FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Web Deisgn, Hosting and Marketing

QUESTION: How much does a web site cost?

ANSWER: This the question I am most often asked and the most difficult to answer.

Due to the fact that all my web sites are custom-made, and can contain many different types and amounts of content (text, images, forms, multimedia enhancements, custom graphics, custom layouts, links, etc) and number of pages (size), web site prices will vary.

I will be happy to meet with you or arrange a phone consultation to learn about your business objectives and provide an individual quotation.
Each project is unique and I require a full understanding of the scope before offering a quote.

Naturally, there is no charge for an initial consultation.

QUESTION: What does the average web site cost?

ANSWER: I don't do average! If there is a price range that you would like to work within, please let me know.

Once I have a detailed understanding of your desired web site, amount of content, web site features, enhancements, and web site goals, I will put together a proposal within your stated budget range.

It is very important to keep in mind that the more that I know about your business and what you wish to accomplish, the more success you will have.

QUESTION: What is the first step in developing a business web site?

ANSWER: The first step in planning a business web site is to define and/or outline what you want your web site to accomplish.

Realistically, what are your web site goals? To inform clients? To offer better customer service? To sell products and services? To educate and train staff? To recruit new staff? To entertain? All of the above?

I suggest a company brainstorming session and list all of the items that ideally, you would like. If your wishes exceed your stated budget, I will let you know.

In situations like this, I can provide you with possible solutions to help you meet your goals while still remaining within budget.

QUESTION: How long will it take to have my web site up and running?

ANSWER: The time frame for design and development is determined by various factors such as the size of your web site and the complexity of your site design.

Another component is whether the content and materials that you wish to provide for the site are "ready" and available.

My current project schedule will be a factor as well.

QUESTION: Do I need to hire a local web designer?

ANSWER: Just as you do not need to restrict your customers to your local geographic area, I can create web sites for clients who are local as well as out of state.

By using the Internet, email and my toll-free phone number, it is very easy to communicate effectively with clients in any location.

In fact, most of my local clients conduct business with me by email and phone, so it doesn't matter where they are!

QUESTION: What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

ANSWER: Optimization is making sure your web page is 'friendly' to the search engines. By friendly, I mean easy for the search engine's software to read and navigate to all the information on your site.

This is accomplished by using proper keywords and description tags, proper use of those terms in your content, and proper formatting of your content using XHTML and CSS.

QUESTION: What is the Search Engine Submission service?

ANSWER: This service submits your site to major search engines weekly and emails you a report on the page rankings monthly.

The report will show you graphically how your site is doing particular search engines for particular key phrases.

It will also show you what areas need to be improved upon.

QUESTION: What else can be done to market my web site?

ANSWER: It is very important to use other Search Engine Marketing (SEM) strategies as well to promote traffic to your web site.

The simplest thing to do is use your web site address on all your company's printed materials and emails.

Some SEM stragies do involve time and effort on your part, and I can help you develop a plan to promote your web site that fits your schedule and budget.

QUESTION: Do I need a merchant account to conduct business on the web?

ANSWER: A merchant account is highly recommended for clients using a shopping cart system. This is the payment method most used and accepted by internet shoppers.

It allows you to accept credit card payments on-line by automatically authorizing the transaction. You can then track the transactions and follow deposits into your account.

The alternative to a merchat account is to use PayPal, a free (to the customer) way to pay you using their credit card or bank account.

QUESTION: What is a domain name?

ANSWER: A domain name is also called a web address or URL. It is the 'www.SOMETHING.com'or .net, etcetera that is used to view your web site.

QUESTION: How do I choose a domain name?

ANSWER: I suggest getting one domain name that contains your business name for use on printed materials. This will be the one that people who know your business name will use.

You should also purchasing another domain name containing your keywords. This is the web address that will be promoted in the search engines so people who don't know the name of your business can find you through key word searches.

QUESTION: What is web hosting?

ANSWER: A web hosting service is a type of service that provides you with online computer systems for storing your web pages and content.

Web hosts are companies that provide space to store your web pages on a computer they own as well as providing Internet connectivity.

QUESTION: Does CD WebMaker guarantee Search Engine placement?

ANSWER: No, sorry, I don't. If you find someone who does, get it in writing with a full guarantee behind it.

Be sure what term the guarantee promises high rankings for too. Do they promise to rank you #1 in Google for your business name, or an actual phrase people will search for when they don't know you even exist.

Because no one can know what the search engines will base rankings on tomorrow or next week or next month, I don't offer promises I know can't be kept, but I do promise to work with you to help improve your site and follow current best practices for search engine rankings.

QUESTION: Is Search Engine optimization expensive?

ANSWER: It certainly doesn't have to be. I only charge you for work I perform so there are no set monthly fees required by a contract.

Optimization is best done a portion at a time, so if we do some things to optimize your site, it may take 2-3 months to make a difference. Then we take a look at the traffic and rankings and act on the results.

QUESTION: What is a Podcast?

ANSWER: A podcast is simply an audio file you create and upload to your web server. Visitors can listen to it online, or download and listen to it at their convenience.

QUESTION: What's the best and least expensive way to market my web site?

ANSWER: Today's search engines are looking for two key ingredients: fresh, relevant content and incoming links.

The best, easiest and most cost-effective way to accomplish those two goals is through article marketing. This means writing articles and submitting them to online directories as well as posting them on your own web site. You gain incoming links by including your keyphrases and web address in your author resource.