Frequently Asked Web Site Questions

These are some of the most frequent Web site questions we receive. This isn't an inclusive list, so if your question isn't addressed here, please contact us directly at 972-240-0187 or email info@x-site-d.com.

Domains, Hosting, eCommerce

I don't have a domain name; how do I get one?
There are many places to register your domain name. An excellent resource is Go Daddy. Feel free to experiment with domain names. The only criteria are that the name accurately reflects your business and business name. For example you don't want your business name to be "Illustrations for Everyone" and your Web site domain name to be "Unique Art." No one will realize you're the same company.

What about a host for my Web site; what should this cost?
Most companies use what is called "shared hosting," a less expensive hosting option. You will find hosting as cheap as $4.95 a year - up to several hundred a month. Keep in mind you get what you pay for! Don't go with the cheapest host and don't purchase a mammoth package you'll ever use. Never sign up with a web host that doesn't offer a telephone number for contact and service!

Unfortunately, very large hosting companies tend to not support the small business; limited packages, minimal features, and email only support. We've been with a company called QWK for the past 6 years and couldn't be happier. They're small, secure, dependable, reasonably priced, and respond rapidly if there are problems. 

I want to sell my product on the Internet; how do I do this?
You'll need a merchant account to sell with credit cards on the Internet. Many banks offer this service to their customers; you'll need to check with your individual bank. There are also independent companies that offer this service. Research the fees charged for transactions, and compare rates among companies. PayPal and Google Checkout are other options to consider.

After securing a merchant account, you need to arrange secure transaction processing of your credit card orders. Again there are many reputable companies that offer this service both in regular (manual) and real time processing. Real time processing (immediate credit card approval instead of you manually processing the transaction) is a much more expensive option. A company we can recommend for manual processing is Americart. If you use PayPal or Google Checkout, they handle the security through their systems with coding on your site.

Building the Web Site

What do you need from me to build my Web site?
We need any previous art (logos, original source files) you might have, photographs of products or items you want on the site. You many provide either finished copy-content, or we can edit and rewrite what you already have for beyond our normal formatting. Click here for more information.

What if I don't have any graphics or logos and need some designed?
We have a professional illustrator that can develop a logo and look-and-feel for you. He can also produce Flash pieces for your Web site. Before you think you have to have some Flash on your site though, take a moment to read what annoys Web site visitors, and the most common mistakes people make.

How long will it take to get my Web site on the Internet?
For a site of 15 pages or less, after all materials are received and the look-and-feel is approved, a completion schedule of two weeks is standard. Additional changes once everything is approved will extend the Web site’s completion date.

Please be aware that this time frame is based on you having a domain name, and having secured a Web hosting plan. It does not include your proofing schedule or any delays in that process.

Making it Live and Changes After

I think it looks great, how do we make it live?
We need your hosting information to be able to upload and test your Web site, and your domain registration information to reconfigure the DNS. We can provide you with a check-list of what needs to be provided, so you don't have to worry about the techno-babble.

The Web site is live, and I want some things changed?
We'll be happy to change your Web site once it's live for our standard hourly rate. We can also offer you a monthly maintenance package.

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Resources

Web Host Search
Independent reviews, ratings, search features and more.

Domain Registration
GoDaddy.com - $8.95 per year.

Web Word Wizardry: A Net-Savvy Writing Guide
By Rachel McAlpine

Web Copywriting Mistakes
These are the big ones you need to avoid.

What Offends Site Visitors?
A survey from Internet Retailer.
-- Internet Retailer

Client Testimonial

"...I would recommend this team to anyone who needs their web site done right the first time. Thanks Ann."
-- Chris Bond, Bluewater Interactive Learning Group

Read more client comments here.