You've made the first step and decided you want to create a web presence.  But you're not exactly sure what the process is and you're a little overwhelmed.  Well don't worry, keep reading to get a good grasp on what exactly is done.  And remember, if you ever have any questions, whether or not you're our client or not, please drop us a line and we'll do whatever we can to help.

Let's begin by explaining what the basic make-up of a website is and potential costs.

The two major requirements of a website is the server to host the site and a web address, commonly referred to as a url or domain name.  You can think of a server as basically a computer that is always running and connected to the internet.  Just like your desktop computer stores your files like music, documents, pictures; a server stores all the files that make up your website.  The company that physically owns the server is usually referred to as a Web Host or Web Hosting Company.  For example, this website is hosted by Lunarpages.com.  There are some web hosts that offer free server space, but usually you have to display an advertisement and your available server space is limited.

Now you may ask, "if Griffin Web Visions designs my website do I have to buy server space from Griffin Web Visions?"  The answer is simple, NO!!  Although we can provide server space for you, you are free to choose the web host of your choice.  Personally, I feel Lunarpages.com is the best provider around, although I have worked with other web hosts like GoDaddy.com and aplus.net.  The point is to find what you feel is the best deal, but we can take care of it for you if you would like us to.

The cost for server space varies and what comes with each plan varies as well.  Although you are free to find the provider of your choice, we suggest consulting with us to make sure the plan you choose will be sufficient for your need.  Typical prices are around 5 - 25 dollars per month, depending on the services you require.  So go and shop around and see what you like.  You can start by googling web hosting and see what the various companies offer and their prices.  Again, if anything confuses you, don't hesitate to e-mail us with any questions you may have, even if we're not designing your website.  We just want to help.

What about the url thingy you were talking about?

You actually don't even need a web host to own a url.  Many websites let you register a web address (url) whether or not you have a web host.  Although, it is typically easier to register your domain name with your web host.  Many web hosting companies even offer a free domain name if you purchase one of their web hosting plans.  If not free a domain name registration is typically 10 - 15 dollars per month.

What if I already have web hosting, a url, or both?

Then you're ahead of the game.  All we'll need is some basic information to get started designing or redesigning your website.  We can help if you want to switch web hosting companies as well.

Let's summarize the steps and costs.

Shop around for a web hosting company or contact us to set up web hosting for you.  Cost: 5 - 25 dollars per month (many companies require purchasing a year at a time).

If you have not already done so, pick a domain name and check its availability.  You can check its availability at websites like http://www.whois.net.  Cost: Free - 15 dollars per month.

Select a web design company.  We hope you will select us, but shop around to find a company that will work for you.  If you choose Griffin Web Visions, we'll help you with each step of the process outlined on this page.  We don't list prices for web design, because it depends on the services you require and what type of site you want to build.  But, as soon as you contact us and give us an idea of the site you want, we will give you a price, and that price will not change, unless you decide on a drastic change in website design.  We will never add a surprise cost on top of the initial quote.  That initial quote also includes maintenance and upgrades for a year after we finish the web design.   If after a year you want to refresh or redesign your site, a small one time update fee will be charged.  If you anticipate frequent updates we can work out a yearly charge that will cover updates on a yearly basis.

If anything at all is unclear or you have further questions, you can fill out our contact form or e-mail us directly at griffin@griffinwebvisions.com.