FAQ on Website Maintenance

Your files reside on your site host's computer. All I need is a username and password to access them directly from your host. If you don't have the username and password, I can call your host (after you give them permission) and get the information from them. (Note: if they give me your password without your permission, I'd change hosts!!)

Can you modify my graphics and create new buttons?

Yes. If you have original files (your original web designer should have given these to you) it is easier, but not always necessary.

Do you create new sites, too?

It depends on the site. There are quite a few good web designers around that I can recommend if you need a whole site - people who have had training in graphic and web design. I like my niche and enjoy working with many clients on small projects rather than taking on a 4-16 week web project. Look at my “May I recommend” area for suggestions on web designers.

Can you work with my Dreamweaver files? Front Page? Adobe GoLive?

Yes. Yes and Yes.

How much does it cost?

$2 million. Just kidding! Most of my clients pay less than $200 for the types of changes I do. As you can imagine, it depends on what you want. Simple changes, of course, are a lot less. If you want a total redesign of your page, it will cost more than just adding a few new pictures and links. See my packages/prices page for specific items.

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How long does it take?

1-2 weeks. Less if the changes are simple and communication between us is excellent.

I don't know where my files are or the password to get to them.

We can figure that out. Your files reside on your hosts computer. We can contact them for the username and password.

Can you take and add photos of my product?

Yes. Yes.I can optimize photos and retouch them as needed then upload them to your site. All images on the web must be optimized so that it doesn't take 2 hours for a visitor to look at them.

How do I get electronic files to you?

There are several options: 1) I can pick up a CDRom from you 2) you can email me files or 3) you can upload files to my FTP site (it's easy).

The only materials I have are on paper. Can you add information from that?

Yes. I can either pick it up in person, or you can fax me at 360-937-7868 and your fax will be forwarded to me via email (this is a cool service, see eFax).

Can you add something snazzy to my page?

Yes. Flash? A Slideshow? New hovering buttons or graphics? I can do that. Remember, too, that the information you give to potential clients is much more important than the cool Flash you have on your page. Check out the tagline I added to the site at www.kselectric.com.

Why are some of my images missing? How come my links are broken?

Your images disappear and are replaced with a small box with an “x” in it when the name of the image on your web page does not match the actual name of the file on your server, if the file was removed from your server, or the image pointed to an external file that is no longer there. This looks extremely unprofessional!

Links to other sites break when the site owner changes their site structure or renames pages. It can look very amateurish to have a link on your site that gives the dreaded message: The page cannot be found. Check your links often so that you are giving potential clients the right view of your business.

I want my images to change when someone puts their mouse over them. Can you do that?

Yes, this is called hovering and is very easy to do. Don't you expect text or graphics to change when you hover over them?

Can you add a slideshow? Audio piece?

Yes and Yes. I do not have the sound studio to record an audio file, but there are sound studios available all over town to do this for you. I'll help you find one, if you'd like.

Do I have to pay you in advance?

No. I will bill you when the work is done, or monthly if the project is extensive.

What if I can't spend very much money?

We can work out what changes you CAN afford to make to your site right now and what others can wait until later. I will give you options of items to be completed and you can pick and choose the most important items.

Can you install a blog on my site?

Yes. I'd suggest WordPress. (What is a blog? This is a way for you to post information on your site and allow people to comment on it. Or, you can turn comments off and blogging will allow you to continue to add your own text to a page). Here's a cute blog: MepsNBarry.

What about selling my product - can you help with that?

Your host probably supports a specific ecommerce package. I can help you with installation, and adding products.

How do I know if I will like what you do?

While I am working on your site, I put test versions on my own website for you to view and approve. I'll send you a link via email and you simply check the work yourself. If you don't like anything, just say so.