How to Appraise the Value of Web Design Services by Nicole McCullum

In today's competitive marketplace, there are thousands of Web design firms, freelancers and agencies competing for your business. Their prices can range from rock bottom to outrageous, but how do you know that you're getting the best value for your hard-earned dollar? What if you spend a bundle for your Website design only to realize that all the promises your sales consultant used to lure you to his or her company were nothing but hype?
Whether you're a novice to the Internet-based business world or a technology expert, it's important to understand what is needed to take your business online. This article is designed to educate business owners on how to navigate the online process and assess an accurate value to Web design services. By having greater understanding, you can avoid paying too much for too little or for extras you simply don't need.
Website Design
Before you begin your search for the right design firm, first consider your budget. Actually figure out how much you have to spend on this venture, with the idea in mind that your Website will be your actual online storefront--a true representation of your company, what it does, what customers can expect from it, and whether it seems unique, exciting and trustworthy. Few customers want to part with their money when they encounter a homemade-looking Website, or one that contains lots of errors, is hard to navigate or looks like a million others across the Net. If a designer claims they can build you a fully functional site for a couple hundred dollars, you can accurately presume that your site will likely be built around a template created by a fill-in-the-blank software application. If that fits your budget, fine--but don't expect anything original, polished or fail-safe, because such mass-produced sites litter the Web and are typically rife with problems, including deadly slow load times, text bleeding into images, sloppy alignment, dead links and frustrating error messages.
On the other hand, don't assume that a company that charges $10,000 will necessarily be better. The anonymous nature of the Internet makes it a breeding ground for charlatans, so do your homework. Unless your site is extremely complex (for example, has a shopping cart system designed to handle hundreds or thousands of products and images), you can get amazing quality for a fraction of that price.
What to look for
* The first hurdle is contacting a prospective company and seeing how long it takes them to return your phone call or email. If you don't hear from them in a day or two, they may be too busy, understaffed or disorganized to provide solid turnaround times. * Next take a good hard look at the company's portfolio, both its premium designs and its lower-priced examples. If the sites in your price range look amateurish, cookie-cutter, bland or in any way unprofessional, so will your business. * Test the company's own Website for design, content and ease of navigation. If theirs looks slick and works well, it suggests they have the resources to create quality work. * Find out how long the company and/or its staff have been in business. Is the firm fly-by-night, or does its workforce boast experts who have been in the business for years? * Will they customize your site? A good company can use your current marketing materials, including your business logo, color scheme, literature and graphics to create a site that brands your business perfectly. If you have no such branding material, do they have the talent to create if for you? * Does the company have sufficient staff to work with you directly? A good firm will assign a project manager to discover exactly what you want and how to implement it. They will also provide you a written estimate of the turnaround time and keep you posted as the project moves forward. * Do they offer any sort of guarantee? If you're not satisfied with their work, will the company return to the drawing board until you are satisfied? Do they offer a no-strings money-back guarantee if they can't please you?
We all know the old adage "penny-wise, pound-foolish." Simply put, it's worth it to invest some money in order to get quality work and reliable service. And if you enjoy a comparative discount while getting exactly what you want, then you have found the right company.
The Supporting Services
In order to take your business online, let's forget about "bells and whistles" for now and get down to the essentials needed to establish your company on the World Wide Web.
Domain Name - A domain name is your online address (URL), and the right domain name is crucial in enabling your current and prospective customers to find you. That's why it's vital to select a memorable, easy-to-spell domain name. Try using your business name if it's unavailable; if not, try forming a name based on words that describe what you do or otherwise associate with your business. Untaken domain names can run from about $2-30 or more--however if the URL you want is considered a "premium domain name," which is typically a name in high demand due to its simplicity, memorability and widespread market appeal such as homes.com, cars.com, food.com, etc., expect to pay a premium price. Premium domain names are available from Websites such as www.buydomains.com and others, but be prepared to find many names already taken. Some companies will sell their domain names to interested parties, but unless you're certain the investment (which could be in the thousands) is worth it, you may want to brainstorm until you find an available alternate.
Web Hosting - Web hosting is the service of providing server space to Website customers so they can keep their sites up and running. The server space size required varies from site to site--if yours is large with lots of pages, graphics, traffic and/or shopping options, you will require more space than a 1-3 page brochure site.
No matter what your site's size or ambitions, one important caveat when choosing a Web hosting provider is to make sure that it provides 99% uptime--companies with long or frequent downtimes mean your site is also down during that period, possibly costing you credibility, customers and sales. How do you know a host's uptime record? Solid companies will post it on their Websites or have a representative who can give you an exact percentage. If they don't know or say it's 100%, pass them by. All reputable companies have their stats available, and no company is up 100% of the time, no matter what they say.
A host offering 99% uptime allows your Website to stay up and running virtually 24/7, assuring your customers that your Internet doorway is always ready for business.
Website Content
The content of your Website is a combination of all the information and graphics on your site, most notably the text. Apart from its design, your Website's written content is more important than any other element because it serves two key functions: It represents the professionalism, tone and purpose of your business, and it has the potential to get you found above your competitors on the Web.
If you feel inspired to write your own content, that's great. Make certain, however, that you include the important elements of your business, such as what makes it special and why its products and services are revolutionary, superior and/or necessary. Also make sure to pack it full of the keywords and phrases Internet surfers are most likely to use when they type them into a search engine's search field. All content should be proofread by an expert in grammar and punctuation before it's published--otherwise your business will look as if it cuts corners and lacks quality. After all, if you don't care enough to make sure your Website is professional, why would anyone trust your company to be?
If you're anything less than a proficient writer, it is a good investment to have a professional writer create and/or edit your content so that you know it will be an accurate and positive representation of your business. You should aim to have at least 50% of your content reviewed and ready before you begin the design phase so that your designer can use it to create the perfect aesthetic and navigation for your Website.
Website Marketing
Marketing your online business is similar to any corporate marketing strategy, except it enjoys the benefit of being more focused since it doesn't require a mix of traditional multimedia. The first step is to figure out your action plan for overcoming the obstacles to your business growth, such as: How will your site get discovered by prospective customers? How will you keep their interest? What will set your business above others in your industry? How will you satisfy your visitors so that they become buyers?
Whether you do it yourself or hire an expert to do it for you, some important tasks are as follows:
1. Get your site listed in the top search engines - Internet surfers typically use the most popular search engines, like Google, Yahoo, Ask, etc. to find what they want using keywords specific to a service or product. This random audience is far more likely to find you among your competitors if your site is listed in all the major engines, and your Website is packed with appropriate keywords. 2. Place online advertising in relevant places. If you have the funds, you can pay search engines like Google to place your company at the top of certain keyword lists, so that a random search for say, "running shoes" places your site up top and in bold print. Less expensive options include placing banner or text link ads on the Web pages of companies whose products or services compliment your own. Many companies are anxious to affiliate, meaning they will trade ad space with you at no cost. Also, don't forget to put your URL (Website address) on everything, from your business cards to stationary to the company car, anywhere it will be seen. 3. Write newsletters, articles, blogs and other Web-based material so that your name is out there. This low- or no-expense practice can get your message dispensed throughout the Web and establish you as an expert in your field. If you're not a writer, hire a professional to write this content for you. People who find value in your posts will forward them to others, who will in turn forward them, and so on. As you know, word-of-mouth travels fast on the Net. Take advantage of people's love of sending forwards to generate some free publicity for your company.
Maintenance
Now that you understand what is needed to take your business online, you'll want to make sure that the cost for each necessary element doesn't end up depleting your overall budget. For example, you might find a Web design service that touts its low prices, but always inquire what that low price includes. Oftentimes such "deals" are like ordering from an à la carte menu--once you include everything you want, the price can end up being an unpleasant surprise.
Ask up front if your design company offers everything you might need, such as search engine submission, hosting services, marketing consultation services, ad campaign creation, copywriting services, tech support and other elements your company may require to launch your online business. How are the prices for these services structured, and what do you get for your buck? One company may give you a break on your Website design, then charge you a whopping $50 a month for hosting. Does their bargain-priced Website include any other services, like customization, graphics, branding elements or Flash animation if you want them? Will they allow updates to your site when you need them? If you encounter technical trouble, will there be anyone on staff to help you? If so, do they charge for the service? All these so-called extras can really pad your final invoice, so find out before you sign on the dotted line.
About the Author
Nicole McCullum is the Director of Business Development for Captivate Designs (http://www.CaptivateDesigns.com) a leading Web and Graphic Design and Internet Marketing firm dedicated to helping small and mid-size businesses achieve online success. You may reach her at Nicole@captivatedesigns.com .

The site that gives you help for free!! by JC Garcia

NEED HELP??
Get any question answered - Let me explain. Have you ever needed some real help on an internet project. Maybe you were building a website, creating a forum or just searching for something and you couldn't find the right answer or you got stuck at a certain point.
How many friends do you have that can assist you with html or help you write a css file or even assist you with advanced settings on your email client, such as outlook express. Whether your computer savvy or just a beginner chances are you will need some help at some point. Thats what brings me to the next point.
I have noticed that it can be easy as well as difficult for a person to receive the assistance on just basic things sometimes on the internet. There are lots of forums out there, and many of them can contain great information for getting what you need at the moment. But then again sometimes it can be difficult getting the right details or understanding what that person is talking about.
THE FREE SITE
With all that in mind I decided it would be cool to create a very basic site that anyone could ask me a question and I would respond as quickly as possible. I figured since I have gained a decent amount of experience in so many fields why not put it to use and give back what others have given me.
HOW IT WORKS
So heres how the site works. You go to colorcave.com. There you will find a form to ask me a question on the home page. You may ask anything about computers, books, painting, organizing, goals, basketball, or even how my day is going. You can ask pretty much anything you like. Keep in mind I do sleep so if you don't get a response at 3AM in the morning its because I am sleeping. However you will receive it as soon as I get up and check the questions.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW
What I can tell you is that I know a little about a lot and a lot about little. What this means is I have been in many different fields of work. Web design, hosting and search engine optimization is what I am currently doing. What I have done in the past include painting, blind and shutter installation, cable splicing, electrical, drywall, sales, parcel handling, revenue recovery, stocking, Public speaking, Filing, delivery services just to name a few. If I can't answer your question well enough I will guide you in the right direction.
WHATS THE CATCH
There is no catch. This service is free. I have put a few ads to support the site as well as a paypal link if you appreciate my service and would like to donate.
With all being said. If you have a question, send it to me and I will do my best to help you.
About the Author
JC Garcia lives in Houston developing websites, watching market trends and offering

Dollar hosting, web hosting services at low costs by dollar hosting, dollar web hosting, dollar hosting packages, web site hosting

The solution for individuals or small business owners who want to have their own web site is dollar web hosting, which means web-hosting services provided for a minimum charge of only $1. It is the cheapest way to use the power of Internet in your favor, promoting the services of your company through your site. The web host is a company that is able to offer space on a server for the use of their clients.
Dollar web hosting providers assist their customers in maintaining a professional site, offering them easy-to-use design tools and an interface control panel for managing the web server and installing scripts. The host also provides FTP (File Transfer Protocol) through which it is possible to upload files. You do not have to know very much about web sites in order to benefit of the dollar hosting services, because the provider will take care of the technical aspects.
Other services like e-mails for the customer's business domain or technical support are a part of the dollar hosting packages. A client should take into consideration the hosting uptime when selecting a web site hosting provider. This means the percentage of time the host is accessible via the Internet should be over 90%. If the uptime is less than 90%, it means that there will be frequent server restarts.
Some dollar hosting services also provide dedicated hosting, which means that the user obtains full power of management over the Web server. The most common web site hosting services are managed hosting services, meaning the client can obtain his or her own Web server, but without the permission of having full management powers, in order to avoid configuration difficulties that users may generate. Another type comes in the form of shared web hosting services. This is a number of sites placed on the same server.
The dollar hosting services we offer guarantee full e-mail and FTP access and free uninterrupted technical support (so our clients can benefit from constant assistance, in the case where a problem should occur). We guarantee an uptime of 99.99%, so practically you will have unlimited access to the Internet. Our dollar web hosting packages also include PHP, MySQL, CGI and PERL software, spam prevention, and POP3 e-mail addresses. Our services are affordable to everyone (consider the fact that we practice no setup fees).
Our dollar web hosting services include dedicated servers, meaning that the client gets his or her own server. In addition, our clients can benefit from the web development services we offer, including web design & development, e-commerce & shopping carts and web applications. These facilities will improve the quality (of design and content) of your web site and will attract more visitors. Subsequently, more potential customers will find out about your business and the sales of your company will increase.
To sum up, dollar web hosting is the best choice if you want to have your personal web site. It is the perfect solution for those who want their own site, but have only a limited budget. We guarantee a supply of quality services at affordable prices. It is a fantastic opportunity. You could not make a more affordable, more convenient and higher quality choice.
About the Author
We provide reliable dollar hosting services that will satisfy any demand. Your web site will look professional, with minimum expenses. Our experts will offer you free technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take advantage of these new opportunities and choose dollar web hosting for your site.

Web site hosting - find the affordable way to have your own web site by Ken Wilson

Web site hosting is a service making it possible for an individual or for a corporate entity to place web pages on the server belonging to the hosting provider's server. In addition, hosting will enable Internet connectivity. If you are the owner of a small business and if you are looking for an Internet presence, first you have to find a provider that offers cheap web hosting. Internet is the most powerful source of information today, so having your own web site is the best way to let the world know about the products and / or services that your company provides.
Web page and small-scale file hosting make the most usual web site hosting services. Users can upload files via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a Web interface. While single page hosting is regularly enough for personal web pages, for a more sophisticated site it is necessary to provide a more substantial package that contains database support and application development bases, thus letting users write or introduce scripts for applications such as forums and content management.
Moreover, the host comes with an interface control panel, with applications in the administration of the Web server and in the introduction of scripts as well as some other services, such as e-mail. Providers frequently enable web site hosting as a component of a wider Internet access level. A Web Content Management System is a regular element in the web site hosting packages, so that the end-user does not have to worry in vain about the technical issues or the technical difficulties that might arise.
When exploring the demands of the application to select the type of hosting to use, it is necessary for the customer to take into consideration levels such as database server software, scripting software, and operating system. Most web site hosting providers use Linux-based hosting, which includes an ample range of different software. A typical configuration for a Linux server is the LAMP platform that includes Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Perl/Python. The client may also benefit from other services, such as e-mail for his or her business domain, databases or multi-media services for streaming media.
We offer reliable and cheap web hosting services that will satisfy any customer requirements. All the packages include a platform of PHP, MySQL, CGI, and PERL, full e-mail and FTP access and free technical support 24 hours a day (so whatever problem you may encounter, it should meet prompt solutions). Our web site hosting services include web mail and POP3 e-mail addresses. We also offer a control panel for the handling of the Web server. Spam prevention is one of our guarantees, so you will not grow tired with unwanted e-mails. This is only a part of the services we are providing.
You can choose from our customized plans. We offer the Basic Plan (including 100 Mb storage space, 10 Pop3 e-mail accounts and 1-gigabyte data transfer) for only $1. We also offer the Advanced Plan (including 200 Mb storage space, 20 Pop3 e-mail accounts and 2-gigabyte data transfer) for $2 and the Personal Plan (supplying 300 Mb storage space, 30 Pop3 e-mail accounts and 3-gigabyte data transfer) for $3. As you can see, our offer is available to everyone, because we want to provide cheap web hosting services that any individual should be able to afford. We guarantee you 99.99% uptime, which means that you will have uninterrupted access to the Internet. Furthermore, no setup fees are necessary, so you can save money.
Our purpose is to offer our customers cheap web hosting services of high quality. We provide constant online support in order to solve promptly any problem that might appear. The satisfaction of our customers is important to us. If you have any questions concerning our services, please contact us and we will be happy to offer you the clarifying pieces of information you need.
About the Author
Our company is a provider of web site hosting services. Our purpose is to offer our customers cheap web hosting services of high quality.