How long does it take to finish a website?
The time it takes depends on the size and complexity of the project. Websites can be one page to thousands of pages. You may need extensive graphics work done, or just preparing an existing logo for internet use. Once you let me know what your project includes, I can provide you with an estimate of how long it will take. I can create a simple one page website in 24 hours, or a 6 page website with simple original graphics in two weeks, if you are able to provide your content and feedback quickly. More custom work and larger projects need more time of course. Contact me if you need a rush job and we'll talk.
Can you design my web site if I live in another state or country?
Yes! I live in the Detroit metropolitan area, but I have worked with clients around the country, and have contacts around the globe. That's the best part of the internet, we are able to communicate with people who live on the other side of the globe just as easily as our neighbors.
What about ongoing maintenance and updates?
Your website is something you own, and it's up to you to decide how to handle this. Some websites need more frequent updating than others, and you need to consider your needs as well as the skills you or your staff have before you decide. I am available for website maintenance either on a monthly contract basis or for occasional requests on an hourly basis. You can also hire me on an hourly basis to repair damage done when someone thinks they know how to do updates!
What is "CSS" ?
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. This coding method is a much more efficient method of styling web pages. Sounds boring right? But efficiency means faster loading pages than the old HTML tags method. In addition to being more efficient, CSS allows for more freedom in design choices. Whoever you choose for your website project, make sure CSS is being used to enhance your website.
I want to get listed on the search engines, how is that done?
Your site will be coded to be "search engine friendly", meaning the underlying code is easy to read and interpret for the search engines. In the past you needed to submit your website to the search engines. Currently Google usually indexes your site once there is a link to it anywhere online. I will include your site in my portfolio after launch, and that is often enough to get indexed by Google fairly quickly. Getting a website to come up high in search results is a labor intensive ongoing process, you may wish to hire me on a monthly contract to perform this service for you.
Can I tell how many people visit my website?
The hosting account provider usually includes a statistical program to help you keep track of visitors and analyze the data. Google also offers a free tracking program that I can install for you if you desire.
Why do I need a hosting account?
You have to pay a "rental space fee" to display your website online. The account usually has limits on how much space your pages can use, and how many visitors can view the pages in a month, (bandwidth). I can help you determine how much space and bandwidth your website will need.
Why do I need a domain name?
You need an address for your website, and the domain name serves that purpose for you. If you haven't already checked on availability of a domain name that matches your organization or business name exactly, you should do so today! Contact me for domain name assistance.
What's the going rate for web hosting?
Web hosting cost ranges from $10 to $25 per month for most websites, depending on your needs. Larger and very popular websites will need more expensive plans. If your website project is small, I may be able to offer you hosting at a reduced rate on my own account.
How do we get started on my website project?
Please use my Contact form. If you prefer a face to face consultation or by telephone, be assured I will respond to you quickly. The initial consultation is free, and usually lasts about one hour. We discuss your business or organization, the goals for your website project, and your ideas.
How much will my website cost?
To be able to provide you with an accurate estimate, you will need to let me know in detail what you want included in your project. Asking what a website costs is like asking what it would cost to build a house. It depends on the size of the house, the number of rooms, and the features you want included. It's the same for a website, how many pages do you want, what features do you need? My prices are quite reasonable, and I can advise you on how to keep costs down. Your website could be a simple one page project for $300.00, or a complex design with dozens of pages for considerably more.