Lots of people have contacted us to ask about setting up a web site, or the possibility of modifying their existing web site.
Many wish to arrange for us to design a brand new web site or move their web site to a different web server. Perhaps they have queries concerning either existing domain names or new domain names.
We have listed below for you some of the most frequently asked questions in connection with web site design – along with answers – appertaining to web design and associated web issues.
If you have a question that is not answered here please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
How long will it take for my web site to be designed?
The timescale of a web site design project is often dictated by the client. If you have a deadline in mind we will endeavor to meet it for you. The most common delay in the creation and completion of a new web site is waiting for content (text/images) to be sent to us by the client. For a regular 6 – 10 page site, if all content is prepared beforehand, it usually takes 1 week for a design prototype to be built, then another 2 weeks to add content.
Will we need to have a meeting in connection with the web site design?
In the majority of cases a meeting isn’t necessary and most of our web sites are generally completed with contact via email and telephone only. We place suggested web site designs onto the Internet in a private place where only yourselves and us can view the content. We then liaise with you regularly to discuss the web designs in order that the web site design and functionality is exactly as you wish.
Once my web site design is completed, what after-sales service do you offer?
We fully support any web site we design and are always available should you encounter any problems or require any enhancements. We offer web site maintenance so that your web site need never get out of date.
Do I have to keep my web site with you forever, or can I move it to another supplier to host it if I wish?
You may move your web site to another web hosting service at any time. Once your web site has been completed, we can send you a copy of the web site on cd or provide ftp access so you can access the files. This copy of your web site is for your retention
In what format should I supply words and photographs about my business for my new web site?
It is helpful to us if you are able to provide text and photographs in electronic form – for example, the files output by a digital camera and the words in MS word or similar format. If this is not possible, we can help get your information ready for use on the web site. Just like building a house you need materials, the more photos and text you can provide makes building the web site easier for us and results in a better looking site for you.
Will my web site be “Search Engine” friendly?
All our web sites are created with search engines in mind and the web site design is compliant with search engine guidelines. It is a good idea for your web site to be re-evaluated in time as over a period of time the search engines do alter their rules and algorithms and you will want to be certain that your web site is kept up to date and complies with new rules etc.
If I choose a Content Management System (CMS)- can I be sure that my web pages are “Search Engine Friendly”?
Yes with the inControl Content Management System all web pages created are Search Engine Friendly – you can even add your own search engine meta tags to each individual web page if desired. The CMS tools are easy to use – effective and intuitive.
I hear that there are hidden costs associated with web design services. Is this true?
No. We discuss with you your web site requirements and then price accordingly and once you have placed an order for your web site with us, that price is strictly adhered to.
Do I need a database on my web site?
This will depend upon the amount of information you wish to be displayed on your web site. If you have many products/services, then it may be advantageous to have a database incorporated into your web site. We will discuss this in detail with you and if a database is advised we will explain in detail exactly how this will work. We can tailor your web site to suit your specific requirements.
How do I update my web site?
There are many different methods which can be used to update web sites. The method you choose and the functionality we build into your web site design is solely up to yourself although of course we will be glad to advise you which method will suit your needs.
If you have a small web site consisting of just a few pages and will only wish to make changes very infrequently, then usually it is more cost effective simply to ask Above&Beyond to carry out these changes for you. Other methods which are frequently chosen are largely dependent upon how much data or information and pictures you have and how you store this information at present.
We can provide an online content management system where you can either update individual products/pages/services or particular sections of your web site. e.g. company news.
Alternatively we can provide functionality such that you can upload your entire product ranges to the web site in one action using spreadsheets etc. We can also add databases if you wish.
Am I tied into Above&Beyond for any site maintenance or updates I wish to do once my web site is designed?
No once your web site is designed it belongs to you and you can commission anyone to update it for you – although of course we would like to think that you are happy with our services and will continue to use us for your web site maintenance.
Will everyone see my web site the same?
Your web site visitors will see some things differently depending on their browser, screen resolution setting and their individual computer settings and toolbars. We design sites with that in mind and preview them in several browser types and resolution settings before publishing. Obviously as technology alters then eventually all web sites may need re-evaluation.
Can you provide all our web design and hosting services?
Yes – we are your one stop company to provide all your web services. No more – not knowing who to call if you have problems – we can register your domain name – design your web site – provide your web hosting and arrange your email accounts for you.
Click here to read more about our web hosting services..
Do you guarantee that my site will always be available?
No web hosting service can guarantee 100% uptime. However we can say that our servers have had 100% up time for many years. Should our servers have any problems we do have the necessary backups in place to deal with this issue very immediately.
Do you use Flash animation in your web site design?
Yes we do use flash as and when required. It is important to note that there are times when flash animations can be an asset but it would be unwise to use “flash” to create an entire web site or even entire pages of your web site as search engines are not able to read the content of flash and therefore any words used in animations will not be indexed by the search engines.
Generally it is best to use flash for smaller banners, advertisements or demonstrations and incorporate the flash animation into a web page which also includes some written text in html. This way the search engines will be able to index your information
Can I have e-mail with my web site?
Yes you can have email and you will probably wish you set-up several email addressed e.g. sale@your-domain.com, info@your-domain.com, john.smith@your-domain.com
Can I see how many visitors I’ve had to my web site?
Yes we provide google analytics web tracking which records where you visitors are coming from and which pages they looked at, how long they stayed on each page, what pages they left your site, which search engines and keywords are being used, which phrases are being typed into which search engines and many more interesting web tracking facts which you should find useful for future marketing campaigns.
Do I need to install any software?
No is simply the answer.
Can I have an e-commerce system for my web site?
Yes you can. We have Secure Servers (SSL) which use the latest encryption methods to ensure that your customers can buy from you web site knowing that the information they enter is secure and safe. if you wish your customers’ payments to be “cleared on line” we can interface to organisations like Worldpay, Paypal, Nochex or whichever third party you wish to use.
Read more about e-commerce web site design services…
When can I update my web site content?
If the web site we have designed for you includes a Content Management System then you can access your administration areas from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and make updates instantly as frequently as you wish. If your web site is smaller and was designed without using this type of system and you don’t have any html. skills, then we can update the web site for you. Our charges are very reasonable.
Is there any training provided with the inControl Content Management System?
The inControl Content Management System really is very easy to use – If you can send an email, you will be able to use it. We run through the administration screens with you when we design the site for you – however if at any time you have any questions we are available at the end of the telephone to run through the procedures or answer any queries you may have
How much will a web site cost me?
The cost of a web site varies depending on the site and complexity. A small web site with just a few static pages would cost around $550 whereas a full ecommerce web site with a large number of pages and a CMS system could cost any where from $2000 upwards. If you give us a call we will be please the discuss with your web design requirements and give you a fixed quotation.
How can I accept credit cards on my web site?
There are various methods availably to you. We would need to talk to you to established you requirements and the best method for your company. There are essentially two main methods of accepting credit cards. The first method is where you use your own card machine and process the card payment yourself and the second method uses an online clearance company. Once you are sure which method you wish to use, we can design your web site accordingly.
Read more about ecommerce solutions…
How many pages can I have on my web site?
As many as you like. From a search engines point a view – The more the better!
I already have a web site and I need it updated, can you help me?
Yes, we would be happy to look at you existing web site and give you a quote for updating it.
Do you redesign existing web sites?
Yes we do. We can redesign, retaining your company corporate style or we can redesign to give you a complete new image. Is your web site up to date? – let us provide you a Free of Charge Web Site Evaluation – we can redesign your web site to take advantage of the latest web technologies.
Do you display any banners or pop-up ads on my web site?
Absolutely not! – It’s your web site and you have total control over the contents and who advertises on it.
What if I do not like the design?
If you do not like the design which we have suggested for you, we will discuss further with a view to ascertaining what type of design you would like to see and then place another “suggested design” in your web area for you to view. We would not like to think that you are not happy with the final web site design. Our aim is to create for you a web site specific to your requirements which you are completely happy with.
If I use your web hosting & email facilities can you provide Spam filtering services?
Yes, spam filtering services are included in all of our emall accounts.
Will I find my web site on the search engines?
Yes we always design web sites to be search engine friendly.
Once my web site is completed can you provide web hosting ?
Yes you can arrange to host your web site on one of our high performance web servers.
Click here to read about our web site hosting facilities………
Can I have a professional email address?
Yes – does your email address look professional? Is your web hosting company flexible? It is amazing to find that in this day and age, some companies have still not realised how important their email communications are. Your email address may actually be more important to your image than your logo, letterhead or business cards combined!
Why choose Above&Beyond for our web site design company? What qualities do the web sites designed by Above&Beyond have ?
We create web sites that are user-friendly. Web sites that are visually appealing, creative in design and also have great functionality. They are effective as business tools. We know the value of the different web design features which can be used and we know which features work and why they work.
Can I register a domain name through Above&Beyond?
Yes absolutely! Domain registration is an important service we offer. Take a look at our Domain Registration page where you can search for available names and register them. You don’t have to purchase other web site design or web hosting services from us to use this service – although we hope that you will want to use us for all your web services
Click here to read about our domain registration services………
Who owns the web site once the it is completed?
The web site belongs to you – we can send you a copy of the web site on cd. This copy is for your retention and should you wish to use another web design or web hosting company – you are completely at liberty to take this copy to them for them to use.