Q. What do I need to do to get my own functioning website?
A. There are three basic elements that you will need to have in place before your website will work: 1) the domain name, 2) a hosting arrangement and 3) your actual website pages. The domain name is your address on the web— the name, like riverhousegraphics.com, that visitors use to access your web site. The hosting plan or arrangement needs to be setup to give you the right to put your web pages on a public file-server where anyone can access your site. Your website pages need to be designed and developed, then uploaded to your server to make your site work.

Q. What is the cost of establishing a basic online presence?
A. Generally speaking, you can purchase a domain name for anywhere from $5 to $40 a year, and a hosting plan for a few dollars a month. (Do keep in mind that with hosting services the lowest-cost solutions can prove problematic, at best.) Design costs vary very widely, dependent on the type of site and on your design needs. Call or e-mail Riverhouse to discuss your particular needs.

Q. What would a website really do for me, anyway?
A. The impact of your website depends on many factors, including your audience, the time and money you invest into your site, and how unique your products are. The web does provide you with a very effective way to inform your prospective customers about your products and services. As one Riverhouse client states, "My site does the work of a salesman. It reduces phone time, and customers are calling in informed and ready to order." A site is also a potential way to reach new customers. Still, it is good to remember that though true success stories abound, the web is a very competitive sales environment. In other words, if you are too dependent on your website to generate sales, you may be disappointed. But as part of an effective business plan, a website can be an invaluable communication tool and an excellent investment.

Q. Will people be able to Google my site?
A. Yes. Riverhouse includes basic search engine optimization with every website design package, unless, of course, you would choose to have a non-searchable site. In other words, your site will be designed with search engines in mind. Keep in mind that it may take days or weeks for search engines to index your new site, and that there can be instances where problematic hosting plans/issues could result in your site being banned from listings.

Q. Will my site be top-ranking in search engines?
A. The success of your site in search rankings depends on many issues. Unless you've requested a budget site, Riverhouse spends considerable time writing effective copy, adding meta-data, and doing what it takes to make your site successful in search engine rankings. However, there is cost and effort involved in a whatever-it-takes approach to high rankings. Your success not only depends on the quality and content of your site, but also issues like how many links with other sites you can generate. We will be happy to discuss your options regarding search engine optimization.

Q. Is it easy to make changes to my site after it's online?
A. Generally speaking, yes. The adaptability and flexibility of the web is one of it's greatest advantages. Simple text updates of existing items are very straight-forward; changes involving graphics and site structure are potentially more complex.

Q. Will I be able to update and modify my website on my own?
A. Most intermediate to advanced computer users can make at least some changes to their site after it's designed. If there are elements that you want to be able to modify yourself, let us know and we'll try to ensure that making those changes will be as easy as possible, or by implementing content management software for you to manage updates.

Q. Should I sell my products online?
A. Deciding whether you're ready to sell products online can be difficult. Online sales demand a much higher investment in time and finances than putting a basic informative site online. Additional software, site security and merchant processing is required. Initial sales can be very slow and reaching profitability can require a long-term commitment. While Riverhouse will be happy to assist you in beginning your e-commerce store, we strongly recommend that you take a thorough look at your budget, your potential online competitors and the number of sales you require to turn a profit. Contact us for further discussion.

Q. Does Riverhouse offer hosting solutions?
A. Yes, Riverhouse offers very basic hosting plans and administration for customers who require minimal online presence. We're also happy to give referrals and/or assistance for more robust hosting requirements.

Q. Are there security risks with having my own website?
A. The internet is not risk free; however, most businesses can establish an online presence with little or no risk. Sites such as online stores require additional security implementation. Riverhouse takes security measures to prevent spambots from harvesting your online e-mail addresses, etc. If you have further concerns, ask.

Additional questions? Contact us.

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