Hosting

[demo_man]

Hi all

I am currently working on a web project, the client has asked if i could host the site for them. They have already bought two domain names, is it possible to link both domain's to one site, as one is for international cliental, and the other is based in the UK.

As far as hosting, i know this may seem a little naive but when a client is asking for hosting, does this mean, maintenance of the site over a set period i.e updating imagery and information, as well as sorting out a monthly plan...??
If so how much should we consider charging for this service per year...?
Any recommends on plans...?

My partner and I are at presenting visuals stage and plan to expand on our knowledge of flash and dreamweaver, taught at university (very recenty) can anyone out there recommend any usefull sites that will make life easier with problems which will ocurr....?

PAGE SIZES.........Is it a better solution to develop the site in flash to maintain the screen sizes are contained within the same background, with no white edges...??
What page size should I use as a default...?

I apologise for the RANT, and all i can say is there'll be more to follow...!!!

thanx for your TIME::::::::::L3on

[MickeyFinn]

Nothing like winging it eh?

Hosting - they want you to sort the server space for them. Go with Easily is my recommendation for small sites. Take out the hosting and charge markup on it. This way the hosting is in your name too so if they don't cough up you can turn their site off

Width - we have had the argument on here a few times. I go with 970 pixels as max width, other disagree and still want to accommodate 800 x 600 screen users. They should get with the times IMO.

Flash - depends if they want to appear in Google at all. If search placement is a need for them then don't do a complete flash site.

Happy to give opinions on anything else you want

[demo_man]

thank-you for your comments Mickey it was very helpful. I'm in the situation where we are trying to take on jobs in design, as a starting point which come our way (hence the winging it scenario).

We are fortunate in the fact that we do have jobs lined up, although these are all web-based projects. we would like to apply our graphic design skills to this discipline, and hopefully involve people within our budget to achieve the required outcome.

Any tips and advice on starting out in the business would be most welcome.

thank-you once again

[PointandStare]

Originally Posted by demo_man

I'm in the situation where we are trying to take on jobs in design, as a starting point which come our way (hence the winging it scenario).

So what happens when your client calls you to say that the site has gone down?
What happens when the server dies and you have to reload from a back-up?

Not trying to annoy you but the less you know the more pain you'll have to suffer.

[Mellow Media]

How big are the clients?

If you are looking to charge the client £xxx per month, plus your markup, it might be an idea to spend your markup and sub the hosting and managment out to another company - you will find plenty of help on FreelanceUK!

This way your client will not loose faith, especially if you are still getting to grips with design.

If you need help with SEO, send me a PM

Good Luck