Web Design FAQs
General 'Stuff'
How do I find out more about the design service?
Best thing is to call me for a chat about what you want and how I could help you: call 01297 444 428 or 07905 942 581
What are the stages of the project?
After our initial face-to-face meeting when we draw up the design specification together and your acceptance of my proposals, a set of draft layouts and structures are produced. You review and comment on these and any changes are made. From the agreed design construction of the rest of the site can begin and your text, images, and pictures added. Once again these are reviewed, modified, and finailzed. When this happens the web pages are installed on your chosen web server and the site becomes live!
What are the deliverables?
Key deliverables are: proposal, design specification. set of draft web pages, agreed website structure and pages, installed website.
How long will it take?
A schedule is provided as part of the proposal; typical times are:
—small site (<10 pages): 4 weeks
—medium site (10-30 pages): 6 weeks
—complex site (>30 pages): 8 weeks
How much does it cost?
Design, construction, and installation fees depend on the complexity and size of the planned website. Sometimes it's as little as £100 for few simple pages rising to £1000 for complex pages with many images and graphics. E-commerce sites are more expnsive and usually incur a monthly maintenance fee of around £30.
The extra costs for web domain registration, web server space, email boxes, etc. are bourne by yourself.
What do I need to do myself?
Your main activity is to provide the text content, images, and pictures that will populate the web pages. This sounds straightforward, but I can assure you that it takes a lot longer than you think—remember, you're running a day-to-day business.
Can I have a shopping cart?
My first question is "do I need a shopping cart?" as many small businesses find the on-line payment handling service too expensive. It may then be better to provide a Tele-Sales number and deal with it manually, or use e-bay.
But if you do really want one it can be through by one of my partners
Web 'Stuff'
How do I get my own web domain e.g. www.mycompany.co.uk?
Domain names are purchased from domain companies such as www.easliy.co.uk or www.reg123.co.uk. These sites allow you to find if your preferred name is available, the charges and allows you to purchase for one or more years. It is important that you purchase this name yourself as the registered owner and administrator.
How is the website hosted?
Webpages are installed on your web space on a web hosting services's computer—the web server . There are hundreds of web hosting companies that offer different space sizes and packages. It is your responsibility to acquire this web hosting space; I will advise you on various options.
Who installs the web pages on the web hosting server?
I install the finalized webpages on your server. To do this I need authorization to access this account for the webpage directory, cgi-bin directory, and any other directories or programs needed for this project.
What happens to my existing emails?
You current email accounts remain unchanged and mail from the webpages will be sent directly to these accounts or by using the redirection facilities provided by your domain name provider.
What happens after the website goes LIVE?
Any minor maintenance such as text corrections or link updates, on the webpages is covered by me for three months. This three-month period starts when installation is completed. Changes after this three-month period are charge separately.
Content 'Stuff'
Who does the Content i.e. text, images, and pictures?
You do!! Your main activity is to provide the text content, images, and pictures that will populate the web pages. This sounds straightforward, but I can assure you that it takes a lot longer than you think—remember, you're running a day-to-day business.
How do I provide the content text and pictures?
You can send the final text for the pages by email, diskette, or CD; pictures and images are best provided by CD. These will be formatted for each web page e.g. headings, paragraphs, bullet lists.
Can I change the web pages myself?
If you have a web editor such as MS Frontpage and have a basic understanding of website structure and formats, then you're able to change the pages yourself. Any repairs or fixes however, that you wish me to undertake will be charged separately.
If regular updates are necessary then a Content Administartion System (CMS) can be provided.
How do I get onto search engines such as Google?
Keywords useful to search engines are hidden in the top of each webpage. Once the website has been installed it can be submitted to each of the major search engines.
Who owns the web pages?
Until the final payment is made, I will hold the rights to the finished work. Upon final payment you are assigned rights to use as a website, the design, graphics, and text content. Rights to photos, graphics, source code, and computer programs are not transferred to you, and remain the property of their respected owners.
What about the copyright of pictures and images?
Any pictures, photographs, or images supplied by you need to be owned by you, or that you have gained permission from the rightful owner to use these elements.