The Basic Questions

Web sites are a new marketing and information resource available to small businesses and organizations. As with any new technology, there are a lot of specialize terms and way too much jargon. Unfortunately, too many internet professionals assume that you already know what these terms means. At Kanza Web Design, we know that the key to using the internet effectively is for you to understand all the possibilities and limitations. Below are a few of the most common questions. If you don't find the answer to your questions below, please contact us.

What is a domain name and do I need one to have a web site?
A domain name is the phrase that directs the browser on a computer to your web site. It is the address. It can be as simple as www.your business.com or very complicated with a lot of slashes and strange characters. Do you need one? Yes you do.

How do I get a domain name?
Most internet access providers also include hosting a small web site as part of their service. It is generally included in your monthly charge. The provider will assign you a URL (the address). This is the domain name with all the slashes and characters. However, when you talk about domain names, most people think about the www.something.com. There are several domain registry organizations. They will handle the "paperwork" for you. The cost depends on the registry and what other services they provide.

I want a www.yourbusiness.com domain name, but my internet
provider won't let me use it. What do I do?
It comes down to cost. The space your ISP "hosts" for you is generally free and that is why they can require you to use the name they provide. They will let you choose a key word as part of the longer URL. However, there are a lot of independent host on the web. Prices range from $7 a month to hundreds. What you pay in based on the size of the space and the special features you need.

Does Kanza Web Design do web site hosting?
No, we do not web host or act as a registry for domain names. However, there are many sources and we will help you obtain what you need.

Wouldn't it be better for me to find someone to handle it all for me?
If you are careful and make sure you know what you are paying for every step of the way. Some designers/hosts charge a set monthly price. Part of the price will be for the hosting and other recurring charges. The remainder of the monthly charge should be for the design of the web site. It could be possible to pay twice or three times the design fees you would have paid up front. The other major concern is the ownership of the domain name. You must make sure the name is registered to you, not the ISP or other host. There have been many people who left their designer/host to find they had to pay a ransom to get their name back.

How do I get my web site on a search engine?
All search engines have a process to submit a web page for consideration. They then review and add the page. Currently, it can take weeks or months for a page to be added. There are ways to speed up this process for several search engines and ways to make a search engine more effective for your web site.

How much does a web site cost?
There are several types of costs. The first are the fixed costs for the domain name and site hosting. These can be nothing or a basic cost of $10 a month for the hosting a $30 a year for the domain name. Next, the development cost for the site vary based on the design team, the type of designs you want, time constraints, and features. There are maintenance cost if you want to change features or site information. Some search engine also charge for basic or quicker search engine inclusion.

How long does it take to design a web site?
That depends on the actual site. Factors include the number of pages, graphics, special forms, and feedback.

How much say will I have in the web site?
As much as you want. This is your marketing tool. It needs to reflect your business and customers. We will interview you to discover what you have in mind. If we can't do what you want, we will tell you and see if we can recommend someone who does that type of work.

I have my own logo, can I use it?
Of course, we will use it and any other promotional materials you have to integrate the internet into your business.

What if I want to change something after the site is up?
Site maintenance is no problem.

Can I have email off my site
Including email links is no problem as long as your site host provides for it.