FAQ’s

Web Design Frequently Asked Questions

What is a domain name?

What is hosting?

What is a Content Management System (CMS)?

According to Wikipedia, a content management system is a software system that provides website authoring, collaboration, and administration tools designed to allow users with little knowledge of web programming languages or markup languages to create and manage website content with relative ease. WordPress, Joomla and Drupal are popular CMSs.

Do I need a CMS?

This depends on your needs. Do you want a blog, the ability to access and make changes to your website? If so, a CMS like WordPress might make sense. This is where planning your website plays a significant role.

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Essentially, SEO is optimizing your website for improved visibility or performance in an “organic” or unpaid search result. The desired result is to appear on the first page (as close to the top as possible) of the search results. Few people will go beyond the first page of search results.

What is a Blog?

A blog is slang for web log and usually refers to a website or part of a website that serves as a place to post articles and commentaries. Many blogs are interactive and provide a medium for the author and readers to interact.

How much does web design cost?

Every designer and website project is different, but many designers start around $100 per page. At $100 per page the customer must usually provide all content, the designer simply arranges the content into an existing web design template.

Where or how do I start?

The best place to start is to look at websites that cater to similar products, services, or topic(s) as the website you wish to create. This will give you an idea of how websites are structured and the types of elements (images, graphics and text) necessary to build your website. For a more detailed plan, check out Website Planning 101.

Can’t I just build a website on my own?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is maybe.
There are certainly some great books, web tutorials and software available to aid you in the creation of a website, but even the simplest software has a learning curve. The easiest applications to use are generally also the least flexible. You can load your content into a design template, but if you want to change things, even simple things, you may find you can’t, or it becomes so difficult to do, you may not want to!
Then there is getting your website’s files to the server, or FTP’ing them. This function is built into many design applications, but still may require additional knowledge and training for some tasks. Technology certainly has put a lot more capability into people’s hands, but even the best technology is only as good as the input it is given.
Lastly, it may simply come down to time and money. Most people can do almost anything they set their minds to given enough time or money, but sometimes it’s just best (and easier) to leave certain tasks to those who perform those tasks regularly.

How long until Google indexes, or ranks my website?

According to Google’s Webmaster website, 4 to 40 days. There are many factors involved, so beware of anyone who can “guarantee” placement or ranking. The simple truth is ALL search engines have their own formulas for ranking and indexing websites. The best any designer or SEO expert can do is to ensure your website is designed and structured in a way that make your website “friendly” to search engines; Google and others.