The programming can be split further into the navigation, or layout, which usually remains the same on every page, and the individual pages, which contain information, photographs, lists, charts, etc.
Primarily using (X)HTML, the programming is written directly - no visual editor is used, so the programmer has complete control over exactly how your website will look. And each option is priced separately so that you can control how much you want to spend. And no matter how many pages you have, included in the cost of the programming is the creation of an icon (which often appears in your browsers address bar), code validation, multiple browser testing, metadata (which can aid in search engine optimization), sitemap submission to Google, and Google's Webmaster Tools.
After the general layout is created, the individual pages to your website are created. Each page is different and unique, and it is entirely up to you what you want to show and how you want to show it. Each page is priced individually so that you can choose as many or as few pages as you like, and you can add pages at any time at the same rate. Options and pricing are listed below.
A basic web page consists only of text in a paragraph format, although it may also contain lists. Also, if you have several pages that have the exact same layout but different information (i.e. employee bio pages), the first page will be the appropriate fee and all additional pages will be $10.00.
A graphic page consists of images and text in a paragraph format. The cost of a graphic page includes any minor image editing that needs to be done, including scanning.
A design page also consists of images and text, but instead of a paragraph format, the items are in lists or columns.
A dynamic page may consist of either images or text. This sort of web page includes dynamic effects, such as changing colors or the sudden appearance of items, within the content of the page.
Listed below are website extras - these are things like galleries, forums, etc. that often require an outside service and a great deal of time in the initial set-up and in on-going maintenance. These are priced per service rather than per page as each service can consist of several pages.
If you do not see here something that you know you want on your website, do not hesitate to ask. We will make every attempt to give you exactly what you want.
If a user types in a wrong url within your site, they are usually given a generic error message. Other errors may also occur. The creation of customized error pages keeps the user within your site by maintaining the navigation and keeping the error within the body of the page. Otherwise, the user actually leaves your site and has to hit the Back button to return to it. The cost includes customizing all four of the follwoing errors - 400, 401, 403 and 404.
Some websites are very user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, some become quite complex very quickly. A user sitemap becomes very handy if you think users might have a difficult time finding something in particular. A link to the sitemap is often on every page in an inconspicuous place like the footer.
If you think users are going to want to contact you via e-mail, it is highly recommended that you use a contact form rather than simply listing e-mails. Using a contact form has several advantages, but the primary one is that spammers love e-mail addresses and can read them very easily. This sort of form still sends an e-mail to the correct contact person, but eliminates the ease that spammers would otherwise have in finding your e-mail address.
RSS feeds are a great way to let users know of news or announcements. If users subscribe to a feed on your site, they will automatically be updated whenever the feed is updated - you don't have to contact them and they don't have to search for the information. This option does require occasional ongoing maintenance, however, since it has to be updated whenever you have something new to add.
Blogs are a great way to feature new articles and information about you or your business, while archiving older information for quick and easy access.
You may be interested in selling items or having registration forms. eCommerce is a great way to do that via your website. We currently use Paypal for all eCommerce since it is wellknown and trusted by many, but there can be many extra fees in using Paypal depending on how involved you want your eCommerce to be. There is also a percentage taken out of every transaction, so that must be taken into account as well. This is another option that requires occasional ongoing maintenance.
If you have many images that you would like to share with multiple users, a photo gallery or blog is a great way to go. The example above uses Pixelpost, a free service but one that requires some set-up and maintenance. There are many options with Pixelpost, and one of its best features is that users can comment on each photo. Remember, though, that you must have the right to publish all images.
You may also have music you want to share with multiple users. A listening station allows users to hear your songs without downloading them. This is another feature that requires some set-up and maintenance. Please remember that you must have the right to publish all music.
If you are an organization or group, you may want a forum where like minds can share ideas. Forums usually require member registration, so this option requires a great deal of maintenance in registering participants and keeping an eye on posts. If you choose to have a forum, a minimum $100/year for 12 hours of maintenance is required unless you provide your own maintenance. There are many options for forums, as well, but if you are a small organization, it is highly suggested that you use BigTent, which has many features, including a calendar and a classifieds section.