Frequently Asked Questions


How long will it take to design my website ?
The amount of web pages your website needs and the type of design has an impact, but the timescale of a website design project is often dictated by the client. The most common delay in the creation and completion of a new website design is waiting for content (text/images) to be sent to us by the client. If you have a deadline in mind we will endeavour to meet it for you.

Do we need to meet in connection with the webdesign ?
The most of our websites are done via telephone and email. We are also available on Skype but will meet with you should you wish to discuss you web design in person.

What after-sales service do you offer once my website has been designed ?
We offer website maintenance so that your website will never get out of date and fully support all websites we designed. Should you have any questions or requests after we have handed the website over, we are always availeble.

In what format should I supply the web site content to you for the webdesign ?
It is helpful to us if you are able to provide text and photographs in electronic form - for example, the files output by a digital camera and the words in MS word, notepad or similar format.

Will my website pages be search engine friendly ?
we design our websites with search engines in mind and the website design is compliant with search engine guidelines. It is a good idea for your website to be re-evaluated in time as over a period of time the search engines do alter their rules and algorithms and you will want to be certain that your website is kept up to date and complies with new rules etc.

I hear that there are hidden costs associated with web design services. Is this true?
No, once you receive a quote on your website design, that amount is strictly adhered to. The only changes that would occur is if you want additional items on your web site that was not included in the original quote.

Am I tied into Henrico Web Design for any site maintenance or updates I wish to do once my website is designed?
No once your website is designed it belongs to you and you can commission anyone to update it for you - although of course we would like to think that you are happy with our web design and developement services and will continue to use us for your website maintenance.

Will everyone see my web site the same ?
Your website visitors will see some things differently depending on their browser, screen resolution setting and their individual computer settings and toolbars. We design websites with that in mind and preview them in several browser types and resolution settings before publishing. Obviously as technology alters then eventually all websites may need reevaluation.

Do you use Flash animation in your website design ?
Yes we do use flash as and when required. It is important to note that there are times when flash animations can be an asset but it would be unwise to use "flash" to create an entire website or even entire pages of your website as search engines are not able to read the content of flash and therefore any words used in animations will not be indexed by the search engines.

Generally it is best to use flash for smaller website banners, advertisements or demonstrations and incorporate the flash animation into a web page which also includes some written text in html. This way the search engines will be able to index your information

Can I get e-mail with my website?
Yes you can have email and you will probably wish you set-up several email addressed e.g. sale@your-website.com, info@your-domain.com, john.smith@your-domain.com

Can I see how many visitors I've had to my website ?
Yes, we normally add a statcounter from statcounter.com in websites that we design, that will give a huge amount of information including where you visitors are coming from and which pages they looked at, which search engines are being used, which phrases are being typed into which search engines and many more interesting website tracking facts which you should find useful for future website marketing campaigns. We install the free offering but you are able to upgrade to the paid option which will keep more data at a time.

When can I update my website content ?
If the website we have designed for you includes a Content Management System then you can access your administration areas from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and make updates instantly as frequently as you wish. If your website is a normal html website, a smaller website and was designed without using a content management system and you don't have any html skills, then we can update and maintain the website for you. Our charges are very reasonable.

Do you redesign existing websites ?
Yes we do. We can redesign, retaining your company corporate style or we can redesign to give you a complete new image.

Web Site Content - What Do I Put On My Site ?
That would depend on the goals of your web site. If you run a business website you would include as much information about your products or services that your customers would need to purchase from you

I've made my decision - I want you to design my web site. Now what do I do ?
Simply send us an email and we will contact you, or feel free to phone us.

What preparations does my business have to do to get online ?
Brochures, logos, photographs, business cards etc. are all great resources to use. For new businesses we will help you get started from scratch. At Henrico Web Design, we work together with you to help answer these questions. We can eevn do your logo design, brochures, business cards etc for you.

How much input do I have during the website design process ?
We welcome your input! The more input we receive from you the better able we will be to satisfy your needs and produce a site that will have the desired look and impact that you want. It's your web site, we want it to look the way you want it.

What does 'website maintenance' mean ?
Website Maintenance refers to changes made to your website after the initial design. Keeping a website up-to-date is essential in having repeat visitors to your website. Updating the website with sales, newsletters, press releases, financial figures and links are all examples of website Maintenance. If you already have a website but your business does not have the time to take care of keeping the website maintained, we can offer daily, weekly, and monthly updates. Contact us to arrange a custom website maintenance contract that suits your company.

What domain name should I choose?
This depends on how you are going to use it. If you are going to be telling people over the phone, choose one that is easy to say and spell out loud. Above all, I would choose one that is memorable and not confusing.

What can a website do for me?
The answer to this question is neither short nor easy. With a little research and thought you can find hundreds of reasons, but there are a few general statements that may help you realize your needs. First a website can reach millions of people that might not otherwise be available. Second, customers can view products, services, or whatever you want to share from the comfort of their own home. No matter what type of business you are in, their are ways to grow and make money on the web for you.

Why does it matter how it looks as long as it works?
When you recieve a visitor to your site, they will instantly percieve the quality of your services or products. The first impression a customer or potential customer gets depends on the appearance of your website. A visitor will be interested and explore your site if it is appealing and easy to navigate. You are marketing yourself and your business to the world over the Internet and it is important to show your best.

So, I want to establish a strong presence on the Web. But where do I start ?
The four easy steps we provide below will guide you in the direction of a professionally designed, developed and marketed Web site.
Step One: Domain Name (URL) Registration -- This is the address people will use to access your Web site (www.yourcompany.com). Once you have determined that the URL you wish to use is available, the cost to register a name is anywhere from R150 per year. A domain name needs to be renewed every year.
Step Two: Design of the Web Site -- This is where the look, feel, and content of the Web site are determined and created.
Step Three: Hosting Your Web Site on a Web Server -- This is basically where you rent space on a computer that is always connected to the Internet. Price will vary, depending on the amount of disk space you will have and the connection to the Internet.
Step Four: Marketing Your Web Site -- You should be thinking about the marketing of your Web site as it is being designed. The content of the site needs to reflex the search terms if you want your site to appear on search engines.

What preparations does my business have to do to get online ?
Brochures, logos, photographs, business cards etc. are all great resources to use. For new businesses we will help you get started from scratch. At Vesign Solutions, we work together with you to help answer these questions.

Does my business need to be computer-based in order to have a website ? Do I need to know about computers ?
You don't need to have computers involved in your business in order to have a website. Many companies do filing, invoicing and more without a computer. Creating a website is more about exposing your business to new potential clients and generating new sales. There is no need to overhaul the way your company does business.

What does website maintenance mean ?
Website Maintenance refers to changes made to your website after the initial design. Keeping a website up-to-date is essential in having repeat visitors to your site. Updating the site with sales, newsletters, press releases, financial figures and links are all examples of website Maintenance. If you already have a website but your business does not have the time to take care of keeping the website maintained, we can offer daily, weekly, and monthly updates. Contact us to arrange a custom website maintenance contract that suits your company.