bluestarfish Support

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here we attempt to answer some of the typical questions a potential first-time website owner may have. If you have questions that have not been answered here, email us and we will incorporate them.

Why do I need a website?
Nobody "needs" a website. However, if you would like a showroom working for your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, viewed by national and international visitors, then perhaps your business would benefit from a website.

What can I use a website for?
*   Providing information to potential customers.
     Much more information can be provided than, say, a Yellow Pages ad or a printed brochure.
*   The information you provide can be updated quickly (e.g. changes to price lists).
*   Building customer loyalty to bring repeat business and referrals (e.g. a regularly updated "News" section of information important to your target audience).

Isn't a website expensive?
It can be, depending on size and content. But if you are just starting out on the web you don't need a big website. A website that tells people where you are, what you sell and when you sell it - may be all that you need - and should not cost you a lot of money.

I don't know anything about computers. How can I keep my website up-to-date?
Our entry-level packages can include an update agreement if you don't feel confident updating your own website. The updates can be monthly or on an ad hoc basis if required. Update agreements can also be arranged for custom websites.

What is a domain name and why do I need one?
A domain name is your exclusive address on the Internet. If you already have an Internet Service Provider, chances are you were given some free web space and your address would be something like www.yourisp.com.au/~yourname. You could place your website at this address but if you decide to change your service provider, you will also have to change the address on all your business stationery. A domain name gives you portability and remains the same irrespective of your ISP or Web Host.

Why do I need a Web Host? I already have an ISP.
A Web Host provides the home for your website. They also provide many other facilities including email post boxes, webmail which can be accessed from any computer, and graphical site statistics to show you how many people are visiting your site. There are many ISPs who offer web hosting and their plan prices vary widely. It is wise to shop around before signing up. bluestarfish offers Domain Name registration and Web Hosting plans through Ilisys.

What support is available after my site is on the web?
Your website will be fully tested by bluestarfish both prior to and after uploading to the Web. If you have an update package with us, we will continue to monitor the site to ensure its functionality and if you are hosted with Ilisys, their support team will look after any technical issues.

If you prefer to be hosted with another provider, technical issues will need to be resolved with your provider's own support service. bluestarfish is happy to co-operate in resolving any problems as time allows.