Website Development FAQ’s:

v    How long does it take to get a website up and running?

o      If you don’t already own your domain name, then about a week.  If you already own your domain name, longer.  This is because of the time it takes to move the domain name over to the servers I will use to host your website.  In all honesty, if you haven’t purchased your domain name but are seriously considering using my services to develop and manage your site, don’t run out and purchase a domain name to “speed up the process” since it really does slow things down. 

v    Oops, what if I already have purchased the domain name?

o      Then about a week from the point that I am able to access your web domain and move it over to my servers.  This may take some coordination on your part by providing access information so that I can access the site and change the name servers.

v    I am not satisfied with my existing web designer.  Is there a way for me to switch to your services?

o      Yes.  If you make the decision to switch, I will assist you in working with the current designer to move the site over to my servers and do my best to help ease tensions during the transition.

v    So what does the domain name cost?

o      The domain name initially will cost $60 for two years registration.  When renewal time comes, you’ll have an option to renew for a longer period of time for a lesser annual fee.

v    What does it cost to have the website developed?

o      Typically, I charge anywhere from $200 to $500 to get the site fully developed and up and running to your satisfaction.  Expect to be on the low end of that range unless you have some really labor-intensive web design.  I will do the “web work”, but will expect you to provide basic content for the site.  I don’t mind some light editing, but I will expect you to write the copy for areas of the site such as “About Us” and “Our History”.

v    Who decides what the site is going to look like?

o      You do.  I will make suggestions and offer up certain color schemes, but this is ultimately your decision.  If you like hot pink letters on a black background: that’s okay with me!

v    What are my ongoing costs once my website is developed?

o      Typically, I charge $75 due at the beginning of the second quarter of our arrangement, and another $75 each six months thereafter.

v    What do these ongoing costs cover?

o      They cover all hosting fees and website maintenance.  There are no hidden fees here!  If you need changes/additions to the site: they’re included.  Frankly, you should make some changes and additions to your website regularly.  Otherwise, folks get bored with visiting you often. 

v    So, what other fees do I owe you?

o      Nothing.  I enjoy web development.  I don’t expect to retire on the proceeds!

v    How long do my requested additions/changes take to get uploaded to the web?

o      Usually I have updates taken care of for you within a couple of business days.  I do go on vacations every now and then, but unfortunately: never for more than a week or so at a time.  I take great pride in making changes to the websites I manage on a very timely basis.

v    How do I let you know what changes I want to my website?

o      The best method if via email.  Sometimes a call for further clarification follows.  I don’t mind you calling me anytime, but email gives both of us documentation of what changes/updates you want done.

v    What if I want to change everything about my website in two or three years…I mean the colors, the fonts, the content and layout: everything?

o      Then we’ll talk about the work involved in making those sweeping changes.  Probably in the $150 range for a full re-write of your site.  But, I am willing to negotiate this with you.  So far, I haven’t had anyone request this since they are able to make changes on the fly as they go.

v    How do I get my site to come up when folks use the search engines to find sites similar to mine?

o      Monthly search engine submission costs $75 per year.  My hosting company will submit your website each month to hundreds of search engines on your behalf for this fee. 

v    How long before my site starts to be found when I search the engines once I pay my $75 fee?

o      Unfortunately, a few months.  These engines get notified of thousands of new sites every day and it takes some time for them to process your site and get it up and running.  However, using this search engine submission feature is the most efficient method of getting your site out there on the engines.  You just have to be patient and understand it takes a little time for your site to show up.

v    So, how do I know the company is submitting my site to the search engines?

o      I can provide reports to you (monthly, if desired) showing exactly which engines were successfully notified about adding your site to their search engine.

v    I’m not sure if I want to incur the expense of the search engines.  How long before I have to decide?

o      This is a totally optional feature.  You do not have to make that decision when the website is first created.  It can be added at any time.  The $75 charge is incurred when you decide to start.  This covers for 12 months. On the 13^th month, the $75 charge is incurred again unless you give 45 days notice to stop the search engine submission.

v    Can I sell goods/services from my website?

o      Certainly.  A shopping cart can easily be added to your website.  PayPal is the service that checkout directs to for payment.

v    I want to sell items from my website, but I don’t have a way to take credit cards.  What do I do?

o      Nothing.  PayPal accepts credit cards, so you don’t have to.  The member can use their credit card to pay you through PayPal