FAQs
Can we have our own domain name?
Yes. You need to buy your domain name first (from a registrar such as www.domaincentral.com, www.networksolutions.com or www.enom.com). Once you own your domain name you can point it to our server. Your IT person will know what to do, or we can help you. It’s better for you to buy the domain name yourself so you are not tied into your website supplier.
I have made some modifications in the Wizard but I cannot see the changes on the website?
Try pressing the Refresh button (on your Web Browser) - this will reload the latest version of the web page from our server. If this does not work follow the Wizard procedure again to check the updates have been made - be sure to follow the screens through to end to activate your changes.
We already have a website ... but how can we move to Websites4Architects.com?
Firstly use the Get Started wizard to start your new website. You can copy/paste the text from the old website into the Wizards. You will need to re-upload the original pictures (if there were any) as the Wizard(s) request them. When you have created your new website and you are happy with it you will need to point your domain name (update DNS settings) to point to our web server. You can usually do this by logging-in to the website where you bought your domain. Refer to your Control Panel for further information and the DNS Settings.
Can we insert our logo?
Yes. Each design contains placeholders for your logo. Upload it via the Pages Wizard > Edit existing page > select the Home page and follow the screens. Ensure your logo is in jpg format, and not too high resolution (files over 4mb in size will not upload), so you may have to reduce the size first in photo editing software. Vector or EPS files will not upload. If you still have problems please email your logo to us and we'll upload it for you!
What should we do if our photographs are not very good?
If you can afford to commission a photographer to shoot some of your projects it will be money well spent. Professional images go a long way to create a great website and raise your business profile. Alternatively, you can purchase some very good Royalty Free images from websites such as www.istockphoto.com. The images for your home page Slideshow don't necessarily have to be shots of your projects - they could reflect to type of work you can do. You only need to purchase the small sizes so they are very cost effective. There are hundreds of shots to choose from. We recommend you consider detail or generic shots so as not to mislead your audience. We don't recommend you use royalty free shots for your portfolio!
How many pages can we have?
There is no limit. However, a long list of buttons may compromise the design and look odd. You can organise your pages to include more than one article. For example, you could have a page (and main menu button) called Enviro-friendly products, then articles on that page with headings such as Substrates, Bricks, Flooring, Insulation etc. The system does not currently support sub-pages.
Can we change our design?
Yes, in the Pages Wizard there are many designs to choose from and new ones are periodically added. You can give your website a fresh look with the click of a mouse. There is no limit to how many times you change your design. Your content will automatically be reformatted into the new design.
Could my site look the same as someone elses?
Well, it is a possibility but unlikely. Once you include your own business name, logo and pictures the design naturally becomes personalised to you. Would it matter if a company in another country or state have a similar site to yours? The alternative would be an expensive customised solution. Remember, you can change your template at any time using the Pages Wizard and we will also release and introduce new designs into the system over time.
Can I work on a page and then publish it later?
Yes, create or edit a page using the Pages Wizard, then one of the final screens will ask you if you wish to hide the page of make it live. To make a hidden page live simply go through the steps again in the Pages Wizard.
We don’t have enough photographs to create a Portfolio?
You don’t have to have an online portfolio. Using the Portfolio Wizard, select ‘Manage my portfolio’ and hide your entire portfolio on the subsequent screen.
Is Websites4Architects.com cheaper than commissioning a web design firm?
Generally speaking Yes, it depends on the size of your site and the level of design and features you commission. A website can be produced cheaply, but you won't be able to take control of your site without some modest web development skills. Subscription to Websites4Architects.com costs just $22/month ... so it's very cost effective, you won’t be stuck with the same design, and you’ll benefit from new features we introduce over time.
Why is Websites4Architects.com so cheap?
By subscribing to the service you are effectively sharing the development costs with other subscribers.
What skills do I need?
We have designed our system to be incredibly user-friendly, so anyone who can use a computer can control their own website. The online Wizards take you through a process step-by-step so you can’t go wrong. All the requests and instructions are written in plain english and we avoid technical jargon. Try the Get Started Wizard to see just how easy it is.
Do I need to install any new software on my computer?
No. As long as you have a recent web browser such as Internet Explorer 7 on your machine, and your machine is online, you are ready to go. It doesn’t matter if you have a PC or Apple Mac. If you are using a Mac we recommend you use Firefox rather than Safari.
How do I login to my account?
Always login via the My Control Panel link on www.websites4architects.com. Once you are logged in you can control your site and other features such as email and billing.
Can we buy our domain name through Websites4Architects.com?
No. It’s better for you to buy the domain name yourself so you have the freedom to move your site if you wish.
How do I setup email addresses?
We currently offer free email forwarding or you can ‘outsource’ your email to another provider. Typically outsourced email is to another hosting provider, an in-house Exchange server or to a web-based service such as Google Mail. Outsourcing email requires some advanced DNS settings, to enable your web address to point to our server and your email address to point to your email provider/server. If you wish, we can set-up your DNS for you free-of-charge. Alternatively, your IT consultant will be able to help.
Can we see how many people have visited our website?
You can monitor your hits using Google Analytics, it's free and very easy. Login to your Control Panel and follow the instructions under Google.
Is there a contract?
No. Websites4architects.com is similar to a pay-as-you-go or prepaid mobile. Once your credit runs out your account will expire. You will receive reminders via email when payments are due.
Is it easy to leave Websites4Architects.com?
Yes, simply stop paying and your account will automatically expire. Point your domain name to your new web and mail servers and that’s it. Remember you cannot take the design with you, we retain copyright for the design and the code. You can however take the content (your text and your images).
What is the payment method?
Paypal or Credit Card via Paypal. You can pay monthly, 6 monthly or annually. Annually is the cheapest method.