• The first step is to register a domain name with InterNIC. If you haven’t already done this, I will register the name(s) that you choose (and which are available) and maintain the registration. I will bill you for the actual cost each time I register or renew a name. The cost is $16.95 per year, per domain name. You can register a domain name for one to 10 years.

2. Web Hosting

• You need a host for your web site. If you don’t already have one this is how it will work:
   
• Basic hosting services start at $21.95 per month for a regular hosting account.  The one-time set-up fee and an amount equal to 12 months of hosting will be billed to you upon the initial completion of the web site unless you have signed a monthly contract plan. I will bill you annually for the hosting fees thereafter (n/a for monthly plan accounts).

3. Content

• First, you need to think about what you want this web site to do for you. A good place to start is by filling out my Client Interview form which will help me understand your business and web site requirements. Next I'll construct an online example of my ideas for your site. I'll need your input but once we have the format, colors, size and layout agreed upon, it will usually be 2-4 weeks until the site is actually published on your domain (you play a major part in how long it takes to finish if I am waiting for documents, pictures, etc). I can include any print materials you already have, such as logos, brochures, photos, etc., in the site. You or I can take digital pictures, or I can use existing pictures such as manufacturer’s catalog pictures which I will scan. While your site is under construction you will be given a temporary URL address where you can view the construction progress at any time. A typical URL address would be http://www.nameof_tempsite.dandhwebs.net. Please look at the site under construction often and give me your feedback. This way we will both be happy with the results.

4. E-mail

• Your site can be used to send and receive e-mail. Any e-mail directed to your domain name can be automatically forwarded to your existing e-mail account, e.g., anything@yourdomain.com  could be forwarded to you125@aol.com. 

5. Getting The Word Out

• It’s not enough to have a web site; you have to promote it, too. Once your web site is published you need to let people know that it's there. The first step is to tell your existing customers about it. You might want to send out an announcement or postcard to your list of customers about your new site. You should also include your web site name in all your conventional advertising including your business cards, invoices, statements, purchase orders, hang tags, drawings, reports, and any other document you produce. Display it prominently in the store and on the store!
   
• In addition, I can submit your site to a number of search engines such as Yahoo, Google and other major search engines so that visitors will be directed to your site when they search or type in certain key words. I'll choose a title, a description and do some research to come up with at least 10 keywords (meta-tags) which would help visitors find your site, e.g., unfinished furniture, solid wood dining room, leather upholstery, queen anne sofas, etc. Again, I'll need your input so that I accurately describe your business. The title, description and keywords will be built invisibly into the pages of web your site so that the search engines that use "meta-crawlers" can find them. The fees vary depending on which search engines or directories I submit to. See my search engines page for a more detailed description of search engine submission.

6. Fees

• A $250-500 set-up fee is required to begin designing your web site. Once the site is successfully published and you are happy with it, I will send you a final bill unless you have signed a monthly contract. I will make any corrections, additions or subtractions for 30 days after your site is published, without additional cost to you. The fee for designing the site will vary depending on the size of the site and the amount of detail. In general the fees are $100 per web page with a $300 minimum, plus my expenses for the domain name and web hosting registration (if applicable). The fees for submitting your site to the major search engines are additional.
   
• In addition to the straight fees described above, I also offer a monthly plan with a two year contract. The only up-front charges are a one time $250-$500 set-up fee. The monthly fees are set depending on the size of your web site and the included features. The monthly fees range from $119-209 and up and include web site design and hosting, initial search engine submissions, and all updates to the site (limited to one hour of work per month unless otherwise agreed upon) for the length of the contract. This way you can budget your web site expenses. Other options which can be included are shopping cart hosting and set-up, targeted e-mail campaigns, site submission to Yahoo or other paid search engines, dealer locator software and set-up, etc. The website and all content remain my property until the end of the contract. At the end of the contract, you will own the site and contents. You can then remain with the plan on a month-to-month basis, giving 30 days notice if you wish to cancel, or sign a contract extension.

7. Updating

• The site needs to be maintained and updated regularly so it doesn't become stale. I recommend changes AT LEAST every 60 days. I can come to your business (if you are local) or you can call, fax, mail, or e-mail me whenever you have any changes. These can be copies of ads or other print material or new pictures, etc. After the first 30 days, unless you have signed a monthly contract, I will charge you by the hour for these updates. My hourly charge is a very reasonable $35 per hour.

Call or e-mail me now if you have any questions.  My phone number is 410-725-4115. Fax number 1-800-434-9683.