1. How long will it take to build my site?
   We like to allow four weeks for development time for a site of average size, but this schedule depends on the complexity of the site and how soon we get any content you may need to provide, such as photos.
2. How can I make sure people can find my website?
   When we build your site, we’ll optimize it so that search engines can find it. Also, be sure to include your web address in any other advertising you may do; e.g., print ads, your company newsletter, your letterhead, etc.
3. Besides web-development services, do I need anything else in order to get my site online?
   You also need to register a domain name and subscribe to a web-hosting service.
4. Where do I get those, and how much do they cost?
   You can register a domain name online at any one of thousands of domain-name registration sites. A domain name costs about $10 per year. However, each registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and prices vary among different registrars. When you register your name, you usually buy it in one- or two-year increments. At the end of that time, you must reregister it if you want to keep it.
   There are also thousands of web-hosting services available. They offer a broad range of services and can cost anywhere from a few dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month. You can get web hosting for a straightforward, non-ecommerce site for about $8 a month. You can register online for this service as well.
5. Can you help me choose a domain service and a web host?
   Yes. SumSites will give you input on domain and hosting companies that offer the services and functionality that best suit the type of site you want to build. You are free, however, to choose any web host you want.
6. What about maintaining the site after it’s built?
   If you like, SumSites can maintain your website for as long as you own it. You can choose a maintenance contract for a flat monthly fee. Or, if you prefer, you can simply pay as you go for an hourly rate. If you anticipate needing a lot of on-going changes, then the maintenance contract is the more cost-effective way to go. If you think you’ll rarely need changes or only small ones, then the per-hour fee is more cost-effective.
7. Can I choose to have another company or individual maintain my site?
   Yes. If you prefer to have someone else take over maintenance once the site is built, you’re free to do so.
8. Can I make changes to my site myself?
   Yes. You’ll always have access to the files for your website via the user ID, password, and FTP address provided by your hosting service. However, unless you are proficient in HTML and other scripting languages the site may use, we don’t recommend it. One typographical error in the code can cause an entire page to display incorrectly and may take hours of troubleshooting to find and correct.

More questions? Call 636-925-2564.