FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   

• Why do I need a website?
• What do I need to begin the process of setting up a website?
• How do I choose a Web Designer? Can't I just hire my nephew who took an HTML class and is great with computers?
• We already have a website, but it doesn't seem to be working...What's wrong?
• We aren't located anywhere near you...Can you still design a website for us?
• Will I have pop-ups and banner ads on my site?
• Can I do my own updates to my site?
• What operating systems will my websites work on?
• How will my site work with Search Engines?
• Is it OK to copy material from another website to use on mine?

   Why do I need a website?

There are many reasons to have a website for your business. These are just a few:

• Establish A Presence. It's not what you know, it's who you know! Your site has the potential to make that critical connection with potential clients and partners. The majority of Internet users are referring to the web and are using company’s websites to make major decisions when they need a specialized service. A website can validate the existence of your business, provide some information about you and, suddenly, you're no longer a complete stranger.

• Make Your Business Information Available. How much information can you include in an ad in the Yellow Pages? Your website could provide all that information and much, much more. Think of how much you pay now for advertising and printing of your brochures? A website is easier, cheaper and quicker and you can update changes in price, product or personnel any time! Show people what you do and how to contact you if they need your services...24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Present a Professional Image. When surfing the web, do you find that there are some websites that appeal to you and there are those that don't? First impressions are so important! A properly designed website can tell a lot about you and also reflect how you conduct your business. If you don't have a website or have a poor one, there is that possiblity that your business may not even be viewed as a valid business.

   What do I need to set up a website?

• Gather all your company information together - logos, brochures, preferred colors, etc. (see our Design Layout services for more details) and think about what you would like your website to look like and who your target audience will be.  Use our Website Design Information Checklist to help guide you through the process.

• Choose a Web Designer. Here's where we come in. Choosing a web designer is like choosing an interior designer for your home. You will want to choose someone who can produce a look that best represents you.  Take a look at their portfolio or find out if the designer can and is willing to create a site with what you’re looking for.  After all, it is YOUR site!

• Register a Domain Name. This is the address or "URL" that people will type into their browser to reach your website. An example of a domain name would be "www.yourcompanyname.com". You must register the name for a designated period of time, 1, 2, 5 or 10 years.  The actual name you choose is up to you (unless it’s already taken).  Choose something that isn’t too long and is relatively easy to remember.

• Set up a Web Host Service. A host is the "server" (computer) online where your website files are stored and accessed. There are a variety of hosts and plans out there and prices will vary from host to host.

• We provide web hosting and domain name registration, through reliable third-party companies and can certainly help you to get set up with a domain name and host should you need it.

Beware of anyone who claims that they will give you what you need without really finding out what you want. Also, although you may know of someone who may be technically capable of putting together a website, the person may not have a clue as to all the other things he/she has to know. An inexperienced designer may also want so badly to impress his client with how clever he is with the "latest" technology that the site may be end up being a showcase covered with animated GIFs, flash and scrolling text, rather than the client's business. These additions have their place, but only if the site requires them.

  We already have a website, but it doesn't seem to be working... What's wrong?

Many websites have the best of intentions, but through either inexperience or incomplete layout/content, they just don't flourish. What is needed would be an in-depth analysis of your existing site, and discussions with you regarding a partial or total "makeover." Call us for a free analysis of your existing website. If we find anything, you can choose to contract with us to have us fix it, or you can simply give the list to your current web designer and ask them to fix it for you.

   We aren't located anywhere near you...Can you still design a website for us?

Of course! Although I prefer to meet with you face-to-face, the internet, e-mail, telephone, US Postal Service®, FedEx® and UPS™, can take care of all communication and delivery issues that occur during the developmental stage. Some people prefer to make the "human connection" with their designers, in which case a meeting can be arranged.

   Can I do my own updates to my site?

If you or someone you work closely with has a basic grasp of HTML, then the answer is "probably". If you don't have the right tools or resources for making changes, then you are better off letting someone who understands how websites work handle the changes for you.

We can take care of regular updates for you, and work out a maintenance contract for a monthly fee or we can work with specific change requests billable at $65.00 per hour or negotiated by contract. Updates to you are as simple as sending an e-mail.

Our philosophy on site maintenance is that you've got your own business to run.  Let us take care of it so you don't have to!

   Will I have pop-ups and banner ads on my site?

We do not sell space on the pages created for you which would result in banner ads or unwanted pop-ups for viewers of your site.  You do have the option for small pop-up windows which may be executed by clicking on a button or link, e.g., to get more details about a specific subject, but they will not just automatically pop open when a page is opened.

   What operating systems will my websites work on?

All of our websites are created to work on both Windows and Macintosh systems.  We do periodic reviews of the metrics from our sites to help determine the most optimal design parameters to use when creating a site.  These parameters are based on the operating systems, connection speeds, display resolutions and browsers and search engines used to view our sites.

  How will my site work with Search Engines?

Search Engines are a tool that enables users to locate information on the World Wide Web. Search engines use keywords entered by users to find Web sites which contain the information sought. Your site can be optimized with key phrases and wording so that there is a good chance that your web pages will appear at the top of search engine queries for your selected keywords and keyword phrases, but remember, your site will be competing with over a million other sites offering the same product or service as you do. Beware of anyone who can claim to guarantee a #1 ranking with the search engines. Let's discuss your options during our consultation.

   Is it OK to copy material from another website to use on mine?

Not unless you've received permission from the author.  You may be violating the copyright of the person who developed the website, even if there is no copyright notice or symbol associated with it.  Downloading images from a website without expressed permission of the owner is also a copyright infringement. It would be best for you to use what you find on other sites just as a guide, and avoid any inference of plagiarism.

©2002-2008 | All Rights Reserved | WebSight Designs   P.O. Box 88, Kirkland, Washington 98083-0088
tel: (425)985-5714  fax:(425)576-1456  e-mail: info@hideitwsdnw.com