I think
it’s time my business or organization had a web site. What do I need?
You typically need three things to have a web site: (1) a place to store your web
site (either in-house or through an Internet service provider), (2) a name for your site
(either a host name or a domain name), and (3) pages and graphics to make up your
site (done by yourself or a professional). |
Do I
need a computer to have a web site?
Not necessarily. It is possible to have a web site without having a computer or
equipment to access the Internet. There are companies who have web sites that rely on the
telephone to receive contacts from their site. |
How much
does a web site cost?
It varies. To get your web site going, you probably will incur two separate costs -- one
for the Internet service provider to host your site and one for the web site designer to
develop the site. |
How much
does an account with an Internet service provider cost?
The cost for an account with an Internet service provider varies. In general, monthly fees
start around $10.00/month. If you are just getting started and don't have a lot of money
to spend, you can have your site hosted by one of the many free services available. The
drawback is that these services are generally supported by advertising that appears either
in a banner on your site or in a secondary window. If you already have an account with
AOL, you can have a web site for each of your screen names. Keep in mind that if you
choose a free service or an Internet service provider that you don't like, you can always
move your site elsewhere. |
How much
does it cost to have someone design a site for me?
The cost for web site design also varies. You can set up the site yourself using a word
processor or other web site program. If you choose this route, plan on spending quite a
bit of time learning to get your site to look professional. Creating a web site is not as
simple as typing a letter. If you choose to hire a designer, expect to find a wide range
of costs. Every web site designer has his or her own schedule of fees. |
How do I
choose a web site designer?
You should choose your web site designer with the same care that you’d use
to choose any other type of professional. Every person that designs web sites has his or
her own techniques, skills, and schedule of fees. You should try to match the needs of
your web site with the designer's skills, your product to the technology used, and the
designer's fees to your budget. Be sure you review some web sites that the designer
created to see if you like the way they look and if they are easy to navigate. |
I like
the web site you created here. Can you make one for me?
Absolutely! I am a technical writing consultant that specializes in developing
web sites and authoring manuals and help systems for computer software. I have expertise
in all aspects of creating a web site including writing, designing, organizing, and
computer skills. My web site at http://members.aol.com/absteadle includes information about my business, samples of
my work, and free articles to help you with your web site. |
I
already have a web site but I'd like it to change it? Can you redo it for me?
Absolutely! The cost of a web site makeover is typically far less than the cost of your
web site’s initial creation. I can do makeovers to re-organize your site’s
content, give the site a different look, update the site’s technology, or for many
other reasons. |
