Chrismer Communications

1. What does it cost to put up a web site?
2. What should I consider before developing a web site?
3. How do I get my own domain name?
4. What is a "web host?"
5. How will customers learn about my new web site?
6. Why does my site look different on someone else's system?
7. Can we register conference participants online?
8. How can I find out how many people are visiting my web site?
9. I don't know much web terminology. One web design firm told me I needed CGI, e-commerce, active server pages and more. How do I know I'm not getting bamboozled?

1. What does it cost to put up a web site?
You may be surprised to learn how little it can cost. A small business could invest between $500-$1,000 and have a professional presence on the web. Think of a web site as having both fixed and variable costs.

Fixed costs: In order to register your domain name (www.yourcompany.com), a fee must be paid to InterNic. (The InterNIC registers and routes Internet domain names in the United States, ensuring that duplicate domain names are not issued.) This registration fee typically covers a one-year period, after which you must pay a nominal fee to retain your domain name.

Additionally, a web site must be "hosted" on an server, i.e. your web site files are stored on a host's hard drive and are made available to online visitors. Typically, hosting charges include a one-time setup fee and monthly fees of approximately $12 to $70.

Variable Costs: There are several variables that will dictate your final cost. Some of these variables include:
• the number of pages within a site (the depth and breadth of content)
• the type of graphics used (animation, image maps, logo design)
• services you want to offer (online commerce, searchable databases)
• web site maintenance (date references, new product announcements)

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2. What should I consider before developing a web site?
First, determine the purpose of the web site. Will it introduce a product or service to a new audience? Will it provide timely information about your organization? Will it serve as an educational tool? Will it sell or promote goods and services? Is it a "calling card" for your business? Once you have outlined the goals of your web site, rank them in order of importance. This will ensure that your web site is developed with these priorities in mind.

Second, try to envision the typical visitor to your site. Who do you want to draw there? What type of information do you want to provide that visitor? Do you want them to visit the site repeatedly?

Third, remember that technology is changing rapidly. A web site that is cutting-edge today may be stale next year. Take into account that your web site must grow and change to meet your visitors' needs.

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3. How do I get my own domain name?
A domain name is your own exclusive address on the Internet. Currently, addresses are only available using the .com (business), .net (network), .org (not-for-profit), and .edu (education) extensions. Outside the United States, extensions reflect the home country of the organization (.au, .nz). Domain names are like trademarks; for example, there is only one www.cnn.com, which is registered to the Cable News Network. Domain names are a precious commodity; it's important to check that the domain name you wish to use has not already been taken. Chrismer Communications can take care of this process for you by performing a domain name search and then registering your domain name with InterNic, the organization currently charged with registering and issuing domain names. If your desired domain name has already been registered, Chrismer Communications can develop a viable alternative.

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4. What is a "web host?"
There are national as well as local companies that are considered "web hosts." Generally speaking, they are companies that devote space for web sites on vast computer systems with speedy Internet connections. Each web site has an exclusive Internet address, or domain name. Internet users who "call up" an address connect to the web host's system and view the web site. Important criteria used when choosing a web host are: reliability (can the server handle site traffic?); cost (usually $10-70/month, plus a set up fee); and range of services (online commerce, e-mail forwarding etc.)

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5. How will customers learn about my new web site?
There's no point in creating a web site and not telling anyone about it! First, be sure to include your new web site address on all of your marketing materials and correspondence (brochures, advertisements, letterhead, business cards). You're already using these tools to reach current and potential customers, so adding your web site address will ensure you're reaching the appropriate markets.

Another method is to submit your web site to Internet search engines such as Yahoo, Excite, Lycos, HotBot and others. One cautionary note: sole reliance on search engines to promote your site is a dangerous mistake many people consider making. For most of these search engines, registration is free. However, each search engine has specific criteria it uses to determine a site's "ranking" within the database. This site shows the wide range of determining factors that influence how your site is listed. Although all of this may sound quite complicated, Chrismer Communications can help you to sort through all of these details and we will employ a variety of methods to increase your site's visibility.

You may also want to consider advertising on the Internet via ad banners on similar sites. Or, if you know of related sites that may wish to include a link to your site for free, this is a very effective marketing tool.

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6. Why does my site look different on someone else's computer?
Two PCs, sitting side by side, could show very different versions of the same web site. Monitor resolution and size, the browser being used (Netscape, Internet Explorer), operating systems (Windows, Mac, Unix), and even the computer's processing speed can affect how a web site is displayed. It is up to the web site designer to create a web site that will look good on any PC.

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7. Can we register conference participants online?
Yes. It's as easy as setting up a form that includes all of the particular details you need from your registrants, which will be e-mailed directly to whomever you designate. You can even have your registrants pay online by setting up an SSL (secure socket layer) and accepting credit card transactions on the web. You would then manually process the credit as though someone placed an order over the telephone.

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8. How will I know if people are visiting my web page?
Chrismer Communications can provide you with detailed tracking reports, including how many visitors your site has received, which sections of your web site are most often visited, what time of day is most popular, and other useful information about your web traffic.

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9. I don't know much web terminology. How will I know if I'm being bamboozled?
We pride ourselves on our integrity, and we will never snow you with impressive-sounding jargon and acronyms. When you deal with Chrismer Communications, you know that you will be getting honest and complete answers to all of your questions. We guarantee it.

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