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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Simple questions with Simple answers. Our theme is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Every effort has been made to make each Q&A straight forward and progressive. As you read on, most difficult terms are explained. In the Left Hand column are definitions for technical terms commonly used in Web Design and Development.
Our FAQ pages will be regularly updated. If your question is not listed below, please contact us.
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Q&A on Web Design and
Web Development
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Introductions
Are you ready for the "New Age"?
What is the "New Age"? It means something different for most everybody, but for old timers in business, it means using new methods to reach businesses and the public for marketing, advertising and any kind of promotion. The young managers of today grew up on a computer. News papers are falling by the way side. Those who use computers online say that 91% of the Internet time is connected to an Internet Search. Cash in on the new trend!
What are the best marketing tools?
Next to personally directed emails, a Website is the most important marketing tool we have today as well as the least expensive form of advertising. 80% of all new business begins with an electronic search. To have your own Website is one of the most important and also the simplest thing you can do to expand your outreach.
What does a recession do for us?
A recession is a challenging experience and brings out the best. Use the time wisely and you will come out the winner. We need to look on a recession as a positive opportunity to prepare for the future. The Apple Computer company spent millions and even billions preparing for the future in the last major down turn in the economy. As a result they came out with products that surpassed the world’s best know computer operating system and name. Now is the time to explore ways to reduce cost and economical ways to find new customers.
Can profit increase in economic downturns?
Yes, profits can actually increase in a recession with a professional website. If you have something to offer, all you need to do is reach the public and there is no better way than contacting a professional web designer now.
How do we use free time in a recession?
Likely, one of the best ways to utilize your time in an economic slow down is to work on a new web design or to refresh you current one. Building a valuable web site design takes a lot of time to lay out and prepare for development. The detail of coming up with powerful keywords is a frustrating experience and also very time consuming. As professionals, we can do all the above for you, but you can do a lot towards that end and save money.
Who needs a web site?
Everyone! Well, almost everyone. What ever your interest is, it gives you the least expensive way to express and enrich yourself and reach others.
Do individuals need a web site?
Yes, individuals can be enriched by having a web presence. It enables you to communicate your thoughts, interests, hobbies, sports, politics, etc., to one and all. Others can enter in to your discussion. It is a great learning experience.
Do Societies need a web site?
Yes, all sorts of societies have a web presence. It enables you to have a public image, a calendar for events, a bulletin board, etc.
Do Strata Corporations need a website?
Yes, a Strata Corporation needs a web presence as much as any corporation or business. Your webmaster with DRSDI has experience on Strata Council as president and general flunky. With a website the Strata Council can communicate and operate more efficiently, focusing on key issues. There is so much the owners and residents would like to know. This information could be put on the internet and available selectively to authenticated users. Documents, by-laws, minutes of meetings, layouts, maps, pictures, security camera locations with monitoring instructions which could be viewed and downloaded as required. More general information sharing can be done, generating more community spirit. A Strata blog could be considered.
Do businesses need a web site?
Yes, every business needs a website. Remember 80% of all new business begins with an electronic search. The internet is the first place most today will go to find you. The smallest home business to the largest corporation should not try to operate without a web presence. Someone may have your business card. They will go the your Website to find out more about you. Rather than look up you phone number in a book, they type in your name and there it is. Almost 100% of the business DRSDI get is from our Web site or word of mouth. Those who hear about us, then go to our Web site.
Do I need a web site now?
Yes, every day you wait to get an online presence, your competition is making customers and/or sales you should have. Today’s population go to the Internet first to find you, then other sources such as the “Yellow Pages”.
Is a web site expensive?
No, a new web site does not need to be expensive. You will find it is the least costly and most valuable tool you have for what ever your interests are. DRSDI can have a web site up and running for a one time cost of $600 CAD and annual hosting fees for $36 a year. Not mine, but some people’s shoe polish costs them that much annually. This is for a simple, professionally designed site.
Can I make my own web site?
If you have some web and computer savvy and an enormous amount of patience, you can make your own website. If you want to do this, we can direct you to a good hosting company. However, this choice has some major disadvantages. If your time is worth anything, it will cost less to have D.R.S. Design Inc. (DRSDI) professionally design your site. These do-it-yourself hosting services use built-in, simple to use tools which means your site is not moveable. If the hosting company goes under, so does your site. The top rated “free” service, like most of them, drops your site after a few months if it is not updated regularly. We had this experience without any notification. Everything gone, except our home backup. Remember, any pictures or clip art they supply is copyrighted. You are restricted to their “boiler-plate” layouts with their limitations. If you view the code in such sites, probably two thirds is extraneous code, making your page much larger than it needs to be. The final product will not validate by W3C standards, resulting in your site not being ranked favourably by search engines. DRSDI use professional tools and work diligently until we have a fully W3C validated site. This means your masterpiece will find favour with search engines, be easily altered by any professional designer and be easily moved at any time you choose.
Where would I find affordable website solutions?
DRSDI’s intent is to provide professional economy website design and development services that will result in satisfied customers, viewers and search engines.
Is a local Web Designer and Developer important?
DRSDI is as local to you as your home or business computer! Our physical location is South Western BC, in the heart of British Columbia’s Lower main land consisting of 22 cities. Metro Vancouver is our work area. We live in the Tri-Cities, mainly servicing Canada and USA. We do both Web Design and Web developing, plus we can be your personal Webmaster for the future. If you are in our local area we have an added advantage that we can get acquainted on a personal basis.
What does a Webmaster from DRSDI do for me?
DRSDI takes the customer’s ready or raw material through the design to development stage and finally publishing it to the WWW for the customer. This has sometimes meant learning and gathering information on the company, preparing and then designing, developing and publishing that to the web. This is very time consuming, but many consider our rate per hour affordable enough to have us do this. When the designing, developing and publishing are done, your Webmaster can also provide long term maintenance services for your site.
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What is Needed for a Web site?
Do I need a Web Designer and Developer?
Yes, because there is a difference between a Web Designer and a Web Developer. A Web Designer visualizes and lays out the design of the web site. The Developer is the one who optimizes the graphics and writes the code for the site in a way that a variety of web browsers can place on your screen what the Web Designer visualizes. Different web languages are used for this, with some form of HTML or XHTML normally being the back bone.
Why use DRSDI for web design work?
We are a small corporation offering affordable web site design and service for the novice to the professional; the smallest company to the largest. We insist on our clients being satisfied with our product, price and pleasant atmosphere. We do not use “boiler plate” layouts. Each design is unique. You give us a sample of what you want and we will design and develop a real page for you and send you a picture of it. This service will be free of charge, if you are not happy.
Where would I find samples of your work?
Beware of looking at web sites created for customers to see samples of a Webmaster’s work. Clients have their personal and peculiar requests which we honour. We work for them so we have limited control over the outcome. If you are in doubt, give us a sample of what you want and we will develop a real page you can view. This service will be free of charge, if you are not happy. Please do not ask for this lightly, as it takes considerable time to make the first page. We do not use “boiler plate” layouts, so your design will be unique. If you are happy with the sample, we will use that for a template for the rest of your new site. This is to maintain a uniformity throughout your site. This concept is very important in good design.
Is DRSDI.us or DRSDI.ca a sample of your work?
Yes, it is, but not finished or perfected. We are too busy with our work to look after our own “front yard.” It is the usual story of a Webmaster's own site. It is always in the making! According to the old adage, "The cobbler's children are without shoes!" We welcome you to check on the validity of our web site or any web site by clicking on the handy buttons provided in the awards footer of our site. The two main buttons are W3C XHTML 1.0 and W3C CSS, as these are the main programming languages we use for our professional work. One client was particularly co-operative and accepting of what ever we did, so I will use their site as a simple sample. The site is Doulas'3Es. This is when I learned what a Doula was! Other sample sites will be eventually posted.
What is your Commitment?
Our slogan in all our work is, “Satisfaction is the key.” Some say, “You can’t make every one happy!” We try. We aim to deliver you an inviting, fast loading, affordable, high grade, validated standards-compliant web site in a pleasant atmosphere from our home based office. Building a website should be a pleasant, rewarding experience.
Who designs for mobile devices and/or computers?
Our sites can be programmed for viewing by cell phones or any mobile device, as well as on regular computer screens. This involves programming two or more CSS files for best results.
Can I have a printer friendly version for my website?
Yes, you can have an additional CSS file developed to enable a printer friendly output format. This is helpful if you think viewers may want to print you material.
How would visitors search my site?
We can install a search bar on your site that will do a search of your particular site. Alternately, we can give you a search bar with a radio button that can be used to search your site and/or the WWW.
Why is there consistency of layout in websites?
A professional web design will maintain a uniformity through out the site. This is important so the viewer will know they are still on the same site as they go from one page to another. The colours and layout forms a sort of branding in the mind of the viewer, which is important.
How important is branding?
One of the most important assets you can develop for your business besides a web site is a powerful brand. A brand instills confidence, creates loyalty and understanding with the viewer.
How do I establish a brand?
Developing a brand requires having a plan that consistently communicates what your company is and does, along with your distinct attributes, image, and personality. It is important to develop a name and image to become a registered trade-mark.
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Getting Started with a Web site
What do I need to do to start on my website?
First of all you need to decide what you want for a domain name. Then you need to see if that name is available and next you must register it. There are services that will help you do this, or we can do it for you.
How do I choose a domain name?
A domain name should be easily remembered and descriptive of your purpose or company. Give it careful thought, as it will also be a part of your email address. This means you want it memorable, normally short and simple.
Will you do a domain name search for me?
Yes, we will do everything for you that is necessary to have a website. If you want to do it yourself we can help you, if necessary.
What do I do with my new domain name?
Now you have a domain name registered, you will need to find a Web Hosting service to submit your domain name to for hosting. Please read on or get in touch with us before you take this step.
Who provides Web Hosting services?
We have trusted web hosting services we use. We will not use unproven web hosting for our developed work. If you like, we will give you approved hosting services we use. We can do the foot work to purchase the service or you can do it for yourself. If you do it yourself you will need to make available to us the web hosting FTP, login information such as username, passwords, etc. We will not post you web site to a service we are in doubt of, so check with us before you purchase.
Are Web Hosting services reviews/ratings reliable?
Most hosting companies pay affiliates money and even large money to be on “The Top 10” list. When you sign up with the hosting company from the reviewer’s site, the reviewer gets paid as an affiliate. In simple English they get paid a sales commission. It is very easy for the host who pays the most affiliate money to get the highest rating, but to not be the best choice. We are not affiliates of the professional sites we use and recommend.
How long will it take for my site to be published?
Much depends on the availability and readiness of the material you provide. The main time involved is generally due to waiting for the content to be provided by the client. From our end of the project, time is determined by the size and complexity of the design, and our present work load. If you have priority, we will advise you of that. A priority job still takes time due to the complexity of good web design and the great variety of web browsers on the market. To get a page to view acceptably on the majority of them can take hours after it has been designed according to W3C standards. Patience and long hours is the key! A couple of weeks should take care of most simple sites. We try to meet all reasonable deadlines.
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Follow Up for a Web site
What follow-up is needed for my site?
The follow-up for a Web site is a must to continued success. There is no use advertising steam whistles for trains, when they do not use steam engines any longer… well this is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea! There is important follow-up you can do yourself. Check for broken links and any irregularities. As you do a regular review of your site you will see wording that should be changed, pictures that need updating, etc.
Why is Web Site maintenance important?
If your site is going to have a good ranking with search engines, it will need to be kept fresh. This is what keeps visitors and search engines happy and returning. You need to work with your webmaster to accomplish this goal. A backup system needs to be in place and kept current to prevent possible disaster.
Who will maintain my web site?
You can do this yourself if you have the know how and necessary software for the FTP connecting. DRSDI will maintain a site for a reasonable monthly fee. Under contract, the cost can be very affordable. We discourage people from maintaining and updating their own site, as we have experienced the site soon deteriorating. Do regular reviews and report changes you would like to your professional designer who has all the expensive tools to work with.
How do I back up my web site?
To do it yourself you will need a special program with a FTP connection to the WWW. When we build your site, we keep a backup of that on our hardware. If we are retained to maintain your site we will automatically keep it backed up.
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Will my Web site get Found?
What if I get a website developed & nobody comes?
To get a Web site recognized and visited takes Wisdom, Work and Wealth (3 Ws)! Maybe the marketing Wisdom comes first, followed by many hours of Work to implement that, which all adds up to Wealth invested for anticipated returns.
Why is my new website not showing up in searches?
This normally takes time, weeks and even month, for the web crawlers or “spiders” to find and tabulate your site. There are steps we can take to aid that process. You may be able to do some of this yourself, if you wish. After you take these steps, then you wait again.
Can I have better rankings in search engines?
Yes, you very likely can. Web site structure, content, preparation and testing are your first steps to reaching good positions in major search engines. There is no magic, just knowledge combined with hard work. Remember the 3 Ws, Wisdom, Work and Wealth. Our suggestions are: 1. Use powerful keywords and keyword combinations for indexing. 2. Use these keywords and combinations in preparing your headings and content. 3. Have your webmaster use these in the title tag and description meta tag. There is little value in using them in the keywords meta tag, because the major search engines do not consider them of value. 4. These keywords can be submitted to the Search Engines to possibly aid the finding process. 5. Find relevant search directories like Yahoo, Open Directory Project (ODP) {dmoz.org}, Pandia Plus, About, etc., to which a site can be submitted. 6. Say what your prospective cliental will want to hear in your keywords and content. 7. Develop relevant links.
Why consider Search Engines & Search Directories?
A search engine involves robots, sometimes called web crawlers or spiders, which search the Internet, indexing the text of web pages they find. When you use a certain search engine, say Google, you are searching a mechanically formed database’s inventory gathered by these robots. A search directory, by contrast involves human placed indexing. You can personally play a part in your placement in the relevant search directory and the submission of a short description of your web site. There is a measure of human editing and standards setting in search directories developing trust. This means they are a good place for your listing.
Should I submit my website to Search Directories?
Yes, by all means it should be submitted to Search Directories. You can do this yourself, or DRSDI can do it for you. We can give you a few other tips and tricks too. One is to also use an Articles Directory. To find some Search Directories see, “Can I have better rankings in search engines?”
Should I use an article directory?
Yes, it is a good idea to use an article directory. You can do this yourself, or have you Webmaster help you. The advertising is free, but not likely the Webmaster’s time is.
Where would I find an article directory?
You can get a list of some of the better article directories from the following sites: http://www.vretoolbar.com/articles/directories.php http://www.jackhumphrey.com/Friday/website-promotion/top-21-the-best-article-directory-list/
Are paid inclusion services a help to web ranking?
No, paid inclusion services are not likely useful to first page listing with search engines. With very few exceptions, inclusion services are scams and finding the exception to the rule is very difficult.
Can anyone guarantee number one rank with Google?
No! Some guarantee special rankings with Google, allege a "special relationship", or advertise a "priority submit" there are no favourites or priority submits to Google. There may be branding advantage. If your company is called “Microsoft” or “General Motors” it might help.
Can competitors ruin your rank with search engines?
No! A competitor cannot purposely affect your ranking or remove you from a search engine under normal circumstances. What they can do is excel in design and homework! Remember the 3Ws. DRSDI will endeavour to give you an advantage over your competitors.
Search Engine Optimization
Will you do Search Engine Optimization?
Yes, we do all possible in our web development to produce a Search Engine Optimized site. DRSDI use only validated W3C programming for your well thought out design. Any of the design tips and tricks mentioned in these FAQ pages and also “Our Questions for You” pages, that can be, will be coded into your developed site. Additional SEO is provided upon request. Beware of any Search Engine Optimization promises. Know who you are dealing with, as this is one of the biggest scams in the web business today.
Who will promise search engine results?
Thousands promise improving search engine results, but few deliver. Here is an example of "Buyer Beware." Internet Advancement (4GreatBuys.com) charge $980 to $1,500 in set-up fees and monthly fees of $79.80 to $89.95, attached to wonderful promises. Here is a case involving search engine optimization (SEO) service: “The state attorney general said that Redmond-based Internet Advancement must pay penalties for failing to get its customers top placement on major search engines. The company had promised to get its customers ranked in the top 10 to 20 results on the search engines businesses high placement in search-engine results. Attorney General Christine Gregoire stated, ‘Internet Advancement misrepresented its success rate, promised more than it could deliver, then refused to provide refunds to customers who didn't get what they paid for.’”
What is DRSDI ranking with search engines?
We will be at the top of a Google search, if the right search words are used! We work toward good listings for our customers, the same as other experienced Web Designers. The main trick is to find and use the right keywords and combinations, placed in the right location in the page design. This takes time and patience. When we design a site, we do the basics that normally, in time, bring reasonable results. This is a part of the design package. Many of the tips and tricks mentioned, we make time to do for others, when requested, and plan to do for ourselves when we have time! Remember the 3Ws, Wisdom, Work and Wealth.
How can I test for search engine placement?
For a test of DRSDI’s location in a Google search type in Web design and you get a half billion listings. We are in there, but not much chance of being on the first few pages! Change this to “Web design” and 100,000,000 entries may come up. Now add drsdi to “Web Design” and we may be on the top line of the half billion listings. One of the many tricks is to develop a branding.
Can you pay your way to the top of Google?
No! But you can buy sponsored links and advertising that will appear alongside or above searches of relevance to your site.
Can I be first page in search engine results?
Anyone can be near the top if they pay enough money for sponsored links and advertising. A less expensive way is the CPC (cost per click) system that Google and others offer. This will not promise you a first page listing, but one of the first pages. Another way to increase traffic quickly is by using Google AdWords. There are other paid advertisement options, but use them with caution.
Are there ways to get top search engine ratings?
There are numerous factors involved in getting a good search engine rating. What keeps the professionals baffled is that major search engines like Google continue to change their algorithms. The pros have a saying, “Content is King.” This simply means you must create content that people will find useful, interesting, and valuable. Then most search algorithms will look favourably upon your web site.
Is there a quick-fix to high rank in search engines?
There are no quick solutions for high ranking with search engines, because of their changing algorithms. To be effective with search engine marketing, the main trick is to be focused around the right keywords and keyword phrases in your content. Try to find a phrase(s) for your site that is both searched for and not over-used. Then you want to design a page focused on using that phrase. Use it a few times on the page, but do not over due it. It is tricky to keep spider’s brains (algorithms) happy! Search engine positioning is a long-term changing strategy. At times we have had high rankings and then we will drop right down. Ouch! Two months later we might be right on top again.
How do I get my web site listed on Google?
It can be useful to submit your web site to search engines, but this is secondary. Most modern search engines, such as Google, like to find your site naturally, giving organic search results, through links from other sites. Again, “Content is King”. If you have rich, interesting and valuable content, others will want to link to you so they can easily find you. This all takes time, as you can understand. Google especially relies on your incoming links to determine your popularity and relevance. Keyword meta tags are not considered.
How do others obtain top positions in searches?
Molly E. Holzschlag, claims her outstanding positioning on the net is due to a very “large amount of relevant links”. Her site comes up at the top of about 35,000,000 “Molly” competitors. Not bad! I have been in personal contact with her to reap some of her web wisdom. I have read her very good book on web design called “250 HTML and Web Design Secrets” with 250 insider tips and tricks. The fact her name is a registered Trade Mark may help. Remember branding is important.
How do I get relevant links?
Relevant links are not difficult and somewhat automatic. These are created when you link to my site and I link to your site, because we have interests in common. It can be as simple as linking one page to the other in your own site. It takes time to get links from others in related fields and to get them to link to you with keywords in the link text. Each link you have is viewed as a vote for your site, so the more who will link to you the better. There are paid linking services, but again, if the search engines figure you are not linking naturally, you can get dropped completely.
Should I have a Partners and Resources page?
Yes, this is a good plan. The more partners and resources you get and exchange links with, the more votes you get with the web crawlers!
Accuracy
Why is spelling important?
Spelling is important to impress people, but not as important as we might like to think for the transfer of thoughts from one mind to another’s mind using the alphabet. Try reading the following:
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef , but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt! Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55% of plepoe can.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef , but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt! Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55% of plepoe can.
Why are there variations of spelling on websites?
Remember the world is the Internet field. As a result a Canadian based organization uses spelling influenced by USA as well as the British English language. An Australian based ‘organisation’ uses Australian English, which has a lot more in common with the British English than Canadian or USA English. This is why they are a 'Centre' and not a 'Center', an 'organisation' and not an 'organization', for example.
How can I help a Webmaster?
We help one another in the process of web design and development. We will have suggestions for you and you will have them for us. If you see any spelling or typing errors on our web site or one we are developing for you, please let us know so we can make necessary corrections. Also, if you find any portion of our “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) that is confusing, not worded right or questions not covered that you would like, please get in touch.
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WebDesign Terms & Contact
Where are definitions to WWW terms?
Please go to the Left Hand column to find these terms in alphabetical order. Remember the brown Top Right Hand button saying, "FAQ for D.R.S.Design Inc." will take you to the top of the page at any time.
How do I reach D.R.S. Design Inc.?
Please go to our Contact Page for full contact information. We are anxious to answer your questions. We will always have an answer, even if it is just, "I don't know." If we don't know we would like to work with you to find the answer.
(Use brown top-right button to return to Top of Page at any time)
