
- What is the difference between web design and web maintenance?
- How do I submit my site to search engines?
- What is Search Engine Optimisation?
- What are dynamic pages?
Answers
Why should I use a web site designer?
To save time!
Using a web site designer will save you valuable time so that you can concentrate on your business, your career or your organisation. Even the best web site software takes time to learn. Most of the ‘freersquo; software packages are limited in what they can do and the finished result will not look as good as a lsquo;bespokersquo; web site design.
Who do you design web sites for?
We design web sites for individuals, clubs, schools, councils, organisations and businesses, if you want a web site, we will design it for you.
I'd like a web site. Where do I begin?
a. Decide what your web site is for.
b. Decide who your target audience is.
c.Decide what you want your web site to look like.
d.Decide how big you want the web site to be.
e.Choose Colours that you like to give the image you are looking for.
f.View other web sites to look at layout ideas.
Then discuss these ideas with us.
Do I need to buy a domain name and arrange web site hosting?
No, we will do this for you. We can check whether the domain name you would like to use is available and suggest alternatives if your preferred domain name has already been registered by others.
We will recommend which hosting package is most suitable for your needs.
The costs of hosting your web site may vary, depending upon which hosting package you choose. Most ISP's (Internet Service Providers) who provide web hosting services have an annual charge for their hosting service and you will need to keep making this annual payment to host your web site.
I already have some web space provided by my ISP (Internet Service Provider), can I use this for my web site?
Yes, but it is best to contact us with details of what your ISP is offering you. You may still have to buy a domain name, but if you have a free offer of web space as part of your internet access package, then you may be able to use this. However if you want a business or e-commerce site, your Internet Service Provider may not include the amount of server storage space you need, or the facilities you require.
Do you require a deposit before you start work?
At the placing of an order we will require a 20% deposit before starting work.
I have a small business and would like a web site. What do you need to know to design a web site?
Do you have a company brochure, a company logo or letter heading? Do you have literature that you use to tell customers about your company? If you have, we can use this information as a starting point for the design of your web site. We will also need photographs or pictures which we can use on your web site to show off your business.
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This is usually the first page visitors to your site find. Think of this page as the cover to your brochure. Our aim is to make it colourful and eye catching. Your logo, name and a description of what you are offering will go on this page.
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About us pages give more details about your business such as when it was started, its aims and services. This page can also give details about key personnel involved in your business as well as the locations of your premises.
How do I tell people about the services or products I have to offer?
Photographs accompanied with a description are usually best, although each business is treated individually according to its needs. This can be done on one, or as many web pages as you feel necessary.
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A ‘frequently asked questions’ page can answer questions about your company and the services you have to offer, it can also be used to explain ‘jargon’.
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This page should list your address or addresses, phone numbers, e-mail address, hours of business, etc.
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A page that looks like a ‘printed’ form which viewers of your site fill in and submit to you by clicking on a button. This form can be used to collect names, addresses, telephone numbers, services they are interested in etc.
We are a non-profit organisation and have a limited budget. Can you help?
We can offer special discounts to non-profit organisations. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and how we can help keep within your budget.
I have a web site, but I'd like it to look more professional. Can you help?
Yes. We will look at your current site, discuss your requirements and redesign your site.
Can I start with a few pages on my web site and add more web pages to it later?
Definitely, after your web site is up and running, contact us when you are ready to add more information.
What is the difference between web design and web maintenance?
Web design is the actual construction of the initial web site. Web maintenance is the updating and changing of content on that site. Minimal changes to a website will not be charged. For example, if your address changes and you want it changed on the ‘Contact Us’ web page, you will not be charged. Simply e-mail us your request for the change. However, if you expect your site to change frequently, a web maintenance agreement is highly recommended.
How do I submit my site to search engines?
All search engine web sites have a link to their submittal web page which has the instructions on how to submit your site. Most of the major search engines allow free site listing. We can submit your site for you if you would prefer us to.
What is Search Engine Optimisation?
Search Engine optimisation involves the web designer ‘building’ in to the web site design, words and text which search engines look for as part of their selection process. This can include the insertion of ‘key words’ in the first few lines of code ensuring that these key words which relate to your business appear in your web page text. Links to and from other web sites are also very important. The aim is to ensure that your web site is listed on the first page of a search engine listing when viewers search for these particular key words.
Can I insert video clips and music?
Yes, but the web site viewer may need special software such as flash or real player.
