New York: (631) 918-4992
Arizona: (480) 719-1510
frequently asked questions
We understand that not everyone is familiar with the terminology used throughout this site. We have broken down the FAQ's into different sections to make it easier to find the answer you're looking for. If by chance, there is a question that you have that's not here feel free to contact us.
What does a website cost?
Website design is a one-time cost that will pay back almost immediately. The cost of your particular site will depend on many factors, such as:
- Original graphics and images
- Amount of pages
- Pictures
- Content (text)
- Navigation Elements
- Product input
- Database Integration
Are there any long-term costs?
The only long-term cost that is involved with your website is the server fees to keep your site running at optimal performance. These fees vary depending on the content and size of the site. Server fees start at about $19.95 per month (less than a dollar a day) and up. Z2 Media is aware of inferior servers that charge less, but our contention is that a site that is not seen, is not a good site. No matter how well it looks.
There are many factors involved with selecting a good server. Bandwidth issues, e-mail issues, down time, speed, reliability and customer service. Z2 Media believes that a quality server(s) is invaluable to your business. There is nothing worse than your site being "down" and nobody to help you. All of Z2 Media's customers understand that selecting a server solely based on price could be the worst decision you ever make. Just compare "apples to apples".
What does a domain name cost?
A domain name costs only $70.00 for the first 2 years. It is $35.00 per year after that.
Cost vs. Exposure.
The cost of advertising on the internet is less expensive than advertising in your local newspaper with a limited circulation. The exposure you can achieve by having a website you can be proud of, is unlimited. Millions of people surf and shop on the web daily. Evidence of the impact the web has had can be seen by just watching television commercials and taking notice to the web address. It's almost unfair to judge the cost of print advertising versus the internet.
Do you offer financing?
Z2 Media does not offer finance plans, but does offer affordable payment options that will not break the bank. Just consult with us and we'll show how easy it can be to enter the web with a presence that will make your competitors cringe.
How much do updates cost?
Z2 Media will explain in detail, how much updates to your site will cost in advance. There are no surprises with us. Updates are usually a minimal cost because all the initial site design has already been done.
Z2 Media's Mission.
Z2 Media's mission is simple. Provide a quality product along with extraordinary customer service, and our customers will be satisfied. Our clients know that Z2 Media will always give them 110% effort at an affordable price. Z2 Media has always been committed to the phrase "Large enough to service, Small enough to care". Every site that Z2 Media builds is a reflection upon us and our client. We understand that.
Why should I choose Z2 Media?
If your company needs and wants a quality website that will reflect upon your company in a positive way or if you demand extraordinary customer service with a personal touch the only choice is Z2 Media. We built our business the same way you did, quality product, hard work, dedication, loyalty and affordable prices. If you choose to go with Z2 Media, rest assured that we will do everything possible to keep you a part of our family for years to come.
How can I view some of Z2 Media's work?
Some of our projects that have been developed exclusively by Z2 Media can be view in the Our Portfolio section of this website. Feel free to browse through some of our clients sites and maybe get some ideas for your project. We are always open to new and exciting concepts from future clients.
What are some of the advantages Z2 Media offers?
Z2 Media offers some unique advantages, here are just a few:
- Marketing Analysis
- Database Specialists
- Design Specialists
- Friendly, Knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives
- Affordable Payment Plans
- Training and Helpdesk Availability
- Participation in the Z2 Media Web
- and more
What is the "Z2 Media Web"?
The Z2 Media Web is a customer referral program that allows integration of all Z2 clients banners to be presented within the web. It offers instant recognition and traffic. For more details, call Z2 Media today.
Who is Z2 Media?
Z2 Media is a web design - hosting company that can easily put your company on the internet map. We are located in Farmingdale, New York and Port St. Lucie, Florida. Z2 Media continues to grow due to the fact that we are customer service orientated and will bring the age old virtue of dependability back again. We can create a custom website for the smallest or largest company with the same enthusiasm we had with our first. Let us show you why Z2 Media is different.
Does Z2 Media come to my office?
You can schedule an appointment in several different ways:
- Visit our contact us page
- Send us E-mail
- Call Us at (480) 719-1510 (AZ) or (631) 918-4992 (NY)
- Fill out our simple "Request Info Form"
How does the internet work?
The internet is an open environment that allows you to store your files so that others can view them on a server (A place where your files are stored until viewed). Anyone who has internet access can view your page for free. You have to access the internet through an ISP (Internet Service Provider) such as America Online, CompuServe, AT and T, Optimum Online etc.. If you have an ISP, you have immediate access to the internet. You pay the ISP a monthly charge but there is no charge to access the internet or any sites.
How many customers can I attract?
There are over 200 million users on the internet (with millions more coming online each day). With the constant decreasing of prices on the Personal Computer market, more and more people are signing up for internet service everyday. People use the internet for research, entertainment, gaming purposes and of course; BUYING and SELLING. Now, more and more people are starting to see the benefits of shopping and researching businesses online. Depending on your needs, Z2 Media can set up a marketing strategy that will "Target" who you want to view your site. If you only repair cars locally in New York or Florida, you don't need to have people from Wisconsin viewing your page. You want and need local people finding your site.
Why advertise on the internet?
The fact of the matter is that the internet is the most inexpensive way to advertise. Besides the fact that your company now has instant credibility, you also have a "Showcase" for all of your products and services. The internet can be a valuable marketing tool for your company. Think about the days when fax machines were just coming into the business community. Many businessmen were dismissing the idea that a fax machine could help them be more productive, sell more products or even take the place of regular mail. We cringe when we think of what ever happened to those companies. Sometimes it is not how much business you can gain from the internet, it's how many customers do you stand to lose because they saw the same product or service displayed on a competitors site. Let us give you an example:
A potential new customer comes into your establishment and has many questions about your product. You take the time (time is money) and sit down to consult them. They are still undecided on the product or service. If you had a website you could tell them to check further into it, they can see the product or service you provide for themselves in the comfort of their own home and make a decision on whether to buy it or not. They may even check out your competitors to see if the product or service is less expensive or a different variety and quality. You may lose a new customer to a competitor just because they had better exposure and more convenience.
Consider the cost of advertising in local TV-Print-Media. If a ad campaign that you have instituted does not do well, it could cost your company more money just to re-submit the ad in other forms of advertising. The amount that you can spend is staggering. On the internet you can create a site that will show your products or service the way you want to, with no limitations. The only limitation you have is your imagination. There is no limit to the amount of updating you can do to your site. The internet is "Real-Time", and will display your updates as soon as you upload your files to your server.
What is a domain name?
Now we get into the "nuts and bolts" of a website. A domain name is the "Address" at which you're located on the internet. Most domain names are www.yourcompany.com but some names end with different extensions. For example you may see a .org extension, this means that a site is an organization. A .com is the most widely used extension because it means a commercial site. A .gov extension is reserved for government applications, and so on. Now that most companies are securing their own domain names, different extensions to the domain name are being utilized more and more. Examples of these would be .net, .edu, .tv, .cc and so on.
To find an address in the internet, all a person would have to do is type that address into a web-browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL). They would be instantly taken to the appropriate site. These addresses are regulated by Internic. In order to get your own name it would have to be registered by this governing body of the internet. There is no limit to how many domain names you can own. Some people build homepages through a free service which would give their address a look like this: www.aol.members.com/joesmith/myweb/index.html. This address can be confusing for your customers. Domain names in general are the heart and soul of your website. A good domain name could mean the difference between attracting new customers or not.
What is a search engine and how do they work?
Basically there are 2 different types of search engines. First there are "Spider" search engines such as Excite, Alta Vista, Lycos, Infoseek, HotBot, etc. These search engines will spider a site (search through the entire site) and look for the keywords to complete a search. This means that a site must be structured correctly for a person to find you when they are searching for a specific item or service. The other type of search engine is a "Category" type such as Yahoo, Looksmart, NBCi. These search engines will place you in a category but will also check for individual pages that match content of a search. Again, your page will need to be properly set-up so that potential customers can find you.
Search engines are strange animals, we at Z2 Media recommend either NBCi or Yahoo. These particular search engines seem to bring the best searches. There are so many new engines coming online everyday, just keep trying new ones until you find one that you like the best. How many times have you done a search for "Electronics" and get results pouring in about the weather in China? Z2 Media understands the frustration this can bring, we also understand how these search engines can be made to work for you.
What are Web Browsers and how do they work?
A web browser is the actual viewing tool that is used to view ANY internet site. They are very different in many ways. The most popular ones are Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer. If you have an AOL account, you are using IE. (Although the new AOL may be equipped with Netscape). These 2 different browsers view pages very differently. What may be seen by IE may not be seen by Netscape and visa versa. Your pages should be compatible with both. There are also different versions of the same browser. For example, Netscape Navigator 2.0 will react differently than version 4.0 and so on. You should always have the newest version of a browser. Z2 Media designs all of their sites with these facts in mind. Cross compatibility of the different browsers are always a top priority to us.
How does E-Mail work?
Ahhh, E-Mail. One of the most exciting things about the internet is E-Mail. You can INSTANTLY send a type written message, a picture or file to anywhere on the planet in seconds. If you are using AOL, your e-mail address would be your screen name plus an "@AOL.com" at the end. If you have a domain name, your e-mail address would be anything you set it up to be. Example, if your name was Joe and your company domain name is www.abc.com you could set up an e-mail address to be joe@abc.com and let everyone e-mail you effortlessly. You can still have an account with AOL because you still need an ISP (Internet Service Provider) to access your e-mail. Z2 Media also can fax you your e-mail if you have no such service. You can simply have your e-mail forwarded to you AOL address. It's that simple!
Z2 Media can custom configure your e-mail service for 1 or 1,000 users with the ability to retrieve any e-mail from any browser, anytime or anywhere. Alias' e-mails can make your company stand out amid your competitors. Ask us today for more information.
I have AOL, can I get my mail there?
Yes. Z2 Media can custom configure any e-mail account to be forwarded to any other account. The easiest way to get your e-mail is through a e-mail program (such as MS Outlook) that will automatically check for new messages. If you prefer, you can keep on using AOL.
What is an ISP?
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that can connect you to the internet. Companies such as America Online, Compuserve, NetZero and Optimum Online are just a few examples. You need an ISP to connect. The price of an ISP will vary greatly depending on the service they provide.
How much faster is a cable or DSL connection?
Broadband is here to stay! 56K modems are becoming more and more obsolete thanks to the new generation of ISP's. Cable and DSL can be as much as 10 times faster than a 56k modem. Anyone who enjoys surfing the internet can attest to the benefits of High-Speed access. Websites that are more dynamic and entertaining are popping up all over the web. High speed access providers are becoming less expensive everyday and the demands of the new web are feeding the frenzy. If you have high speed connectivity in your area, you should look into this further.
What is a server?
A server is a location that stores your "Files", so that when other people access your site, they can view your pages. Most servers charge a pre-determined rate for the amount of storage you need. Without a server, you cannot receive e-mails or have a website. A good reliable server is essential for your website. If you intend to have people view your site, the server must be capable of handling all the requests in a timely manner. If a server goes "Down", people have no access and consequently, you are out of business. Z2 Media offers affordable server plans integrated within all of our project pricing. For more information, contact us today.
How many pages can I put on?
Simple answer.
As many as you may want or need. There is no limit to the amount of pages that can be put on the internet. The only thing to remember is that if you have a budget, it may be a good idea to consolidate your pages to maximize the exposure you desire.
How do I set-up my pages?
The set-up of your pages are consulted on a individual basis. Z2 Media has always been a design company that believes each website should have it's own characteristics, flow and personality. After a consultation with us, we will recommend what type of set-up you should choose.
Who maintains my internet site?
You can either maintain your site by yourself or have Z2 Media do it all for you. Some people enjoy the challenge of administering their own site. You can take care of your site yourself, but you will need to get training. Z2 offers this type of training. We have several different plans to help you keep your site looking "Fresh". For more information, E-Mail us below or use our simple "Request Info" page.
Do I need to be online daily?
NO, unless you want to be. Z2 Media encourages all of our clientele to get involved. The more involved you are with your site, the better it will suit your needs.
How many pages do I need?
This is very difficult to judge. You would definitely need to consult us and see how your pages should be structured in order to get the maximum amount of exposure that fits into your budget. E-Mail us or click on the "Request Info" button.
What constitutes a page?
Everyone has a different concept of this question. We believe a well structured page should be one that loads onto a visitor's computer in less than 30 seconds. How many times have you gone into a website that seems to take forever to load (and then leave without viewing it's contents). The speed of a downloading page varies because of the speed of different modems. If the viewer is using a 28.8kbps modem, his download time will be much longer than a person using a 56k modem. The best case scenario is a person using a cable modem which is up to 10X faster than 56k. We judge all websites by 56kbps which seems to be benchmark of modem technology.
A page has different sections within it that manipulates the amount of time it takes to load. Text loads faster than images. A page just consisting of just text can load in any computer extremely fast. The more graphics, pictures and animations you put on a page, the slower it loads. Another new technology is Streaming Media, for an explanation about this subject, see our Streaming Media FAQ.
Quality vs. Quantity
We at Z2 Media believe that you should concentrate on a quality page. The reasons we believe this is simple:
- It gives a better impression to the viewer.
- It shows how much you pay attention to details.
- It shows that you want to put your best foot forward.
- It can make a small company seem like a large one.
- It can "personalize" an impersonal situation.
What does "Publish" mean?
Publish or Publishing means that the content of a website is sent via the web to a server that holds all of the information until a viewer calls for it by typing in your URL (Address, www.yourcompany.com)
What does Z2 Media need from me?
Z2 Media needs to evaluate a few things before you begin to build your site. Some examples of what we may need are as follows:
- Information on your company
- Who is your primary customer
- What your company intends to gain with the internet exposure
- What is the timeframe for the intended unveiling
- The budget you are working with
What is a banner link?
Z2 Media has always believed that a banner link is one of the most important design features you can get with your site. A visibly attractive banner can attract many viewers to your site. in every project Z2 Media undertakes, a banner for linking purposes is always included free of charge.
Is my site going to look original?
One Word....
YES!
Z2 Media does not "borrow" any graphics from other sites and implement them into yours. There are no "templates" for new sites. Every site that we build, reflects the individual business it represents along with a personality of it's own. Just view some of our client sites in our portfolio page and see for yourself. The cost of not being original, outweighs the cost of doing something different over the long term.
I have a company logo, can you use it?
Yes. Z2 Media can incorporate any images, logos, pictures that you may already own into your site. As a matter of fact, we encourage the use of all these items.
I want my site to be interactive, how can we do this?
Interactivity of a site can be accomplished through all sorts of ways. Flash, Easy Navigation, Streaming Media, Creative Design are just some of the specialties Z2 Media excels in. We are proud to be leaders and are not afraid to tackle new challenges. Some of our sites have won many different kinds of awards for interactivity, ease of use, design and content. See for yourself, visit our Portfolio Page.
What is Flash?
Flash was created by Macromedia and has been around for a while but has seen limited usage because of modem limitations. Since high speed access is becoming more widely available, so has Flash. Most of the major companies on the web use some sort of Flash in their respected sites (Disney, GM, Universal Studios, Six Flags, etc.). Z2 Media has been for years, producing Flash presentations and interactivity for our clients. Examples of some Flash sites can be seen in our Portfolio Page.
What is streaming media?
Streaming Media is the ability to send images from the server to a browser while a customer is already viewing a section. Simply put, it means that a browser does not have to download an entire presentation before viewing it. It now means that while a presentation is downloading in the background, the viewer is not staring at a blank screen.
Do I have to give Z2Media a complete layout?
No. Z2 Media understands that you are not a web designer and we are. We will take your ideas and vision and make it a reality. We are experts in taking notes and observing your business needs and designing a site. It is not uncommon for a client not to know what to do, but Z2 Media has always managed to somehow make it happen. Give us a try.
Can I create a mailing list?
Yes. A mailing list can always be set up so you can easily send out numerous e-mails to the people that want it the most. All a person would have to do is subscribe with just a few keystrokes. Z2 Media can even design the e-mail so the person can un-subscribe anytime.
What is an e-commerce site?
An e-commerce site is a site that sells either products or services over the internet. This definition is broad, and could mean that ALL sites are e-commerce sites. We feel that an e-commerce site is not necessarily a site in which there are isles and thousands of products and services. An e-commerce site could be as simple as a showcase site that displays your products and or services and gives a phone number to call. As long as you are conducting business on the web, you qualify as an e-commerce site. There are many different ways to show or sell your products and or services, not all of them have to include a budget that will surely bankrupt you. Examples of simple showcase sites can be found in our Portfolio Page.
Do I need a shopping cart?
A shopping cart site is a more complex type of site. It utilizes a database to operate, and can be very intimidating and challenging to design. Z2 Media's designers are database experts and can maximize all the features that database interactivity can offer. Whether it's a simple e-mail list or a full service retail operation with thousands of products, Z2 Media can help. Since many shopping cart-database sites require extensive coding which can take several weeks to months before a final product is produced, a consultation with a Z2 Media representative should be your first step. Not all shopping cart sites are the same and the cost varies depending on features. You can view some successful shopping cart sites in our Portfolio Page.
How many items can I list or display?
There is no limit to the amount of products you can list. Every shopping cart site that Z2 Media builds can accept an unlimited amount of products.
Can I maintain my shopping cart myself?
Yes. Z2 Media designs our shopping carts with you in mind. We make it easy to update pricing, add products, delete products, edit products, upload pictures and even view all your orders in a searchable format from your own computer. Not only does this make all your storefront editing easy, it also enables you to keep design and input costs down by allowing you to do some of the work.
What is a gateway?
A gateway is a service that a shopping cart can send customer information to for processing of credit card and payment. Z2 Media has already designed shopping cart sites that integrate with major gateways such as Authorize.Net, Cybercash and more.
Who processes my credit card orders?
You can process your credit card orders in house with your present form of transaction service or you can access a gateway and they will do it for you. Details of each service vary and will be discussed by a Z2 Media representative during a consultation.
What is a database, and what kind will I need?
A database will allow your site to access information from a remote location and display the results onto a web page when asked by the viewer. In simpler words, it means that a user of your site can ask for information and get it customized to what they want to see. Database sites are usually easy to navigate through and makes the time spent on your site more productive for the end user.
How do I get pictures of my products?
You can either take pictures of your products, scan in the products or have Z2 Media take the pictures. We can do it all for you, effortlessly and affordably. You tell us what services you need and let Z2 Media do the rest.
Do my customers get a confirmation e-mail?
Yes. All shopping cart sites are designed for you. What this means, is that, we try to automate everything in the sales or purchases of your products. We understand that your time is better spent running your business, rather than answering countless e-mails with the same questions over and over. There is no substitute for a well designed site that does almost everything for you. Just ask our customers that are selling more products than ever before without all the headaches.
Can I e-mail all my customers at once?
Yes. If you ask Z2 Media to integrate a e-mail database. It's simple, one click and thousands of e-mails go to there respected recipients.
I want to build a site just like Amazon.com, can you do it?
Sure, but realize that sites like Amazon.com took the cooperation of thousands of people and years to build. If you have the time, energy and resources, Z2 Media can do it (we just have to clear our schedule for a while).
What kind of print media does Z2 Media do?
Z2 Media can custom design any type of print job including trifolds, business cards, newspaper/magazine ads, postcards, product identification and much more.
Does Z2 Media just design my print job or also print?
Z2 Media can go to press with any print job we design.
Do I have to supply the pictures or does Z2 Media already have the stock photography?
Either way is fine. You can take high quality photos (or we can take them) or Z2 Media has access to thousands of high resolution stock photography.
Am I required to order a minimum amount of printing?
Sometimes it's not worth it to order small quantities. A minimum order may be cost effective depending on the project.
I run a Newsday ad, can Z2 Media custom design my ad?
Absolutely, Z2 Media works closely with many different print organizations.
Does Z2 Media only do color designs?
NO, we can do any type of print design including B and W, grayscale, CMYK, RGB and many more formats.
I have some pictures taken with my digital camera, can I use them in my ad?
Because high resolution images are needed for print design, certain digital cameras cannot take pictures at the proper resolution needed. Z2 Media will advise on a case to case basis.
I need Z2 Media to design my print project, how soon before i get the finished product?
Turnaround times vary depending on print project. The times can be from a few days to a few weeks.
How does Z2 Media assure me of quality control?
Once a project has been approved, Z2 Media guarantees 100% accuracy from proof to final.
What is the cost to have Z2 Media design my print job?
All projects vary, please consult us for actual price.
Have a question? Ask us.
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