How long does it take to build a web site?

The length of time it takes to build a web site greatly depends on how complex the web site will be and what we are given by you to start work on your site.

If a web site requires custom graphics, logo and specialized navigation systems, this will take more time. If a client is supplying digitalized images and a logo, the time involved in making the web site is considerably reduced.

A website with supplied logo, header graphics and images, consisting of approximately 10 pages will take anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks to be ready for launch. A web site requiring custom graphics and specialized programming can take up to 3 or 4 months to complete.

The more prepared the client is, the faster the web development process will be. Ensuring that all information, content and images are supplied at the beginning of the site project will help immensely in cutting down the time required to complete the web site.

Will people find my pages easily on the web?

If you have not already registered your domain name, a first step would be to register one in your company name. This way, people will be able to type "www.yourcompany.com" to bring your web site right up. If the desired name is not available, variations or different approaches to using your company name will have to be considered.

We can also register your new web site with all the major search engines, using meta keywords to increase your visibility in the search results. Users will be able to type in your company name with a search engine and bring up your URL. We will also be working together to optimize your placement within the search engines so that users searching for your products or services will be able to find you in the returned listing from their search query

Where can I see examples of your web design work?

We have a selection of recent web design work available to browse through in our Portfolio section.

What kinds of graphics are you able to make?

We are able to make, or supply you with, whatever is needed for the web site. Custom graphics and images to enhance the feel of a web page; navigation systems, whether simple or complex; custom logos and co-ordinated header graphics; animated images and banner graphics. Whatever is required to complete your graphics package, we can do.

Is there a minimum to the amount of work that I can have done?

If you simply need new graphics to be integrated into an existing web site, we can do that for you. Our current rate for graphic design is $100/hr. Please visit our Web Site Extras page for pricing of individual services.

If it is a very basic web site you need, our starting price for up to 12 pages is $1500. More details are available here. You may also wish to browse through our Pre-designed Web Site Module Packages for something even more affordable.

What will I have to provide for the web site?

We will provide you with a Worksheet form in PDF format to help guide you through the steps in planning the structure and organization of the web site. With this, it will help identify components needed for us to get started on your new web site.

We will need any content that you wish to be included in the site to be submitted to us in digital form, preferably saved in plain text (*.txt). Any images you have that you would like to be worked into the web site can either be submitted to us in digital format, or we can scan them for you.

In order to save time and money, it is best that we are furnished with as much content and information as possible before we commence work on your web site. Depending on the type of site design and navigation system you are interested in, having all content, catagories/sections, and subsections is often crucial in designing the overall web site. Being as organized and prepared as possible, from the beginning, will keep costs down and ensure the maximum fluidity throughout your site.

Can you make banner or button ads for advertising my site on the web?

Yes. We suggest that for any new web site, you also consider advertising components such as banner and button ads. These small, eye-catching representations of your business are a strategic part of extending your online presence and you should be prepared to integrate them into your marketing scheme.

Is there anything special needed to make a banner ad?

Please provide as much information as possible regarding what you require to be on the ad. For example: logo, motto, special catch-phrases, colour schemes, etc. The more information we have, the more quickly it will be completed.

How long does it take to complete a banner?

If we have everything we need to complete the banner ad, the turn-around is approximately two weeks, depending on the complexity of the ad.

What if I need something added or changed on my web site?

Any time you need changes or additions to your web site, simply contact our support department at support@stdiotech.com and we will be happy to make the changes. There is a charge of $50/hr for web site maintenance, although if it requires additional graphics or special programming, it will be billed at the rates listed on our Web Site Extras page.

If you feel comfortable updating the web site yourself, you will have full access to do so. We do advise you, however, to be careful as to which GUI html editors you use, as most are not reliable in producing clean, trouble free code.

What databases do you support for use with my web site?

The SQL implementation we support is the powerful MySQL, which runs on a dedicated pool of specially configured database servers. These can be accessed via Perl and PHP for Web integration.

Can you host an online store?

Yes, speak with one of our sales representatives to discuss which type of e-commerce solution will be best for you.

What do we need to do to get started on my new web site?

The first step is to fill out a Worksheet form, supplying us with as much information as possible. After reviewing your needs, based on your submission, we will supply you with an estimate.

Do you require a retainer fee?

Yes. After completion of a Worksheet form, we will be able to supply you with an estimate for the work required. We then ask for a 30% retainer before work commences, with the balance due upon completion of the project.

What are your payment options?

Currently, we accept only cheques or money orders.