How Much Does A Website Cost?
- How much will it cost to build a new website?
- How much will changes and updates cost down the road?
- How much will it cost to update my current website?
Updating My Website
Mailing Lists
- Do I need a mailing list?
- What information should I collect?
- How should I collect the information?
- What should I do with the information I collect?
- Should I send a "Welcome Letter?"
Domains
- What's a domain name?
- Do I need a domain name?
- Where can I get a domain name?
- Can I choose any domain name I want?
Hosts
Administration
- Can I make changes myself on my website?
- What kind of changes can I make?
- How can I make changes on my website?
HTML, CSS, PHP and all that "code" stuff
- What is HTML, CSS, PHP and all that other stuff anyway?
- Do I need to know anything about code to have a website?
More FAQs will be coming soon.
Updating My Website
1. If DVM builds my website can I update it myself?
Yes! Most people need to be able to update only a few pages on their website, such as a "news" page or a "tour dates" page. We can build you a custom Administration section where you can very easily, with almost no learning curve, update these kinds of pages. If you require a site where more content needs to be updated on a regular basis we can build your site using a third-party Content Management System. Of course, if you'd rather not deal with updating your site yourself we are happy to do it for you.
2. What do I need to know to update my website?
The bottom line: not much. If we build you one of our custom Administration sections to update pages on your site it's all very "what you see is what you get" and we make it as easy as possible for you to simply enter the information and click a button. If you require a more extensive, more sitewide Content Managment System then there will probably be some learning you will need to do to get up and running, but it's usually very minimal and easy for most folks to deal with.
Mailing Lists
1. Do I need a mailing list?
Almost everyone can benefit from a mailing list. It's a great way to stay connected with your clients or fans and keep your name and/or product in front of them on a regular basis.
2. What information should I collect?
Studies have shown that the less information you ask for, the more visitors will sign up for your mailing list. In other words, if you just ask for their email address you will get more submissions than if you ask for their email, their name, their physical address, etc. An email address is often the only thing you really need. Our advice is to only ask for the information that you know you will use. If you don't need their name, don't ask for it. If you don't need their physical address (and really most people don't), don't ask for it. Some touring artists may also want to request a zip code so you can target your fans when you are playing in their area.
3. How should I collect the information?
Their are a variety of ways to deal with the information. We can build you a custom signup page and save the information into an online database which you can access whenever you need it. Or we can arrange to have the submissions sent to you via email. You may choose to use a third-party service such as Emma or ReverbNation to collect your information and manage it. We can help you decide what's best for you.
4. What should I do with the information I collect?
Use it! The whole point of collecting email addresses is to stay in contact with your visitors. It doesn't do you much good to collect a lot of email addresses and never use them. We encourage you to send out a monthly newsletter and also notify your visitors about special events and happenings. Of course, you don't want to go overboard. No one wants to get a constant flow of emails from you, no matter how much they like you. Find a good balance that works for you.
5. Should I send a "Welcome Letter?"
Absolutely! When someone new signs up for your mailing list it is important to reach out them right away. A welcome letter is the perfect opportunity to make a good impression. Thank them for signing up for your mailing list and give them an idea of what to expect in the future. Depending on what method you use to collect your sign up emails we may be able to set up an "automatic" Welcome Letter email when someone new signs up.
Domains
1. What's a domain name?
A domain name is the unique identifier that represents your website. For instance, "www.digitalvisionmedia.com" is our domain name. It is what someone would type into their web browser to visit your website. Many artists or individuals use their name as their domain name, for instance "www.pamtillis.com." Many companies also use their company's name as their domain name, for instance "www.bluegrassunderground."
2. Do I need a domain name?
Yes, if you wish to have your own unique web site with its own unique address you will need a domain name.
3. Where can I get a domain name?
There are many, many businesses that sell domain names. Actually, you're not really "buying" your domain name, you're simply renting it for a period of time. Some of the most popular places to acquire domain names are: Network Solutions, Dotster and GoDaddy. Each of these companies has different pricing structures and different policies, so check to find one that works for you. If you rent your domain for a longer period of time you will usually get a price break.
4. Can I choose any domain name I want?
Yes and no. You can choose any name you want as long as someone else is not already using it. For instance, you can't use www.digitalvisionmedia.com because we are already using it. You can't use www.jenniferclarke.com because someone else is already using that. However, you might be able to use www.jenniferclarke.net or www.jenniferclarke.org if your name is Jennifer Clarke and no one is already using those names. Or you could use www.jennifer-clarke.com if it was available. If the name you really want is unavailable you might have to get a bit creative. In the end though, you want a name that will be as easy as possible for your visitors to remember and find. The three businesses we mentioned above that sell domain names have a process where you can check to see what names are available and what names are taken.
Hosts
1. What's a host?
A host is a company that provides server space for the file which make up your website. Just as you may have files on your computer that you can access, the files for your website need to be stored on a computer (or server) that is linked to the internet so that your website can be seen by everyone.
2. Do I need a host?
Yes, if you wish for visitors to be able to find and view your website. While it is possible to set up your own personal computer to act as a "host" we do not recommend this practice. There are many, many services that hosts provide that make having your own website much easier.
3. Where can I find a host?
There are many, many reputable hosting companies. Some that we are familiar with are: Internet Connection, Pair Networks, GoDaddy, HostMySite and Host Monster. But, there are literally hundreds of others as well and we make no specific recommendations. All hosts offer a variety of plans and services and all offer different pricing. Look around and see what fits your needs the best. If you need help we'd be glad to offer some suggestions.
Administration
1. Can I make changes myself on my website?
Yes! We offer a variety of solutions that enable our clients to easily make changes to the content of their website. We would be happy to discuss these options with you and help you decide which is best for your needs.
2. What kind of changes can I make?
We can set up a system that will allow you to easily make changes to content that changes frequently, such as news, tour dates, photo galleries, etc. Additionally, we can also provide solutions for changing other content. However, in most cases it's not practical for you to change the "look," "structure," "design" or "navigation" of your website yourself. We are always available to make those kinds changes for you at any time you might need them.
3. How can I make changes to my website?
We offer a variety of solutions for helping you to change the content on your site. If you need to update information that changes frequently, such as news, tour dates, photo galleries, etc. we will build you a custom "what you see is what you get" "Admin" section that anyone can easily use, with no special knowledge required. If you need a more comprehensive solution to change even more content we can build your website to incorporate more sophisticated "Content Management Systems." There is even a wonderful program from Adobe called Contribute that allows "non-tech" people to update almost anything on their website. Like all software it has a bit of a learning curve, but the more time you are willing to spend with it the more you will be able to do.
HTML, CSS, PHP and all that "code" stuff
1. What exactly is HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and all that other stuff anyway?
HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript are coding technologies that we use to build websites with. You can find out more about any of them by visiting our Skills page.
2. Do I need to know anything about code to have a website?
Absolutely not! You don't need to know a thing about how the code on your website works. You can leave all that stuff to us. And, you can rest assured that we we write "clean," "standards compliant," "valid" code. That might not mean much to you, but it means a lot to us. Basically, it means that we write code that is fully compliant with the standards set by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), the folks who set the "rules" for proper website development. Having a website that is built with clean, standards compliant, valid code means that it will work on as many web browsers as possible and be more easily updated as standards are updated in the future.
