There are many basic questions that clients have when they first decide to build and maintain a website. The following list of frequently asked questions and their answers may help you decide how you will proceed in establishing your web presence.

Why do I need a website?

Nearly every business, whether small or large, can benefit from having their own website.

• Mass marketing and advertising - A website will enable your business to affordably advertise your products and/or sevices unlike any other media can. The internet reaches people all over the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing them to research and purchase exactly what they need.
• Convenience - Certain site features, such as credit card access, can make it possible for people to make their purchases from your business anytime; even at 3 a.m.!
• Saves time - Not only will customers save time by having all of your business information at their fingertips, it will save you and your employees time from repeatedly answering the same questions by phone or fax. Instead, customers can be directed to your website for clear and concise answers to their questions.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is your own unique web site address. It can be anything that you want, as long as it is available. When you are ready to register a domain name, the registering site (such as Network Solutions or Register.com) has a small search box where you can type in your desired name and find out if it is available or not. If it is available, you can continue the registration process. If it is unavailable, you will need to adjust your desired domain name until you find one that is accepted (i.e., www.barryskitchens.com, barrys-kitchens.com, barryskitchens.net). Also, if the domain you would like to purchase is already taken, you may have the option as to whether or not you would like to backorder the domain name. If, for any reason, the owner of the domain name you would like to register decides not to renew the domain name, you will be alerted and will have the first opportunity at purchasing the name.

How do I get one?

Simply go to a registry site, such as Network Solutions or Register.com, and follow their domain registry proceedure.

What is a host and why do I need one?

In order for a web site to be made available on the Internet for viewing, it has to be hosted on a web server. A host will rent out space on their web server for a fee. The fee is usually dependant on how large the web site is and how much traffic your site will get.

How do I choose a host?

Since fees and services vary from host to host, comparing them is recommended.

Should I have someone build a website for me or should I learn how to do it myself?

Why waste time learning complicated html and javascript when you can hire someone who has years of experience in web design? Learning how to build an effective web site can take a lot of time - the web site packages that Dragon Flower Design offers are very affordable and the site can be up within a fraction of the time it would take you to learn to develop a site yourself.

How much does it cost to have someone build a website for me?

Prices vary depending on the size of the site you would like and how many interactive features you would like it to have. Please check the price guide for more information.

What do I need to put on my website?

A web site should include your basic contact information as well as service or product description. Picture galleries and FAQ's are also good options. A counter can help you track your site traffic. Customer contact/comment forms can provide you with useful information about the type of people who are visiting your site.

After the site is built, can it be updated periodically?

Yes. A site can be updated as often as you like.

Can I update my own website?

Once Dragon Flower Design has built your website, you will receive a copy of your site files on a disk for your records. If you have a basic knowledge of site editing programs, such as Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft Front Page, you may decide that you are capable of updating you site. Or, if you prefer, Dragon Flower Design can update your site for you for a small fee.

Where is my website information stored?

Your site information is stored on the host's web server. Backup copies of your main site files will be stored by Dragon Flower Studios for 2 years for site retrieval purposes.

Is my site information lost if the host's server crashes?

No. If a server crashes, it is usually due to technical problems or increased traffic which causes the system to overload. Your information is safe even if your site is temporarily unavailable while technical adjustments are being made.