How much does it cost to build a web site?
Web sites vary greatly in price depending on size and complexity. My rate is $60 per hour. Designing a site from concept to launch can run anywhere from $450 to $5,000 or more. However, most projects I handle come in at less than $5,000. For an idea of what your site might cost, please look through my portfolio. If you see a site that is somewhat similar in size and function to the one you wish to build, I can give you a quick estimate. For a more in-depth consultation, let's get together in person or over the phone to talk about your options. After discussing the details of your project, I can give you an estimate and answer any additional questions. For an appointment, call 731.661.0897 or email rachel@rachel-dickson.com

How long will it take to build my web site?
This depends on the size of the project. I can have a small site up and running for you in a week or two, a medium-size site might take a month, and larger sites will take longer. You can speed up the process by having all your images and text ready for me. If you come to me with a realistic deadline and you have all the materials on hand, I will be glad to work within your time frame.

I already have a web site but I want to improve it. Can you help?
I can help you improve your existing site and maintain it for you. For an appointment, call 731.661.0897 or email rachel@rachel-dickson.com

Will you maintain my site for me?
Your web site belongs to you and its maintenance is your choice. Once your site is completed you'll want to keep it fresh with new, updated information periodically.  I can edit your site based on my hourly rate of $60 in 15-minute increments with a minimum charge of $20.

How do I get listed on the search engines?
During our initial meeting we will discuss key words and phrases people will use with the search engines when they are looking for your site or sites like yours. We will incorporate these key words and phrases into the text of your web site and create what are called meta tags. These are invisible to visitors to your site but will help the search engines find you. From the very beginning, we will focus on making your site search engine-friendly. And once your site is up and running, you will have a number of options for promoting it through search engines. I can help you sort through the choices.

Will I be able to keep track of how many visits my web site gets?
Yes. Our web server will keep detailed statistics on how many visits your site receives as well as information about where those hits come from. It is useful to review these statistics when you are devising ways to increase traffic to your site.

What is web hosting?
A web site is made up of files like those you have on your desktop computer. To make your web site accessible to other people, the files that make up your site must be placed on a host computer that is connected to the Internet around the clock. This host computer is called a web server.

How much does web hosting cost?
Web hosting usually starts around $25 per month. Actual cost depends on your web site's size, use and how many visits it receives.

What makes your hosting service my best choice?
I contract hosting through a large company, giving my clients several advantages at a competitive price. You have the benefit of reliability and speed through the large company plus personalized, easily accessible support through me. I provide each of my clients with professional service and personal attention to their projects, regardless of size and complexity.

What is a domain name?
The rachel-dickson.com part of my web address is an example of a domain name.

How do I get a domain name?
Your domain name will simply be a name of your choosing followed by .com, .net, .org or one of the other available extensions. However, since many domain names are already taken by others, we may have to get creative. The key is to find an available domain name that is easy for people to remember and spell. Then, we must register it at a cost of $29.95 per year. Once you have registered a domain name, it effectively belongs to you until you decide to stop paying the annual fee. Even if you're not quite ready to build your site, you can register and hold a domain name. This will reserve it for your use until you have built your site and are ready to launch it.

How do we get started on my web site?
Call me at 731.661.0897 or email rachel@rachel-dickson.com for an appointment.