Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CMS?

CMS is short for Content Management System. A website based on a CMS can be updated more easily, usually by signing into to a set of secure control panels on the web server. This type of system allows for site owners to make changes to the website more easily with less technical knowledge. Updating pages of the website becomes a lot like composing an email using Gmail or Hotmail or something similar. While the site can be updated more easily, the is still a significant time commitment to learn to do it well, and achieving a high level of polish takes work.

How much does a website cost?

I can't answer this question with a lot more information. It would be very unusual for a website to cost less than $1000. Items that can increase the cost of a website:

• CMS
• E-commerce
• tight integration with other services
• extra slick design

SEO

What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization. SEO is the content, design, and programming steps of website development that focus on increasing search prominence with search engines such as Google. SEO is ideally part of the initial design process, but for continued success should be part of the ongoing maintenance of the website. SEO focuses both on your website and on outside internet properties as search engines will often consider who is linking to your website and how they are doing it.

Where can I learn more about SEO?

There is lots of information about search engine optimization available on the internet, maybe too much. I offer SEO services and I write about SEO in my blog as a service to clients.

Blender Hosting

Do I need to host with Blender?

No. I offer hosting as a convenience to save you the trouble of researching hosting for yourself. My host is reliable.

Who do you host with?

Blender.ca is hosted with HostGator. I have also hosted with Media Temple. The hosting I provide is served from one or the other of these two companies.

How do I set up my email?

You will need you email address (which is also your login name) and your password. Everything you need to retrieve and maintain you email account can be fount by signing into your webmail account. You can sign by entering your domain name, followed by "/webmail" into the address bar of your web browser. For instance "http://blender.ca/webmail". Enter you login name (your email address) and password. Once here you can:

• change you password
• set up an auto-reply message
• read tutorials on setting up different email clients
• change your spam screening settings
• read you email