Web Design Plus - Maintenance

Overview

Every website needs to have changes and updates every once in a while - some more than others. Our plans make it easy by providing a flat-rate, which includes the design of the site. Then, along with the hosting schedule, your site is covered for basic page text updates.

Question: The package plans sound great (everything included!) What are the limits? Where is the line drawn?

Answer: Items such as content - which would be defined as text and associated images - are covered within reasonable limits. For high-volume text and image updates (10+ pages, or over 1 hour of work per month), a special flat rate will be quoted that fits the individual needs.

Special projects, site refinements, additions, which require special programming, dynamic content, or unique skills will usually go OVER the line between "standard web maintenance" and "additional billable time." Usually this will fall into the one-time, "once and done" category.

Any work that does go outside of "standard web maintenance" will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Every detail will be covered and an estimate will be given before any work is done at the current rate of $35/hr.

Content Management Systems

Depending on the volume of your updating needs, (i.e.: some websites require weekly, or even daily updates, as opposed to needing a minor change every few months) you may benefit from using a Content Management System. A Content Management System allows the site owner to administer his/her pages without the need for technical intervention. This is limited to text, simple images, and only the most basic computer experience is required (small learning curve), but CMS is available for your website and can be implemented at your request.

Security Issues

Question: If I have access to my site files through a common web browser - does this open my site to hackers?

Answer: No page access system would be complete without adequate security measures taken. Your pages will always be protected behind a password protection system. This prevents access from anyone who does not know and enter the correct password. There are many tips on creating a secure password (8 characters minimum, use a combination of letters, numbers, etc.), and as long as this is in place, your site and pages are safe.

Photo Gallery

Using the Photo Gallery application is another type of content management. If your material consists of mostly photos, you can use the photo gallery software to upload, arrange, add caption information, and even perform cropping and image correction right through your browser. It's another great web solution!

Benefits

One major benefit to being able to access and edit your pages directly using the Content Management System, is that you do not need to wait for someone else to access your files. It is an undeniable truth, no matter who updates your website, there will inevitably be delays due to the list of tasks that are common in this field. A Content Management System eliminates that. The skilled webmaster can be utilized for the big projects and technical issues, while you - the site owner - can do the less technical items.

Please note: Content Management is one of those items that you must request at the beginning of the service contract and design work. If this is your first site, or if you think you might need it later, be sure to mention it in advance.