FAQ's

Q. Is is expensive to have a web site designed rather than try to do it ourselves?

A.Website designers are not neccessarily expensive, it all depends on what you want the designer to do.  Some very simple web sites (4-5 static pages, a contacts database and images with copyright) cost only £300 - £500.  Even at this level  an experienced web designer should always produce a better web site rather than doing it yourself, unless you are a designer or programmer by nature.  If you are a business then it is doubally important as a professionally built site will be more attuned to the best practise for your type of site, be able to meet the expectations of your customers and help improve your business.

 

Q. Does it take long to build a small web site?

A.  It only takes a few days to build a simple web site of up 15 or 20 pages with relatively static information. Larger sites with dynamic information, multiple databases and flash interfaces will normally take longer, but the important thing is that you agree everything in advance with your designer, including the completion date.

 

Q. Do I need to purchase expensive software to maintain my web site once it’s built?

A.  The simple answer is no.  You can either use an inexpensive ‘off-the-shelf’ Content Management System (CMS), some of these are very good nowadays, or your web designer can maintain the site for you.

 

Q. I cannot afford to have a designer build my website but is it OK to receive ideas from designers and then build the site myself, based on their designs? 

A.  You would be suprised how some large companies even believe it is acceptable to steal a designer’s ideas.  Unfortunately the designs you see are copyrighted and as any site you build will be fairly public, there’s a good chance you will end-up being sued for copyright infringement, quite often for more money than the amount of the original website quotation.  Needless to say I would not recommend it as a web development strategy.

 

Q. If my web designers purchases a domain name for my site, do I own the domain name?

A. Yes you would normally own the domain name.  What happens is that the web designer will purchase the domain in your name but retain control over it whilst completing his work.  On satisfactory completion of his work, the domain would be handed over to you.  In fact, you can still allow your web designer to manage your domain name on your behalf, but as long as it is registered in your name, it belongs to you.

Q.  I want to have my own e-commerce web site, how does the money get into my account and is it secure?

A. As long as you use reputable web designers and process payments through a reliable and established merchant, it is relatively simple to receive online payments and ensure that your money goes into your bank account.  Many designers use service providers such as PayPal or WorldPay to process their on-line credit card payments.  This is safer and more reliable as these vendors will process the payment on their own secure sites.

 

If you have a particular project you would like to discuss then please contact us for a free consultation.