Creating a Website

What is a custom designed website?
A custom designed website is a site designed completely from scratch. The website is 100% original.

What are the benefits of having a custom designed website?
Some benefits of having a custom designed site are that the site is developed specifically to fit your needs and it will not look like any other site on the Internet.

What is a template website?
A pre-selected design structure is a website without any text or images. The color and texture of the site may or may not be pre-determined. The navigation buttons as well as placement of text and images cannot be changed.

What are the benefits of purchasing a pre-selected design structure?
The benefits of purchasing a template website:
- you will get a creatively designed site at an affordable price
- designing the website layout can actually take a lot of time, so using a template website will speed up the web development process

What makes PlanetArtWebServices.com different from other website developers for artists?
At Planet Art Web Services we are artists ourselves so we understand how important it is for artists and art organizations to have websites. But we also understand that spending a lot of money for custom designed sites is not an options for many artists. That is why we have developed creatively designed layouts that artists can customize to meet their needs. The artists are able to select colors, backgrounds, and textures that will best compliment their work. To personalize the sites we also incorporate abstract images of the artist’s work into the websites.

Do I need electronic/ digital files of the content for my website?
We prefer to receive all content such as artist statement, biography, list of exhibitions on a disk, CD, or through e-mail. If you prefer to send in hard copies of your content we charge $30/ hour (pro-rated) to change the format if needed.

Do I need electronic/ digital files of the images for my website?
We prefer to receive all images of your artwork on a CD or through e-mail. If you prefer to send in photographs of your artwork we charge $30/ hour to change the format. Slides and photographs can put on a CD at photo developing centers such as Cord Camera and Kinko’s.

Can I send handwritten information for my website?
Yes but you will be charged $30/hour to change the information into digital/ electronic format.

Do you create websites for art organizations and businesses?
Yes we create websites for art organizations and businesses custom designed to specification. This site can be used for information such as events, new artists, monthly newsletters, membership criteria, etc…….

Do you create websites for businesses?
Yes, please visit www.bluelaserdesign.com  for information on developing websites for businesses.

How long does it take to create a website?
The time it takes to complete a website can be as quick as 8 hours and extend out an undetermined amount of time if you choose to customize or custom create a website.

When do I pay for my site?
Half of the total cost of the site is due before development begins. The other half is due once the site is complete. The site will not be uploaded to the Internet unless full payment has been received. You will be able to view the site prior to release.

How do I pay for my site?
We accept money orders, cash and on-line credit card payments made through PayPal on our website.  We accept checks from artists in Ohio.

Should I watermark or copyright my online artwork?
Once your artwork is displayed online there are various ways for others to copy your images.  We do have several solutions to protect your images as much as possible. Watermarking and copyrighting the images are very useful to defer Internet users from copying your artwork.

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Domain Names & Hosting

What is a domain name?
A domain name is an address used on the Internet to identify your site. Ex: www.planetartwebservices.com or www.bluelaserdesign.com. Your domain name could be www.yourname.com.

How much does it cost to purchase a domain name?
Domain names typically cost $9.99 per year. Some hosting packages include domain names in the cost of hosting the site.

How do I purchase a domain name?
Once you have decided on the name, we will make sure that it is available then purchase it for you. We do not mark up the costs of the domain names.

What if I already own my own domain name?
If you already have a domain name you will be able to use it for your new site at no cost.

What is hosting?
Hosting means storing your website on the Internet. In order for Internet users to view your site it needs to be hosted on a server.

How much does it cost to host a website?
It depends. Websites can be hosted for free, but in return for free hosting the site will have pop-up and banner ads. We prefer to use a hosting company that charges $120 per year and includes a personalized domain name. We can discuss other hosting options during your free consultation.

Why is it better not to use free hosting?
When a website is hosted for free, the site will have pop-up and banner ads. This will give the site an unprofessional appearance and can be irritating to the viewer.

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Website maintenance

How can I add new information and images to my website after it is completed?
We will either update the site ourselves, as agreed upon in a maintenance contract or we can train you to do it yourself.

Can I update my website myself?
Yes, we can train you to update the site using Microsoft FrontPage and Adobe Photoshop. Cost of training will depend on clients needs.

Can PlanetArt update my website?
Yes, at the rate as agreed upon in a maintenance agreement or updates only when needed pro-rated at an hourly rate.

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Marketing a Website

How can I market my website?
We can market your site for you by submitting it to search engines (ex: Yahoo!, Google, MSN) and through a process called optimization (making sure your site can be found by art patrons.)

What are search engine submissions and optimization?
These are the processes of getting your website strategically placed into all the all search engines and directories (Yahoo!, Google, MSN, More...) We manually write your search engine codes called <meta> tags and use several other in-house techniques so the search engines will place your site above your competitors. This is a form of target marketing that will make sure art patrons can find your site.

How long will it take to be listed in a search engine?
The entire process usually takes between 2-4 months. Any service that guarantees placement through an automated process or next day submission is probably a scam or useless.  Our personal touch gets results.

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