Your questions are answered.

What is the first step in getting my web site started? TOP
The first step would be to simply call, email, or fill out the pricequote form located here to supply Sillett Designs with a general idea what you are looking to accomplish with your web site. The same applies for any other projects you may be looking into ( brochures, flyers, business cards, multimedia development, etc.)

How long will it take to get my web site finished? TOP
You can expect proposed graphics and layouts within a few days once you sign your contract of service with Sillett Designs.  The development of your web site can take as little as a week or up to a few months, depending on your site's complexity and size.  For example, a few pages of descriptive content and contact information are simple to create.  On the other hand, a site incorporating Flash interactive content, a shopping cart, response forms and dozens of photos can take much longer.  If the customer is operating in a corporate environment, collecting content and getting approval from all the parties involved can significantly extend the timeframe of the project. Sillett Designs stands behind the fact that we complete our work on time and above expectations.

Sillett Designs is not responsible for any delays that may incur as a result of client delays. Fees may occur

How much will it cost? TOP
Web sites can start at 500.00 for simple content-driven pages (hosting service + domain name registration is additional), up to thousands of dollars for web sites featuring interactive forms, e-commerce setup, photo galleries, flash animations, etc. The best thing to do is, like stated above, is fill out the price quote form and choose from the selections to better give you an accurate idea what your web site will cost.

What is a hosting service? TOP
A hosting service makes your website accessible over the internet. When an internet user types in your web address, the hosting service responds by sending the requested page. You can expect to pay about $85/yr for basic hosting of a small business site. Larger companies with heavy traffic will pay more based on the capacity and features they require. Sillett Designs can work with the hosting service of your choice, or recommend and implement a hosting solution that meets your requirements.

How do I get the domain name for my web site? TOP
Domain name registration is included with all new design packages seeking hosting services. Be sure to have a few names chosen in case your first choice is already taken. You can also register your domain name on your own if you would like. Web sites such as networksolutions and godaddy or good places to start. Be aware that you will have to provide the technical information provided if you register your domain name yourself in order to get you web host to be able to be associated with your domain name.

Will features will be available with my web site? TOP
Yes! You will have full access to your site via your 'vdeck' control panel. From here you can check your web site's statistics, such as daily/monthly hits, daily average of unique page views, most viewed portions of your site. You will also have easy access to add features such as photo galleries, message boards, page counters, polls, and much more!

How many e-mail addresses can I have? TOP
With the hosting package provided from Sillett Designs, you can have up to 1,000 email addresses, each with the ability to forward, auto-respond, and block spam. It's VERY SIMPLE for you to add / change email addresses too for youself via your web site's control panel.

I want to be able to sell items online. Is this possible? TOP

The least expensive option is an online order form.  You continue to accept payment through traditional methods only.  For example, the customer can send his or her detailed order online but call you with a credit card number. This would still require you to have a merchant account separately on your own to accept credit card payments.

Accepting online payment is the next step up.  A service such as PayPal can be inexpensive and easy to use.  Alternatively, you can open an online merchant account that will process payments for you, providing a secure server, encryption and the other components of accepting online payment.  The most comprehensive solution is to incorporate a full shopping cart. These features, however do add to the developmental and hosting package costs of your site, and it is suggested to consider the level of inventory you wish to have as well as how 'simple' you want it to be so updates to your product inventory can be made on your own when choosing your method of online sales.


Will I be able to update my web site myself? TOP
While it is possible to do it on your own, and your site CAN be designed for you to update on your own if need be, you still need access to the proper software to edit and upload your updated content. All of Sillett Designs clients have been more than happy not having to make their own updates. All contracted web design packages include 6 months of FREE updates / modifications following the date of completion. Simply e-mail updated images/text, etc and expect it to be updated within 24 hours. Annual update/maintenance packages are available for your site at a rate of $350/yr should you like to continue service through Sillett Designs.

How can I get my web site listed on search engines? TOP
Strategies and methods for search engine listings and rankings are constantly changing. Several years ago it was reasonable to expect that submitting your web site to search engines would result in being listed, which in turn would bring visitors. Today the wait for a search engine to respond to your request for inclusion can be several weeks. To make matters even more complicated, many search engines require payment for inclusion, or for appearing near the top of listings. Pay for placement, as it's called, can make it tough for a new business to be found through search engines because its advertising budget is no match for that of a large company.  Even being listed can do little to bring visitors to your site if your business does not appear in the first one or two pages of a search query. Sillett Designs can refer you to companies specializing in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) should you feel your site is not getting enough exposure online.

Do you offer 24/7 support for my web site? TOP

Unfortunately no. (Everyone needs sleep!) But rest easy knowing that any emails submitted will be read within 12 hours and that most problems or updates (non-major) will be completed and you will receive notification within that time frame

Typical business hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm. Evening and weekend emails will be responded to as well, nightly. You are also able to call 724.493.7703 during business hours as well.


What other services do you offer? TOP
Aside from web design, Sillett Designs offers a full range of Internet / Print / Multimedia design services. Please be sure to check out Design Services to see a complete list of your options with Sillett Designs.