Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the process?  Where do I start?
• What are the Costs?
• Do you provide web hosting?
• What technologies do you use?

What is the process? Where do I start?

The first step is to decide that you want to expand your market and visibility.  Decide what role your website will play in your overall marketing and business strategy.  Then make an appointment to talk with a Spiderweb Logic representative (805) 720-0789. Or contact us by email or phone.

Before your appointment it is a good idea to search out a few example websites that you like - those with some of the look or features you want.  This will give you ideas of what is out there help clarify things that you like about a website style and color scheme.  Be able to identify what you like and dislike about the websites you show us.

At the appointment, we can discuss the following:

1) The purpose for your website:  Are you just looking for a brochure site that doesnt change often... perhaps only a few pages?  Or are you interested in one that can grow significantly - perhaps selling products online or having online members.

2) What is your target market?  Is it a small local area?  Or are you targeting all of California - or all United States?

3) What is your competition doing?  Figure out what you like/dislike about at least one competitor's site.  This will give you some idea of what is out there. 

If you do some of your homework before the meeting it will make it more efficient meeting and we can more easily meet your particular business needs and suit your personal tastes.

Then we will discuss how we can build a website to meet your business needs and have the look you want.  We may suggest additional features that may be desirable for your type of business...

When you are ready, we sign a contract describing the features you want and Spiderweb Logic begins to work. 

Normally we come up with 2-3 proposed layouts from our graphic designer.  You then choose which you like and we build the website accordingly.

When the website is completed to your satisfaction you pay the final deposit.  If this is an editable website, you get some training before paying the final deposit.

What are the Costs?

If you are wanting to update or maintain an existing website, the costs are $75 per hour.  Any fixed prices for doing a task are estimated based on this hourly rate.

For a NEW WEBSITE:

1) The cost to build the site. 

def: This is paying me for my labor to put your customized business asset together.  This usually includes putting the files I create onto the web.

These costs include the graphic design for the website, building the web pages, and posting them to a web server (web host) so it is visible to the internet.

• Our non editable (brochure) sites start at $550. This is for 1-3 pages.  Additional pages are $85 per page.
• Our editable (CMS) sites start at $2450.  This online software allows you to easily create additional pages and control the menus.
• Our ECommerce sites (shopping carts) start at $3100.
• Adding membership features to CMS or to ECommerce sites is an additional $700. 

If you think that you may want a 20 or 30 page site,  you may get the best value with starting with a CMS.

Also consider your skills.  If you are afraid of computers or dont have a computer, you may not want an editable website.

2) The cost to host the site. 

def: Web hosting is basically renting space on a computer/server that will allow your website to be visible to the internet.  A web host is the company that owns the computer/server.  You just rent space on it - like renting an appartment.

If you are building a non-editable site, you can host wherever you want.  Godaddy.com is a popular choice.  If you want a CMS or ECommerce site, then you should host at SiteServer.net.  From our experience, they provide the best value for the price with high availability and good customer service.  This will cost between $10 per month and $20 per month, depending on how large your site gets.  Godaddy.com does not host our advanced software well unless you have a dedicated server costing around $100/month.

3) The cost to own the domain name. 

def: This is purchasing the rights to use a particular name for your website (like SpiderwebLogic.com) - and this is usually paid for annually. 

Usually, this is less than $20/year.  We recommend that you use 123CheapDomans.com or Godaddy.com to purchase it, because their costs are competitive and their tools are easy to use.  If you pay more than $20, you probably paid too much.

Some web design companies like to sell you the website, hosting and the domain name and pad the prices for extra profit.  We dont.  We have you pay the vendors directly for web hosting and the domain names.  It is a lot cheaper that way.

Do you provide web hosting?

No.  We use other companies that specialize in web hosting.  We specialize in building websites.  Many website designers "provide" web hosting by renting web hosting, doubling the cost and charging you.  We cut the middle man and let you pay the web host directly.  We are happy to guide you on how to do this - and you can do it right in our office if you like. 

What technologies do you use?

If we are building a new website we use XHTML, JavaScript, ASP.Net (C#)  with a MySql database.  When building websites it is most efficient to build code libraries focused on one set of technologies.

We usually build CMS and Shopping Cart websites using our Spiderweb Logic E-Cart or our Spiderweb Logic CMS. 

However, if you need assistance maintaining an existing website, we do have expertise in XHTML, JavaScript, ASP, ASP.Net (C# and VB.Net), SQL Server, MySql, Access, and PHP.  We can also build customized desktop applications if desired using the .Net platform or using Microsoft Access.  Or if you need a specialty Microsoft Excel spreadsheet designed, we can do this too.

We also are experienced with using Ektron CMS for website and can update/maintain websites that use this.