Q: How much will a new web site cost?
A: That's easy! It varies. Rather than bill at an hourly rate, I will quote you a project price. Sites start at $1200 and work their way up. My payment schedule varies based on the project. Sometimes a deposit followed by the balance due. Sometimes in thirds - 1/3 down, 1/3 on delivery (site is done), and 1/3 on acceptance (you've played with it for a few weeks and I have tweaked anything that needed tweakin'.) Tell me what you plan to use your site for (post information, sell products online, make available searchable databases, etc...) and how many "sections" you think it might have and I can give you a ballpark figure. (This site has 6 main sections: home, I fix computers, web development, teaching, contact details, and Ask A Geek - with the web development section having several subpages. Your site may have sections containing numerous pages. For example, a "products" section may have 10 separate pages describing 10 different products you sell.)

Q: What's the difference between a static site and a dynamic site?
A: A static site is one where the pages are created in HTML. This type of site is less expensive to start, but has a greater cost in the long run. Every update must be made by someone with knowledge of HTML (me, or another web master). By the time you pay for updates over a year, or suffer the headache of learning HTML and web design yourself, you may wish you went with a dynamic site.

A dynamic site is written with a combination of HTML and PHP. There is a database (MySQL) running in the background that "feeds" your site. This type of site is more expensive up front, but has a lower cost of ownership over the long haul. I provide you with a custom Content Management System which allows you to make any changes and updates to your site (and e-commerce product line) without you having to know anything about HTML or web design! If you've ever filled out a form online, you can handle this! Click here for an on-line CMS demo.

Q: How long will it take?
A: Most sites can be "live" within a week. Larger or more complex sites (e-commerce, for example) take a bit longer. Call me, let me know what you want, and I can give you a estimated project completion date.

Q: What if I don't like it?
A: I begin every new custom project with a design of the home page. Your site is available on-line during the development process, though not to the public, so you can view it whenever you like. I am in contact with you during the entire development process to tweak this or change that to your liking. In this way - you get to see how the site looks and feels before the bulk of the work is done - guaranteeing your happiness with the final product.

Q: I already have a site. I don't need a complete redesign.
A: That's fine. I can tweak your current site, making it more manageable and easier to navigate. Or I can design new graphics for you if you are happy with the current layout - just not the look. If all you need is an updated page here or there - I can do that too!

Q: How will people find my site? Will it be listed with the search engines?
A: Although there is no guarantee that your site will come up first on the list of a search engine, there are many standard techniques (as well as some tricks of my own) I use to optimize your site for search engines. When we discuss your site, we will work on determining "keywords" that people might type in to a search engine to find your site. Keywords, domain name, and home page text are the most important to consider. I employ an industry standard set of best practices for search engine optimization (SEO), but if high ranking is a major concern to you, I suggest you speak with a company specializing in SEO. I can recommend one if you have the need.

Q: What is a Domain Name - and do I need one?
A: Jacalart.com is my domain name. Yours might be yourcompany.com or yourproduct.net. You will have to register a domain name in order to have a web site. Don't worry - I do this for you! We can discuss possible domain names for you and I will check to make sure the name you want is available. There is a nominal fee to register the domain name with an "internet registrar" - typically $15/year. However, if you host with me, the domain name registration is free!

Q: What is "hosting"?
A: In order for your web site to be available on the internet, it has to live on a computer connected to the internet which has special "web server" software (as well as a lightening speed Internet connection). These computers are called "hosts". Think of a web host as an Internet landlord - you pay monthly rent for your site to live on its harddrive. Just as with apartment rental, the monthly rent is determined by many factors, such as: amount of harddrive space, number of e-mail addresses, SSL (to encrypt credit card orders if you have a shopping cart), advanced features like ASP, PHP, or ColdFusion, database integration (Access/mySQL), etc… I offer affordable hosting. Click here for more information.

Q: I want to be able to maintain my own site once it's done. I don't want to rely on someone else having to perform small updates.
A: No problem. I specialize in building Content Management Systems (CMS), which allows you to manage all aspects of your site's content. Click here for an on-line CMS demo.

Q: I want to sell stuff. Can I get a shopping cart that I can manage?
A: Sure. I currently offer two shopping cart solutions - one with a database and one without. This is one area where we should talk!