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Frequently asked questions.

1. What is a web presence ?
2. Do I need anything else other than a website ?
3. How do i get my own address like www.mywebsite.com ?
4. Can I get company email addresses ?
5. What is a template ?
6. What is the design process like ?
7. What is a spam proof form ?
8. Can I get the website changed if my prices or contact details change ?
9. What is a "link" ?
10. Will I see my website in "Google" ?
11. Can I take credit card payments on my website (e-commerce) ?
12. Do I need broadband to have a website ?
13. Static site Vs. Content management system - Explain ?

1. What is a web presence ?
   
   Your web presence is as it seems; simply making your presence on the internet. It can range from a simple signpost like website to a multi-site empire like "ebay", the worlds biggest auction. It means you have a point of contact on the internet which can be used for any purpose you can imagine!
   In these days of increased online activity it is very important to have at least a very basic web presence. Remember many people now use the internet instead of the golden pages, newspaper adds etc.
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2. Do I need anything else other than a website ?
   
   Yes, you need a host. As well as the actual website you will also need some place to put it (host it) so it can be seen on the internet. Hosting is a yearly charge. The first year of hosting is included in the packages on our package page. While there are free hosts available and you could use one of these if you wish, the majority of serious businesses rent hosting space on a yearly basis. Take a look on our hosting page for more information.
   You will also need to pay a yearly charge on your domain name(s). This is usually quite small. Country specific domains ( like .ie or .co.uk ) are slightly more expensive.
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3. How do i get my own address like www.my-web-site.com ?
   
   www.my-web-site.com is known as a "domain name". Domain names that end in  .com  .net  and  .org  are usually just bundled together with hosting packages for a small extra fee.
   Country specific domain names like .ie (Ireland); for example www.o2.ie are slightly more complicated but can also be arranged.
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4. Can I get company email addresses ?
   
   If you opt to get your own company domain name ( previous question ) then you can have usually at least 5 email addresses of you choice; eg me@my-web-site.com, you@my-web-site.com, mail@my-web-site.com etc. You can then receive email on these accounts on your computer.
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5. What is a template based website ?
   
   Some of the best value packages offered here are template based. A template is a pre prepared layout for your website. Essentially using a template means that the cost of the website will be much reduced; but also the design process can be a lot simpler for you the customer.
   These benefits come at the cost of having a website which may share design elements with other websites you may or may not encounter (colour scheme, layout etc), but just like buying a piece of clothing from a shop as opposed to a tailor, it is usually worth the risk. This website you are now on is template based. Packages which utilise bespoke designs are also available.
   N.B. Template based websites are a specific type of website and should not be confused with "Templates" which are used for layout purposes in C.M.S. websites.
   
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6. What is the design process like ?
   
   The process varies depending on the package chosen, however the basic format is:
   
       
       1. Aprox. 1 hour consultation at your place of business or by phone/email; a fundamental layout would be agreed.
       2. You provide the remaining details including any text, photographs, special requests etc. ("RainRain.com" can also arrange photography, typing, logo design etc. if necessary.)
     - At this point the hosting package and domain name should also have been settled upon.
       3. The website will be built without delay; often this will take only a few days from having all the information. Unique websites can take considerably. longer.
       4. Finally you will have a chance to view the website in case any changes still need to be made etc.

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7. What is a spam proof form ?
   
   Many people put their email address on their websites so people can contact them, or use a webform. Either of these methods carry the potential of attracting spam. Hundreds of junk emails every day can be a huge waste of resources.
   The rainrain.com spam proof form is just €90 installed into your website. This form does not use your email address behind the scenes like a regular web form does; so the spam companies can't get your address from it. Be aware however that you may still receive spam via other sources; we can also offer you advice regarding this.
   
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8. Can I get the website changed if my prices or contact details change ?
   
   The website can be changed at any time in any way. Work is charged at an hourly rate.
   Rainrain.com can also offer a monthly or quarterly maintenance package at a reduced rate.
   If you plan a lot of changes or would like to take more control of your website then a content management system is advised. C.M.S.'s are slightly more expensive but you or some person/people on your team can have a large degree of control over the website content. C.M.S.'s also have many other advantages over static sites - click here for more info.
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9. What is a "link" ?
   
   A "link", or "hyperlink" is a word (usually underlined), which will move you to somewhere on the internet by clicking on it. For example, this is a link to the rainrain.com home page. It is also possible to link using other objects, eg photos.
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10. Will I see my website in "Google" ?
    
    Google is an independently owned search engine, and as such there is no way to control what will appear on the first page; however there are many ways of optimising your website so that it will be looked favourably upon by Google and other search engines. Basic S.E.O. is included in all the sites we do, however if search engine placement is very important to you then you should inform us of this BEFORE work begins on your site, as the design process is slightly different. There are also several other methods of website promotion which we can advise you on.
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11. Can I take credit card payments on my website (eCommerce) ?
    
    eCommerce basically means the ability to take credit card payments on your site. Rainrain.com can arrange a full eCommerce solution for your website. Usually this will be done as part of a Content Management System and integrated shopping cart on your website.
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12. Do I need broadband to have a website ?
    
    No... and in some cases you don't even need ANY internet access! Customers who view your site on the internet can get hold of you by your phone number or address that would usually be on your website........
    .......however, for more complicated websites the design process works much better if you have access to email and if you are planning an online shop or a C.M.S. that you plan on updating regularly then it might be difficult without broadband access.
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13. Static site Vs. Content management system - Explain ?
    
    A site based on a Content Management System can be changed quickly and easily by someone on your staff as often as needs be. This is not the case with regular Static sites - these require a web designer to have changes made.
    In addition C.M.S. sites can be easily expanded on and are ideal for creating community driven websites like myspace and bebo. They easily utilise elements like membership zones, forums, blogs, event calendars, photo galleries, mailing lists, shopping cart technology. This makes them ideal for Youth Clubs, Hotels, Public houses, Online shopping etc.
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