There are hundreds of Web design companies out there. What makes you different?
Why should I hire a professional to design my Web site?
Why should I hire a professional copywriter? Can’t I do it myself?
What products do you use to develop Web sites?
Why don't you use FrontPage?
How much does a website cost?
How long does it take to have a web site designed?
Who owns the completed Web site?
What is a domain name and why do I need one?
What is a URL?
What is hosting and why do I need it?
What services do you provide?
Do I need a Local Web Site Designer?
How many changes can I request to the drafts?
Can I make changes after I approve the draft?
What kind of guarantee do you offer?
Can you explain the design process?
What is Site Maintenance?
Once the site is complete, can I make changes and updates to it myself?
What is your payment policy and what type of payments do you accept?
What are your office hours?
Search Engine Indexing Question and Answer FAQs
Web Site Content - What do I put on my Site?
I've made my decision - I want you to design my web site. Now what do I do?

There are hundreds of Web design companies out there. What makes you different?

There are many people that think that since they simply own some Web publishing software, that they can put up a Web site and call themselves Professional Web Designers.

At Elegance Web Designs, we take your project seriously. This is not something that we do part-time or on the side. We have years of experience and formal education and are constantly taking new classes to improve our skills and keep up with the evolving Web world. We've invested in what we consider to be the best Web design software on the market and more importantly, we know how to use it to give you the results you want.

In addition, since we operate a small business, we are able to give each and every client the personalized attention that they deserve.

Unlike most other Web design firms, we have taken the added time to educate ourselves in the areas of search engine optimization. We have aligned ourselves with both a copywriting organization and search engine optimization consultant who help create your site in such a way that it receives prime consideration for inclusion with the major engines. We are able to provide you with keyword analyses, keyword saturated copy, concise and effective META tags, and a design that helps - rather than hinders - your positioning.

Finally, click here to review an article which gives prospective clients an objective look at selecting a good web site design firm.

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Why should I hire a professional to design my Web site?

Think of it this way. When you're looking for new car stereo, you most likely start by searching the telephone book. You find a few stores in your area and call them to ask about brands, models and pricing. Once you've decided which stores offer what you're looking for, you drive over for a look around.

What happens when you pull into the parking lot of a store that looks run down? One that has obvious signs of neglect? One that looks as though the owner should have it condemned? If you're like most people… you keep on driving!

Why? Are you afraid to leave your car with that stereo shop for fear it will get stolen? Do you think the store might not be honest? You don't know these people, but from the image they portray… you are suspicious and skeptical.

The same thing applies to your Web design. When visitors come to your Web site, they are either rolling their eyes or smiling.

In many cases, your Web site IS your business. It is the image you present to the Internet world. We also know that there is a lot going on behind the scenes that contributes to your site functioning properly. A professionally designed Web site will give your business the foundation it needs to succeed by using the latest technologies and design applications, by being search engine compatible and by displaying correctly in a variety of browsers. When you hire Elegance Web Designs, you get the skills, knowledge and expertise that only comes from years of hands-on experience.

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Why should I hire a professional copywriter? Can’t I do it myself?

Your Web site copy is your "salesperson.” It is the only persuasive element of your site. Copy - if written properly - is what reaches your customers on a personal level and shows them how you are the solution to their problems. Words are our sole source of communication. They trigger our emotions and are the defining factor in most of our decisions (especially our buying decisions). A professional copywriter understands how to blend emotion, the communication style of your target customer, and the details and facts about your business into a harmonic flow that is well received by your clients and triggers a desire to buy.

In addition, if search engine positioning is of importance to you, you need to realize that the selection of effective keywords and delicate balance of keyword saturation in your copy is absolutely vital to success.

So the answer is “yes.” If you feel you are able to accomplish the things listed above, you can certainly write your own copy. However, we strongly suggest enlisting the talents of a pro!

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What products do you use to develop Web sites?

For Web publishing, we use Macromedia Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver generates very clean HTML code that meets W3C validation standards.

For Web graphics, we use Adobe Photoshop because it provides clear, compressed graphics that load fast so as not to keep your visitors waiting. Some other products that we use include Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Flash.

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Why don't you use FrontPage?

The reason that we don't use FrontPage is because it generates a lot of HTML code that is only recognized by the Internet Explorer browser. That means that a site built with FrontPage will often display beautifully in Internet Explorer (as both FrontPage and Internet Explorer are owned by Microsoft), but will be a jumbled, unreadable mess in the Netscape or Opera browser. Click here to see a side by side comparison of how a site built with FrontPage displays in Internet Explorer and Netscape.

We believe that cross-browser compatibility is important and we design Web sites so that they view properly, and work as intended in Internet Explorer, Netscape, and Opera.

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How much does a website cost?

There are quite a few factors that are going to affect the ultimate cost of your web site. These factors include how many pages you are going to have, if you will sell products on your website, the graphic work involved, and how interactive your future web site will be. You will also need web hosting and domain name registration.

Unlike other web design companies who hide their pricing, create arbitrary quotes based on how much they'd like to make, or charge monthly fees for life; we are honest and upfront about our pricing structure. Nothing you don't want or need is forced upon you. You'll have a clear understanding of the cost before the project begins and no surprises when you receive the final invoice. And... once you pay for it, there are no further payments - you own it outright.

Please see our rates page for details.

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How long does it take to have a web site designed?

The time frame is determined by the size of your web site, the complexity of your site design, and our current client design schedule.

If you have the copy (text) for your site written before the design process begins, it generally takes 2 - 6 weeks from start to finish. Copy should be in electronic format, preferably MS Word format. Not having your copy completed before the design process can significantly delay the production of your site.

For your convenience, we offer reduced rate copywriting / Web design packages that provide you with additional savings when choosing both services.

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Who owns the completed Web site?

Once the final payment is received, you will receive 100% ownership of your Web site.

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What is a domain name and why do I need one?

Every Web site must have a domain name. A domain name is your Web site's unique address on the Internet.

As an example, the domain name for Elegance Web Designs is http://www.Elegancewebdesign.com. The most common domain names will end in .com, .net, or .org, but there are many more to choose from (.us, .info, .biz, etc.).

Although you are free to use any domain registrant you choose, Elegance Web Designs offers domain name registration for only $20.00/year - discounted $15 US off Network Solutions regular price of $35 US/year. After your registration, you will be given full access information to your own, personal domain name control panel. Manage, update, transfer or change your registration information any time you choose with no hassle, no waiting and no additional charges.

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What is a URL?

It stands for "universal resource locator". This is the address typed in to view your web page on the Internet. For example, you would type in http://www.EleganceWebDesign.com to access our home page.

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What is web hosting and why do I need it?

Web hosting is a fee that you pay to have your site accessible on the Internet. Your Web site needs a home on the Internet - a place for all your domain name, Web page files and graphics to reside. You buy or rent Web space through a hosting company. Most hosting companies offer monthly, quarterly, and yearly packages.

Hosting fees vary greatly depending on your needs. Your hosting package will need special features if you plan to have a storefront on your Web site, if you will be connected to a database, or if you have special programming requirements.

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What services do you provide?

We provide

* Professional Web design
* Web site copywriting
* Logo design
* Web site maintenance
* Web site analysis
* Web site banners
* Web site graphics

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Do I need a Local Web Site Designer?

We create web sites for clients who are local as well as out of state. By using the Internet, email and the telephone, it is possible to communicate effectively with clients in any location.

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How many changes can I request to the drafts?

We'll make as many changes as necessary until it meets your approval. We do ask for a final approval to the design before adding the text and content to the pages.

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Can I make changes after I approve the draft?

Yes, however design changes performed after you have approved the draft will be charged at an hourly rate of $65.00 US.

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What kind of guarantee do you offer?

We completely guarantee our design work. After viewing the initial draft(s), if you are not satisfied and wish to discontinue work on the site, we will refund 100% of your deposit.

If you decide to continue to work with us, we offer you unlimited revisions to the draft until the point that you are 100% satisfied.

Once the draft is finalized, your copy, links, forms and other elements will be added, and your site uploaded to your hosting service.

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Can you explain the design process?

We have a five-step process as explained below:

Step One - Contact Us

Step Two - Make a deposit

Step Three -Exchange of Information

Step Four - Provide us with feedback

Step Five- Test and launch

Once you have approved the final design, we add and format the copy (text) to all the pages and set up your desired features, such as contact forms. Once everything has been approved by you, we upload your site to the Web and fully test its functionality. We make sure that your site can be viewed as intended in Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, and Opera versions 4.0 and above.

The Web design process generally takes anywhere from 2 - 6 weeks. To alleviate any unnecessary delays, we recommend that you have the majority of your copy written before your design begins. Elegance Web Designs offers discounted copywriting and Web design combo packages as a one-stop solution to your Web design needs.

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What is site maintenance?

Maintenance is a fee paid monthly to keep your site updated with new content that you provide. Most good web sites have new content updated regularly. Fresh content is what will keep your visitors coming back.

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Once the site is complete, can I make changes and updates to it myself?

Yes, but you will need to invest in Web publishing software and you will need to learn how to use it. You will also need to learn how to transfer files to and from the Web.

We recommend using Macromedia Contribute. Contribute allows you to make text changes to your Web site at your convenience, while maintaining site standards for style, layout, and code.

We do not provide support or offer training for FrontPage, or any other Web publishing program other than Macromedia Dreamweaver.

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What is your payment policy and what type of payments do you accept?

We receive 50% of your estimated total as a deposit prior to beginning work. We accept Visa, Mastercard or PayPal payments. The final payment is due immediately upon completion of the project.

We will accept personal checks but we do require 100% of the estimated total up front. There is a 3 to 5 business day waiting period for all payments remitted by personal check. Your project will begin once your payment has cleared.
Visa accepted here! Mastercard accepted here! PayPal payments accepted here!

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What are your office hours?

Our office hours are

* 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday -Thursday, Eastern Standard Time
* 9:00am - 12:00 noon Friday, Eastern Standard Time

Search Engine Indexing Question and Answer FAQ

If you have a question about the search engine indexing of your website the answer may be listed below. To see how search engines are indexing your web pages enter the following command in any search engine:

site:yourdomaingoeshere.com (insert your own domain name)

They should list the home page first in the index and then all your other pages and they should all have a title and description. Make note of the number of pages and compare it to what you actually have. If it's not accurate you may have a search engine indexing problem.

Why is my website listed with just URL only?

This usually means the search engines know the page is there but cannot index the contents. Or they just haven't had time to do the later and it will be indexed soon. Make sure the first option isn't a problem however. If your home page is listed with title and description, but not your other pages, then the search engine probably can't follow the links on your website-- in which case read the following FAQ:

Why are search engines just listing the links in the footer of my website?

Your menu at top of the page may be preventing search engines from following indexing the contents and, if that is so, they are likely not following the links either. This often happens if the menu is designed in 100% Javascript (no HTML) which not all search engines can read. Also if you have Session IDs to track visitors on any of your menu links this can cause a problem with indexing on those pages. See Google's Webmaster Guidelines

Will it help the indexing of my website if I have a sitemap?

You only need a sitemap if the search engines are not able to follow the links on your website, such as in the example above where the navigation is all in Javascript.

Why can't I find my web site in the search engines?

Once your site has been submitted to the top Search Engines they may require several weeks, or even months to actually spider and list your web site in their directory. How fast your site is listed depends on each individual Search Engines database update schedule. Watch your server traffic logs for visiting spiders. We suggest you use Guaranteed Search Engine Submit. Your site can be listed on AOL, MSN, Overture in a couple of days.

Why doesn't my home page appear #1 in the indexing of my website?

Make sure all your inside web pages point back to your home page with a link that can be followed by a search engine, i.e., not a 100% Javascript menu (Javascript menus that also incorporate HTML should work ok). A link to your home page counts as a vote for your home page (the same is true of any other page on your website). The more "votes" it gets, and the higher the PR (Page Rank) of that web page, the higher it will rank amongst the indexing of your own pages.

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Web Site Content - What Do I Put On My Site?

That would depend on the goals of your web site. If you run a business website you would include as much information about your products or services that your customers would need to purchase from you.

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I've made my decision - I want you to design my web site. Now what do I do?

If you have decided you want a web site or have any questions, simply fill out our web design quote request form to start the process.
REQUEST A PROPOSAL
Simply submit your request to receive a prompt quote.

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