Web Design FAQs
From Evrose
Q: How will my website appear when it is handed over to me?
A: We can point you at samples of different "skins" and templates depending on what type of site you want. If you don't like the end result then the beauty of this method of design is that you can choose something else. Unless you have asked for customisation of the skin or template then the costs are marginal, if anything at all. Of course you get your own site name and logo (if you provide it to us). Other than that, you get a blank canvas that you can fill with content via your web browser.
Q: Can you add the content too.
A: We can, but we prefer not to. It is your site and you are the best one to tell people what it is about. What we can do, for a small additional charge, is review the site for typos, ease of use, and search engine optimisation. We can also do some stuff you can't manage - for example, if you can't get your photos to appear in the right place, we'll do some formatting for you.
Q: Are there any conditions attached?
A: Yes, you must abide by the terms of the license for whatever application you are using. This usually means retaining the acknowledgements. In addition you must comply with any restrictions with regard to permissible content allowed on the hosting service.
Q: Can you design sites that are not hosted via Evrose?
There are all sorts of reasons why we don't like to do this. Uppermost of these is that each host has different configurations and versions of the underlying infrastructure needed to make websites work - PHP and MySQL mainly. We know our hosting services are set up to support the types of site we design, many others are not. If you really want independent hosting then we can advise you of an alternative host we can work with. Please note that to upload and test your site, and provide you with any support you need later on, we will need to have secure access to your web space.
Q: I already have a domain name and an existing site. Can I change it to a content management based website?
A: You can move your site to Evrose hosting, or to our approved partner, and we can then build your new site whilst your old one remains active. There are some restrictions depending on your existing site, e.g. if it is Flash then we might need to suggest another strategy.
Q: How easy is it to update the contents of my new website?
A: Very easy, all you need is an Internet connection and a web browser. Amendments are as easy as using a basic word processor. And they take effect immediately you save them. Alternatively you can use a word processor and cut and paste content into the website editor screen.
Q: The example website themes and skins are boring, can you jazz them up?
A: Apart from cost, there is a reason for the way things are laid out and how they appear. The fonts used throughout are very plain - this is because only a handful of fonts are certain to be compatible with virtually all web browsers and text readers for the blind. This site scores very highly for accessibility for example. If you choose an unusual font the chances are it will not look how you intended to the vast majority of viewers. The heavy use of graphics may slow down the performance of the site, encouraging people to click somewhere else. The layout and the use of text and graphics are also intended to exploit search engines, like Google, that read text rather than "metatags". What you say, how you say it, and where you say it are vitally important. The best way to jazz up your website is to add different colour text areas, and include photos optimised for inclusion on a webite. That said, we can arrange for unique skins and templates to be designed for you, cost dependent on the effort required, and it will take a lot longer to get you up and running.
Q: The site is created using free web applications, why do I have to pay for it?
A: We do not charge for the web application, or standard skins and template. We charge only for installation, configuration, and customisation to your requirements. You are welcome, if you have the technical skills, to download, install, configure, and customise the application yourself. However, we are unable to provide assistance for DIY projects - there are plenty of forums that can help though. Our Web Hosting services come with automatic installers for a number of applications but these are often not the latest version available and they still need to be configured properly.
Q: I need something more than a basic website, can you help?
A: The web applications we use to create websites are much more sophisticated than you might imagine, and can be customised to meet many different needs. As stated elsewhere, we don't do shopping sites or Flash sites, but other than those, let us know your thoughts and we will see what we can suggest - we won't try and fool you, if we we don't think we can give you what you need then we will say so.
© Evrose Business Consultants Ltd, 2009
