Do I need a website?

How do I get my own web address?

You need to pick a domain name (e.g. www.yourname.com) and see if it is available. You can do this through Network Solutions or various other sites that provide this service. Once you find one that you like and is available, you can then register yourself as the owner of that domain name and use it as your website address. We can help you with the registration process if needed. You will also need a Hosting Service, which we can provide for you if you don't already have your own.

Should I pick something fancy for my domain name?

For most domain names, the simpler the better. When selecting a domain name, you want to think like the person who will be looking for your site. Often times folks will just try typing in domain names that they think will get them to where they want to go. For example, if someone wanted to find the website for Tom Jones, the inclination would be to type "www.tomjones.com" and not something clever like "www.wigglehips.com."

How much will it cost to create my website?

The cost for creating your site will primarily be based on how large your site will be and the complexity of the site. Visit our Rates page to get a general idea of our cost of a basic site.

What information do you need to give a cost estimate and to create the website?

The first thing you need to do is write down what you want to achieve with your website, define your targeted audience, what contents and features you want to have on your site, and a general idea of what you want your website to look like. This will be a good start.

Should my website have a lot of bells and whistles?

Websites should be created based on the target audience. Put yourself in the mindset of your audience. What are they looking for when they come to your site? You want to make that information as easy as possible to find. You don't want to distract and frustrate them with a lot of technology that just gets in the way if it's not appropriate. Think of sites that you've visited that seem fun and cute at first, but then after awhile it just becomes annoying. Simplicity is the key. Also, folks with older equipment may have a problem viewing some of the bells and whistles. Use them sparingly ONLY where they can help a visitor learn something or get somewhere. Any element that does not support your primary objective and enhance the user experience should not be on your site.

Who provides the information for the website?

All copy and photos are to be provided by the client. Don't forget about information for the home page! Make your home page informative. Your home page should instantly inform visitors of the content of your site. It should state clearly and concisely what the site contains.

How do I register my site with search engines?

If you are not in a rush to have your site listed, then you don't need to do anything. Within about 6 months of your site being published, most of the major search engines will have found your site and added it to their database. If you want to make sure that you get listed in the major search engines, then you can go to their websites and submit your site to them. Some of them charge a fee if you are in a rush to get listed, otherwise it's usually free.