Website Development FAQ - Giles Technology Group Website

Web Site Design

Q. Do I need to hire a professional Web designer?

You most likely know a friend or relative that "knows something about computers" or "knows HTML", who could design a Web site. So why hire a professional? Here are some reasons why:

The Relationship: If you hire your niece or your best friends son to design a site for your business, and then later decide that you need to update it, you may find it hard to hire an outside source, in fear of hurting their feelings.

Hiring the kid next door: You may find a high school or college student who has taken an HTML course and who could design a Web site. However, what happens when they move on to college or begin their working career?

Time: None of us have enough time now, so why take time away from your business and personal life to learn how to design and market a Web site? If you think you have the time, here is a partial list of what you will need to know:

Learn how to use prepackaged HTML software. (Cold Fusion, FrontPage, Dream Weaver, etc.)
Learn how to write and understand HTML - even if you are using one of the programs above, you still need to understand HTML
Learn a graphic design program that allows you to:
- Scan graphics
- Create custom graphics
- Create custom animations
- Optimize graphics
Understand Web design rules - fast downloading pages, being both user and search engine friendly
Secure and maintaining a domain name
Secure a Web server
Understand what a Web server is
How to upload your pages to a Web server
Have access to different Internet connections to test for download speed
Have several different browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Web TV, Opera, AOL) to test your pages in. (Not all browsers view pages the same way)
Learn how to make sound, animation, and other features work in all browsers
Learn what search engines are important to be listed on and how to get them to list your site. (This requires a minimum of submitting your Web page every six weeks)

Money: You many think you will save money by designing your own site, but will you really? You will need to purchase the necessary programs and books, this along will cost you $300 or more. Now figure out how much your time is worth. Multiply that amount with the number of hours it will take you to learn what you need to know, and then to design your site. Now figure you spent the same number of hours running your business, how much business did you generate? Which number is higher?

Experience: A Web site designer comes with months, if not years of design experience. You will have the benefit of their many hours of designing and marketing sites. They have already learned what works and what doesn't. They should also be able to help you organize your thoughts, and make suggestions as to what should and should not be included on your site.

Q. What can I put on a Web site?

Think of the Internet as your advertising dream come true. How often have you wished to get more information to the public only to find that the cost jump was so great that you could not afford it? Well, now you can! You can put your company's catalog on the Web in full color including pictures, descriptions, and prices, and offer online ordering. Or perhaps you are a manufacturing plant and you would like to show off your new facility. A response form or a questionnaire on your site will help generate a mailing. The options are endless with the use of color photographs, animated graphics, sounds, what ever your imagination come up with.

Q. How much of my time is required to put together a Web site?

The amount of time your spend putting together your Web site is up to you. You will need to provide Giles Tech Group with all the necessary information, but not necessarily properly written. Most companies will give us an idea of what they want the pages to be, what colors they prefer, and how to arrange the information. Giles Tech Group will then layout the pages, do the copy work, find the appropriate graphics and backgrounds. Once we have decided on a background and some graphics we ask that you look at it and say "yeah, I like it keep going", or "no, lets try again." We continue this process all throughout the design phase. Under normal circumstances the client will view the Web site three to four times before it is completed.

Q. What is my first step?

Your first step is to contact Giles Tech Group at bgiles@gilestechgroup.com. You can also complete our response form and we will contact you. We will then discuss your project and put together a proposal.

Q. Should I update my Web site?

YES! Web site changes encourage visitors to come back. If you say you are going to update and don't, or you have dated material that is outdated, visitors will tend not to return and will leave with a feeling a mistrust. Giles Tech Group recommends that you do update your site at least four times a year. If you are going to update you must commit to it... have a plan as to when you will update, let your visitors know when updates will happen, and have enough information on hand to use for updates.

Q. Who should write and edit my Web site?

As the Internet changes to become more focused on content and less on graphics, it is important to be sure the person creating or updating your site has the skills to write and edit effectively. Your Web site may be the first contact a client has with your company. You want to be sure they impression they get is a professional one.