Here are the answers to some questions you may have about the NOW! Small Business Marketing System or Brainstorm International, the company behind 4321NOW. To learn more about Brainstorm International and to see more of their work, you can visit www.bsimedia.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do I get a name (domain) for my website?
You can register a domain name through www.marketingpie.com, an affiliate of Brainstorm International. Domain names start at 7.85/yr. If you need assistance in making a domain choice, we can help you.
How long will it take to complete my new website?
In as little as 15 days, we can have your website designed, e-mail account setup, and new web site launched. This all depends on the turnaround time on design approval and content collection and the complexity of your project.
What is a custom designed web site?
We start with a design framework (color, layout, size). Using professional stock photography or your digital photos we built your web pages. We select colors and styles based on conversations with you and develop a web site that compliments your business. Our designs are professional and we stress the importance of good content and making the web site easy to navigate. Basically we provide you with a professional, user-friendly, and effective online marketing tool. Because after all, it is suppose to help you attract more customers.
What is Search Engine Optimization?
It's a fancy way of saying "Search Engine Friendly". Search engines use complex algorhythms (formulas) to determine which web site will come up first to last. The formulas determine how relevant each site is depending on your location, keywords, credibility, time online, and hundreds maybe thousands of other small criteria. There are some criteria that are common knowledge and many others that are proprietary to a particular search engine. By using a combination of common criteria and suggestive combinations found throughout code sites and search engine software, we can determine factors that could help you with the search engines. Sometimes this is important for a client other times it does not play a role in the success of the web site.
What is Content Management?
Content management refers to the information on your web site; photos, links, text, forms, etc. Many web site are designed to "hard code" these elements into your web site in the development stage. Which means when you need to update your web site you must have a working knowledge of the programming language or hire someone who does. Sometimes this can be inconvenient, timely, and costly. With a content management system, designated content can be designed/developed for easy access and manipulation by anyone with a user name and password... no coding necessary. Which means anyone with simple computer skills and a working knowledge of the Internet can access, make changes, and publish updates online. With a content management system you do not have to wait or pay for someone to make changes on your web site. You can keep your web site fresh and updated on your own.
Why don't all web sites have a content management system?
A content management system is built first, before your web site exists. There are a lot of cost and support that keep a content management system up and working properly. Many developers do not have the support and clients do not want to pay the price for a custom system. We already have the system and the support constructed. Our clients can take advantage of a standard web design pricing while having the added advantages of a content management system. A custom system could cost as little as $2,500.00 and as much as $15,000 or more to create.
If I already have a website, but need some work done to it, can I use the NOW! System?
Yes, we can salvage the content and graphics from your current website and we can rebuild it using a system design. We would transfer your domain name to our servers and you could keep your email address.
My current website has a database, does the NOW! System provide support for that?
We do not offer database support on the NOW! System. However, depending on your database, we can offer plug-ins for various data collecting tools that may work for your needs.
How do I make changes to my new NOW! System website?
Brainstorm International provides you with additional hours of time that you can use for technical assistance to walk you through how to make the changes on your own. You can also use your time to have Brainstorm International make changes for you. There is also 24/7 online technical support available for questions. You can maintain and add to your website without knowledge of programming language through the user friendly online editing system.
Can I upgrade my NOW! System website?
Yes, there are a lot of features you can add to your website. You can review tools and upgrades at www.marketingpie.com. If you have questions about what services would be best for you, just contact Brainstorm International.
Do I own my website?
The NOW! System is built within a user friendly framework that cannot be exported to another server. The content and photos on your website can be used on another website, and are yours, but there would be a charge based on time to export all the content and graphics to a folder for you to use elsewhere.
What is an online file folder?
An online folder is an online storage space where you can keep documents in a secure area that you can access using a user name and password from anywhere. We upload your logo, ads, etc. to this folder for you to use. You can also assign passwords to allow others to access documents you want them to have. For other uses and upgrades, visit www.marketingpie.com and click on online file folders.
What's included in the setup of my new NOW! System website?
Brainstorm starts with a client design selection and a proof of the front page with or without content (just photos). We determine what the page titles will be and build the rest of the pages based on the front page design proof. One editing session is included in the setup. If additional editing sessions are requested, the client can use their additional hours provided. Once the hours are used, editing by Brainstorm International will be completed through an hourly or contract agreement.
What is the renewal fee each year?
The renewal of your account is due on the anniversary of your account. Renewal fees are based on upgrades, and type of NOW! System website you chose. You can find more about pricing on our NOW! System Page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do I get a name (domain) for my website?
You can register a domain name through www.marketingpie.com, an affiliate of Brainstorm International. Domain names start at 7.85/yr. If you need assistance in making a domain choice, we can help you.
How long will it take to complete my new website?
In as little as 15 days, we can have your website designed, e-mail account setup, and new web site launched. This all depends on the turnaround time on design approval and content collection and the complexity of your project.
What is a custom designed web site?
We start with a design framework (color, layout, size). Using professional stock photography or your digital photos we built your web pages. We select colors and styles based on conversations with you and develop a web site that compliments your business. Our designs are professional and we stress the importance of good content and making the web site easy to navigate. Basically we provide you with a professional, user-friendly, and effective online marketing tool. Because after all, it is suppose to help you attract more customers.
What is Search Engine Optimization?
It's a fancy way of saying "Search Engine Friendly". Search engines use complex algorhythms (formulas) to determine which web site will come up first to last. The formulas determine how relevant each site is depending on your location, keywords, credibility, time online, and hundreds maybe thousands of other small criteria. There are some criteria that are common knowledge and many others that are proprietary to a particular search engine. By using a combination of common criteria and suggestive combinations found throughout code sites and search engine software, we can determine factors that could help you with the search engines. Sometimes this is important for a client other times it does not play a role in the success of the web site.
What is Content Management?
Content management refers to the information on your web site; photos, links, text, forms, etc. Many web site are designed to "hard code" these elements into your web site in the development stage. Which means when you need to update your web site you must have a working knowledge of the programming language or hire someone who does. Sometimes this can be inconvenient, timely, and costly. With a content management system, designated content can be designed/developed for easy access and manipulation by anyone with a user name and password... no coding necessary. Which means anyone with simple computer skills and a working knowledge of the Internet can access, make changes, and publish updates online. With a content management system you do not have to wait or pay for someone to make changes on your web site. You can keep your web site fresh and updated on your own.
Why don't all web sites have a content management system?
A content management system is built first, before your web site exists. There are a lot of cost and support that keep a content management system up and working properly. Many developers do not have the support and clients do not want to pay the price for a custom system. We already have the system and the support constructed. Our clients can take advantage of a standard web design pricing while having the added advantages of a content management system. A custom system could cost as little as $2,500.00 and as much as $15,000 or more to create.
If I already have a website, but need some work done to it, can I use the NOW! System?
Yes, we can salvage the content and graphics from your current website and we can rebuild it using a system design. We would transfer your domain name to our servers and you could keep your email address.
My current website has a database, does the NOW! System provide support for that?
We do not offer database support on the NOW! System. However, depending on your database, we can offer plug-ins for various data collecting tools that may work for your needs.
How do I make changes to my new NOW! System website?
Brainstorm International provides you with additional hours of time that you can use for technical assistance to walk you through how to make the changes on your own. You can also use your time to have Brainstorm International make changes for you. There is also 24/7 online technical support available for questions. You can maintain and add to your website without knowledge of programming language through the user friendly online editing system.
Can I upgrade my NOW! System website?
Yes, there are a lot of features you can add to your website. You can review tools and upgrades at www.marketingpie.com. If you have questions about what services would be best for you, just contact Brainstorm International.
Do I own my website?
The NOW! System is built within a user friendly framework that cannot be exported to another server. The content and photos on your website can be used on another website, and are yours, but there would be a charge based on time to export all the content and graphics to a folder for you to use elsewhere.
What is an online file folder?
An online folder is an online storage space where you can keep documents in a secure area that you can access using a user name and password from anywhere. We upload your logo, ads, etc. to this folder for you to use. You can also assign passwords to allow others to access documents you want them to have. For other uses and upgrades, visit www.marketingpie.com and click on online file folders.
What's included in the setup of my new NOW! System website?
Brainstorm starts with a client design selection and a proof of the front page with or without content (just photos). We determine what the page titles will be and build the rest of the pages based on the front page design proof. One editing session is included in the setup. If additional editing sessions are requested, the client can use their additional hours provided. Once the hours are used, editing by Brainstorm International will be completed through an hourly or contract agreement.
What is the renewal fee each year?
The renewal of your account is due on the anniversary of your account. Renewal fees are based on upgrades, and type of NOW! System website you chose. You can find more about pricing on our NOW! System Page.