Web Hosting | Website Design | Email | Website Statistics

Can I be set up with a control panel so I can administer my own domain?
Do you give discounts for multiple domains?
How do I understand my website traffic?
How will I know if my site gets any traffic?
I have a website I would like to move to you, can I?
I want to use Microsoft FrontPage™, do you support it?
Is 30 MB disk space enough?
What is data transfer and do I have enough?
What is Webmail?
Will I be able to access my web site once you host it?
Will I get email with my website?

Can you do maintenance on an existing website?
Can you explain search engines to me?
What tools do you use to develop websites?
What will my website cost?
How long will it take you to build my new website?
What is your website development process?
Can I update my own website?

How do I send and receive email?
How do I set up my email in Outlook?
How do I set up my email in Netscape
How do I set up my email in Firefox?
Can I access my email when I am not at home?
Do you offer WebMail?

What is the difference between "Hits" and "Files"?
What are Hits?
What are Files?
What are Pages?
What are Sites?
What are Visits?
What are KBytes?
What are Top Entry and Exit Pages?
What are Daily vs. Monthly Totals?

Web Hosting FAQ

Can I be set up with a control panel so I can administer my own domain? - top
Sure! We offer your own personal Plesk™ Control Panel with our Business and Premium Packages.

Do you give discounts for multiple domains? - top
Yes! Please contact us for details.

How do I understand my website traffic? - top
Click here for a website statistics FAQ list.

How will I know if my site gets any traffic? - top
All of our hosting packages come with a great web statistics program called Webalizer! Simply visit: http://www.yourdomain.com/webstat

I have a website I would like to move to you, can I? - top
Yes! All you need to do is get a copy of the site and change you DNS to point at our server. We will be glad to help you do this.

I want to use Microsoft FrontPage™, do you support it? - top
Yes, your hosting account can be configured to use it in no time!

Is 30 MB disk space enough? - top
If the average web page is about 100k including all navigation and images, 300 pages would equal about 30 MB disk space. Keep in mind that larger files such as PDF, or multimedia will fill this quicker. Email storage is included in the allowed disk space so multiple boxes keeping messages on the server will be added to total disk space.

What is data transfer and do I have enough? - top
Data Transfer = Your average page size (including graphics!) multiplied by the number of page views in a month. For example if you have an average page size of 100 KB, and around 1000 page views per day, you will transfer an average of 3 GB per month.

What is Webmail? - top
Webmail allows you to log into your email from any computer connected to the internet! Webmail is standard with all Greatson Media hosting accounts. Simply visit: http://webmail.yourdomain.com

Will I be able to access my web site once you host it? - top
Yes. While setting up your account we will configure a user name and password for you to log in using either an FTP program or Microsoft FrontPage.

Will I get email with my website? - top
Yes. Our Standard Package includes 5 email accounts.

Website Design FAQ

Can you do maintenance on an existing website? - top
Yes, if you have a site that just needs some TLC we can be sure to bring it to life! Our hourly rate is $80. and we offer multiple maintenance packages for businesses looking to have an off site web team.

$130/mo - 2 hours ($30/mo savings)
$260/mo - 4 hours ($60/mo savings)
$390/mo - 6 hours ($90/mo savings)
$650/mo - 10 hours ($150/mo savings!)

Three month maintenance contract required.

Can you explain search engines to me? - top
Search engines are trickier and smarter than most people think. Because of the rush of spammers out trying to trick the search engines, the best way to get a good listing is just to be honest and not try to "over do it". Placing relevant keywords into your meta tags, using alt tags on your images, and adding keywords to your page titles is a good beginning. Once designed, it is good practice to submit your website to the major search engines. This will tell them to come and "look" at your site. Another good idea is to keep the content fresh. Some engines will not index the same content twice. Also, trade links as much as you can. this will help others find your site.

What tools do you use to develop websites? - top
The tools we use greatly depends on the project and whether or not our client wants to update the site themselves using a specific editor. Some tools we use include:

PHP / MYSQL
Macromedia Flash
Adobe PhotoShop, Illistrator, Image Ready.
HTML
CSS Driven Content
JavaScript
Microsoft FrontPage (if requested)

What will my website cost? - top
Because all of our websites are custom built to meet the needs of our clients, it is difficult to give an idea of cost until we know the scope of the project. We do not use pre-made templates! Under normal circumstances, a standard small business web brochure begins at about $1295 - $1695 and is based on about 4-6 custom pages designed from the ground up to showcase your business. Larger projects such as dynamic database content, multiple custom forms, and more interaction can range from $3495 and up depending on the project. Contact Us to get a quote for you project.

How long will it take you to build my new website? - top
This time table varies greatly depending on the size of your project and the amount of client input provided. On average, a 4-6 page custom designed and programmed website takes approximately 2-4 weeks, sometimes less, again depending on how quickly we receive client feedback. When you contact Greatson Media for a website consultation and quote we will give you a project ETA before beginning any work as well as work within YOUR time schedule!

What is your website development process? - top

1. Initial Website Consultation & Project Estimate:
   This is a key factor in our website development process. We meet with you to discuss your website needs and desires. We ask you questions about your business including your website goals and expectations. The more information you provide, the better! Once we have this discussion we are able to provide you with an estimate of your website cost.


2. Website Outline:
   Based on the information you provide us in the initial website consultation we break down your new website into an outline. This outline includes artwork preferences, colors, navigation structure, how many pages, page content, any eCommerce, third party applications or special requests to be included in your new website.


3. Official Website Project Quote:
   This is included with your Website Outline. We also include a projected project completion date. Pending your approval of the outline and quote, we move on to the next step!


4. Website Design Layouts:
   We will design custom artwork and layouts for you to choose from. These layouts can include your existing logo or one we create for you. We also include any other artwork and any color preferences you provided in the consultation process. We will provide up to six custom design layouts for you. We have found that generally it takes three or less to come up with a design our clients are quite happy with!


5. New Website Template Created & Programming Beings:
   Once you approve a design layout we create a master website template. We begin populating your website with content you provide. During this phase of the project you will have access to the work in progress to offer input and suggestions. We will also build your administrative section(s) including CMS, Newsletter Modules, and other custom applications, if applicable.


6. Finalization of Website Edits:
   This is the point we take any requested changes from you and give the website a final edit, page by page until your full approval is given!


7. Client Final Approval & Sign off:
   At this point your new website is completely live and functional on our work server. Any and all final edits are implemented. This is where we get your official approval and sign off on the project.


8. Official Launch of the New Website:
   Upon Final Approval & Sign off, we officially launch your brand new website!


9. Search Engine Submission:
   Greatson Media will submit your website to the top 10 search engines! While we cannot gaurentee search engine rankings and placement, we do all we can to make sure your website is out there for the world to see!

Email FAQ

How do I send and receive email? - top
You can send and receive email using any email client such as Outlook, Netscape, etc. You can also send and receive email using your website Webmail. To access your webmail simply go to: http://webmail.YOURDOMAIN.com

How do I set up my email in Outlook? - top
Step 1: Open Outlook 2003 and click on Tools in the top left menu. You will see a sub menu with a list of options. Click on E-mail Accounts.
Step 2: Select Add a new e-mail account and click Next.
Step 3: Under "Server Type" select POP3 and click Next.
Step 4: Under "Internet E-mail Settings (POP3)" under User Information enter your name and new email address. Under Server Information enter your Incoming and Outgoing mail server which is mail.YOURDOMAIN.com (Please fill in your domain name).
Finally, select Logon Information. Enter your User Name which will be "john" for example if your email address is "john@yourdomain.com". Enter your Password. If you would like Outlook to remember your password so you do not need to enter it every time you check your mail, check Remember Password
Step 5: Click Next then Finish. Your new email account is now set up!

How do I set up my email in Netscape? - top
Coming Soon!

How do I set up my email in Firefox? - top
Coming Soon!

Can I access my email when I am not at home? - top
Yes! Webmail is free with every Greatson Media hosting package. You can access your email from any computer connected to the internet by going to http://webmail.YOURDOMAIN.com/net/org.

Do you offer WebMail? - top
Yes we do! Webmail is free with every Greatson Media hosting package. Simply go to http://webmail.YOURDOMAIN.com/net/org to access your webmail from any computer connected to the internet.

Website Statistics FAQ

What is the difference between "Hits" and "Files"? - top
HITS is the total number of HTTP requests that the server received during the reporting period. Any request made to the server is considered a hit. FILES is the number of hits that actually resulted in something being sent back to the user, such as an HTML page or image. 'Total Files' and '200 - OK' totals should be the same. If you add up the totals in the 'Hits by Response Code' section, it should be the same as the 'Total Hits' figure.

What are Hits? - top
Any request made to the server which is logged, is considered a 'hit'. The requests can be for anything... html pages, graphic images, audio files, CGI scripts, etc... Each valid line in the server log is counted as a hit. This number represents the total number of requests that were made to the server during the specified report period.

What are Files? - top
Some requests made to the server, require that the server then send something back to the requesting client, such as a html page or graphic image. When this happens, it is considered a 'file' and the files total is incremented. The relationship between 'hits' and 'files' can be thought of as 'incoming requests' and 'outgoing responses'.

What are Pages? - top
Pages are, well, pages! Generally, any HTML document, or anything that generates an HTML document, would be considered a page. This does not include the other stuff that goes into a document, such as graphic images, audio clips, etc... This number represents the number of 'pages' requested only, and does not include the other 'stuff' that is in the page. What actually constitutes a 'page' can vary from server to server. The default action is to treat anything with the extension '.htm', '.html' or '.cgi' as a page. A lot of sites will probably define other extensions, such as '.phtml', '.php3' and '.pl' as pages as well. Some people consider this number as the number of 'pure' hits... I'm not sure if I totally agree with that viewpoint. Some other programs (and people :) refer to this as 'Pageviews'.

What are Sites? - top
Each request made to the server comes from a unique 'site', which can be referenced by a name or ultimately, an IP address. The 'sites' number shows how many unique IP addresses made requests to the server during the reporting time period. This DOES NOT mean the number of unique individual users (real people) that visited, which is impossible to determine using just logs and the HTTP protocol (however, this number might be about as close as you will get).

What are Visits? - top
Whenever a request is made to the server from a given IP address (site), the amount of time since a previous request by the address is calculated (if any). If the time difference is greater than a pre-configured 'visit timeout' value (or has never made a request before), it is considered a 'new visit', and this total is incremented (both for the site, and the IP address). The default timeout value is 30 minutes (can be changed), so if a user visits your site at 1:00 in the afternoon, and then returns at 3:00, two visits would be registered. Note: in the 'Top Sites' table, the visits total should be discounted on 'Grouped' records, and thought of as the "Minimum number of visits" that came from that grouping instead. Note: Visits only occur on PageType requests, that is, for any request whose URL is one of the 'page' types defined with the PageType option. Due to the limitation of the HTTP protocol, log rotations and other factors, this number should not be taken as absolutely accurate, rather, it should be considered a pretty close "guess".

What are KBytes? - top
The KBytes (kilobytes) value shows the amount of data, in KB, that was sent out by the server during the specified reporting period. This value is generated directly from the log file, so it is up to the web server to produce accurate numbers in the logs. This is a fairly accurate representation of the amount of outgoing traffic.

What are Top Entry and Exit Pages? - top
The Top Entry and Exit tables give a rough estimate of what URL's are used to enter your site, and what the last pages viewed are. Because of limitations in the HTTP protocol, log rotations, etc. this number should be considered a good "rough guess" of the actual numbers, however will give a good indication of the overall trend in where users come into, and exit, your site.

What are Daily vs. Monthly Totals? - top
You cannot add up the daily visit totals and compare them to the monthly total, they are different reporting periods. For example, if someone visits your site at 11:45pm and stays until 12:15am, the monthly total would show one visit, while the daily totals will show two (one for each day).

Still have more questions? Contact a Greatson Media success specialist at 877.283.2777. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!