FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Got a question? I've got an answer!
If you don't find your question here, a lot more questions and answers can be found on the page of Web Site Myths and on Your First Web Site. Or just contact the GeekArtist for an answer. Otherwise, just click a link below to find your answer.
- What are your office hours?
- Where are you located?
- How can I contact you?
- I want to answer your web site questions online and get this process moving right now, Can I do that?
- Can I get an estimate from you without the free consultation?
- Why are your web sites so simple looking?
- What's that big empty space on the right of that web site you made?
- What's the big deal about SEO and what is it?
- What is Web 2.0?
- Can you give me some resources for learning to make web sites?
- What is accessibility?
- What happens after the site is created?
1. What are your office hours?
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 7pm, CST. However, when you get a bill, you may find other times listed there, as work schedules may involve working evenings and weekends.
2. Where are you located?
In Elgin, IL, a suburb of Chicago, IL. However, the vast majority of the sites I've created have been done while never living in the same city, or state, as my client.
3. How can I contact you?
Contact information can be found on the page of contact info .
4. I want to send information online, can I do that?
Yes, if you are ready to get to work, there is a form that you can send me to get the process rolling.
5. Can I get an estimate from you without the free consultation?
No way, no how, not happening at all. I can't give you an accurate estimate without learning about your project. Would you ask a contractor to provide a roof repair estimate without inspecting your roof?
6. Why are your web sites so simple looking?
Simplicity means the information on the site is easier to find and easier on the eyes. Too much information is confusing. Too much art makes the site take too long to load. Too much animation is distracting. All of these problems can drive away web surfers, and thus, potential customers.
7. What's that big empty space on the right of that web site you made?
When designers make web sites, we have to design around a variety of monitor resolutions (i.e. how much of the page shows up on someone's screen). I pick the middle of the road and plan for 800x600. Those of you with higher resolution monitors see the space on the right. Those with lower resolutions don't see the space. I could make the sites wider, but it's better to not force your audience to scroll left and right. Additionally, I will sometimes create site using what is called a "liquid layout" so that the pages adjust based on resolution and fill the whole screen. Whether I use that or not is sometimes a matter of design choice, and will also often depend on how much information a client will have on each page. For sites with minimal content, I avoid liquid layouts.
8. What's the big deal about SEO and what is it?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. This has to do with creating a web site (or modifying an existing one) to help it obtain higher rankings in search engine results. Other web sites linking to yours boosts your search engine ranking, and these relevant links are increasingly the determining factor in your site's search engine results ranking.
9. What is Web 2.0?
A concept created by O'Reilly in 2004, referring to the latest services, designs, and uses of the web today. Web 2.0 is just a quick way to say "what's going on with the web today". This can include uses of the web, technologies introduced, design trends, etc. There is a tendency for people to jump on this bandwagon for design look and feel. And while I do use some of the design concepts of Web 2.0, I'd rather your web site not look just like everyone else's Web 2.0 web site. Your site should be as unique as your business.
10. Can you give me some resources for learning to make web sites?
Certainly! I have a page of resources available here for budding designers.
11. What is accessibility?
In a nutshell, accessibility has to do with how accessible a web site is to those with disabilities. For example, blind web surfers use readers that read what is on each web page and provide the information verbally. If code is not set properly, these readers won't interpret the page correctly, or the information may be presenting in a confusing manner. There are a great many things we must take into consideration when designing to accomodate various web surfers.
12. What happens after the site is created?
Your site will be submitted to search engines and added to any free directories relevant to your field. This is also the time to contact those you would like to link to your site; either you or I can do this.
What happens next is up to you. Whether you continue to use GeekArtist Web Design or not, make sure your site is updated at least quarterly. A web site should not be ignored after creation. Use it to communicate with your existing customers and potential customers by adding more information regarding your industry and/or business, a blog, a newsletter, coupons, advertisements of sales, etc. Continue to find relevant sites to link back to your web site. If you wish, GeekArtist Web Design can be hired to assist with this as well.
The more frequently your site is updated, the better a response you will get from your audience.
