Frequently Asked Questions
I have a very small business. Why do I need a website?
Every business needs a website. Your business is not too small to need one. Many people never use their phone books- they search online. If you don't have a website, you're invisible to these people. Sell yourself! It's your chance to shine, and show your potential customers why they need you. It doesn't have to be big and fancy- just one page with your name and address, a short description of your business, and a picture will get you in the game.
I have a website now I did with Frontpage. Why isn't that enough?
My first website was with Frontpage, so I understand its appeal, but it has major drawbacks. It creates clunky html code, so the pages take longer to load. You don't want your customers to get tired of waiting for your site to come up, and leave. Second, they don't look professional. These sites tend to have to many bells and whistles, like animation and music, and poor organization, which only distracts your customers from your message. See my links to bad websites for examples on the Why page of this website.
What's wrong with the free hosting I have now?
Free hosting is fine to get your feet wet, but it is loaded with advertisements and popup ads, which distract from your content, and irritate the reader. You don't have to pay a lot to have a website without advertisements- my plans can be as low as $20 a month for hosting. You can afford it!
Can you help me increase my ranking in Google?
Yes! If you have a site with a free service, you are invisible to Google (and therefore most other search engines). If your site is very "fancy", with images instead of text, you are also invisible. Let's face it, Google decides who finds our sites, so let's work with them. You don't need to spend more money on "search optimization." If your site is contructed properly, Google will find you. I can also register your site with Google and track their ranking of your site. One of my sites (Oak Cliff Earth Day) has ten search phrases in the top ten of Google searches, and has had over 80,000 hits in one year!
How do I know how many people have seen my website?
If you wish, I can provide monthly traffic reports to your website, at no extra charge.
What if I decide not to have you host me- what happens to my website and domain name?
Your first upfront cost is your design. That is your property to take with you when you leave. I will give you a cd with all the information you will need to take your website elsewhere. If you have registered a domain name through me, I will transfer ownership of the name to you.
I know a little bit about html. What if I only need help getting started?
No problem! I can work with you and your needs, and only provide the site itself without hosting, domain, and updating, at a very reasonable price.
What makes a good website?
A good website is easy to navigate, has fast loading pages, and has the information your clients need. How many times have you been on a website and couldn't even find their address? Look at this website. Very simple, clean, easy to navigate, a few pictures, and all the information you need. Flash animation and music only distract from the content.
What if I don't know what to put in my website?
I can help you write, organize, and edit your content. I am a full service webmaster.
What's a favicon?
A favicon is a tiny picture that identifies your website. It is visible after a site is added to a "Favorites" menu in Internet Explorer, and is seen next to the web address at the top of Internet Explorer, and in your favorites menu next to that site. If you have added this site to our favorites, you may see my favicon image (which is a much smaller version of the child's pic on the home page of this website). I can design a favicon for your website.
I don't understand any of this stuff, and it seems like it's too much for me. Can I still have a website?
Yes! You don't have to have any knowledge of computers, the internet, or even what you need for me to help you. I can help you from start to finish, and make sure you know what's going on in clear language every step of the way. That's what I'm here for!
