This is probably the most frequently asked of all FAQs, and also the most difficult to answer. The reason being that there are so many facets and functions a website can have, it is difficult to give a ballpark figure. We are happy to provide an estimate of anticipated costs. A free one-hour phone consultation is offered to prospective clients.

Q. Do you charge for proposals?

For a standard brochure / informational website we do not charge a fee to develop a proposal. For websites and other application development projects requiring a detailed discovery process into the scope of project, we may charge an hourly fee for proposal development. Please note, we offer a free one-hour consultation to discuss your project needs and would notify you at that time if a proposal development fee is required. In the event a proposal development fee is charged, we would credit this amount against the project, upon award of the project to us.

Q. How long does it take to get my website completed?

The complexity and your level of preparedness will greatly impact on the amount of time required to complete your project. We can usually complete a brochure / informational type website project within days, when we have everything necessary. To expedite your project, it is extremely helpful to have all major components in hand. Some of these components will need to come from you. Some will be developed by us. We will work with you on organizing these deliverables.

Q. What are the main ingredients to building a website?

• An approved design concept (layout, colors, fonts, navigational structure, content arrangement)
• Website architecture (a list of pages and how they will relate to each other)
• Photography and graphics to be used on the site
• Editorial copy (in its final approved version)

Q. What is website hosting?

Hosting refers to the computer that holds your website and the software to support its functionality, including Internet connectivity.

Q. Can I host my own website?

You can and may. However, costs related to hosting (software, knowledge or IT support to maintain, Internet connectivity and other considerations) are often prohibitive to small to medium size operation. Website hosting is reasonably inexpensive part of website maintenance, generally ranging from $10-$50/month, depending on your needs.

Q. Does The Web Professional, Inc. offer hosting?

Yes, we have a number of hosting options available to meet whatever level of service is desired.

Q. What does The Web Professional, Inc mean when it refers to managed hosting?

Managed hosting means just that. We manage your website's hosting - period! If there is a problem with your websites hosting, we take care of it at no additional cost to you.

While you may enjoy savings in paying for hosting directly to a 3rd party, consider the value of the time you may spend on the phone holding for support.

Q. What is a domain name, and how much does one cost?

A domain name is similar to a phone number. It is how visitors to the Internet can address their browser directly to your website. Domain names should be purchased through an ICANN accredited registrar.

For a list of accredited registrars, please visit: http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/accredited-list.html.

The cost of a domain name is relative to its availability. Were you to choose something readily available through an accredited registrar, you may find prices range anywhere from $3 - $50 / year. However, were you to choose a domain name that is not available, such as www.nbc.com, chances are you may have to buy through another source, and the cost may be in the thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Domain name ownership is limited to the period for which you have paid. It is very important to document your information, such as account username, password and expiration date so that you can maintain your ownership.

Note: You may purchase a domain name and website hosting through separate providers.