Frequently asked questions
• What are web safe colours?
• What are the most common web browsers?
• What about search engines?
• How many visitors am I getting?
• Do you use Flash?
• What about the words?
• How do visitors email me?
• Can visitors download document files?
• What if I have products to sell?
• I want a professionally designed web site but would like to be able to update bits of the site myself. Is this possible?
• What are your terms & conditions?
What are web safe colours?
The colour range that can be displayed without dithering in all the common browsers. Each has it's own unique identifying code. The actual colours will vary on different computer monitors and PC systems. You can view a chart here.
What are the most common web browsers?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6,7 and 8 have around 80% of the market with Firefox second, followed by Safari then Opera. Also see the links page.
What about search engines?
Google has over 62% of the search engine market. All my sites are designed to be Google friendly. I usually submit your site to Google, Yahoo and Microsoft Live Search (now Bing) and possibly any specialised search sites that cover your interests. Whilst on the subject of ranking, getting your site linked to by others sites is the key.
How many visitors am I getting?
I can install a hidden counter to act as a simple way for you to check how much traffic your site is getting if you feel you need it. Sites like the BBC, or sites with big advertising budgets, will all be getting far more hits than smaller web sites,, but 3 or 4 hits a day will still generate enquiries if the content is right and attractively displayed. If you want more hits try advertising in your local paper or trade press and don't forget to put your web address on your stationery and use an email signature when you send email.
Do you use Flash?
For slide presentations of portfolios, products etc. it is very effective and quite efficient. It can also work well as animated splash screens when first visiting a site, as long as it don't impede progress to the rest of the site.
What about the words?
When people visit your site they come looking for information, and they usually want more not less, so make sure you give it to them. I use typefaces and type sizes that are easy to read on screen, with clear headings and subheadings. Consider using downloadable files where there is a lot of information.
How do visitors email me?
Email form pages mean addresses don't appear on the web site where they are vulnerable to spam robots. Forms enable people to get in touch without having email software installed, even if they have no email address.
Can visitors download document files?
If you have brochures, price lists or large, complex documents that are better suited to reading and printing off-line they can be saved as Acrobat PDF files and be downloadable from your web site.
What if I have products to sell?
Providing your product list doesn't run into thousands I can set up a simple eShop with shopping basket. If you have only a handful of products, or just want to test the water, BuyMe buttons and a PayPal account or similar may be the answer.
I want a professionally designed web site but would like to be able to update bits of the site myself. Is this possible?
Yes. If you feel up to it I can set up a Content Management System (CMS) that will allow you password protected access to designated areas of your web site without the overall design being compromised. You can change text and upload pictures and file attachments directly on the web site in your usual browser.
