Frequently Asked Questions

A CMS is designed to simplify the publication of Web content to Web sites, in particular, allowing content creators to submit content without requiring technical knowledge of HTML or the uploading of files.

An e-commerce site allows visitors access to a shopping cart, an automated program which runs on your web server, and lets them click on items they want to purchase as they browse your site. When they are finished shopping, the program adds up the cost of the items. It then prompts the visitor to fill out a form on a secure server asking for credit card and shipping information, calculates shipping and taxes, then totals and confirms the order. An email then sent to the purchaser to confirm the purchase, and an email is sent to you so you can fill the order. Examples of e-commerce sites I have designed are www.virtuousteas.com, www.militaryphotoart.com, and www.customshippingcases.com.

Your domain name will be a name of your choosing followed by .com, .net, or one of the other top level extensions. Many domain names are already taken, so we may have to get creative. You will want to find an available domain name that is easy for people to remember. We then register the name for you at a cost of $20 per year, through a quality registrar. We can take care of maintenance and renewals on a yearly basis with your hosting plan. This leaves one less thing for you to worry about. Registration can be tricky and some companies that register names will go to great lengths to get your business PLUS sign you up for needless add-ons and renewals. Even if you're not ready to build your site, we can register and hold your domain name until your site is ready to go.

I have been an authorized reseller of Pair Networks since 1997. They have proven long-term stability. Through Pair, I can provide my clients several advantages at a competitive price. You have the benefit of the latest upgrades, power backups, reliability, and speed plus personalized, easily accessible support through me. I provide each of my customers with professional service and personal attention, regardless of size and complexity of their site.

Web hosting through me starts at $240 per year and covers hosting, one domain name renewal, and basic maintenance.

A web site is made up of many files like the ones you have on your computer. To make your web site accessible to the world, the files that make up your site must be placed on a hosting computer, or server, that is connected to the Internet 24/7.

This involves a process known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We will discuss keywords and phrases your visitors will use when looking for sites like yours when they use search engines. I can do a keyword search and include the most usefull keywords and phrases in the text of your web site. I will also create what are called meta tags. These are invisible to visitors of your site but will help some search engines find you. From the very beginning, we will focus on making your site search engine-friendly. Once your site is up and running, you have a number of options for promoting it on-line. I can help you decide which options may be best for your needs.

The cost of editing or changing your site is based on my hourly rate. Most minor changes that take only a few minutes are done at no charge. When you would like to make a change, I can let you know if it is major enough to result in a charge.

The servers I work on are Unix and I enjoy spending my time learning all that operating system has to offer. I try not to design sites to be hosted on other servers, some web sites are done with programs that are not totally web or search engine friendly, or they are so poorly set up that I would have to just about start from scratch to make improvements. How files and directories are located on the server is important. Therefore, rather than spending time trying to improve, only to find that you are still unhappy with how your site works, I have found that in most situations starting over is more cost effective.
So, yes, I can help, but understand that improving your site may also mean improving the way it is being hosted.

This depends on the size and type of site. I can have a small, basic site up and running for you within in a week or so, a medium-size site might take up to a month, and larger sites involving e-commerce or Content Management Systems could take up to three months. You can help speed things up by providing digitized images and text for me. Realistic deadlines are not a problem when the customer has all the materials on hand and knows exactly what he/she wants.

Web sites vary greatly in price depending on size and complexity. My rate is $65 per hour. Designing a site from concept to launch can run anywhere from roughly $600 up. Please look through my portfolio, or search the internet for a site that you like. If you see one that is somewhat similar in size and function to the one you would like, I can give you an idea of what it will cost. I always do all I can to keep the cost down. The more information you can provide such as text, logos, photos, etc. the less the final price will be.