How long does it take to design a website?

That depends on the complexity and size of the website. Most websites, however, will take between one and three weeks to design. The whole process - including our initial estimate, further hashing out with you of exactly what you're looking for, design, revision, and posting to the internet - will generally take two to four weeks.

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My company is not based in Maine. Can Corey White Design still make me a site?

The answer is a resounding "yes." Modern technology means that it's entirely conceivable (and even easy) for us to design you a website without ever meeting in person. Consultations can be made over the phone or through email, drafts can be posted to the internet for you to view, final products can be posted to the internet and mailed to you, and payments can be made by credit card online. Don't let distance stop you!

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How do I get a domain name (www.MYSITENAME.com)?

A domain name is what people type into the address bar of their web browser to get to your site. For example, my domain name is coreywhite.com. A domain name (sometimes known as a "web address") can never be exactly "owned." One nonprofit organization, ICANN, is responsible for all domain names. A number of companies, known as registrars, are responsible for making domain names commercially available. Domain names are leased through a registrar for terms of at least one year.

Domain names are very cheap - the going rate these days is about $9 a year. Also, when you are leasing a domain name, no one else has the right to use it, and you are allowed to renew it at the end of your term before anyone else can buy it. This means that, once you get a domain name, it's yours for as long as you want it.

Corey White Design is not a registrar. However, we will assist you in finding one, and will help you to set up your website on any registrar of your choice.

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What is a host? Do I need one for my site?

A host, or web host, provides the specialized physical computer (called a server) which holds your website. Every time someone directs their browser to your domain name, they are sent to the host's computer, which then "serves up" the files that make up your website.

All websites need a host. Corey White Design is not a hosting company, but we will assist you (for no extra charge) in finding a web host and uploading your website to it.

Web hosting plans vary drastically in quality and price. Many Maine web design companies require you to use a specific host, which often costs $20 - $30 per month. Corey White Design, on the other hand, will help you find the host best tailored to your needs. The hosting company that we use for our own site charges less than $5 per month.

If you're still not sure exactly what a web host does, and how it relates to a domain name registrar or a web design company, here's an analogy. Say you build a new store. The web design company (like Corey White Design) is both the architect and the general contractor, designing and building your store (or site). The web host is like the land, providing the physical location at which your store (or site) resides. The domain name is like the street address of that land: without it, no one could find your store (or, for the last time, your site).

Still confused? Don't worry, you have every right to be . . . the internet is complicated, behind the scenes. Contact us with any questions.

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Why shouldn't I have my niece/friend/son/pet design my site for me?

Everyone has an acquaintance who "knows how to make web sites." It's tempting to let them make your site. After all - it might even be free.

Unfortunately, this attitude is a mistake. Sure, you might not have to pay your friend. But that doesn't make it free: a poorly designed website can be even worse than no website at all, projecting an unprofessional image of your company. The fact is, a site designed by your niece will look like a site designed by your niece.

Do yourself a favor: hire a professional. You're not just paying them for the time they spend developing your website, or the tools they use, but also for their talent and expertise.

Of course, who knows? Your niece might be the next design genius. But chances are, she's not, and you'd be wise to steer clear.

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