Before you start...

If you have time, explore the Internet and industry-related websites to get some ideas of what you want your website to look like, what sort of pages you'd like to include, and things that you don't really like. (I'll do this for your business, too, if you contact me.)Think of some key bits of information that you feel represent your business' character so I know what sort of 'feel' your website should have.If you have a digital camera, take it along with you for a week to capture some important business activities. Or, sift through the photographs already on your computer; while scanning printed photographs work, it is often faster and gives me more flexibility to have them emailed directly.

As we're building...

The faster you can get your information to me the better. After the drafting, putting the content together is often the most time consuming part.Check the progress of your website, posted in the design center. You'll be sent emails to let you know when it is updated. When you see something that you'd like altered, please let me know as soon as possible.Usually, the easiest way to get ahold of me is through email. I check my accounts multiple times a day. Since I go to college full-time, my cell often gets left on 'silent' throughout the day, and I think I check my voicemail about once a month! (I do try to return missed phone calls, though.)

After the site is completed...

Updates are important! There is little worse, in my opinion, than going to a website that has 'current' information posted that is three years old! Failing to keep up-to-date information on a website is one sure way to discourage returning web users and clients. On the plus side, maintaining current information encourages return users, since they will have something to check on periodically.If you website is looking 'old-fashioned' a few years down the road (it's amazing how fast standards & technology change), it may be time to look into renovating. Like I said in the 'disadvantages' section, an out of date website can make a bad first impression. Contact me and we'll discuss the possibilities!

On Webhosts/servers and Domains...

I highly recommend using Bluehost! They provide excellent customer service, have a multitude of components in their webhost packages, unlimited site transfer, disk space, and domains, very reasonable rates (around $100/year), and trouble-free service. On that last note, in the three years as a customer, I have honestly never seen either of my websites 'down' or slow due to any server trouble or maintenance. Whenever the company makes changes or upgrades, they send out an email to their clients letting them know what's going on. I am very glad that we chose Bluehost!