Frequently Asked Questions
Lots of people have contacted us to ask about setting up a web site, the website design or the possibility of modifying their existing website. Many wish to arrange for us to design a brand new website or move their website to a different web server. Perhaps they have queries concerning either existing domain names or new domain names. We have listed below for you some of the most frequently asked questions in connection with website design - along with answers - appertaining to web design and associated web issues.
If you have a question that is not answered here, or you want to talk to us about any aspect of your website design, setting up or changing your web site, web hosting or website maintenance or domain name registration please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
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How long will it take for my web site to be designed? |
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The timescale of a website design project is often dictated by the client. If you have a deadline in mind we will endeavour to meet it for you. The most common delay in the creation and completion of a new website is waiting for content (text/images) to be sent to us by the client. The average website takes about 2 weeks to complete! |
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Will we need to have a meeting in connection with the website design? |
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In the majority of cases a meeting isn't necessary and most of our websites are generally completed with contact via email and telephone only. We place suggested website designs onto the Internet in a private place where only yourselves and us can view the content. We then liaise with you regularly to discuss the web designs in order that the website design and functionality is exactly as you wish. |
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Once my website design is completed -what aftersales service do you offer? |
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We fully support any website we design and are always available should you encounter any problems or require any enhancements. We offer web site maintenance so that your website need never get out of date. This can be done via a monthly maintenance fee or it can be done as needed at an hourly rate of $45/hr. |
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Do I have to keep my website with you forever, or can I move it to another supplier to host it if I wish? |
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I recommend BlueHost as a company for all your web hosting needs. I have worked with them over the years and I find them to be very reliable and fairly priced. They can be reached 24/7 and they have everything you need for a small to corporate website. You may move your website to another web hosting service at any time. If you have a hosting company you are already working with, let us know and we can advice you as to whether you should stay with your current host or move to a new one. |
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In what format should I supply words and photographs about my business for my new website? |
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It is helpful to us if you are able to provide text and photographs in electronic form - for example, the files output by a digital camera and the words in MS word or similar format. If this is not possible, we can help get your information ready for use on the website. |
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Will my website design be" Search Engine" friendly? |
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All our websites are created with search engines in mind and the website design is compliant with search engine guidelines. It is a good idea for your website to be re-evaluated in time as over a period of time the search engines do alter their rules and algorithms and you will want to be certain that your website is kept up to date and complies with new rules etc. |
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I run a small/medium size business and want an online presence to promote my business in a professional manner to new customers and to provide a more professional image to existing customers. What do I need to achieve this? |
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You need a professionally developed website, a domain name, and hosting facilities for your website. You also need the website to be uploaded onto your hosting facilities and promoted to the search engines. |
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If I choose a CMS System Or Content Management System - can I be sure that my webpages are "Search Engine Friendly"? |
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Yes, we use WordPress for all CMS Systems. This is the best open source CMS available to date. All web pages created are Search Engine Friendly - you can even add your own search engine meta tags to each individual web page if desired. The CMS tools are easy to use - effective and intuitive. |
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I hear that there are hidden costs associated with web design services. Is this true? |
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No. We discuss with you your website requirements and then price accordingly and once you have placed an order for your website design with us, that price is strictly adhered to unless you modify the order and we have a mtual agreement to a new price. |
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Do I need a database on my website? |
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This will depend upon the amount of information you wish to be displayed on your website. If you have many products/services, then it may be advantageous to have a database incorporated into your website design. We will discuss this in detail with you and if a database is advised we will explain in detail exactly how this will work. We can tailor your website design to suit your specific requirements. |
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How do I update my website? |
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There are many different methods which can be used to update websites. The method you choose and the functionality we build into your website design is solely up to yourself although of course we will be glad to advise you which method will suit your needs. If you have a small website consisting of just a few pages and will only wish to make changes very infrequently, then usually it is more cost effective simply to ask Hound Studios to carry out these changes for you. Other methods which are frequently chosen are largely dependant upon how much data or information and pictures you have and how you store this information at present. We can provide an on line content management system where you can either update individual products/pages/services or particular sections of your website. e.g. company news. Alternatively we can provide functionality such that you can upload your entire product ranges to the website in one action using spreadsheets etc. We can also add databases if you wish. |
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Am I tied into Hound Studios for any site maintenance or updates I wish to do once my website is designed? |
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No, once your website is designed it belongs to you and you can commission anyone to update it for you - although of course we would like to think that you are happy with our services and will continue to use us for your website maintenance. |
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Will everyone see my web site the same? |
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Your website visitors will see some things differently depending on their browser, screen resolution setting and their individual computer settings and toolbars. We design sites with that in mind and preview them in several browser types and resolution settings before publishing. Obviously as technology alters then eventually all websites may need reevaluation. |
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Do you use Flash animation in your website design? |
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Yes, we can use flash as and when required. It is important to note that there are times when flash animations can be an asset but it would be unwise to use "flash" to create an entire website or even entire pages of your website as search engines are not able to read the content of flash and therefore any words used in animations will not be indexed by the search engines. Generally it is best to use flash for smaller banners, advertisements or demonstrations and incorporate the flash animation into a web page which also includes some written text in html. This way the search engines will be able to index your information |
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Can I get e-mail with my website? |
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Yes you can have email and you will probably wish you set-up several email addressed e.g. sales@your-domain.com, info@your-domain.com, john.smith@your-domain.com |
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Can I see how many visitors I've had to my website? |
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We recommend installing Google Analyticson to your website for tracking your website hits and stats. We can do this for you for a small flat fee. |
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Can I have an e-commerce system for my website? |
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Yes you can. Your hosting company provides Secure Servers (SSL) which use the latest encryption methods to ensure that your customers can buy from you website knowing that the information they enter is secure and safe. if you wish your customers' payments to be "cleared on line" we can interface to organisations like PayPal, Worldpay, Protex or whichever third party you wish to use. |
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When can I update my website content? |
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If the website we have designed for you includes a Content Management System then you can access your administration areas from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and make updates instantly as frequently as you wish. If your website is a smaller website and was designed without using this type of system and you don't have any html. skills, then we can update the website for you. Our charges are very reasonable. |
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Is there any training provided with the Content Management System - CMS? |
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The Content Management Systems really are very easy to use and do have explanatory notes included where necessary. We run through the administration screens with you when we design the site for you - however if at any time you have any questions we are available at the end of the telephone to run through the procedures or answer any queries you may have. |
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How much will a website cost me? |
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The cost of a web site varies depending on the site and complexity. A small web site with just a few static pages would cost around $800 whereas a full ecommerce website with a large number of pages and a CMS system could cost any where between $1,400 and $7,000. The average cost for a fully functional ecommerce website runs at about $3,000. If you give us a call we will be please the discuss with your website design requirements and give you a fixed quotation. |
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How can I accept credit cards on my website? |
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There are various methods availably to you. We would need to talk to you to established you requirements and the best method for your company. There are essentially two main methods of accepting credit cards. The first method is where you use your own pdq. card machine and process the card payment yourself and the second method uses an online clearance company. Once you are sure which method you wish to use, we can design your website accordingly. Please contact us to discuss your options. |
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How many pages can I have on my web site? |
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As many as you like. From a search engines point a view - The more the better! |
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I already have a website and I need it updating, can you help me? |
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Yes, we would be happy to look at you existing website and give you a quote for updating it. |
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Do you redesign existing websites? |
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Yes we do. We can redesign, retaining your company corporate style or we can redesign to give you a complete new image. Is your website up to date - let us provide you a Free of Charge Website Evaluation - we can redesign your website to take advantage of the latest web technologies |
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Do you display any banners or pop-up ads on my website? |
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Absolutely not! - It's your website and you have total control over the contents and who advertises on it. |
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What if I do not like the design? |
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If you do not like the design which we have suggested for you, we will discuss further with a view to ascertaining what type of design you would like to see and then place another "suggested design" in your web area for you to view. We would not like to think that you are not happy with the final website design. Our aim is to design for you a website specific to your requirements which you are completely happy with. |
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Will I find my website on the search engines? |
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Yes we always design websites to be search engine friendly. |
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Once my website design is completed can you provide web hosting? |
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We recommend using Blue Host and you can sign up by clicking on the Web Hosting Tab. |
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Why should I choose Hound Studios for my web development company? |
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We are an established web development company delivering web design and internet development services of any complexity to clients throughout the USA and the World. Being in IT business for over 15 years now we have all round web development expertise. |
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Why choose Hound Studios for our website design company? What qualities do the websites designed by Hound Studios have ? |
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We design websites that are user-friendly. Websites that are visually appealing, creative in design and also have great functionality. They are effective as business tools. We know the value of the different web design features which can be used and we know which design features work and why they work. We are very friendly and reliable. We stick to dealines and can be reached 24/7 via email or phone. |
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Who owns the website once the website design is completed? |
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The website belongs to YOU! You have full right and can move or modify your website at any time. |
If you would like to discuss your website design requirements with us, please give us a call on
Office: +1 310 928-6732 | Cell: +1 917 202-3279