I want to put my business online. This is my first website. Can you help me?
Designing Lane is seasoned in assisting companies first time in building a website. We are here to help you through all of the steps from conception to teaching you to take control of your own site.

What do I have to do to prepare for a website design project?
To prepare for your website design project you should have an of a domain name (what you want to call your site) , how many pages or how large a site  you want,  whoi is your targeted audience,  gatheiring text and images to use on the site, and the style of site you favor. We will guide you through this process.

What materials will be required of me to have my website built?
In general you will need a domain name to register, a hosting company to upload your files, images and text.
We can create images for you or alter existing ones. We will also help you with content development.

How and where do I register a domain name for my website?
In order to register a domain name you must use a registrar who will lease the name to you for a specified number of years. There are many registrars from which to choose on the internet. The first step is to test whether your choice of domain is available for your use and what extension you which to have. ie. .com .org. .co .biz, etc. You must then set-up an account online through this registrar. Designing Lane recommends GoDaddy.com, or Network Solutions. These companies are nationally knows have competitive pricing and good customer service. Designing Lane is an affiliate of both companies.  You can set this account up, or we can do it for you.

How and where do I get a hosting account for my website?
To obtain a hosting account for your website you must investigate a company on the Internet which offers this service. Designing Lane does not host sites. This company will supply you server space to place your website files on so that your website can be on the seen on the Internet. Designing Lane recommends GoDaddy.com, or Network Solutions. These companies are nationally knows have competitive pricing and good customer service. Designing Lane is an affiliate of both companies.  You can set this account up, or we can do it for you.

Do you have a money back guarantee if I am not satisfied with your work?
Designing Lane will make every effort to create the website and graphics that you need and want. It is unikely that our customers will be unhappy with the end results, as there is frequent communication and  editing and adjustments during the entire process. We will continue to work on you project until you are satisfied. Designing Lane will correct any problems. If at this point, there still is no harmony, Designing Lane will refund the client 'si initial project deposit. The client will not be allowed to keep any files from the project.

How does your web design process work? What do I need to do?
Our design process is rather straightforward guiding you through each step to custom build your site. We will meet or discuss via email or phone to get an understanding of what kind of project needs you have. Preliminary information needed include domain name registration, setting up a hosting account, reviewing and signing our contract, communicating your specific business needs to target your chosen audience. Gathering this information Designing Lane will prepare a basic template  and  storyboard, and will then go from there receiving input  from the Client for adjustments to the layout. as the site is built. Once this is in place and the structure of the site is set with navigation, we can start to add content.
As the process continues edits, special functionality, and suggestions can be included.  You will be able to see the site before it is completed. The site will not go live on the Internet until you are content with the final product.

I already have an existing site, can you help me improve it?
Yes, Designing Lane is available to help businesses rework their current website, to give a fresh, new look and new functionality.

Does my business need to be computer based or do I need to have a computer to have a website?
Your business does not necessarily have to be computer based nor  do  have to have a computer to have website.
It is to your advantage though to invest in such equipment so that you may view your site on ocassion to check for needed edits and general maintanence. It also enables you to make your own updates to your site without having to contact a third party.

What are  "Web Updates" and what is "Website Maintenance"?
These terms refer to what comes after a site is built and has been uploaded to the Internet. Someone has to make changes to the site to keep information or inventory current. These are  "Web Updates".  In addition, sometimes unforseen technical problems may arise and "Web Maintenance" is needed. Some companies hire just for these web needs  or the site is made with a Web Content Management System (WCMS).  Others contract  outsourcing to maintain their site.

Can you use my business logo and any graphics I already have to build my website?
Most definitely. Designing Lane will accomodate your ideas as best as we can including integrating graphics and logos that are already part of your business identity. If such materials are lacking we can custom create them for you.

Who is responsible for writing the text that will be on the pages of my website?
Designing Lane can help you with content development.  If the Client wishes to provide written text for  their site, we can proof read the content.  Designing Lane encourages the client to write its own copy as Designing Lane does not know your business as well as you do.

Do you offer payment plans?
In general, Designing Lane does not offer payment plans, as our pricing is very reasonable and affordable for custom service. We require a half payment deposit of the agreed contract price to commence work. The other half is presented at the time of accepted project final completion.

How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 1999.

How many people work at Designing Lane?
Designing Lane master web and graphic designer is Elaine Skoumbouris. Project work is mainly done by the master designer. Special projects and special programming or features may be done by the work of our extended staff.

What regions of the country do you work?
We will work in all regions of the country as we have been contracted for services throughout the United States, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, Vermont and Pennsylvania.

Typically, how long does a project take for completion?
Project completion time will vary depending how quickly the Developer and Client work together to determine layout parameters and create content and images.  In most cases a web project for a 3-10 page site, should take no longer than 30 days. Layout and template design typically is completed in week, again depending on how quickly project information is supplied.

Can you design my site after another one that I like?
One of the first requests we have when approaching a website project is to ask for other sites that stylistically appeal to the Client. This allows for a clearer understanding of your expectations in design. We do not copy other sites but will use other styles, to guide us to create your own unique site.

Can you build a flash based site?
Yes, Designing Lane can create a flash based website for your business needs. The pros and cons will be discussed to make the best decision for you.

Can I manage and edit my site myself after you build it?
Most definitely you will be able to manage your site after it is up and running. We encourage the Client to maintain their own website with the use of a specialized software. This software is affordable and user friendly.

What form of payment do you accept?
Designing Lane accepts payment by check. Work will commence with a 50% deposit of cleared payment.

Do you have a contract that I need to sign?
Yes, Designing Lane has a contract that each Client must read and sign. An appendix is provided to list any specific design elements or changes that go beyond what is stated in the contract, agreed upon and signed by both parties.