Budget Web Design 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a web or domain name and where do I get one from?
How is the cost of a Web Site calculated?
Can I prepare a Web Site myself?
What is web space or web hosting?
What other costs are involved?
Do you have a price guarantee?
Do I have to have your company name on my web site?
What are search engines and how do they work?
I listed my web site on the search engines but months later I can't find my site?
What makes a good web site?

Please note we have been somewhat simplistic in these budget web design FAQ answers. We could if necessary write several pages on each of them - we have tried to keep them both precise and simplified.

What is a web or domain name and where can I get one from?
A web name or domain name is the name registered by you for your web site. It is your "address" on the internet where people can find your web site. Many popular names have already been registered, some by "speculators" hoping to sell these on in the future. There are many suppliers of domain names some at lower cost than others but all working through the same agency. Put a search in on Google, research the results and find the best value along with good service. 
 
How is the cost of a web site calculated.
This is a very very brief breakdown on the process. There is a not inconsiderable planning phase where the customer is consulted for his initial views on what his requirements are. From there a rough copy may be produced, probably on paper or even a mockup site produced for the customers comments. The serious design continues with photography sizing and optimising taking place for quick loading of the web page along with detail design and coding for each page of the web site. It is not uncommon for some web pages to have several pages of coding behind them.

It is possible to see this code - if you go to a webpage of your choice and along the top navigation bar on the screen select "Menu" and "View" on the dropdown menu you will see the code behind that particular page.
Sorry that's all I intend to write on this subject as I could go on for pages detailing everything but you can see there may be many many hours of work to be paid for.
 
Can I prepare a web site myself?
Of course you can, there are a number of software packages that help you produce web pages, for example, Microsoft FrontPage, but there will probably be a steep learning curve to get familiar with the package you are using and it may take you a long time to produce something which you are happy with.

We are asked all the time to "repair" home built web sites where people have attempted a project and have given up. Remember that when additional functionality has to be built in that is where you may not have the experience to complete the job satisfactorily.

The advantages of DIY websites is that you have a chance to have a go yourself at creating your finished website and learn new skills. The disadvantage is that making a website that looks good is one thing, but one that looks good and is able to be read easily by search engines is the job for a professional web designer.

What is web space or web hosting?
The completed coding for you web site has to reside somewhere and has to have conectivity with the world wide web. There are specialist companies with massive investments in both equipment and expertise who "host" your web site code ("web space") on their "web servers"

What other costs are involved?
You can have numerous extras which which may become apparent during discussions and will be fully explained upon the initial consultation. Remember we will give you a fixed price budget for your web site and stick to it.

Do you have a price guarantee?
We know we can provide extremely good value for money in constructing your web site. If you can find a similar service at lower cost and can provide the quote in writing we will endeavour to match or beat this price. This guarantee is given to assure our customers of the best possible service.

Do I have to have your company name on my web site?
Yes, it is part of our terms and conditions.

What are search engines and how do they work?
Search engines are "information finders". Some of the best known are Google, Yahoo, Lycos or Ask Jeeves. How can I ensure the search engines will find me? Very simply, the search engines have "spiders" which continually examine the web site coding throughout the whole of the internet.

The information gathered by these spiders is built into a database and when you input a search for say "glass maker" the database is examined and the search results pages displayed for perusal by you. You will appreciate that unless the "spiders" find the relevant information built into your web site code regarding the services or products offered on your web site then you may never be found.

The art of search engine optimisation (SEO) is quite involved and specialist companies will fully optimise your site and recode where necessary to guarantee you a good position within the search engine results but this is extremely costly. There are other ways but it involves paying out money on a continuous basis for "pay per click" arangements.

If you have keywords within your coding which are out of the norm then you may have a better chance of being found in a search.
When first registering with the search engines it may take from a couple of weeks to several months to be fully registered by them.

The subject of SEO is vast and is really quite complex and labour intensive.
We do our utmost to optimise the design and code to ensure your best possible position within the financial constraints of your project.

I listed my web site on the search engines but months later I still can't find my site?
Please see the previous FAQ.
 
What makes a good web site?
One that produces the results you want from the people you want to attract i.e.knowing what your aims are and your intended audience for the web site.
Producing the content in a clear, precise way. Remember the average first page scanning is for only a few seconds. During these few seconds you need to "grab" your viewer's interest so that he stays longer. 
You need a web site giving enough information to service your audience but without clutter. Keeping the information and graphics to a minimum but with sufficient to keep your audience interested. Don't overdo the page with nodding donkeys and other unnecessary animated graphics, the odd one yes, but only for the right effect.
Producing a design that fits your company image.

E&OE

©2007  Budget Web Plan