Frequently Asked Questions

"Often, anticipating a web design or redesign project can appear confusing because of all the techie jargon and new concepts..."

I have had lots of people contact me to ask about setting up a web site, the website design or the possibility of updating/modifying their existing website. Many wish to arrange for RootHost to design a brand new website or move their website to a different web server. Perhaps they have queries concerning either existing domain names or new domain names. I have listed below for you some of the most frequently asked questions in connection with web design - along with answers - appertaining to web design and associated web issues.

If you have a question that is not answered here, or you want to talk to me about any aspect of your website design, setting up or changing your web site, web hosting or website maintenance or domain name registration please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements.

Your web design questions answered.

There are thousands of web design companies out there. What makes you different?
There are many people that think that since they simply own some web publishing software, that they can put up a web site and call themselves professional web designers. Sadly, this isn't the case!

At RootHost, I take your web project seriously. This is not something that I do part-time or on the side. I've invested in what I consider to be the best web design software on the market and more importantly, I know how to use it to give you the results you want.

In addition, since I operate a small business, I am able to give each and every client the personalised attention that they deserve.

Unlike most other web design firms, RootHost have taken the time to become educated in the areas of search engine optimisation (SEO). I am able to provide you with keyword analyses, keyword saturated copy, concise and effective META tags, and a design that helps, rather than hinders, your position in the search engine results pages (SERP's).

How much will a website cost me?
The cost of a web site varies depending on the site and complexity, no two website projects are the same. A small web site with just a few static pages would cost in the region of £300-£500, whereas a content management system (CMS) could cost anywhere from £600 upwards and a full ecommerce website with a large number of pages would be in the region of £1200 upwards. These are only ball-park figures and, as mentioned above, each design project is different so feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements personally and build a tailor-made package.

What do I get for my money?
All my designs are created and conceived from your requirements. RootHost don't use ready made templates, all our sites are designed from scratch. So if you want a green website with pink spots you can have one! Please don't, lol.

I aim to give all of my clients 'value for money' websites. Granted you may find a cheaper offer out there, but as the age old saying goes "you get what you pay for". Everything below comes as standard with my designs:-

Custom website design - your own look and feel
Built with W3C valid HTML5 and CSS3 in mind
SEO optimised pages for better search engine ranking
Cross browser compatibility
12 months FREE web hosting and FREE .co.uk domain name
Great prices
A range of solutions

What is your payment policy and what type of payments do you accept?
I ask for 25% of the final price up-front before any design work begins and the remaining 75% upon completion and before the site goes live (uploaded to final server).

I am happy to accept all UK credit and debit cards, paypal, cheque, BACS or cash. Your project will begin once I have received a signed contract and initial deposit.

What is a domain name and why do I need one?
Every web site must have a domain name. A domain name is your websites unique address on the internet.

As an example, the domain name for RootHost is http://www.roothost.co/. The most common domain names will end in .com, .net, or .co.uk, but there are many more to choose from such as .co, .info, .biz and .eu.

What is web hosting and why do I need it?
Your web site needs a home on the internet - a place for your domain name, web page files and graphics to reside. You buy, or rent, web space through a hosting company. RootHost provide reliable web hosting for businesses and individuals, and offer 12 months free web hosting with all new web design projects.

Hosting fees vary greatly depending on your needs. Your hosting package will need special features if you plan to have an ecommerce website, if you will be connected to a database, or if you have special programming requirements.

Do I need to buy a domain name and hosting?
No, RootHost offer 12 months free web hosting and a free .co.uk domain with all website design packages.

How long will it take for my web site to be designed?
The timescale of a website design project is often dictated by the client. If you have a deadline in mind I will endeavor to meet it for you. The most common delay in the creation and completion of a new website is waiting for content (text/images) to be sent to me by the client.

Timescales, sign-off points and deadlines will be discussed on a 'per-design' basis.

In what format should I supply words and photographs about my business for my new website?
It is helpful to me if you are able to provide text and photographs in electronic format, for example; the files output by a digital camera and the words in Microsoft Word or similar format. Notepad is fine. If this is not possible, we can help get your information ready for use on the website.

Will we need to have a meeting in connection with the website design?
In the majority of cases a meeting isn't necessary and most of my websites are generally completed with contact via email and telephone only. I place 'suggested website designs' onto the internet in a private place where only yourselves and RootHost can view the content. I then liaise with you regularly to discuss the web designs in order that the website design and functionality is exactly as you wish.

That's not to say that I never meet clients as it is always nice to have a face-to-face meeting prior to accepting a project, but sometimes the timeframe of a design or the distance between myself and clients just doesn't make a meeting feasible.

What if I do not like the design?
If you do not like the design which I have suggested for you, we can discuss further with a view to ascertaining what type of design you would like to see and then place another 'suggested design' in your web area for you to view. I would not like to think that you are not happy with the final website design. My aim is to design, for you, a website specific to your requirements which you are completely happy with.

Only once you are completely happy with a design will I begin coding the website.

Once my website design is completed what after-sales service do you offer?
After the completion of a website project I am available for after sales service. Any slight tweaks or amendments are carried out to the site free of charge in the first month. Any support thereafter will be charged at an hourly rate of £22.50.

Am I tied into RootHost for any site maintenance or updates I wish to do once my website is designed?
No once your website is designed it belongs to you and you can commission anyone to update it for you - although of course I would like to think that you are happy with my services and will continue to use RootHost for your website maintenance.

How do I update my website?
There are many different methods which can be used to update websites. The method you choose and the functionality I build into your website design is solely up to yourself although of course I will be glad to advise you which method will suit your needs.

If you have a small website consisting of just a few pages and will only wish to make changes very infrequently, then usually it is more cost effective simply to ask RootHost to carry out these changes for you.

For larger websites, or where more frequent updates are needed, I can incorporate an on line content management system, such as Wordpress, in to the design. Using a CMS you can either update individual products/pages/services or particular sections of your website. e.g. company news.

Alternatively I can provide functionality such that you can upload your entire product ranges to the website in one action using spreadsheets etc. I can also add databases if you wish.

I already have a website and I need it updating, can you help me?
Yes, I would be happy to look at you existing website and give you a quote for updating it.

Do you redesign existing websites?
Yes I do. I can redesign, retaining your company corporate style or redesign to give you a complete new image taking advantage of the latest web technologies.

Do I have to keep my website with you forever, or can I move it to another web host?
You may move your website to another web hosting service at any time (providing there are no outstanding invoices). Once your website design has been completed, and the final balance paid, I send you a copy of the website on cd. This copy of your website is for your retention.

How do I get listed in Google?
It is free to submit your website to Google and you can do that here. I submit all websites I design to the major search engines.

Will my website design be search engine friendly?
All my websites are SEO friendly and the website design is compliant with the current W3C guidelines. It is a good idea for your website to be re-evaluated in time as over a period of time the search engines do alter their rules and algorithms and you will want to be certain that your website is kept up to date and complies with new rules etc.

Will everyone see my web site the same?
Your website visitors might see some things differently depending on their browser, screen resolution setting and their individual computer settings and toolbars. I design sites with that in mind and preview them in several browser types and resolution settings before publishing. Obviously as technology alters then eventually all websites may need reevaluation.

I currently test my sites in Internet Explorer 9+, Firefox 5+ and the latest versions of Chrome, Opera and Safari.

How many pages can I have on my web site?
As many as you like. From a search engines point a view - The more the better!

Do I need a database on my website?
This will depend upon the amount of information you wish to be displayed on your website. If you have many products/services, then it may be advantageous to have a database incorporated into your website design. I will discuss this in detail with you and if a database is advised I will explain in detail exactly how this will work. RootHost can tailor your website design to suit your specific requirements.

Can you provide all our web design and hosting services?
Yes - RootHost are your one stop company to provide all your web services. I can register your domain name, design your website, provide your web hosting, create affordable and achievable SEO campaigns and arrange your email accounts for you.

Do you guarantee that my site will always be available?
I would love to say yes! But the truth is that no web hosting service can guarantee 100% uptime as sometimes things go wrong that are beyond anyone's control. However, I can say that RootHost servers have had an excellent uptime rate. Should the servers have any problems then the necessary backups are in place to deal with this issue very speedily.

Do you use Flash animation in your website design?
Yes I do use flash as and when required. It is important to note that there are times when flash animations can be an asset but it would be unwise to use flash to create an entire website or even entire pages of your website as search engines are not able to read the content of flash and therefore any words used in animations will not be indexed by the search engines.

Generally it is best to use flash for smaller banners, advertisements or demonstrations and incorporate the flash animation into a web page which also includes some written text in html. This way the search engines will be able to index your information.

Can I get e-mail with my website?
Yes you can have email and you will probably wish to set-up several email addresses e.g. sale@your-domain.com, info@your-domain.com, john.smith@your-domain.com etc. How many email addresses you are allocated depends on the hosting package you choose.

Can I see how many visitors I've had to my website?
Yes, I install Google Analytics, a web tracking software, which records where you visitors are coming from and which pages they looked at, which search engines are being used, which phrases are being typed into which search engines and many more interesting web tracking facts which you should find useful for future marketing campaigns.

Do I need to install any software?
No is the simple answer. I install/upload everything needed to make your website work.

What is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a method of transferring files (web pages for example) from your local PC to your web server. There are a variety of free ftp software programs available on the internet and they enable you to update your website pages at any given time. When a hosting package is purchased/setup 'FTP details', consisting of the host name, user ID and password are sent to you.

RootHost recommends CoffeeCup Free FTP.

Can I have an e-commerce system for my website?
Yes you can. RootHost have Secure Servers (SSL) which use the latest encryption methods to ensure that your customers can buy from your ecommerce website knowing that the information they enter is secure and safe. Your store will easily integrate with any online payment provider you choose.

How can I accept credit cards on my website?
There are various methods available to you. I would need to talk to you to establish you requirements and the best method for your company. There are essentially two main methods of accepting credit cards. The first method is where you use your own card machine and process the card payment yourself and the second method uses an online clearance company. Once you are sure which method you wish to use, I can design your website accordingly.

Do you display any banners or pop-up ads on my website?
Absolutely not! - It's your website and you have total control over the contents and who advertises on it. I may, however, place a small text link in the footer linking back to our own website.

Who owns the website once the website design is completed?
The website belongs to you! I send you a copy of the website on cd. This copy is for your retention and should you wish to use another web design or web hosting company you are completely at liberty to take this copy to them for them to use.