• I don't know anything about all this! How does this work?
• What are the differences between Limited and Exclusive Templates, Custom Designs or a Ready Set Go! Site?
• Can I use my design/template/graphics for __________ ?
• What if I already have a web hosting company?
• Can you incorporate my existing logo into one of your designs?
• How Long Does it Take?
• I've heard FLASH is a bad thing for websites! Is this true?

I don't know anything about all this! How does this work?

Inevitably, the most frequently asked question posed to designers. ;)

And rightfully so!

That is why I am here. You need help to get your business online! You're excited! You're scared to death! What the heck is a nameserver???!

One reason I work with the hosting companies listed on my site is because they have fabulous reputations for being easy to use and offering great support with a smile. These are the basics of how things work.

Are you ready? Here we go!

• YOU NEED TO CHOOSE A DOMAIN NAME - The unique name that identifies an Internet site. My domain name is pinkparasoldesign.com. You can purchase a domain name through any of the hosting providers I work with or through a site such as GoDaddy.com. If you choose a domain name registrar or already have one that is not your hosting company, you will be instructed in your welcome email to change your nameservers. Most registrars will help you with this. It is a very simple process.
   
• NEXT YOU NEED WEB HOSTING - Essentially a company that offers storage space on their servers for a fee. Please see my 'compatible hosting' page for more information on how to purchase a hosting account.
  
  
• WAIT! WHAT'S A SERVER? - A BIG computer that 'serves' up files (images, web sites etc.)  to internet browsers. These computers are connected to the internet in a little different way than your home computer. Your computer is not 'open' for the world to pick and choose from your hard drive. A server basically is. They host your website and the information or products you offer so that the whole world can 'safely' see them. They are also much more powerful than our home PCs.
  
  
• ONCE YOU HAVE ACQUIRED COMPATIBLE HOSTING AND A DOMAIN NAME -"Wait! What's compatible?  What do you mean?"
  
  Different hosting companies offer different shopping cart software. Some out there are just as good as far as hosting goes but are really, to be honest, a real pain in the hindend to work with, for both designers and site owners.  The compatible hosts I work with use a very user friendly shopping cart software package that not only makes getting up and running quick and easy; maintaining your own site is a snap. I think this is very important to many of us who do not have the kind of budget to pay someone to maintain your site for you. Maintaining your site entails adding or deleting products, text, images etc.
  
  
• YOUR WEB HOSTING COMPANY will work with you to set up your MAL'S CART - this is a software application that works alongside your hosting system to enable you to accept payments online. Your host will also assist you in setting up your email accounts.
  
  
• You will receive a Welcome Email from your hosting company. This email contains all the necessary login information to enable access to your site's BACKEND.
  
  
• BACKEND?- Your store admin...where you administer or maintain your website - upload products and pictures and text. Our compatible hosting companies offer great tutorials, support and forums on using your store admin, but of course, I am available to help you anytime you may get stuck.
  
  
   
• Now, you have your hosting and domain name and your account all set up and your Welcome Email...now what? You purchase a template or custom design along with add ons such as business card layouts, hangtag layouts or ebay design services from Pink Parasol Design of course! Once you have chosen and purchased your template or custom package and add ons, you will receive an email requesting that you forward your Welcome Email from your hosting company. I will need your FTP login and your store admin login for installation of your design.
  
  
• THE FUN BEGINS! - Once you have made your purchases and I have gathered the necessary information and logins from you, I will schedule you to either begin work on your custom designs or begin customization and installation of your premade designs.
  
  
• AS I AM CREATING YOUR DESIGN or Installing your premades, you get to play in the sandbox too!  You may begin uploading/installing your products or services or information as soon as you receive your welcome email. There is no need to wait at all!
  
  
• GUESS WHAT? YOU DID IT!  You are now the proud owner of an ONLINE BUSINESS! IT REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE!

What are the differences between Limited and Exclusive Templates, Custom Designs or a Ready Set Go! Site?

*Please Note - semi-revisions/customizations are limited to minor changes as in changing hair color on an illustrated girly or adding a few products to a boutique window. No MAJOR changes are included although I will make these changes for you at my hourly rate of $50.00 if you desire. The logo in the design will of course be customized to suit your business.

All my design packages and templates offer add-ons such as:

 

• Matching eBay Store Front
• Matching Business Card Layout
• Matching Hang Tag Layout
• Matching Web Banners (3 sizes)
• Matching eBay Auction Template
• Flash Design

Can I use my design/template/graphics for __________ ?

What if I already have a web hosting company?

Can you incorporate my existing logo into one of your designs?

YES! I am happy to do so at no extra charge provided the logo is in the proper format and requires no editing/color changes etc.

How Long Does it Take?

Please check my 'Turnaround Time'  page for current  waiting list information and/or turnaround times.

I've heard FLASH is a bad thing for websites! Is this true?