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YOUR INTERNET WEBSITE: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS II
Q: I am having trouble getting my webmaster to update my site when needed. What can I do?
A: Unfortunately we hear this quite often. It seems once the initial website project is developed, neither you nor your website capture the same level of priority when it is time for updates and changes. Too many
website developers procrastinate with these requests and sometimes never get to them at all. Let's take a look at two options for you to consider:
One, consider how often you are making changes to your website and on which page or pages. If you are making changes every day, every week, every month it would be wise to consider having programming designed which
would allow you access to the "back side"-often referred to as the administrative side-of your website. You would use this to make changes to your website for that specific page or pages yourself,
therefore not relying on the website developer's schedule or motivation. Creating this is often done in two ways, either your website needs a custom application requiring custom programming or modules.
Programming is a time-consuming process and therefore can be costly. To decide if this is the most economical option, the cost of programming needs to be measured against several factors some of which include: the
value to your online customers of the information you are changing; how often this information changes; the return you do or potentially will receive from offering this information; and how much you pay your website
developer each time you need changes throughout the year.
Modules can be a great way of keeping your costs affordable and getting the kind of flexible access you need to these changing portions of your website. Let's use the excellent example of a Calendar of Events. Our
team of website developers and programmers has developed the code for a Calendar Module. Because it is a nearly ready-made piece, it is sold as an element for a very reasonable, one-time-cost to any client desiring
this feature in their website. The only custom programming that is done is integrating the module with your website making it less time consuming than a custom programming application and therefore less costly. Now
you have access to your calendar on your website 24/7 on any computer that has internet access around the world! This is just one example of a module option and how it can be used.
Two, seriously consider hiring a different website developer who understands that a website is a living, breathing, interactive and important part of your business and livelihood. The majority of websites are not
built and left alone. Due to the wonderful flexibility and technologies the internet involves, your website CAN change-much more easily and economically than changing any of your print, television or radio media
can. It is appropriate to find a website development team that will consider your needs now AND as your business evolves, evaluate these needs appropriately, give you options for empowering solutions that work for
both of you and continue to support you with marketing solutions that will potentially bring you business. After all, isn't that what you had a website built for in the first place?
Q: Sometimes when I surf the internet I get these obnoxious windows that pop up and then another, then another. How do I avoid these windows? How do I have my website pop up like that?
A: These remind me of the many pieces of paper that fall out of or are glued into a magazine when you first get them. Obviously these were designed to grab our attention and they have done just that even though our
reaction is an annoyed one. This is what I think is a great idea gone bad. I don't mind the pop-up windows when I "ask" for them, like when I click on a link and it brings me to another website or a
glossary of terms or some other feature like that. But when it's advertising "screaming" in my face it is annoying. The only way to avoid them is close the window.
As a feature in your own website, consider the application. This feature does have its place, like on a fun and vibrant website where the main subject matter may be available resources, games, entertainment, etc.,
enhancing the liveliness of the website. In most cases though, this feature is best used wisely, for instance when your website provides links to other websites. It is valuable and considerate to make your site
"sticky." I appreciate viewing someone's site and then linking somewhere else whereupon I find myself lost in a myriad of pages, then I can close the browser window and be right back where I started-so do
a lot of our clients.
Q: Why do some web designers charge a monthly maintenance fee and others do not?
A: This may depend upon what your monthly needs are such as text and product updates, monthly newsletters, high-volume list servicing, etc., and how much of it you will be doing yourself. If it is a determinable
amount of work, some website firms will assess this and create a monthly fee for it figuring that your demand will even out over a year's time. Monthly maintenance fees can also pay for the day-to-day task of
checking on your site to make sure it is up and running, addressing spontaneous technical issues immediately, any dedicated server-side maintenance, etc. Other firms prefer to invoice on an as need basis-when you
need the work, they do it, and then bill you for it.
Q: What is a URL?
A: Uniform Resource Locator. The address for a website.
Q: Why is it when I look at my site or some other sites on my computer at home it looks so different than when I look at it at work?
A: This usually has a lot to do with the display properties settings of the monitor on each computer you use which includes settings for color palette, desktop area and screen font size. Also what you see has
everything to do with the browser you are using-the application that enables you to access World Wide Web pages. The settings in your browser are very important to how and what you view on the internet. Internet
Explorer has become the most versatile browser available and it's free. Here's one product, it seems, Microsoft keeps on their toes about and allows you to see the best of what most website developers strive to
create.
Do you have questions about web site design, development and production? You can call Zee at 702-795-7300 or email them. Zee Marie is a partner of Zee Designs established in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1988. Zee Designs
specializes in project design, development and production for websites and print and offers a team of top-talented professionals, including Dan Harrison, under one virtual roof.
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