Frequently Asked Questions

What is a domain name?
A domain name is the URL address (Uniform Resource Locator) you type in the address bar to go to a particular site. For instance www.exposedimages.com.

How do I get a domain name?
You will need to search for and then register your unique name through a domain name service. Once purchased you will need to direct the DNS (Domain Name Server) to point to your hosting server.
TIP: It can be frustrating to come up with a great name only to find it has already been registered, however using your unique business usually provides a solution. Try to focus on memorability rather than length. An abbreviation of your comany's name is harder to remember than the actual name. If I were to suggest a reputable outside service for this they would be www.register.com. However I usually provide this service for my clients through my company and the cost is $35 per year. That way I can transfer the DNS lookup numbers directly to the server to avoid missed email confirmations and delays as well as keep track of renewal.

What is web hosting?
Basically web hosting is like renting a storefront from a shopping mall except you don’t rent a bricks and mortar storefront, you are renting space on a computer for creating a "Virtual Storefront".

How much does web hosting cost?
An average web hosting charge can range from $19.95 - $49.95 per month. I go through a large company and pay for reselling rights which means I can provide hosting directly to my clients at a lower cost. This saves the client from dealing with more than one company for all their web site needs. I have three hosting plans you can view here.

How much will it cost to build a web site?
I don't use an hourly rate to design web sites at the moment. I have found that clients prefer the per page pricing method. It makes estimating easier for me and the client isn't surprised by any extra cost. I charge $175 each for main category pages and $100 each for sub-category pages (any pages linked from main category pages). Ecommerce sites are a bit tougher to build so I charge $200 per page. Virtual viewer pages usually consist of a center pic with thumbnails and description and can contain panoramic images. Usually by the end of a consultation I can give you a very close estimate as to what your site will cost.

How long will it take to build my web site?
If all materials are ready at the consultation and a tentative layout can be approved I can get a 1-5 page simple site up in about a week. For a 6-20 page site it usually takes a month. If the site is larger than 20 pages or if there is e-commerce or extra coding involved it could take longer. If you have a deadline tell me up front, if I can work in that timeframe I'll tell you at the consultation.

Can you design my web site even if I live out of town?
Yes I can. The nice thing about the internet and email is there are no boundries to this business. Some of my out-of-towners include Apollo/Boone audio visual products in New York City, Pathlighter lighted safety canes in Ormond FL, Bonmar eyeglass leashes in Atlana, GA and Cameron Krone photographer in Atlanta, GA.

How do I get listed on the search engines?
During the consultation we will discuss search engine strategy. We will go over keyword phrases, good page titles and page descriptions as well as your opening paragraghs. I will explain the importance of each as well as other promotional tactics.

How do I keep track of how many visits my site gets?
I put a tracking counter on each page which will lead you to a password protected site that shows all the activity your site has been getting. Hits, page views, referrers, search words, etc.

What if I have a change to my website?
Once I complete your site design it's yours. I offer a site maintenance service which means I can update it for you based on your changes and keep all the links working. I can keep it optimized for the ever changing search engine criteria and submit it to the search engines on a monthly basis. I charge an hourly rate of $60 per hour for this. If any pages are added I charge for them as well. I don't offer training at this time.

What does e-commerce mean?
From a retail perspective, e-commerce allows you to accept payment for purchases through your web site. I can set you up with either credit cards or Paypal. I have a few clients using e-commerce on their sites. Bonmar and Pathlighter.