If your questions aren’t answered here,CLICK HERE to contact me.
General FAQ
After our app is launched, who maintains it?
If the client organization has at least one developer/programmer staff member, then the project manager usually chooses that individual to maintain the website going forward, or at least serve as the single point of contact when sending me requests to make updates to the website. Smaller organizations usually do not have programmers on staff, and so they ask me to maintain the website. I can perform regular backups of files and databases, make requested improvements to the website, add new features, and update the CMS system and its modules. All of this work is billed at my regular rate. The website content is the responsibility of the client, but I can always help with any technical issues.
How often should we update the app?
Some organizations make the mistake of viewing their website as a one-time project, rather than an ongoing one. Consequently, they let their websites fall into disrepair. To keep a website up to date and consistently effective, it should be updated with fresh content as often as possible.
What statistics are available for our app downloads?
Google analytics amongst other but consists of or includes:
the number of unique visitors and visits, pages viewed, hits, and bandwidth usage
that information for the current month versus earlier months in the year
that information for every day of the month
that information grouped by day of the week and hours in the day
that information grouped by country
IP addresses of top visitors
search engine bots/spiders
visitors' time spent on the website, grouped into first 30 seconds, first two minutes, etc.
file types seen by visitors
site pages most frequently visited
visitors' operating systems and browsers
traffic from search engines and inbound links — this information is quite useful for organic marketing
key phrases and keywords used by visitors to find your website using search engines — also quite valuable
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Will you be able to update the app code, settings, and capabilities?
Yes. After your website is launched, I can make enhancements to it, as requested, even years later. Those modifications will be billed at my current rate. I can make ongoing updates to your websites, to match your changing business needs. That allows you to focus on your business, while I maintain the value of the website.
Is it worthwhile improving our existing app?
Considering that your company's website is the face that it presents to the world, anything that would make it better would be well worth the time and effort. Secondly, some improvements in one's business are only temporary, while improvements to a website tend to be long-lasting, and they build upon one another. Many of my clients have been not only happy with the changes made to their legacy websites, but even more delighted when they learn that they can expand their existing websites to build an online community, take orders online, etc. Most if not all of these opportunities became known only after the clients began thinking of ways to improve their websites, and asking me what is possible.
Where can we find royalty-free stock images?
We may need to find stock photos for your app, e.g., as the background image for the banner area at the top of every page. Fortunately, there are many websites that offer stock photos for free or low-cost, and without any royalty restrictions:
Links
• Bigstock
• deviantART
• Dreamstime
• everystockphoto
• Flickr (use their Advanced Search, and enable “Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content”)
• Freepixels
• FreeFoto.com
• Freerange Stock
• FreeStockPhotos
• Getty Images
• ImageBase
• iStockphoto
• Kave Wall
• Liam’s Pictures from Old Books
• Lorem Pixel
• morgueFile
• Photogen
• Pixabay
• Public-Domain-Photos.com
• Shutterstock
• StockVault.net
• Stock.XCHNG
• Turbo Photo
• deviantART
• Dreamstime
• everystockphoto
• Flickr (use their Advanced Search, and enable “Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content”)
• Freepixels
• FreeFoto.com
• Freerange Stock
• FreeStockPhotos
• Getty Images
• ImageBase
• iStockphoto
• Kave Wall
• Liam’s Pictures from Old Books
• Lorem Pixel
• morgueFile
• Photogen
• Pixabay
• Public-Domain-Photos.com
• Shutterstock
• StockVault.net
• Stock.XCHNG
• Turbo Photo
How can we in app payments from customers?
Most online businesses start with PayPal Website Payments Standard, because it is simple and cost effective for startups. When your customers check out, they are sent to the PayPal servers to make their payments securely. So you can accept major credit cards online, without having to pay for:
the PayPal Pro monthly fee
an SSL certificate for your website's server
PCI compliance
After you sign up for PayPal Standard, send me the e-mail address for the account, because I will need that for setting up your website to accept payments.
Can we receive notifications that a customer has made a purchase in or of our app?
Yes. I can integrate any of the major payment systems with your online store so that you will be automatically notified when someone makes a purchase. That notification can take the form of an email message to you, or an update to your website's database.
How do we protect customers' sensitive information online?
In order to allow customers to connect to your server using a secure connection (indicated by the yellow padlock in their browser), you will need an SSL certificate purchased and installed in your Web hosting account. Here are the specific steps to follow:
1. Login to your SiteGround hosting account. 2. Click “Order Extras”. 3. Click “Private SSL Registration…”. 4. Under “Rapid SSL”, click the orange “ORDER” button. 5. Choose your domain name. 6. If given the choice of registering your domain with or without the ‘www’ prefix, choose the former. 7. Fill in the requested information, including your email address. 8. Click the orange “SUBMIT” button.
What is your privacy policy for proprietary data?
All client information is kept strictly confidential. I respect your privacy, and will never sell or distribute your organization's sensitive data, such as contact information, ideas for new businesses, etc. If an organization requires that I sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), and I have no problem doing that. If you think that is necessary, you could mail such a form to me, with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and I would be happy to sign it and send it back to you.
How much does it cost to make a new app?
The time that it takes to develop a new website — and thus the cost to do so — depends upon the complexity of the website, including:
what features the website has (i.e. all the functionality it provides to visitors)
the number of pages
he amount of text and images
the size of the navigation menu
any multimedia elements
any e-commerce capabilities (such as online products and a shopping cart)
the ambiguity of the project, and thus the amount of time required to clarify exactly what is desired
What rate do you charge for your work?
My billing rate depends upon the type of work, its urgency, and other factors. Contact me for more information. Developers with my skill set charge anywhere from $20-40 per hour(Of course their are exceptions)
Unlike most consultants, I do not round up to the nearest hour. Instead, I round down to the nearest half hour. This saves the client money, especially for many small tasks requested separately.
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I bill my clients at the end of every month. Invoices are due and payable upon receipt. Tardy clients can become ex-clients.
If you have a critical project that you would like me to begin immediately, or you anticipate such a project in the near future, then you are encouraged to prepay for a block of time, which will guarantee that your project will be the highest on my priority list.
I am compensated purely for my time spent developing a website and computer code, and not for any products. Thus I am liable only for my productivity during the time billed, and your solicitation of my services indicates your acknowledgement of such. You will find that I am dedicated to the highest in quality service, professional results, full confidentiality, and client satisfaction.
What is your policy on estimates?
If it takes less time to complete the work than I had estimated, then I charge for the lower amount (I always carefully track my time on tasks throughout the day). If it takes more time simply because I underestimated, then I only charge for the estimate, as a courtesy to my client. Naturally, if I go over budget as a result of the client changing the specifications or technical problems with a third-party service, then I would charge the actual hours. Any estimates are not to be construed as absolute commitments or fixed-price quotations. All work is billable on a time-and-materials basis. If a project is ever taking longer than expected, I keep the client updated on the hurdles that we are facing, how much more work needs to be done, and what our options are.
Instead of paying you, can we offer a share of profits?
No, my policy is to charge a fee for my services, due when the work is complete. I do not undertake any speculative work. Working for free dilutes the value of freelance work for everyone involved. You can read why spec work hurts both of us.
Will we be able to modify the app content ourselves??
Yes. I can set up your new app so that you can make updates to the text, images, videos, and other content within pages easily, anytime you like, without needing to request or pay for technical expertise. This significantly reduces the risks that your website will become obsolete in the future (which often happens when business owners try to save money by going with the lowest bidder, which typically delivers a website difficult or impossible to keep up-to-date).
How are you able to complete projects quickly?
I am able to work at a very rapid pace and finish the work faster than most developers, while maintaining quality, for several reasons:
Years of experience have taught me what tools to use to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
The code I write is reliable, clean, and well structured — which makes it much easier to modify if needed.
The websites I build use CSS for layout, which makes styling easier.
I'm not interrupted by telephone calls, television, and other distractions.
What programming languages do you know?
I'm proficient in Swift, Objective-C, C++, HTML, Javascript, CSS, and PHP.
Can you make video games?
Yes, I've created multiple video games independently. These range from text-based games to 2D, 2D/3D, and 3D games on both mobile and PC platforms.
What’s your strongest languages?
My strongest languages are Swift/Objective-C and C++.
What IOS programming technologies are you familiar with?
Mobile Languages
Swift, Objective-C
Software
Xcode
Desktop/Web software languages:
HTML, Javascript, PHP C++, C
What technologies do you typically use for building apps?
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Collaborating on Projects
How are you able to complete projects quickly?
I am able to work at a very rapid pace and finish the work faster than most developers, while maintaining quality, for several reasons:
Years of experience have taught me what tools to use to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
The code I write is reliable, clean, and well structured — which makes it much easier to modify if needed.
The websites I build use CSS for layout, which makes styling easier.
I'm not interrupted by telephone calls, television, and other distractions.
In summary, how do you work with clients?
This FAQ section has more detailed information, but my overall approach is:
As soon as I have a complete description, in writing, of what you want in your app, I can build it.
My preferred form of communication is email or google hangouts.
I charge by the half-hour, and always round down.
For any sizable project, prior to my getting started, I need a deposit of 25 percent of the minimum estimated cost of the project. Once a client has made a few payments, no further deposits are needed.
Can you create a mockup before we have you build a website?
Yes, but not unpaid
To begin creating our new qpp, what do you need?
To develop a new website for you, I need to know exactly what you want it to be able to do. That information forms the project specification (often referred to as the “project specs” or “design brief”). Please send me the following in an email message:
A list of all the desired features (unless you already sent me a complete list).
The text for the website — or at least everything needed for the homepage — or indication that you want me to use the text on your existing website, if any.
For all the administrative users who will need to login to the website and make changes: each person's name, email address, and a chosen username. I could set the usernames if you have a preferred format. I will set the initial passwords, which can always be changed later.
If you already have a Web host, then I need the access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). If you do not already have Web hosting, or you want a better provider I will get you one.
If you already have a Web host, then I need the access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). If you do not already have Web hosting, or you want a better provider I will get you one.
To work on our existing qpp, what information do you need?
Your website address.
Your company's exact name and address (if it is not on your website).
Your Web hosting company's name and website address.
The access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). This information likely was sent to you by your Web hosting company when you signed up with them. I need this information so I can download any existing multimedia files, and then later make changes to your website.
The access information for the account administration tool and any databases.
The details of your shopping cart (website address, username, and password), if applicable.
Who will own our app's content and code?
You will. I build most new websites using WordPress, which is a content management system that almost anyone can use— both the core code and any contributed modules. This means that I don't own any of the code, and it is licensed to be freely used by you. Non-Wordpress third-party applications, which are typically used for the websites I build, are owned by their respective creators, and usually offer a license for use by anyone, without charge. You will own the text, images, and other content that you create, including anything edited by me. Copyright and ownership of the complete website are transferred to you, the client, only when full payment for the project is received.
I reserve the right to use a screenshot and description of the website in marketing materials, which at this time is only the portfolio section on my website.
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Can you do an analysis of our competitors?
Yes. If you send me the app or website addresses for all of your leading competitors, then I can research what they are doing right and wrong, and suggest ways that you can leverage this knowledge.
Why is digital communication the optimal way to discuss our project?
All discussions are saved online, providing a valuable record of our conversation.
Digital messages can be easily searched and referenced in the future, ensuring we don't solely rely on our memory of conversations.
We can take our time to precisely describe queries and responses. This clarity reduces potential misunderstandings and ensures your requirements are accurately captured.
Digital communication encourages specificity, which helps to avoid vagueness and saves valuable time.
Every team member has the information they need for their tasks, reducing chances of miscommunication.
Files, codes, and website addresses can be easily shared via digital channels.
Digital communication allows us to send and receive messages at our convenience, without interruption to ongoing tasks.
Digital communication is fast and reliable, and an effective means of providing written instructions for the project.
Why are collaborative development tools essential in our project?
Tools such as GitHub, Bitbucket, or GitLab allow us to collaborate on code in real time, making project management more efficient.
Project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana help in organizing tasks, tracking progress, and facilitating collaboration among team members.
Shared document platforms like Google Docs or Confluence are used for creating, sharing, and collaborating on documents in real time.
Communication platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration among team members.
Code reviews are crucial in collaborative projects, as they can help catch bugs, ensure code quality, and promote a shared understanding of the codebase.
What are other important aspects of collaboration in software development projects?
Do we need to sign up for any software or platforms during our collaboration?
If necessary, I can assist in signing up for any required software or platforms. However, I would need all the pertinent details, including any necessary payment information. Rest assured, this data is handled with the utmost confidentiality. Alternatively, you could handle the sign-up process yourselves and then provide me with the access credentials I need to effectively work on your project.
Is there a way to collaborate without sharing sensitive password information?
Absolutely. If you're uncomfortable sharing passwords, you could temporarily set them to a provisional value during the time I require access. Once I've completed the necessary tasks, you can reset the passwords to their original values, maintaining your security and privacy.
How do you ensure the security of our data during the project?
Data security is paramount in software development. I utilize secure storage solutions for any data related to the project. All sensitive data is encrypted, and I adhere strictly to industry best practices for data security. Also, I only retain your data for the duration of the project and delete it once it is no longer necessary, unless otherwise agreed upon.
What is your policy on confidentiality?
I maintain strict confidentiality concerning all aspects of our collaboration. I will not share or disclose any information about your project without your explicit consent. This includes, but is not limited to, the project details, your business strategies, any associated data, and the software or tools used.
How do you handle software vulnerabilities?
Software security is a critical component of my work. I follow secure coding practices and perform regular vulnerability scans and code reviews to ensure the software I develop is as secure as possible. If a vulnerability is discovered, I prioritize its resolution to minimize any potential risk.
Project Time and Cost
Can we collaborate even with a limited budget?
Yes, collaboration is possible even with a limited budget. However, having a rough idea of your budget would help in discussing a project that aligns with your financial reach.
What are the payment methods you accept?
Payments can be made via bank check, wire transfer, CashApp, Chime, Zelle, or Western Union. These methods are secure and efficient, but processing times and fees may vary.
Why do you prefer time-based charges over fixed bids?
Time-based charges allow for more flexibility and adaptability to changes in project requirements. They accommodate for enhancements and adjustments that may arise during the development process.
How can we ensure we are getting value for our money?
Professional developers are committed to providing quality work for the hours billed. They stand out from unscrupulous developers through their long-term commitment to professionalism.
Can we monitor your work?
As a contractor, I'm not required to allow direct surveillance of my work. However, I'm committed to ensuring your satisfaction with the services received.
Do you work under contract?
I always create a contract for all my projects. This protects your interests and mine during the course of the project.
Can we consult with you on technical matters before hiring?
Unfortunately, extensive unpaid technical consultations can't be accommodated due to previous instances of such engagements not leading to actual work.
Why should we choose you over an agency?
Hiring a freelancer can offer more immediate, personalized attention, flexibility, innovation, and loyalty to your business. You also save on costs associated with commercial leases, office supplies, employee benefits, and other corporate overheads.
Why should we choose you over an offshore programmer?
Why should we choose you over an offshore programmer?
While offshore or low-cost programmers may seem like a financially appealing choice, they could result in a subpar end product that does not meet your business needs, leading to time and money loss.
Software Creation Process
What are the phases for developing an qpp?
Planning: I discuss with the client what he/she is looking for in a new website. The client chooses a domain name (if one is not already registered), and opens a web hosting account. The client tells me the project specification, and we clarify any remaining questions and options.
Development: I build the website. This includes creating any needed content types, user roles, and test users.
Feedback: The client confirms that the website incorporates all of the requested functionality, or identifies any discrepancies, which I then fix. The website is then complete.
Launch: I transfer permission, ownership, or website backup to client after final payment.
Promotion: To increase the new website's publicity, the client may at this point use a variety of online marketing techniques. This may include hiring me to write and distribute an online press release, announcing that the new website is open for business. At the very least, a link should be published on a known web page, so search engines can find a new website and index it.
Why is it best to develop a app in phases?
Plan – Discover & Define
During this phase, we collaborate to grasp your objectives, requirements, and target users. We collect relevant data, define the project scope, and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a successful software creation process.
Design – Create Visuals
Our team produces wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, with a focus on user experience and user interface design. We guarantee that the software aligns with your vision and complies with platform guidelines.
Build – Develop & Construct
In the build phase, we craft the code and construct the essential components for the software, including frontend and backend elements, databases, and APIs. We employ specified programming languages, frameworks, and tools to ensure a functional and efficient software solution.
Beta – Test & Train
During the beta phase, the software undergoes thorough testing to detect and resolve any bugs, performance issues, or inconsistencies. We engage beta testers to collect feedback and make enhancements before releasing the software.
Launch – Optimize & Go Live
After rigorous testing and refinement, the software is submitted for review and approval. Upon approval, the software goes live and becomes accessible to users. We also support marketing initiatives to promote the software and attract users.
Support – Monitor, Evaluate & Refine
Following the software’s release, we offer continuous support and maintenance. We track the software’s performance, collect user feedback, and address any emerging issues. We also update the software for compatibility with new system versions, fix bugs, and introduce new features as needed.
Marketing Online
How can we use social media to promote our business online?
By creating business accounts on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, you can engage with your audience directly. Share updates about your services, respond to queries, and gather feedback. You can also feature these social media links on your website for easy access.
What is content marketing and how can it benefit us?
Content marketing involves creating and sharing relevant, valuable content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience, ultimately driving profitable customer action. It can help improve your brand's visibility, establish trust with your audience, and boost your website's SEO performance.
How can SEO help us increase our online visibility?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) enhances your website's visibility on search engines like Google. By implementing SEO strategies such as keyword optimization, high-quality content, and a mobile-friendly website design, you can attract more organic traffic and improve your website's ranking.
What is email marketing and how can it benefit us?
Email marketing involves sending emails to potential or current customers. It's a highly effective digital marketing strategy for sending updates, promoting products or services, and maintaining relationships with customers. It can improve customer engagement, boost sales, and increase brand loyalty.
Can you help us with social media advertising?
Yes, I can assist with setting up and managing social media advertising campaigns. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter offer targeted ad options that can help reach your desired audience and boost your business visibility online.
How can analytics help improve our digital marketing strategies?
Analytics tools like Google Analytics provide insights on your website's traffic, user behavior, and marketing effectiveness. These data can guide your digital marketing strategies, helping you understand which tactics work, where your audience is coming from, and how you can optimize for better results.
What service do you recommend for marketing email?
MailChimp is considered by many online marketers to be the best option for eblasts and newsletters.
Consulting
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Travel
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Specialization
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IOS Development&nbFAQ
Can you build IOS apps in Swift, SwiftUI or Objective-C?
Yes, I can develop iOS applications using both Swift, SwiftUI, and Objective-C.
How much will it cost to make the app?
The cost to develop an application can vary greatly depending on the complexity, features, and overall design. It's best to discuss these details in order for me to provide an accurate estimate and quote.
App Maintenance
Web Development FAQ
What Web and application programming technologies are you familiar with?
Web Languages
PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Software
WordPress
Database systems and tools
MYSQL
Desktop/Mobile software languages:
Swift, Objective-C, C++, C
Service title
Paypal
What Web technologies do you typically use for building websites?
Service title
Service title
Service title
Service title
In summary, how do you work with clients?
This FAQ section has more detailed information, but my overall approach is:
As soon as I have a complete description, in writing, of what you want in your website, I can build it.
My preferred form of communication is email or google hangouts.
I charge by the half-hour, and always round down.
For any sizable project, prior to my getting started, I need a deposit of 50 percent of the minimum estimated cost of the project. Once a client has made a few payments, no further deposits are needed.
Can you create a mockup before we have you build a website?
Yes, but not unpaid
To begin creating our new website, what do you need?
To develop a new website for you, I need to know exactly what you want it to be able to do. That information forms the project specification (often referred to as the “project specs” or “design brief”). Please send me the following in an email message:
A list of all the desired features (unless you already sent me a complete list).
The text for the website — or at least everything needed for the homepage — or indication that you want me to use the text on your existing website, if any.
For all the administrative users who will need to login to the website and make changes: each person's name, email address, and a chosen username. I could set the usernames if you have a preferred format. I will set the initial passwords, which can always be changed later.
If you already have a Web host, then I need the access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). If you do not already have Web hosting, or you want a better provider I will get you one.
If you already have a Web host, then I need the access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). If you do not already have Web hosting, or you want a better provider I will get you one.
What are the phases for developing a website?
Planning: I discuss with the client what he/she is looking for in a new website. The client chooses a domain name (if one is not already registered), and opens a web hosting account. The client tells me the project specification, and we clarify any remaining questions and options.
Development: I build the website. This includes creating any needed content types, user roles, and test users.
Feedback: The client confirms that the website incorporates all of the requested functionality, or identifies any discrepancies, which I then fix. The website is then complete.
Launch: I transfer permission, ownership, or website backup to client after final payment.
Promotion: To increase the new website's publicity, the client may at this point use a variety of online marketing techniques. This may include hiring me to write and distribute an online press release, announcing that the new website is open for business. At the very least, a link should be published on a known web page, so search engines can find a new website and index it.
Why is it best to develop a website in phases??
Years of experience have shown that large projects are best created in phases
The success of each phase allows both parties to verify that the project is on track, and to know what is the next step.
At each stage, both parties have tangible proof of commitment, in the form of completed work and cleared payments.
Cash flow is improved, by spreading out payments over the entire project, which helps accounting and budgeting. Prompt payment of invoices is especially critical for small businesses such as mine. If I do not receive a milestone payment, then I stop working on the project.
After each phase, both parties have a chance to provide timely feedback, thus minimizing risks and maximizing both parties' engagement in the process.
Each phase can be started when I have received payment for the prior phase and the client has decided on all of the work that she would like done in that subsequent phase.
Overall website delivery is faster, because some parts of it can be launched while others are in development, thereby preventing a single part from stalling the remaining parts.
There are more marketing opportunities, because each new feature can be publicized when it is launched, thereby motivating the public to visit the website again to try out the feature.
To work on our existing website, what information do you need?
Your website address.
Your company's exact name and address (if it is not on your website).
Your Web hosting company's name and website address.
The access information (username and password) for the Web host (FTP) and for the database admin (typically cPanel). This information likely was sent to you by your Web hosting company when you signed up with them. I need this information so I can download any existing multimedia files, and then later make changes to your website.
The access information for the account administration tool and any databases.
The details of your shopping cart (website address, username, and password), if applicable.
Who will own our website's content and code?
You will. I build most new websites using WordPress, which is a content management system that almost anyone can use— both the core code and any contributed modules. This means that I don't own any of the code, and it is licensed to be freely used by you. Non-Wordpress third-party applications, which are typically used for the websites I build, are owned by their respective creators, and usually offer a license for use by anyone, without charge. You will own the text, images, and other content that you create, including anything edited by me. Copyright and ownership of the complete website are transferred to you, the client, only when full payment for the project is received.
I reserve the right to use a screenshot and description of the website in marketing materials, which at this time is only the portfolio section on my website.
How do we get a domain name and Web hosting??
I recommend that all my clients choose reliable Web hosting and domain name registration services, which can save a lot of time and trouble. If a client insists upon using a problematic hosting service (such as Go Daddy or Network Solutions), then it will cost extra because it will take more time to set up and maintain the website. If a client-chosen hosting service is causing us many problems, then the client must open an account with a service I recommend.
Can you do an analysis of our competitors?
Yes. If you send me the website addresses for all of your leading competitors, then I can research what they are doing right and wrong on the Web, and suggest ways that you can leverage this knowledge.
Should we have any flashing text or images??
No, because rapidly flashing (or scrolling) text or images usually look awful, are considered by Web designers to be quite outdated and amateurish, and are annoying to most Internet users, especially if they cannot turn off the effects. The only tasteful movement on a Web page is an optional slideshow, which rotates through non-advertising images at a slow pace, or an embedded video that does not start automatically but instead is controlled by the website visitor.
What about website visitors using old browsers??
The finished website will have full functionality and styling in the latest stable versions of all the major Web browsers. The website will most likely work fine in each browser's previous major release, but may not look identical (*pixel perfect*). There is no guarantee as to how well the website will work in even older versions of browsers, which tend to be obsolete — especially Internet Explorer 5, 6, and 7.
Is it worthwhile improving our existing website??
Considering that your company's website is the face that it presents to the world, anything that would make it better would be well worth the time and effort. Secondly, some improvements in one's business are only temporary, while improvements to a website tend to be long-lasting, and they build upon one another. Many of my clients have been not only happy with the changes made to their legacy websites, but even more delighted when they learn that they can expand their existing websites to build an online community, take orders online, etc. Most if not all of these opportunities became known only after the clients began thinking of ways to improve their websites, and asking me what is possible.
Is it worthwhile having a single-page website??
Yes. Even if you only have enough text and pictures for one web page, a single-page website — often referred to as a “brochure website” or “nameplate website” — is far better than nothing at all. It serves much like an enlarged business card that you can hand out to potential customers all over the world, again and again. Such a website has at least two advantages over larger ones:
There is no need for any navigation controls.
It is possible to gather visitor information (to put it in simple terms) more easily.
Where can we find royalty-free stock images??
We may need to find stock photos for your website, e.g., as the background image for the banner area at the top of every page. Fortunately, there are many websites that offer stock photos for free or low-cost, and without any royalty restrictions:
Links
• Bigstock
• deviantART
• Dreamstime
• everystockphoto
• Flickr (use their Advanced Search, and enable “Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content”)
• Freepixels
• FreeFoto.com
• Freerange Stock
• FreeStockPhotos
• Getty Images
• ImageBase
• iStockphoto
• Kave Wall
• Liam’s Pictures from Old Books
• Lorem Pixel
• morgueFile
• Photogen
• Pixabay
• Public-Domain-Photos.com
• Shutterstock
• StockVault.net
• Stock.XCHNG
• Turbo Photo
• deviantART
• Dreamstime
• everystockphoto
• Flickr (use their Advanced Search, and enable “Only search within Creative Commons-licensed content”)
• Freepixels
• FreeFoto.com
• Freerange Stock
• FreeStockPhotos
• Getty Images
• ImageBase
• iStockphoto
• Kave Wall
• Liam’s Pictures from Old Books
• Lorem Pixel
• morgueFile
• Photogen
• Pixabay
• Public-Domain-Photos.com
• Shutterstock
• StockVault.net
• Stock.XCHNG
• Turbo Photo
Should we add animated images or Flash to our website?
Experienced designers and developers recommend against this. Animated logos and other images can make your website look cheesy. The use of Adobe Flash — especially for navigation — can make your website inaccessible to people with disabilities. Putting your website's text in images makes it invisible to search engines.
But what if we still want Flash?
I can add Flash movies to your website, but I do not know how to create the movies. Typically, a dedicated Flash specialist is the best choice. But if you simply want to rotate through a set number of images — optionally using effects for transitioning from one image to the next — that can be done without Flash, using techniques that I know.
After our website is launched, who maintains it?
If the client organization has at least one technical staff member, then the project manager usually chooses that individual to maintain the website going forward, or at least serve as the single point of contact when sending me requests to make updates to the website. Smaller organizations usually do not have programmers on staff, and so they ask me to maintain the website. I can perform regular backups of files and databases, make requested improvements to the website, add new features, and update the CMS system and its modules. All of this work is billed at my regular rate. The website content is the responsibility of the client, but I can always help with any technical issues.
How often should we update the website?
Some organizations make the mistake of viewing their website as a one-time project, rather than an ongoing one. Consequently, they let their websites fall into disrepair. To keep a website up to date and consistently effective, it should be updated with fresh content as often as possible.
What statistics are available for traffic to our website?
Google analytics amongst other but consists of or includes:
the number of unique visitors and visits, pages viewed, hits, and bandwidth usage
that information for the current month versus earlier months in the year
that information for every day of the month
that information grouped by day of the week and hours in the day
that information grouped by country
IP addresses of top visitors
search engine bots/spiders
visitors' time spent on the website, grouped into first 30 seconds, first two minutes, etc.
file types seen by visitors
site pages most frequently visited
visitors' operating systems and browsers
traffic from search engines and inbound links — this information is quite useful for organic marketing
key phrases and keywords used by visitors to find your website using search engines — also quite valuable
Service title
What is my IP address?
Every computer on the Internet is identified by a unique IP address, a group of four numbers separated by periods. Your IP address can be found at whatismyipaddress.com
Someone is trying to register a domain name similar to ours.?
Service title
E-commerce
Why would an individual want an online store?
Whether you are a parent looking for a way to spend more time with your family, an entrepreneur wanting to create another revenue stream, a corporate employee ready to take control of your own future, or a retiree trying to supplement your income, selling goods or services online could help you to achieve more work/life balance, financial freedom, and peace of mind. Of course, there are no guarantees that an online business would make money. But you can be certain that you won't make that money if you don't try.
How can we accept payments from customers?
Most online businesses start with PayPal Website Payments Standard, because it is simple and cost effective for startups. When your customers check out, they are sent to the PayPal servers to make their payments securely. So you can accept major credit cards online, without having to pay for:
the PayPal Pro monthly fee
an SSL certificate for your website's server
PCI compliance
After you sign up for PayPal Standard, send me the e-mail address for the account, because I will need that for setting up your website to accept payments.
If we want to sell products on our website, what information should we collect?
For each product to be listed in your shopping cart, you will need the:
Product name
Description
Price
Image, if applicable
Product options, if any product code that you use for tracking that product
supplier's catalog number, if any, so we can reference the product from the supplier
It is best to gather all of this information in a spreadsheet, with a column for each of the items above. Also get at least one image for each product, preferably in PNG format, of the highest quality possible.
Can we receive instant notification that a customer has paid online?
Yes. I can integrate any of the major payment systems with your online store so that you will be automatically notified when someone makes a purchase. That notification can take the form of an email message to you, or an update to your website's database.
Can our online store accept credit card orders securely?
Yes. We should have some options:
Purchase buttons that send the visitor to a secure third-party payment server.
A shopping cart system built into your website, with secure payment on your website (this requires an SSL certificate) or on a third-party server.
How do we protect customers' sensitive information online?
In order to allow customers to connect to your server using a secure connection (indicated by the yellow padlock in their browser), you will need an SSL certificate purchased and installed in your Web hosting account. Here are the specific steps to follow:
1. Login to your SiteGround hosting account.
2. Click “Order Extras”.
3. Click “Private SSL Registration…”.
4. Under “Rapid SSL”, click the orange “ORDER” button.
5. Choose your domain name.
6. If given the choice of registering your domain with or without the ‘www’ prefix, choose the former.
7. Fill in the requested information, including your email address.
8. Click the orange “SUBMIT” button.
2. Click “Order Extras”.
3. Click “Private SSL Registration…”.
4. Under “Rapid SSL”, click the orange “ORDER” button.
5. Choose your domain name.
6. If given the choice of registering your domain with or without the ‘www’ prefix, choose the former.
7. Fill in the requested information, including your email address.
8. Click the orange “SUBMIT” button.
Please let me know when the order has been completed.