FAQ

Why shouldn't I choose my friend/nephew/co-worker to build my website?

You know someone who is great with computers and will make your website for cheap or free. Fair enough, but please ask these 5 questions first:

Do they have professional experience developing content, proofreading text, fine-tuning and color-correcting images?
Can they optimize your code for prominent search engine results?
Will they test the finished website on multiple browsers, operating systems, and for printability?
Can they build secure databases with built-in protection against hackers?
Do they offer a reliable and secure host server, and domain name registration?

Let us take care of all these challenges for you, in one convenient package. We guarantee that your text will be typo-free and your code will be error-free, plus our famously quick turnaround!

Why should I choose Handmade Designs to build my website?

Glad you asked! Here are 5 great reasons:

We are a well-established company with a large customer base, legally registered with the State of Idaho.
Our code is the highest quality available. We are the only Treasure Valley website company to validate all website code to XHTML 1.1 and CSS 2 standards.
We specialize in fast and friendly service.
Our pricing is clear and easy to understand--no hidden fees!
Check out our portfolio for unsolicited testimonials from our happy clients.

Why are code standards so important?

The coding language HTML was designed for a very different environment than today's internet. HTML became unwieldy through a decade of sloppy use and ad-hoc evolution. Streamlined modern browsers such as Firefox and Safari often cannot parse through this mess to display your website properly.

The World Wide Web Consortum (W3C) officially depricated HTML in favor of XHTML. Valid XHTML 1.1 webpages are able to function properly in new browsers such as Safari and remain compatible with older browsers.

Enjoy peace of mind with the benefits of standards-compliant code:

Looks great on all browsers and computers.
Accessible on cell phones, PDAs, and talking browsers.
Appears higher in search results: the streamlined code is processed more easily by search engines.
Downloads quickly, free of "junk code" clutter.
Meets the strictest code standards.
Faster and easier updating: with styling controlled by a single file, the entire site can be changed instantly.

Why shouldn't I put Flash animation on my site?

Every feature on your site should have a clear function and purpose to enhance your mission. Don't put a barrier between your visitor and your content. With Flash, the audience will say "Wow, haven't seen that snazzy animation before" instead of paying attention to your intended message.

Flash intros keep visitors and search engines out! Flash makes your website download slowly, and prevents common right-click functions like bookmarking and opening in a new tab or window. Flash interferes with handicap-accessible browsers, doesn't work for iPhone users, or many older browsers and computers. Search engines can't index Flash text and links, so Flash hurts your search rankings.

What does "Handmade Designs" mean?

We design all websites by hand. We do not merely customize pre-existing templates like many of our competitors. Rather than use mass-market software like FrontPage or Dreamweaver, we hand-type your website code from scratch, ensuring high-quality, streamlined, error-free code.

What are your rates?

Our hourly rate is $60/hour billed in 15-minute increments. We offer a discounted hourly rate of $50/hour for registered 501(c)3 non-profits. Hosting is $120/year and includes a free domain name.
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How do I get started?

Simply send in our New Client Registration. We take a $300 deposit with the balance due upon completion. Normal turn-around is 2-3 weeks.

Question not answered here? Have a website problem?

We're here to help. We are happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. Just call 208-467-2660 or email info@handmadedesigns.com.