Commonly Asked Questions We Get Asked Almost Everyday!
(Remember, there are NO dumb questions...please keep them coming and we'll add them here so everyone will benefit! )

1. How long does it usually take to build a website?
   
   The entire process takes 4 to 6 weeks for 5 to 10 pages, but can actually take less if you are well-prepared. You need to have your logo in an electronic format (.eps is preferred but not required), images ready for the web and text written and ready to send to the designer (we provide a writer with all our custom designs if you need help). Also, be prepared to give us your time within the next 4 to 6 weeks so you are available to review designs and make changes as needed within a reasonable amount of time. We like to work with our clients as a team to get the best product out there. This will really help the process move along quickly.
    
2. Do you have images we can use if we don't have any?
   
   Yes, we can provide stock photos from a number of sources to help your site tell "your story" in a visual way. After all, that is what the Internet is all about. The more appealing the pictures, the better the website.
    
3. Will I have a say in the design itself?
   
   Many creative marketing projects get underway without a clear sense of expectations between a company's marketing and organizational leadership, and the creative folks (whether in-house or freelance) delivering it. The result? An extended and expensive creative development process with many revisions – not to mention chewed-up nails, bruised egos and depleted momentum. We start each project by having our clients fill out a Creative Brief which gives us a direction to go in and we involve the client in every step of the process. The more input the customer has, the better the project will be and the clearer our direction. Here's a more general definition of a creative brief that summarizes its purpose quite well:
    

   A document that outlines the strategic direction for creative development, covering the specific task at hand, the communication objectives and strategy.

    

4. Can I use my own web hosting?
   
   Absolutely! If you don't have hosting set-up, we can do this for you. Our rates are $25 per month for hosting with no maintenance or changes each month or $45 per month which includes 30 minutes of changes each month. We also include emails for you to use using your own private domain.
    
5. Do you own the site when its done?
   
   No. We turn over the copyright and all rights to images to you once you've made your final payment. You can take the site and host it wherever you please.
    
6. Can I update my own site?
   
   You can if you have Dreamweaver, Contribute, FrontPage or another editor. If you wish to be able to edit your site from the web using no software, we use www.edit.com  (one of our partners) to allow you to do just that. We'll set it up for you when the site is complete and you can manage your own site very easily using a web browser from anywhere in the world.
   
   For those who are time-challenged, we offer 30 minutes of changes/maintenance at no charge each month with our $45 per month hosting plan. We guarantee a 48 hour turnaround if you use the form labeled "Client Change Request" at the top of this and every page of our site.
    
7. Can I get a copy of the site when its completed?
   
   Believe it or not, this is the one question people NEVER ask and should! (We cover this in our seminar, "How to Protect Your Site and Your Business: 10 Lessons in Technology." You should ALWAYS get 2 copies of your website from your web designer--one to keep in a safety deposit box at your local bank and one for to keep near your computer or on a local network. Always, always protect your website and your business!
    

Please email Desiree with more questions at desiree@bellawebdesign.com. We'd love to add them to the list!