Website Design

Whether you are starting a new website, or upgrading an existing site, here’s what to expect as we work together on your website:

1. Consultation. You and I discuss all the parameters of your website. Some of the areas covered are:
   • Your goals & objectives for the website
   • Layout and color scheme
   • Content of the site — what you want to say
   • What graphics will be used and where
   • What special features will be used
   • Server requirements: domain name registration and web hosting.
   • Approximate cost
2. Conceptual Design. I create a prototype home page based on our consultation. This is the time to make conceptual revisions and finalize the features you want on your site.
3. Contract. When the design meets with your approval, a projected price will be determined and a contract entered into stating terms. The payment due at this time is equal to 50 percent of the projected price.
4. Production. You provide the text and graphics for each page of your site. I create your site as stated in the contract.
5. Presentation. The completed site is uploaded to my web server where you can examine and test it online. This is your chance to proof-read the text and make necessary corrections and minor layout changes.
6. Delivery. When the website is finished it is uploaded to your web host where it will be accessible via your own domain name. At this time the final payment is due, equal to the remaining 50 percent of the projected price, plus any add-ons agreed to during the process.
7. Search Engine Submissions. Your website will be submitted to the top ten search engines to help expedite the process of getting your site listed in search results.
8. Follow-Up Consultation. Up to two hours of general Internet orientation, education, marketing ideas, and Web site consultation within thirty days of completion at no additional charge.

Webmaster Services

One big advantage a web site has over a printed brochure or product catalog is the ease and speed with which the information can be updated.

The most effective websites are those that are updated often. Your website will generate more repeat visits if you add fresh content regularly — company news, new catalog items, monthly specials.

The person responsible for maintaining and updating a website is the Webmaster

As an example of what the webmaster does, here are some of the tasks I perform as the Goodall Library webmaster:

• Weekly update to the home page — What’s New, holiday closings, special events.
• Monthly update to the new books listing.
• Add new pages and delete out-of-date pages as needed.
• Add scripted features to the site as needed — photo albums, online book catalog, reference links index.
• Assist library staff members in setting up their e-mail software to connect with the library’s e-mail server.
• Provide internet and e-mail tech support for library staff and visitors.

Prerequisites

Other than website design, there are two things that must be set up by the client before publishing a new website:

Domain Registration

After deciding on your domain name (yourdomain.com), it must be checked for availablity and submited to a domain name registrar. An annual fee is required, which typically runs around $15 per year.

Web Hosting

A web host is the company that owns the server where your website files are stored and published to the internet. Web hosting plans are sold on an annual basis, and can be obtained for less than $10 per month.

There are dozens of web hosting and domain registration companies to choose from — so many that the choices and plans available are often confusing to the newcomer.

I do not provide web hosting or domain registration. I will be glad to advise you on obtaining domain registration and web hosting with the understanding that services obtained from a third party at my advice are your financial responsibility, and are strictly between you and the web host or registrar.