FAQs
Included here are some answers to frequently asked questions. If you have a question that you do not see answered here, please don't hesitate to email me, and I will get back to you with the answer. I like to have a very open and honest relationship with my clients, and prefer that they understand all aspects of my services and how I work.
Why do you need full access to my web host?
In order to upload all files, and configure ftp and email options, I need to have access to the control panel for your web host. Often clients are not sure how to set these things up, and that is a service that I can provide for them.
Why can't you just give me a generic price for a web site?
Because there are so many individual elements that go into a web site, it is almost impossible to simply layout a cost for doing one. Depending on the number of pages, number of graphics, any Flash design, whether the client has a design of some sort to start with, custom images, etc., the price can vary greatly from one client to the next, even though they may have the same size of web site.
How do you generate a cost for a website?
Flat fees are associated with individual elements in a web site. There is a base cost for each page, which then can be raised depending upon the elements that are added. Graphics, ready made or custom; scripts; forms; Flash. All of these items are priced individually, which makes it almost impossible to give a generic quote without knowing what exactly will be going into the web site. I do NOT charge by the hour, only by the components of the web site.
Do you provide web hosting?
I can provide web hosting if it is desired by the client. If a client does not already have a host, I can provide a list of requirements based on their web site proposal.
Why are there time limits put on delivering content?
As much as the client desires to see their finished project in a timely manner, so do I. I put time limits on delivering content in order to avoid having a project dragged out for a very long time. Once a commitment is made, both parties need to be involved to complete the project.
Why is there a deposit required to start my project?
A lot of work goes into creating a web site, especially one that is custom designed, as I do mine. I require a deposit so that I can begin work immediately, and assure that my clients are committed to the project and so that I do not go through the effort of creating the design only to have the project cancelled.
Why do you keep a copyright on the site design?
I keep a copyright, in other words, I own the design of the site for the life of that design. The client owns the content. The reason for this is simple. On each web site that I create, there is a link at the bottom that states that this site was designed by Merlee Designs™. If after the site is completed and turned over to the client, the client hires someone else to handle the maintenance and the design is altered, it is no longer all of my design, but neither is it that of the new maintenance person. This is to assure that the design does not get altered. If the client wishes to redesign the web site using someone else, that is absolutely within their right, though no part of my design can be used. At this point, my name is removed from the site.
Why do you keep the source files?
For the same reason as stated in the above question. If modifications are made to my designs, they become questionable. For example, if an author turned over a digital version of their book to someone else, and changes were made here and there that the author would not approve of, it could make the author look bad. I feel the same way about my designs. If colors are changed, images, etc., then they may not have the results that I would want associated with my name, and thereby my reputation.
Why do you require reciprocal links?
Reciprocal links, meaning I link to you and you link to me, is a great way of marketing both of our businesses. Each time another site links to you, your site is ranked higher on certain search engines, especially Google, who uses link popularity as a way of determining the value of a web site.