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Frequently Asked Questions
For most people, creating your first web site is uncharted territory. Here are a few answers to those frequently asked questions.
Q. How do I pick a web design company?
A. If you are here you have already done some of the work of sorting through web design companies to find one that fits your sense of style and budget. Ask yourself these questions: Is their site easy to get around in? Is information clear? Do you like the style and quality of sites in their portfolio? When you talk to the designer, do they understand your goals? Can they meet your timetable for site delivery? Of course, we'd like the opportunity to work with you on your project!
Q. How do I get started?
A. Use our Website Planning Worksheets to go through the steps of setting goals, gathering important content and developing the scope of your project. If you fill out the forms on our site, the information is sent directly to us.
Q. How much does a web site cost?
A. Of course, that depends on the type of site you need. If you need up to 5 informational pages with a form, you can use our 5 page, $500 special. Static pages cost $50/page on average. However, many sites require dynamic content and/or the ability to take credit card payments. These dynamic sites are designed differently to accomodate advanced code (ASP, Cold Fusion) that updates pages from a database. Visit our pricing page for a break-down of costs. After a consultation, you will receive a competitive bid to design and construct your dynamic site.
Q. What's the difference between a Static or Dynamic site?
A. A Static site is comprised of html pages. Everything is "hard coded" right to the page. The only interactivity would be with JavaScript or Flash. Updates need to be made by hand to each page.
A Dynamic site is a set of pages that are coded in ASP or Cold Fusion to call information from a database, which then "dynamically" fills the pages with content. The database can be updated with an Admin page and the new information will show up site-wide. That means you can update content on your own pages. Interactivity comes from information stored in the database and accessed by the users.
Q. What do I need to do to take credit card payments on my website?
A. You need a shopping cart, a secure environment (https) and a way to process real-time financial transactions. Real-time credit card processing requires a third-party to process the cards and transfer the money to your account. You can establish a Merchant account with most banks or use one of the online sites that will provide this service. Find out more about our e-Commerce Solutions.
Q. Once I have my website, how do I get people to visit it?
A. You need a marketing strategy! MediaZeal is available to assist you in developing and implementing your website promotion and marketing plan. In the meantime, read our articles on marketing for success and search engine optimization. You can also look over our marketing cost estimator for the general prices and ranges of third-party tools available.
Q. How long before I can get my new web site live?
A. There are a few factors that effect the speed of getting a web site live. You can assist by: having your "copy" or content ready and in digital format (email or disk), having your photos and art available, by filling out our 'brainstorming' form. We will schedule a time to discuss your goals with you and get your content and ideas. MediaZeal will then create a design, which you must approve before we build out the site.
A Static site with no glitches can be live in 2 - 3 weeks.
A Dynamic site has many more steps and can take 1 - 3 months. (ok, it's true, we have created simple sites with shopping carts in a couple of weeks, but it was simple, the clients filled in all the products immediately, the moon was full...)
We will work with you and your schedule to get you online as soon as possible.
More Q's?
Have a question we didn't answer? Send it to info@mediazeal.com
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