Image: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Image: Artistic view of city through rain-covered camera lens.
1. Tempate vs. Custom website design: what are the differences?

 

There are two basic types of websites: template-based and custom sites. Each choice has it own unique benefits. A new business, without a lot of startup capital, can “get on the web” with a template-based site. The template-based site will look like many other basic sites on the web, but it will save on the design and programming cost.

On the other side, a seasoned business that is concerned with its image and seizing the best opportunities present from the web would be best served from choosing a professional design firm, such as LoneTree, to custom build a site tailored to the company’s precise needs. Custom built sites, from true design companies, include intuitive navigation with optimized performance. You can also expect the best graphics and most interesting layouts available.

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2. Why do you list $1800.00 for a website and then add on additional charges?


Each business is unique. Many business today have an existing website and have some of the services we offer. For example, many business have domain names, hosting space set up, and e-mail accounts established on existing servers. Meta tags, search engine optimization and online marketing strategies may also be in place.

In most website makeovers, there are existing web graphics to work with, and LoneTree is expanding on existing branding by developing additional graphics. Perhaps the goal of the new website might be to move beyond the 1990's look -- and create an clean, modern feel.

On the other hand, a new business will require new graphics from the ground up, and will need direction on image development and developing a brand. A logo is another example of a graphic element that may or may not be needed.

The $1800.00 charge is for a desgin layout based on your business goals and includes:

  • Identifying your audience and creating your identity.
  • Graphic design layout including images from LoneTree's stock image library.
  • Developing site structure, navigation menu, and up to 8-pages or sub pages.
  • Development of your text into pages and sub pages.

 


3. How much do you charge hourly for web site maintenance and web graphics design?


$70 per hour is charged for HTML coding and web graphics design.

 


4. How long does it take to create a web site from start to finish?

 

2 weeks is an average amount of time after finishing the site specifications and receiving all of your requested content and images. However, we also do rush work and have created sites within a few days at an additional fee.

We also work with heavy deadlines and can create websites in phases. For example, a recent client needed a website designed specifically to pitch a new business venture -- this was Phase 1 of the website. Turn-around time was one week. Phase 2 involved adding the components that came out of that meeting and building on to the website.

 
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 5. Okay, I'm ready for a site. How do I begin?
 

Complete a Survey:
First, we will send you a client survey to complete. Providing as much detail as possible for your website project is critical to understanding your needs. After completing, return via E-Mail or fax the survey to our LoneTree office at: 925 240-7666. Next, we will review your completed survey, examine your industry, and identify your audiences.

Select a Domain Name if needed:
We will obtain a domain name if needed and hosting space for your site. We use a variety of existing web hosts companies, or we can use the host you are currently with.

During the initiation and planning process, three types of documents are provided:

  1. Site Specifications Agreement
  2. One or Two Design Layout Samples
  3. Style Sheet of Type Faces and Color Palette

Site Specifications Document:
Based on details in your client survey, your existing marketing materials, and a study of your industry sector and audience(s), a Site Specifications document will be published. This is an iterative document that reflect ongoing changes.

Design Layout Sample(s):
One to three sample pages or "comps" will be published.

Style Sheet:
A document showing the color palette, type font family and decorative type to be used on your site.

After approval of these areas, you can print and sign the Site Specifications document and return to our office. Site development now begins.

It is important to remember that any changes to the layout, menu, information structure, type faces selected, color palate, or graphics once you have approved the design will probably be billable.

Please -- don’t hesitate to discuss any design changes you’d like prior to approving the design samples. We are happy to assist you in reaching your design expectations.

Once requested, you'll submit the content to be used on your website. Your text and images should be send via e-mail:

  • Text should be in the body of an e-mail, in a PDF document, or in a MS Word document.
  • Text needs to be in the exact wording and punctuation that you want displayed on the site. (Writing and editing services are available but should be established at the start of the project.)
  • As you write your content, be sure to optimize each page for search engines. The home page (index page) should be optimized for the most relevant keywords related to your business. The interior pages should also be optimized for keywords within the content of each page.
  • When writing content for the web use: Short, concise paragraphs with carefully chosen words - particularly, strong verbs. Avoid sales jargon, and "adjectival" fluff as it reads like print advertising and will pull your visitor away.
  • Rely instead on images and communications graphics for messages about feelings, mood, and persuasion. Use paragraph titles and subtitles. Bullet points when you have a list over two items. Bold only important words.
  • Images should be sent as TIFFs or JPGs as attachments in an E-Mail to: klharrison@ecis.com ; or sent on a disk through the US mail.
  • Any existing logos, print materials, etc that you would like incorporated should also be included
    as E-Mail attachments.
  • If you're not familiar with sending attachments, that's absolutely fine. We will be happy to walk you through using your E-Mail application.    

Pages are Constructed:
After client approval of the design/layout samples, receipt of your logo, images, surveys and content, the pages are constructed and staged for your review.

Software Used to Develop your Website:
Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, Dreamweaver, CSS, Javascript behaviors and some hand-coding of HTML and CSS and is used to create the pages.

Graphics Created and Images Optimized:
Images that will be used for the site will be selected from a library of stock photos. Graphics will also be created that coordinate with the look and feel established.

Making Sure Search Engines Find your Website:
 Meta tags and key words are created at this time and placed in the headers of each page.

 


6. How can I view my web site design as it is in progress?

 

You can watch the development of your website on the Internet using your domain name and hosting space.

A staging area will be set up to view the web pages either on your host or at LoneTree. Throughout the process, you'll be sent links via E-Mail to view different aspects of your site design.

An "Under Construction" notation will usually be made on a temporary home page alerting users that the site is under construction.

 
Image: Artistic view of city through rain-covered camera lens.
7. The finished site is up -- but I need some changes.

 

Submitting Edits for Your Website:
At this time, you will also be given an opportunity to submit
changes/edits to the body of the content you’ve provided. There
are two types of changes/edits:

  • 1) corrections of errors
  • 2) style changes

Submit your changes/edits in the body of an E-mail noting carefully what you are changing using the exact wording, punctuation, and spelling you want displayed on the web page; indicate the type of change/edit you are submitting in the Subject Line of the E-Mail.

  • 1) Errors are corrected immediately or by close-of-business
    Monday thru Friday -- 8:00am to 6:00pm.
  • 2) Style changes are made within a one - three day turn around.

Note: It is important send changes for your website in an E-Mail message. Please do not telephone in changes, or leave voice mail messages as we can not verify the caller.

Sample E-Mail Below:


 
Subject:  Domain Name | Correction of Content ERRORS  

In the body of the E-Mail please write: 

  • Replace existing text below with new text:
  • Existing Text:
    "Class aptent tacit sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Curabitur tortor arcu, laoreet ut, auctor quis, venenatis id, lacus."
  • Replace with New Text:
    "Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Curabitur tortor arcu, laoreet ut, auctor quis, venenatis id, lacus. Vivamus varius pulvinar mi. Curabitur hendrerit, risus ut ultricies sagittis, pede ipsum dignissim lectus, vel aliquam metus sapien ut diam."

8. How will I get information updated?

After Launching, you have a number of choices for updating your website pages:

  1. Using our Maintenance Services
    LoneTree is known for providing fast, quick updating usually within 24-72 hours. Billing charges are $60.00 per hour for site maintenance and updating. We bill at $120.00 minimum which is for two hours. Save up your changes to economize time and money.
  2. Purchasing Content Management Software
    If you would like to update your own pages, we recommend purchasing content management software, such a Adobe's . Please visit their website to learn more and receiving pricing. LoneTree can install and train your staff for use. This is not included in cost of the website.
  3. Using Another Web Development Business or Designer/Developer to Update your Website
    We will provide you with host ID and password so that you may arrange to have someone else update and maintain your website.
  4. Using your Web Host's Content Management application(s)
    Most web hosts today offer free content management software for account holders.

 

If you do not see an answer to a question in our FAQs section, please E-Mail us at questions@lonetreewebstudio.com

 
Image: stone background image with mirror tilting into the light.
9 . What are Meta Tags, Title descriptions, and Page Optimization?

Meta Tags -- The tags are an important part of having your site recognized by a search engine. These tags are invisible on your web page but help the search engines rank you according to the relevance of the request on the search (e.g. You want your site to appear when a search  for "costume-masks" is entered. The word "costume-masks" and similar words may be entered into your Meta Tags.)

Title Descriptions -- Meta Tags, as well as Title Descriptions, are especially important as they can be used to influence the ranking of your site (to a certain extent) and the way it appears in some search results. Though the Title description does not belong to the Meta Tag family, yet from the Search Engine Optimization point of view, the Title Tag is the most significant tag on your web site, followed by the Meta Description Tag.

Page Optimization -- Some search engines, such as Google, currently pull the text off of the actual pages and evaluate the text and categorize based on specific key words in the text.  So, it is becoming essential component to Page Optimization. 


10. I'd like to purchase my own hosting and or a domain name, can your recommend some Internet hosts?

We recommend the following hosts:

PowerWeb Hosting
Click here to learn and sign up for PowerWeb Hosting

BlueHost
Click here to learn and sign up for Bluehost.com now.  

 

 

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