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WebChic
Designs is here to help you find your way through the maze
of information that you will need to acquire in order to put
your business online. Browse through the Frequently Asked
Questions below and let us know if you have any further questions,
we will be happy to answer if able to.
What is a domain name and how do I
get one?
Most computers connected to
the Internet are identified by a unique number called an IP
address (for instance, 234.208.12.129). IP addresses are neither
intuitive nor easy to remember. Domain names offer a more
intuitive way to name and find a web site. Each domain name
replaces a string of meaningless numbers (an IP address) with
a simple word or expression.
One of the best things about domain names
is that they are unique. There is no-one else out there who
owns the domain name "webchicdesigns.com".
Also, remember that when we talk
about "owning" a domain name, we are really talking
about the exclusive right to use that name.
It is not possible to own a domain name outright, you will
have to pay a periodic renewal fee to keep this "right
to use" your domain name.
What is a URL?
It stands for "universal resource locator". This is the address typed in to view your web page on the Internet. For example, our URL is http://www.webchicdesigns.com. They can be very long or short. This can also be referred to as the 'path' to a file. Either way, it's what you actually type in the address field in your browser.
What is a host and why do I need one?
A host is a place to put your
site once it is built. Think of it like a piece of property
to build your house on. Without the property, you wouldn't
have an address, or place to put your house. A good reputable
hosting company is important. This is who you would talk to
should your site go offline, so you want to have someone you
can get on the phone quickly and provide good customer service
should you need it. This service is typically billed via credit card on a monthly basis. Yes, we can provide that service for you.
How long does it take to get my web site
online?
It really depends on how large the
project is. Typically a small project (5-10 basic pages) will
take about 2 weeks from start to finish. What typically holds
a project up is the client not providing all the content for
the site.
If you make my web site, do I get to
keep it or take it with me?
We always provide our custom web site
design clients with all their files. We do not keep them or
control them in any way. They are uploaded to the clients
server and the client may access them at any time.
Alternately, we have "Sitebuilder"
clients that are using a dynamic, browser based program to
build their sites themselves. In this case, the site can not
be transferred to another host.
How much does a web site cost?
This question is typically answered with more questions: how many pages you are going to have, are you going to have ecommerce, and what kind of interactive features you want on your web site. You will also need web hosting and domain name registration. But to give you an idea to start with, a basic template-based site will begin at $799.00 and a custom site will begin at $1399.00.
Do I need to hire a "local" web site designer?
We work on web site projects for companies all over the globe. Using the internet, email & telephone it creates a much larger 'local' area, a way for us to help companies that are all over the world.
Have you ever built a web site specific to my industry; Real Estate etc.?
We've built many different types of sites. Real estate, medical, industrial, & more. But in reality it doesn't really matter what you are selling or what type of service you offer. The principles of design & construction of a site are the same no matter what industry it's applied to. Like installing tile. You install tile the same exact way no matter whether it's for a real estate business or a doctor's office.
I currently use another web site hosting company, can I choose you to design my site and use my own web hosting?
Yes, we can utilize a hosting service you already have. We just have to get the log-on information from you and make sure your host is comparable with the web site we'd build.
What is site maintenance?
Most web sites need their content updated regularly. Some have a continual need for changes, some need very little. Your maintenance program should reflect the frequency at which you need changes made. Maintenance packages are typically billed via credit card monthly, but if you don't need a regular program, you can go on an hourly program. We only provide hourly maintenance for clients whose sites we've designed & built.
Do you offer any type of discounts?
No, our prices are already quite low in comparison with the large design shops in the area. However, we do offer a low-cost option for small businesses. It's a 'do-it-yourself' program that allows you to build & host your site for as little as 29.95 per month.
Click here to try Sitebuilder.
What about my web site content - will you write the text for my site?
Copywrite service is not included in our packages. We have found that the best people to sell your service or product would be you. Take into account goals you have in mind for your web site and also who you are trying to reach. You would want to include as much information as possible. It's important to start somewhere and not get too hung up on the verbiage of your site. It's not 'permanent' and can easily be changed later within your maintenance program.
Why can't I find my web site in the search engines?
Just because you have a web site online does not mean you will be found in the search engines. That would be like assuming that once you've opened a business, you would automatically be advertised on a billboard.
It takes an actual specific effort and in some cases quite a bit of expertise to get your site listed on the most popular search engines. It take time as well; weeks, or even months to actually spider and list your web site in their directory. Getting listed is also not necessarily getting listed in good position so that you can be found.
We suggest you hire someone to help you with this effort, or educate, educate, educate yourself. Be very careful, there are many scams out there promising/guaranteeing to get you listed in the 'top 10' for cheap. There's no such thing! BEWARE the promise of something too good to be true.
How do I begin?
You just need to fill out our web design quote request form to start the process.
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