Getting Started
Domain Name
The
first step in getting a website, after choosing a web
designer, is choosing your domain name. You want it to
represent your farm or business as closely as possible to
your actual farm name. As there are already millions
of names out there, some of the most popular names are
already "taken". Your name must be unique, like your
phone number. It can only be assigned to one website.
There are many tags to choose from (.net, .com, .org,
.us...etc), which makes availability of a domain name
slightly better. If "Smithfarms.com" is already taken,
there may be Smithfarms.net, or Smithfarms.us. available
After
choosing a domain name and checking its availability, you
register your domain name with a registrar. I will be
happy to do this for you. Reserving your own domain name
costs on the average, $7.00 to $9.00 per year.
Web Hosting
Choosing a Web Host is next. I
recommend a company that I personally use;
GoDaddy.
They have proven to be reliable, and have very competitive
pricing. I have been very happy with their services.
Costs are $3.95/month ($47.40 per year). You are of course
welcome to choose any company that you prefer.
Design
Next is
choosing a general design scheme. I will submit 3-4
"proposals", based on what you have in mind for your design.
Most people want to use their farm colors, or their favorite
color combination. I design with 2-3 basic colors on a
website, and try to keep colors simple and professional. Too
many different colors on a website tends to make it
amateurish and irritating to visitors. I also
recommend the limited use, if any, of any moving text or
graphics on a site. It is one of the top ten "No-No's of
websites. A constantly moving text or graphic is
annoying to visitors, and is a sure way to get them to leave
your site prematurely.
Logo
If you
have a professionally designed logo, I can duplicate it for
your website. Or I can design one for you.
Deposit
After estimating the number of pages
necessary for your site, I require a 50% deposit. When
the site is complete, and approved by you, I require the
balance before uploading to the web. Unpaid sites will
be removed from the web until paid in full.
Pricing
Initial Design $50.00
Per page $50.00
Scan or editing fee per photo $5.00
Maintenance $50.00 per hour, minimum 15 minutes.
Custom Photography $50.00 per hour
Digital Clips $25.00 per clip |
