Artistic Signs and Designs

Frequently Asked Questions of Artistic Design Service, Inc.

The following are some answered questions that should be helpful in planning your project.

Q1. What is Mint Bird Feeder?

A. This simple plug-in provides integration between the Mint Bird Feeder Pepper and WordPress.  It adds both Feeds and Seeds tracking support.

Q2. What is a breadcrumb?

A. Breadcrumbs or breadcrumb trail is a navigation aid used in user interfaces.  It gives users a way to keep track of their locations within programs or documents.

Q3. What is PhanFare?

A. Phanfare is an online subscription-based photo sharing and video sharing service.

Q4. What is a Widget?

A. In computer programming, a widget (or control) is an element of a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays an information arrangement changeable by the user, such as a window or a text box. The defining characteristic of a widget is to provide a single interaction point for the direct manipulation of a given kind of data. In other words, widgets are basic visual building blocks which, combined in an application, hold all the data processed by the application and the available interactions on this data.

Q5. What is a Plug-In?

A. In computing, a plug-in (also called plugin, addin, add-in, addon, add-on, snap-in, or snapin) consists of a computer program that interacts with a host application (a web browser or an email client, for example) to provide a certain, usually very specific, function “on demand.”  Add-on is often considered the general term comprising plug-ins, extensions, and themes as subcategories.

Q6. What is RSS?

A. RSS (most commonly expanded as “Really Simple Syndication”) is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format.

Q7. What is Google Analytics?

A. Google Analytics is the enterprise-class web analytics solution that gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness.  Powerful, flexible, and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way.  With Google Analytics, you’re more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives, and create higher converting websites.

Q8. What is Private RSS?

A. With the Private Really Simple Syndication (RSS) WordPress plug-in you could alter your RSS feed to a public and a private feed.  Summaries go to the public feed and full posts goes to the private feed.  By this you could ask money for the private RSS feed.

Q9. What is a Blogroll?

A. A list of other blogs that a blogger might recommend by providing links to them (usually in a sidebar list).

Q10. What is FeedBurner?

A. FeedBurner is a web feed management provider that provides custom RSS feeds and management tools to bloggers, podcasters, and other web-based content publishers.

Q11. What is Magpie RSS Cache?

A. MagpieRSS, affectionately known as Magpie, is an RSS and Atom parser for PHP.  It allows you to display the newest articles from websites with RSS or Atom feeds on your own site.  This is a great way to add new, fresh, and relevant information to your site.  It parses RSS 0.9, RSS 1.0, and has some support for RSS 2.0 as well as Atom 0.3.

Q12. What is Ajax?

A. Asynchronous JavaScript (Ajax) Extensible Markup Language) (XML) and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) are two technologies that have taken the Web by a storm.  Why are we using Ajax to parse our RSS?  By using Ajax, we are passing over the work of processing the RSS XML file to the web browser, thus reducing server load.  Also, Ajax allows the user to have a more seamless web experience, because we are able to fetch the entire RSS XML file from the server without having to refresh the page.  Lastly, Ajax is designed to handle XML files, so it’s able to parse RSS in a simple and elegant way.

Q13. What is jQuery?

A. jQuery is a lightweight cross-browser JavaScript library that emphasizes interaction between JavaScript and Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

Q14. What is SMF forum?

A. Simple Machines Forum (abbreviated as SMF) is a freeware Internet forum application.  The software is written in PHP and uses a MySQL database backend, although multi-database support is being developed for version 2.0.  SMF is developed by the Simple Machines development team.

Q15. What is Oronjo?

A. Oronjo offers you a simple tool to get a nice fee for your content.  This can be text, sound, or a program file, for example.  You can start your own record shop and sell your own music, sell your thesis, or make money with the high-resolution versions of your Flickr photos, just to name a few possibilities.  Like Radiohead, you can sell your content directly to your fans!  No fuss, Oronjo is a 100% free.  You can do it yourself, from your own site.

Q16. What is meant by Branding?

A. The term “branding” is usually a symbol that identifies a company or a person from the rest of its competitors.  It will give your customers an idea upfront on what services or products a company or person has to offer by just looking at their symbol/logo or names.

Q17.What does Search Engine Optimization (SEO) mean?

A. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a website from search engines via “natural” or unpaid (“organic” or “algorithmic”) search results as opposed to search engine marketing (SEM), which deals with paid inclusion.  Typically, the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine.  SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, and industry-specific vertical search engines.  This gives a website Web presence.

Q18. What is Flash? What is HTML?

A. Most of our designs are available in a Flash version and a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) version.  The Flash version typically has movement associated with the design.  For example, if you experience constant motion throughout the website, then it is most likely using flash. HTML is more easily recognized in search engines for optimization, but lacks the movement that Flash offers.  Your project manager will help you make the best decision based on your business and marketing needs.

Q19. What if I don’t see my business category listed? Or, what if I did a keyword search and didn’t find anything, what should I do?

A. For example, if you own a bakery and you find a design you love but it features images of a doctor, we can easily replace the pictures of the doctor with the images you prefer and customize the design to fit your needs.

Q20. Are the images included in the design?

A. Yes! All of our images are royalty free and included in the design; however, we can incorporate your own images if you wish. You may also provide us with images you purchase from an online stock photography company. If you supply pictures, please ensure that they are at least 400×400 pixels in width and height. Smaller images chosen for thumbnails may be smaller.

Q21. How long does it take to get my site complete?

A. Once payment has been processed, your design will be loaded into our visual collaboration tool within 24 hours.  Using our easy visual collaboration tool (VCT), your project manager will guide you on how to submit revisions on your design. You may make requests, provide any content, and supply images you may want integrated into your website. From the day that you provide us all of your content, we will provide the first version of your site within 7 days. Typically the site meets all of your needs during the first version. Sometimes you may have some small remaining revisions. From the day you supply us your final revisions, the second version of your site will be available within 5 days.

Q22. How does flash affect SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

A. A Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) site is more easily indexed by the search engines, because all of the content of the site is “visible” to the search engine. We have two types of Flash sites. One type has a “Flash header” where only the upper portion of the site is in flash and the lower portion is in HTML (best of both worlds). Other Flash sites are entirely in Flash, which can create some dramatic effects. Certain business types that rely on flashy images may receive more value in the interactive design than an HTML site. Speak to one of our project managers today so that they can help direct you on which design will work best for your unique business needs.

Q23. What if the domain name I want is already taken?

A. For example, in the past someone who owns a hand lotion company may have used their company name as their URL (yourbrand.com).  However, a clever URL might be www.iwantsoftskin.com, where the URL is a phrase that describes your product.  Call us today and we can walk you through registering your domain name.

Q24. Will I be able to update the site myself?

A. You need to be a skilled web developer to make traditional changes to your site; however, we have developed an online content management system that will allow you to make small text and image changes yourself. You may license our content management system for $195 per month. This option is recommended for businesses that will be making frequent updates to their site. Another option is to use a WordPress blog design. WordPress allows you to easily make posts and updates to your site with no programming experience. The only additional requirement is to have a hosting account for $9.98 per month, which you can quickly set up on this site.

Q25. What is a hosting account?

A. When a visitor views your website, they are accessing your website files on a host computer. In order for Internet visitors to see your site, your files need to be saved on a host server.  Hosts charge a fee for this service in order to store your website files and serve them up to people surfing the Internet 24/7.  The other option is to buy an expensive server, install software, and maintain the server yourself.  The time, cost and knowledge required is very high and can quickly become a full time job.  Renting space on a server is referred to as a hosting account.  We provide hosting account services for as low as $9.98 per month.  If you have already registered your domain name and have hosting setup, then you will need to provide FTP login info so we can upload your web design to your site.  Please visit www.artisticdesignhosting.com to learn more about the options we can provide you for hosting and domains.

Q26. What is CRM?

A. CRM stands for Client Relationship Management.  We have a powerful web-based CRM that will collect information from the visitors on your site and put them (populate them) into an easy-to-use system for you to follow up with later.  You have the option of having the CRM remind you to contact these new customers, and it will even contact them for you automatically.

Q27. Can you help me create content for my site?

A. Yes, we provide copywriting services. Our expert copywriters will learn about you and then help write compelling content that gets results for only $95 per page. Please ask your project manager, if you think you need this service.

Q28. What is a Favicon, and why would I want one with my website?

A. Increase visibility and stand out among cluttered browsers by adding a FREE favicon!  A favicon is a small website icon or URL icon.  A web designer can create such an icon and install it on your website.  Most web browsers will then make use of it.  Favicons are typically displayed at the upper left hand corner of the page in the browsers address bar and next to the page name in a list of bookmarks.  Browsers that support a tabbed document interface typically show a favicon next to the page title on the tab.

Q29. Can I talk to the same project manager if I call back or use Live Chat with an Expert?

A. You may call Artistic Design Service, Inc. Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time for customer support, or 480-642-2500 24/7.  Have your customer number and pin number available.

Q30. I’m on a budget and I have never owned a website, what are my startup costs?

A. The bare essentials are:

1. A domain name (typically under $12 per year),
2. A hosting account (as low as $9.98 per month),
3. A web design layout (typically from $40 to $120), and minimal customization.

Our customization fees are $195 per page with a 4 page minimum. As your budget allows, we highly recommend adding extras to your site such as video, live chat, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and a dynamically integrated phone system.

Q31. I’m not tech savvy and this is my first website. How hard is it to use the visual collaboration tool, so I can communicate my customization requests to you?

A. The collaboration tool is very easy to use. You never have to worry about cropping and positioning photos, because all you have to do is simply type a note and select the image on your computer.  Our system will automatically upload the image, and our experienced web developers will take care of the rest.  You may access the tool on this site.

Q32. What will it cost if I need to make a change to my design down the road… like add a new logo, change the color scheme, or add another page?

A. If you have a maintenance plan with us for $299 down and $99 per month, then you get 30 minutes of updates and hosting per month.  Otherwise, updates are reviewed on a case by case-by-case basis, and a quote will be provided.  As always, additional pages are $195 per page.

Q33. Do I need a domain name and hosting account before I choose a web design and you begin customizing my site?

A. No, it is not mandatory. However, you will need to have a domain name and hosting account before your site can be posted live on the Internet and viewed by visitors.

Q34. How can I get a domain name and hosting account? Is this a separate purchase from the design and website?

A. Yes, a domain name and hosting account is a separate transaction.  It is much easier to manage if the domain and hosting accounts are purchased at the same time under one account.  Domain names can cost from under $10 to $20 per year, and need to be renewed annually.  Hosting accounts range from $9.98 per month to $12.98 per month, depending on the term.  The longer the term, the lower the monthly cost.  Please go to our link at artisticdesignhosting.com

Q35. What is FTP?

A. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, a standard network protocol used to copy a file from one host to another over the Internet.  It is used to upload your files to your hosting account, so visitors can view your website live on the Internet.  Your project manager will need the FTP login information to upload your website to the Internet.  You will need to provide your project manager with your FTP Login Information as follows:

1. Host URL
2. Username (case sensitive)
3. Password (case sensitive)

If you do not know where to find your FTP Login Information, you will need to provide your username and password to your hosting account:

1. Website to log in to. If you purchased your hosting account with us, it will be: hosting.artisticdesignhosting.com
2. Username or Log In (case sensitive)
3. Password (case sensitive)

All of this information may be sent to your project manager using our online visual collaboration tool. Your project manager will show you how to do this.

Q36. What if I own a domain name with another company, but just purchased a hosting account with you?

A. We will simply need to log in to your Domain Control Panel and redirect your DNS settings to our server. You will need to provide your project manager with your Domain Control Panel Login Information as follows:

1. Website to log in to. If you purchased your domain with us, it will be: hosting.artisticdesignhosting.com.
2. Username or Log In (case sensitive)
3. Password (case sensitive)

Q37. What is a DNS?

A. DNS stands for Domain Name System.  This is what allows us to use names meaningful to humans in place of typing an IP Address, such as 208.77.188.166.  The DNS is like a phone book.  It assigns names to numbers so that we can remember names instead of numbers.  It is much easier to say, “Go to www.artisticdesignhosting.com,” than it is to tell someone to go to a long string of numbers.  It would become very confusing if you had to remember a lot of numbers for every website you like to visit instead of their name.

DNS also refers to your DNS server settings within your Domain Control Panel. This is where the domain account is instructed to retrieve your website located at a specific DNS. The DNS settings of your domain are found in the hosting account. So, it is important to have your domain settings ‘pointing’ to the correct hosting account server in order to have your site be seen on the Internet.

Q38. What is meant by Social Networking?

A. A social network service focuses on the building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people who share interests and/or activities.  A social network service essentially consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services.  Most social network services are web-based, and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as email and instant messaging.

Q39. What are some of the top social networking sites?

A. At the time this was written, the top 20 social networking sites were as follows:

Remember that social networking sites change quickly in the fast-paced evolution of the Internet and new and evolving social media.  We can help you set up all the social networking sites that you would like for your project and your budget.

Artistic Design Service, Inc.
Your Premier, Full-Service House of Design!

507 N. Sullivan Road Suite LL-6
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576 USA
Phone: (509) 928-0089 | Fax: (509) 922-9949

Websites: www.artisticdesignservicestore.com, www.artisticdesignservice.com
Email: sales@artisticdesignservice.com
Blog: www.artisticdesignblog.com

Please visit our other Artistic Design Service, Inc. sites:

www.artisticdesignhosting.com
www.artisticbookandwebdesignservice.com
www.artisticbookandwebdesignblog.com
www.artisticdesignmarketingandconsultingblog.com
www.artisticdesignfundraisers.org
www.artisticinteriordesign.net
www.artisticdesignlandscape.com
www.artisticdesignvideography.com
www.artisticdesignphotographs.com
www.artisticdesigntypography.com

Please bookmark these sites and share with your friends.  Also check back often, as we will be adding more products and information on a frequent basis.

We look forward to hearing from you.