FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to build a web site?
How long will it take to build my web site?
I already have a web site but I want to improve it. Can you help?
What does it cost for changes or maintenance to my site?
How do I get listed on the search engines?
Will I be able to keep track of how many visits my web site gets?
How much does web hosting cost?
What makes your hosting service my best choice?
How do I get a domain name (yourname.com)?
Can I use my domain in my email address?
How do we get started on my site?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a web site?
Web sites vary greatly in price depending on size and complexity. My rate is $45 per hour. Designing a site from concept to launch can run anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. Most projects I handle come in at less than $800. For an idea of what your site might cost, 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.Top
How long will it take to build my web site?
This depends on the size of the site. I can have a small 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 could take a little longer. 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. Top
I already have a web site but I want to improve it. Can you help?
I design and host web sites for my customers exclusively. This means I do not sell hosting, nor do I get involved in other companies hosting. The servers I work on are Unix and I enjoy spending my time learning all that operating system has to offer. I also do not 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 programmed that I would have to just about start from scratch to make the improvements. How files and directories are located on the server is also 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 also means improving the way it is hosted.Top
What does it cost for changes or maintenance to my site?
The cost of editing or changing your site is based on my hourly rate of $45. 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.Top
How do I get listed on the search engines?
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 include these keywords and phrases in the text of your web site and create what are called meta tags. These are invisible to visitors of your site but will help 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.Top
Will I be able to keep track of how many visits my web site gets?
Yes. Your web server will keep statistics on how many visits or hits your site receives and information on when and where those hits come from. Our servers uses a program called Analog to generate those stats. See our How To section on how to get your stats on-line. It it isn't listed, it will be there soon. Top
What is web hosting?
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 around the clock.Top
How much does web hosting cost?
Web hosting starts at $240 per year and covers hosting, domain name renewals, and basic maintenance.
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What makes your hosting service my best choice?
I am an authorized reseller and contract hosting through a large hosting company, giving 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. Top
How do I get a domain name (yourname.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. We include one domain name registration and 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. Top
Can I use my domain in my email address?
Yes. We can forward your new domain name to your ISP (AOL, Earthlink, Verizon, Comcast, etc.) and you can use anyname@yourdomain.com for your email address. You may want to change the reply-to address in your email client so your return address matches your new email address. See our How To for how to make that change.Top
What is an e-commerce site?
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 prompts the visitor to fill out a form 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.stockingstyle.com, and www.portable-booths.com. Top
How do we get started on my site?
Call now at 508.473.7574, orcontact us,for more specific information on a web site that will fit your needs.Top