Why
do I need a Web page?
What do I need to build a Web page?
What do I do after I select a domain
name?
I already registered a domain name.
What now?
Ok, we are underway building a site.
What can I expect?
How do I promote my Web site?
Can't I build my own Web site?
Well, my nephew/next-door neighbor's son
can make Web pages...
Do you only work in the Florida Keys?
Do you maintain and update the sites you create?
Why do I need a Web page?
Besides the fact that most businesses have some sort
of Internet presence nowadays, having a Web site allows
potential customers to find out about what you have to offer,
saving you time on the telephone; buy your products online,
keeping you from depending on walk-in clientele during the
slow season; or otherwise find out what's on your menu (restaurants),
find out charter boat schedules (captains) or find properties
(realtors). Plus, having a nice-looking Web site will do
wonders for first impressions.
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What do I need to build a Web page?
First, you must have most or all of the
information you want to appear on your page. While we will
assist you in finding images to use on your site and offer
input on its content, it is up to you to supply as many
pictures as you can, as well as provide the text to appear
on the pages on a Word document, or simply as part of an
email. Working on a Web page is a two-way street, and while
it is our job to build and design the page, it is equally
important that you assist in the process. You wouldn't hire
an architect to design a house and not give any input, would
you? Typically, we'll send you, via email, a link to your
in-progress Web site so you can view it, and recommend changes
and/or additions.
Typically, a strong paragraph describing what you offer
should open the site. Use keywords that you would look for
if searching for a site on any of the search engines. An
"about us" page to get into more detail is also
suggested. Here, you can discuss the finer points (philosophies,
strategies, biographical history, etc.). If you are selling
products, please have all prices, product descriptions,
and shipping information ready. If you have any images that
you'd like on your Web site, please have those ready as
well. We can also find stock images for your site.
Some
other suggestions, in case you want a Web site but don't
know what you'd like on it:
- Write
down any catch phrases or slogans, whether on a legal
pad or a cocktail napkin -- it doesn't matter. (However,
please provide longer text as a Word document, or as part
of an email. A rough draft on paper, while sounding primitive,
is often the best way to brainstorm ideas.
- Look
at other Web sites you like, and figure out what qualities
catch your eye.
- Select
some images you think best represent what you have to
offer, and write captions for each photograph.
We personally do not suggest counters whose statistics are
visible to others. It will take time for visitors to reach
your site at first, and a Web site with a low hit count may
come across as "unpopular" and thus, no good ---
much like the restaurant that is always empty.
Also, if you have not secured a domain name (www.yourcompanyname.com),
it is highly recommended that you do so at this time. While
there are numerous Web sites that offer free web pages, they
will most likely have long, complicated URL addresses, plus
they will contain advertising. Your own domain name is much
easier to remember by your customers and find by Web users,
plus it adds a personal touch to your site.
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What do I do after I select a domain name?
Next you will need hosting. This is not the same as an
ISP (Internet Service Provider, such as AOL, Bellsouth, Earthlink,
etc.), which allows dial-up or high-speed access to the Web.
Monthly hosting fees start at about $7.50, the price being
determined by how much bandwidth your site requires, and by
how many files are in your site. Also, the more visitors you
draw, the higher bandwidth you will need.
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I already registered a domain name. What now?
If you have secured a domain name from Upper Keys Web
Design, we will need whatever user name and password you selected
when registering it. Same case if you already have a domain
name registered from another domain registrar. Either way,
we will need that information so we can properly configure
your Web site.
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Ok, we are underway building a site. What can I expect?
What we'll do is send you regular updates on the site's
progress, mainly through a link (upperkeys.net/yourwebsite)
that you can visit, give input and as us to make changes as
needed. Remember that the Web site you see is merely a rough
draft, and anything can change on it.
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How
do I promote my Web site?
Depending on your advertising budget, promoting a Web site
can either be done through traditional advertising (newspaper
or magazine), or through online reciprocal links with other
Web sites that may compliment yours. Submitting your site
to the various search engines on the Web will also help get
your Web site indexed. For an extra fee, we will submit your
site to the various search engines. (Note: many sites now
require payment for submission --- their charge, not ours.)
Adding your Web site to various forums or bulletin boards
on the Internet will also help draw visitors.
There are many ways to promote your site, and just like a
brick-and-mortar company, simply being listed in a directory
is not enough. But always remember: you get what you put
into your Web site.
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Can't
I build my own Web site?
While many companies offer "build-your-own-Web site"
features, most only allow users to create sites using a limited
number of templates, which affects layout possibilities. Plus,
let's face it, many people just don't have the time to update
their Web sites, or to learn basic Web design skills. While
using these types of Web services are fine --- for the most
part --- for personal Web sites, we don't recommend using
them to create a professional online presence.
However, if you still want us to build your Web site, and
you'd like to update it, that's fine, too. We don't create
Web pages using overly technical programming (unless necessary),
and we don't create an environment under which you're stuck
with us as your Webmaster. Still, if you want to update your
own site, you'd better be prepared to learn some Web design
work with a particular program (Dreamweaver or FrontPage,
for example). We can also offer a setup under which you will
be able to update your own site. However, the cost (due to
programming) will be considerably higher, so you might want
to weigh your options.
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Well, my nephew/next-door neighbor's son/daughter
can make Web pages...
...and we're sure he/she
can answer the phone, too. The point: just because they can
do it doesn't mean you want them to.
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Do
you only work in the Florida Keys?
No, we don't limit ourselves to the Keys, even though our
name implies otherwise. In fact, quite a few of our clients
live across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
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Do
you maintain and update the sites you create?
Yes we do. Many of our clients return to us on a regular basis
for updates to their sites. Typically, we will make whatever
changes you request within 24 hours during regular business
hours (EST). Our rate is our hourly fee, broken down into
15 minutes' worth of billable time. Fifteen minutes may not
sound like a lot, but we can make minor changes (add/change
text or photos) in that time.
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