Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the first step in obtaining
a custom-designed website?
SweetGrass Design is pleased to offer
a free consultation to determine your requirements
and preferences. Afterwards, SGD will provide
you or your company with a quote. If both parties
are prepared to begin work on the website, a
small ‘good faith’ deposit is required.
2. How do I see if my preferred domain
name is available?
A good place to check availability is www.netnation.ca.
You will see a box in the top left corner where
you can type in the name you wish to reserve.
If the domain name is not available, other alternatives
appear below. For example, if www.ABCcompany.com
is taken, you will see other options (e.g.,
.ca, .net, .tv).
3. Should I register my domain name
before we start?
We suggest you do. If your name is unique, then
you might want to take it before someone else
does!
4. How do I register my domain name?
Once you are ready to register the domain name,
it can be done anywhere you choose. The cost
ranges from CAD$10 to $26 per year. Note: a
.ca name typically costs up to $26 per year
and requires a Canadian address. The webhost
companies listed below offer one year
of free domain registration (except
.ca) as part of their service.
5. Can SweetGrass Design help me find
a webhost company?
Yes. Although web hosting companies are competitive,
some are better than others. The company you
choose will have an impact on the size of
your website (i.e., the amount of text, photos
and animation you can load) and the number
of email address aliases you can create. As
well, web hosting companies vary in terms
of the features they offer such as daily news
content, search engine submission, and services
such as search engine statistics. Monthly
hosting prices range from $11 to $22. If you
anticipate that your website will have more
than 400 webpages or a very large shopping
cart with many images, you may need to pay
more for web hosting. Clients
in Vancouver and Victoria, visit the LocalSites
Web Directory to find a web host company
in your area.
Below are two companies that SGD recommends.
Their prices are extremely competitive.
6. What is the design process?
Step 1: Free 1-hour consultation
Step 2: Quote based on the client's requirements
Step 3: Creation of a clear contract specific
to the project (navigation, features, colours,
etc.)
Step 4: Client makes a 'good faith' deposit
(typically $200 to $250 depending on the project
price)
Step 5: SGD creates three static mock-ups based
on client preferences
Step 6: The client provides feedback and requests
revisions (or tweaks) to the mock-ups
Step 7: One mock-up is selected to be developed
into the actual website
Step 8: Second payment is required from the
client (approximately 30% of the contract)
Step 9: If there is any programming involved,
it begins at this point with a final, approved
website framework
Step 10: Testing of programming and website
functionality
Step 11: Website is finalized and the final
payment is required
Step 12: Client receives a CD or DVD of their
website along with instructions and all passwords
7. How do I pay for a website?
SweetGrass Design accepts cash and
cheques. If you prefer to use a credit card,
SGD can arrange payment through PayPal; however,
due to high PayPal fees, we must pass on part
of the cost (i.e. a service fee of 2.5%). In
2007, SGD is not required to charge GST. Prices
are quoted in Canadian dollars.
8. How will I maintain my website once
it’s done?
To properly maintain a website (i.e.
add new products, services, contests and content),
it is highly recommended that you employ the
services of a knowledgeable webmaster such as
SweetGrass Design. The first month of updates
(adding photos and/or text) is free. After that
you may choose to pay $32 per month for minor
updates (equal to updating a maximum of 10 photos
and five pages of text). If you require more
updates, SGD will will let you know prior to
beginning work. The hourly rate is $32.
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