I want a website but am not sure where to begin, what do I do? (back to top)

Please refer to our web startup guide.

How long does it take to build a website? (back to top)

Every website is different. Thus, the time it takes to create one varies. This time depends on a multitude of factors including:

• Our current workload
• Availability of content
• Timely Payment
• Organization
• Client Changes

What is SEO? (back to top)

Search Engine Optimization is a process or strategy for creating webpage content to improve a website’s relevance ranking on a search engine results page (SERP). Basically, it helps a user find your website using a site like Bing, Google, or Yahoo.

How do I obtain a domain name? (back to top)

Domain names can be purchased via Web Hosting companies such as GoDaddy, Yahoo, Register.com, and Network Solutions. If your preferred domain is not available, it may be possible to purchase it from the owner of the domain (not recommended).

Will my existing website stay active while you are building my new one? (back to top)

Yes. We build all websites in a test directory that will be separate from your existing website. All files will remain there until final approval has been given to launch the site.

I am on a budget. Is it possible to build a basic website and expand on it when I have the money? (back to top)

Yes. While we encourage our clients to build websites that are as useful as possible to their target audience, we place no restrictions on how much of a website is completed prior to launch. It is always possible to add new features post-launch, provided that we are aware of plans for future expansion.

Do you provide web hosting? (back to top)

Yes. Fargo Design Co. provides web hosting using a data center based in Virginia. We use Linux-based servers that we can fully customize to fit your needs.

What type of costs are associated with building a website? (back to top)

Common costs for building a website include:

• Domain Purchase – The web address for your website
• Domain Hosting – The physical space that your website will occupy
• Design and Programming – Web Designs and Layouts are chosen by you and are built by the Programming Team.
• Image Purchases – Any stock photos or custom photography that must be purchased for your site.

My website has launched! What do I do next? (back to top)

Typically, the next thing that happens after a website is built is building a user base. This can be accomplished via promotional, advertising, or search engine optimization campaigns.

How do I provide content? (back to top)

We request that all content is provided to us in a Microsoft Word or Open Office file and that it is proofread and approved by you. This will help to streamline the revision process and ultimately will reduce the time it takes to launch your website.

What technologies are you familiar with? (back to top)

As web developers we are fluent in many programming languages and platforms. Our specialties include:

Programming Languages

• PHP – Programming language that is commonplace on the web
• MySQL – Database language that is used with PHP to create dynamic applications
• XHTML – Language that is read by a web browser to display a web page.
• CSS – Used to style websites and give them a rich appearance
• Javascript – Scripting language that works within the browser to create effects that will interact with the user
• AJAX – Combination of javascript and PHP that allows us to create rich dynamic applications that seamlessly interact with the server.
• XML – Data language that can be read and manipulated. RSS Feeds are xml based.
• Adobe Flash Actionscript 2.0 & 3.0 – Programming language that allows the creation of interactive Adobe Flash animations, applications, and websites.

Software

• Wordpress – Open-Source blogging software that is frequently used as a simple CMS system.
• Joomla – Powerful open-source CMS software
• Adobe Flash – Internet software used to deliver rich media content such as streaming movies, animations, and games.
• Linux and Apache – Hosting environment that is common throughout the web.

Do you offer Search Engine Optimization or marketing services? (back to top)

We offer Search Engine Optimization through our SEO Partners. Although we will implement some best practices while building a website, Fargo Design Co. does not and will not offer SEO services in house.

Should I place advertisements on my website? (back to top)

Advertisements can generate money as well as annoy your users. The key to deciding whether or not to place advertisements on your website lies in the mission of your website. If you plan on generating revenue with your website, then advertising can prove to be a steady revenue stream.

How do I obtain advertisers for my website? (back to top)

Fargo Design Co. does not offer marketing services. However, this tip can be used to start your advertising search. The key is to find companies that are interested in advertising and share the same user base as your website

Do you write content? (back to top)

Fargo Design Co. has writers available that can assist you in writing content for your website.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of implementing a content management system (CMS) on a website? (back to top)

The ability to edit content can be both a blessing and a hindrance, depending on your personal situation. Listed below are some quick pros and cons of content management systems.

Advantages:

• Freedom to edit content – CMS systems allow you to edit many different aspects of your website depending on which system you choose. This can all be achieved without needing to know HTML.
• No content-related maintenance costs – The ability to edit content removes the need for periodical content updates through the web developer. This will save you some money.
• Customization of website functions – Fargo Design Co. can customize the CMS to provide the ability to edit all of the website’s information from one simple panel.

Disadvantages:

• Learning Curve – All CMS systems will take some time to get used to the way that things function. This may take a couple of hours to a couple of weeks depending on the user and the CMS chosen.
• Development Cost – Almost all CMS systems require an installation and configuration by the developer. This cost is usually relayed back to the client.
• Hosting Cost – Due to increased dependence on the server for resources, a business-level hosting plan is usually required as opposed to an economy plan that a plain html site may use.

Can I add a content management system to my existing website? (back to top)

Yes and No. It may be possible to add on a CMS if you only want to edit existing web pages. However, in most cases a website will need to be reprogrammed to use a CMS from scratch.

What content management systems do you use? (back to top)

The CMS system that Fargo Design Co. chooses will generally vary depending on the size of the job and the client’s hosting situation. Typically we use the following breakdown:

• Small Sites (No Database) – For sites requiring editing of few static (non-database) pages and no changing of the navigation, we typically use a custom editor that we built in house.
• Small / Medium Sites – For medium sites (or more advanced small sites) we tend to use Wordpress, which is most commonly known as a blogging platform.
• Complex / Large Sites – For large websites or websites that require the navigation to be editable we use Joomla! which is a powerful open-source CMS that allows heavy customization.

I want a blog, can you put one on my website? (back to top)

Depending on your web hosting (do you have a database and scripting language), any website can have a blog added to it.

How do I accept credit cards on my website? (back to top)

E-commerce can be a great way to capitalize on your website’s earning power. To accept credit cards online, there are a few options:

• Basic payment processing – The simplest way to setup ecommerce is to use another company (like Paypal) to accept credit cards for you. All that you would need on your website would be a link to the user’s shopping cart.
• Advanced payment processing – Using this solution, the user will complete their transaction on your website. To accomplish this, three things will be needed.
• SSL Certificate – This is a security certificate that will allow your site to be encrypted and accept secure transactions.
• Payment Gateway – You will need an account with a payment gateway like Authorize.net or Paypal that will allow you to process the payments online. This is how you will capture the funds from the credit card company.
• Shopping Cart – This is where we come in. You need a form programmed so that when a user enters their credit card information, it will send the transaction to the payment gateway and either approve or deny the transaction.