Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you do websites for anything besides schools?

YES! In fact my specialities are non-profits, small businesses, restaurants, portfolio and photography websites. In essence, I pour all of my energies into taking care of the average web user who simply wants his/her own web presence.

2. What's the difference between a website and a blog?

Well, there's not much, really. Websites are generally static pages where viewers can go and get information about something. Whereas blogs are more interactive and invite visitors to leave feedback. However, many users have converted their blogs into their websites, so there's really not a huge difference between the two other than in how they are set up.

3. You mention you can offer new clients a chance to obtain their own domain name and web host; what did you mean by that?

If any one wants their own web presence, then I can help. I currently use Lunarpages for all my website needs and have been using them for the past six years. I highly recommend them if you're looking for a web host. They are extremely reliable and their customer service is TOP NOTCH. I feel very comfortable with Lunarpages; I'm familiar with the CPanel (the behind the scenes control panel for your website) and am confident I could help someone purchase a domain name and set up his/her own web presence through this easy-to-use web host.

4. How long does it take you to design a website?

Good question. It normally takes anywhere from three to six weeks to set up a website. It really depends on how fast I receive information from the client and the size of the website. The time frame is an estimate as it really depends on how busy I am at the time of request and how soon I can get to the request. Regardless, I keep the client informed as to my schedule and send periodic progress reports.

5. Can I use my own images in the design?

Absolutely. In fact, pictures and graphics are very welcomed. However, you MUST own the copyright to these images and/or graphics. If there is any question of ownership rights, then I will not use the image or graphic. And I do not accept any responsibility for questionable material that the client provides. I'm assuming if the client is providing the image or graphic, then the client has ownership rights to that image or graphic.

6. Where do you find your graphics?

I primarily use istockphoto.com and stock.xchng. However, I'll be happy to use any royalty-free image or graphic if they are of good quality. If the client would prefer to have something custom made, I can recommend several artists that would be happy to create something unique. (The client may purchase the unique graphic beforehand and send it to me, or, if I purchase the graphic, the cost of graphic will be added to final bill).

7. Is it okay if I have a general idea of what I want?

Absolutely!! The more specific you are about what you want, the better the design. In fact, if you have sites you have seen and liked, please send those links to me so I will have a better idea of what you're looking for. Please note: I will not copy from these sites. Giving me a visual goes a long way to a successful design.

8. What sort of payment do you take?

I accept payments through PayPal. You can pay by credit card through PayPal and you do NOT have to have an account in order to use PayPal.

If you're from a school, I will send an invoice to the project contact person which will provide a mailing address that a check may be mailed to.

9. Do you ever give templates, banners, or buttons away for free?

Are you kidding me?? My husband is constantly complaining about how I sell myself short. If anything, I give TOO much away for free! So yes, I will occasionally give these items away for free to help promote my work. Please check this website for chances to win free designs. (I'd love to give websites away for free, but I simply can't justify the time required to build these in-depth projects. I'm sorry).

10. I have a wonderful website. Now what? How do I put new material on my new website?

You have two choices:

A. You can maintain the site through web-editing software (such as FrontPage or Dreamweaver) yourself.

OR

B. You could hire me to maintain your website for you. I offer very reasonable monthly, bi-annual, or annual maintenance packages. I would be more than happy to maintain a site that I did not build, but it's more efficient and convenient, for all parties involved, if you hire me to maintain the website I created for you after completion. All update requests are completed within 24 hours of receipt. (Business days. Often times, much sooner).

I'm sorry. I do not offer lessons on how to maintain websites. If the client chooses to have someone else maintain the website, that person will need to be familar with the above mentioned programs (or similar web-editing software) beforehand. I will simply burn the files to a CD and give them to the designated person.

11. You finished my project several weeks ago - I added some stuff and now it appears to be broken. Can you fix it?

I will burn a copy of the website onto a disk and give it to you so that you will always have a hard copy. That way, if something breaks, you can load a fresh copy of the template (keep in mind, you will lose any changes you made). If you need my assistance, I'll be happy to help you, but I will charge a $30.00 per hour fee.