faq − web design
Bespoke Design
Web site packages
Can I add extra pages to my site?
Can I update my website myself?
Do I own my site?
Do I own the copyright of my site?
How long does my site take to build and publish?
What are External links?
What browsers are supported by my website?
What is Flash?
What is maintenance?
What if I go over my maintenance allowance?
What is navigation?
What software do we use?
Bespoke Design
This is the building of a web site from the ground up from your and our ideas. It is a one-off site and totally unique to you. Once you contact us we will discuss your requirements, work out exactly what is required and give you a quote to complete the work.
Web site packages
These area a pre-priced package of domain name registration (if required), web design and hosting and maintenance. The advantage is that you know what your outlay will be from the start, there are no extras.
Can I add extra pages to my site?
Yes. Either at the time you order or later if you find you want to add more information. If you decide at the time of ordering, please check the other packages first, as it may be more economical to upgrade to a different package.
Once your site is published we can easily add other pages to your site that will continue the look and feel of your site.
Can I update my website myself?
If you really wish to and have a copy of Macromedia DreamWeaver MX, or Macromedia Contribute you can. Should you wish to do this then we will give you a password and FTP address for your site and you can update it at will. Please remember though, that we will not be responsible for rebuilding your site if you accidentally delete or overwrite important files!
Do I own my site?
Yes. Unlike many companies, we believe that you should only pay once for your site. Once you have bought it you are free to do whatever you wish with it. You can change host's or give the completed site to someone else if you like - if you move or sell your business. We will honour the remaining hosting term and site maintenance agreement with the sites' new owners. All we ask is that you leave our tag line as designers and hosts on your site.
Do I own the copyright of my site?
Yes, as above. From the day your site is published we transfer all copyrights for the completed site to you. This means you have total freedom to do as you wish with it without any extra charge.
How long does my site take to build and publish?
All things being equal, we will have your website published about ten days after we receive the images and your completed copy. If there is to be a delay due to workload or holidays, or any other reason, we will contact you and give you an honest appraisal of when we expect to be able to complete the work.
In all cases you can be assured that we will finish the project as soon as is possible.
What are External links?
External links are links to another website from your website. It may be that you want to charge the website owner for this service or you may have a reciprocal agreement whereby they link from their website to yours.
If you were to charge all your suppliers around £20 for a link to their website you could soon recoup some if not all the outlay you have made to get your website. Obviously they will not all agree to this but if you don't ask!
What browsers are supported by my website?
All sites are designed to be as cross browser functional as possible. They are all tested on Internet Explorer 4+, Netscape Navigator 4+ Mozzilla and Safari. They are also tested with Opera 6+ to get as much compatibility as possible. All sites are designed to be viewed on a screen with a resolution of 1024 * 768 pixels, as this is the average size today. They will also be viewable on all other resolutions but this is the ideal resolution.
What is Flash?
Flash is a programme from Macromedia that allows for multimedia and interactive elements to be added to your site. It can be used from simple components such as a mouse over effect on a button, to completed web site design that includes audio. The files that it creates are relatively small so that they can be used with a modem and the effects are quite astounding. Many high level sites include Flash objects or designs give added interest to their guests. To view Flash sites you need the Flash Player plug-in from Macromedia, so most sites designed with it include a link on their opening page.
What is maintenance?
Maintenance is the updating of your site at period intervals. To keep visitors coming back you need to have current information on the site, for instance if you are having a promotion or function, this can be advertised.
With each package comes a maintenance allowance for this purpose. You will receive a number of update sheets when your site is published. Simply fill these in with your updates and either fax them or post them to us and we will do the rest.
What if I go over my maintenance allowance?
If the updates you require will go over your allowance we will contact you and give you a quote for the work before we go ahead. The hourly rate is £30.00 for all additional work and we will keep to our quote no matter how long it takes.
What is navigation?
Navigation is the method of moving around your site. Information on your site must be easy to find and your visitors need to be easily able to find their way back to your home page without getting lost on the way. We include links on every page that allow your visitors to easily navigate around the site.
What software do we use?
For most of the work we use the Macromedia Studio MX products: DreamWeaver, Fireworks Freehand and Flash but for certain applications we use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Distiller and an excellent programme called Swish which is a great introduction to Flash for anyone!