Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Started
If you don't find what you're looking for here, please send an email with your questions.
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Do I have to register a domain name, or can Grand Design do it for me?
- How do I pick a web hosting account? What companies offer these services?
- What if I can't supply you with photos? A logo?
- I'm no writer. How will the wording on my website end up sounding professional?
- How does the project get off the ground?
- How long does it usually take to finish a website project?
- Does Grand Design maintain my website once it's finished, or is that up to me?
- What happens when I need something new or different added to my website, something that is not a routine update?
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Answers
- Do I have to register a domain name, or can Grand Design do it for me?
Yes. If you do not yet have a domain name, Grand Design can assist you in selecting possible names, then guiding you through the registration process. You can have as much or as little "hands-on" participation as you want.
»Back to Top - How do I pick a web hosting account? What companies offer these services?
Many companies of all sizes and reputations offer webhosting services. The assortment of features and prices is immense. The choice you make depends on a few basic characteristics of your proposed website, which might include such things as whether you will need some programming features and an estimate of how many potential visitors might use your site.
Grand Design will work with you to reach an informed decision. A specific recommendation can be made, or if you'd like, a list of good matches can be offered to you once we have discussed the general nature of your site. At that point, you can choose among your options and notify us of your choice.
»Back to Top - What if I can't supply you with photos? A logo?
While it's rare for an established business to operate without a logo, it is possible that a brand new business won't have one. If you don't have a logo, there are dedicated logo companies available to you, or you can have Grand Design create one for you for an additional fee.
As for photographs, certain types of general photos can be supplied for you during the web design process, but in many cases, photos specific to your business, services, or products are necessary.
If you have none available, you can always choose to arrange for them to be taken by someone else. In some circumstances (depending on the nature of the subjects and your location) Grand Design can serve your photographic needs for an additional hourly fee.
»Back to Top - I'm no writer. How will the wording on my website end up sounding professional?
Not to worry. Great content writing is a trademark of Grand Design websites! Just visit the portfolio page, select a site and read through a few of their pages if you have any doubts. You should find the the page text compelling and interesting.
Of course, if you are familiar with the writing credentials listed in the About page here on our website, you'd know you only need to submit the copy for your site, then sit back and relax.
»Back to Top - How does the project get off the ground?
After you've decided on Grand Design for your project, you will need to fill out a form that is designed to help us both understand your goals and needs as clearly as possible.
Once we've established what we are aiming for (using the completed form) the project time estimate and a firm price can be determined.
If you agree to both of these items, it is time to sign a contract. Once the contract is signed and the 50% advance is cleared, the work begins.
»Back to Top - How long does it usually take to finish a website project?
It's hard to say. Each website is an individual creation— even sites created from packaged templates.
A small, uncomplicated 5-7 page website might take approximately three weeks to finish. A much larger site that requires lots of content writing and editing, photographic services, and programming could take up to two or three months. The best way to find out how long your site might take is to call or email Grand Design so that we can get some general facts together. Only then will we know a rough estimate of time. Of course, there is no obligation for this kind of question!
Remember that turnaround time on content materials from you to Grand Design greatly influences the overall schedule. Most clients require some time to gather all of their materials, and often need a little bit more during the project when they find that something was overlooked in the beginning stages.
»Back to Top - Does Grand Design maintain my website once it's finished, or is that up to me?
Maintenance services are not automatically included in website design contracts. Because most clients find that they have little time to attend to updates, Grand Design provides maintenance services charged on an hourly basis. (Check for this information on the pricing page.)
However, if you can do it yourself, that's fantastic. In any case, Grand Design is flexible and will provide as much or as little website maintenance as you need.
»Back to Top - What happens when I need something new or different added to my website, something that is not a routine update?
In most cases, you would already be a Grand Design customer and familiar with emailing or calling for advice. We would discuss the ideas you have about growing your site or enhancing it, then determine what kinds of programming, layout changes, or new site functions need to be included.
At that point, you could expect a preliminary estimate over the phone or in an email reply that would reflect the current rates for the various services we offer.
»Back to Top