WEBSITE DESIGN - SOME F.A.Q.'s
 

Q. What does it cost?

A. Your web page design is a one-off cost and will be the most expensive initial cost of going online.  However, once complete you will have no further costs associated with your website unless you wish to update, add, modify or change the layout of content of the site.

Every website is unique, therefore it is difficult to provide a definitive quotation and will require more information.  As a broad and general guide, a static 5 page website will cost $550 for the design phase. 

The second area you will need to satisfy is to have somewhere to upload or publish your web site to.  This will require you having an agreement with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to host your website.  This means that your website files are uploaded to your ISP.  Your ISP will generally charge a fee for this service which can vary upon the type of service and the features offered by the ISP which can further enhance your website.  An estimate of current hosting costs are in the range of $20 - $40 per month.

The final requirement is a domain name, although not essential.  Most ISP's provide their normal Internet customers an allocation of website space with the account.  The problem with this is that the name given is not unique to you and is not a registered Domain name.  If you are a business, then it is advisable to register you own domain name, however, for the individual or club, the first option may be a more cost effective option.


Q. What is a Domain Name?

A. There are numerous types of Domain Names now on the market.  Some have certain characteristics which lend themselves to particular types of businesses and organisation and they generally differ in price.

The most common type of Domain Name is the .com.  However there are numerous other available such as .biz, .net, org.  We suggest you talk to your ISP about what best suits your purpose and for up to the minute pricing.

Alternatively, this information can be found easily on the Internet and the following link is suggested.  We can also off this advice should you choose.


Q. What happens once I have obtained a Domain Name?

A. Once you have obtained your Domain Name it is yours to keep, provided you maintain and renew the registration when due (usually annually or bi-annually).  A Domain Name registration may cost you between $50 and $200, depending on the type of domain sought and who you obtain the name from.


Q. How can I register my Domain Name myself?

A. Simply go to a recognized Domain Name Reseller such as Melbourne IT and follows the online guide.  You first need to check to see if the name you desire is available.  If available, you can then register the name.  Our business is also able to register your domain name on your behalf if you desire.
 


Q. What is web hosting?

A. Web Hosting is the name given to the service of having your designed website available to the world.  This service is generally provided by most ISP's and other dedicated web-hosting businesses.  The service fee for web hosting differs and the type of features offered by the web hosting company can also differ.  Some of these additional features may add benefits to your website visitors, however, some may not.  You need to know what you wish to achieve with your website.  For example - Do you need to run a database?  Do you need FrontPage server extensions? Do you need the ability to run CGI scripts?  Do you need website statistics?  Do you need multiple email accounts?

These are among a number of features which you web-hosting company may or may not provide as part of your web hosting package.
 


Q. How much will web-hosting cost?

A. As a rough guide, web-hosting may cost in the range of $25 upwards a month, depending on the features of the package as described above.

Don't forget though, that if you do not NEED a dedicated domain name, you may be able to utilize your free domain webspace as part of your existing Internet account.
 


Q. What about Making Changes to my website?
A. If a website is not maintained or the content or look changed periodically, then you could lose returning visitors.  We provide ongoing maintenance for your site at a rate of $45 per hour.  For very minor or simple changes, no fee is incurred, however, should major changes be required then give us a call for a quote. 
 

For further questions or help, please email sml@s-m-l.com.au