XPRT Creative FAQs
Please let us know if you have a question not answered below. We continue to add to this page as needed. You can also read the Official XPRT Creative Blog - WeBlogged to find more best practices and practical discussion regarding our virtual world.
What is a dynamic web page?
Dynamic refers to a page being created "on the fly." This means that the content from that page doesn't actually come together until someone clicks on a link to that page. When someone views a dynamic page, some or all of the information on that page is pulled into the page from another location, like a database.
What is a static web page?
A static page is a page that is created by pasting or typing information into that page manually, or by hand, using a program like Dreamweaver or Front Page.
Why do you require that I host my site with you?
There are several reasons, please see our <hosting information page> for more.
What are the steps I need to take to transfer my domain and hosting to you?
These are the steps we use for a domain transfer.
- Provide the FTP information current hosting. This includes FTP host, Username and Password. We back up these the files to make sure your old site is live on our servers when the transfer goes through, just in case we need access to them for some reason.
- Request that the current registrar unlock their domain name and update any domain contact information at this point. Important: a valid e-mail address must be listed as the administrative e-mail on the account. (it might be easier at this point to change the admin e-mail to domains@xprtcreative.com -- and then we will get all the e-mails required for transfer).
Sometimes the losing registrar doesn't want to let go of your domain or hosting and they require some hoop jumping to comply with this step (against ICANN regulations). Another problem we've run into is that the registrar did not list your business or organization as the registrant (owner) for your domain as they are required to by ICANN. XPRT Creative will never list our company as the owner of your domain. Though we are hosting your domain and site files on our servers, you are the owner and can request a transfer at any time (though we hope you like us enough that you won't want to leave us! :) )
- Request an authorization code from their current registrar, and pass that info along to us. We will need this information to complete the transfer.
- At any time during this process, you provide the e-mail addresses you want with their domain (email@yourdomain.com) or whatever e-mail addresses are needed using your domain). IMPORTANT: All e-mail users need to back up/print e-mail if they use a web interface, because when we transfer the domain, all old e-mails will be gone. If they use Outlook or another program where they take the e-mails off the server, this won't be a problem, because they will have a copy on their local computer. If they use a web interface it may be inconvenient.
- We will initiate the domain transfer, and you will need to send us any e-mails received requesting the transfer during this entire process. This part usually takes about 7 days (but can take up to 1 month if the losing registrar does not cooperate as required by law). Please note: the e-mails requesting the transfer are sent to the admin e-mail address on file with the losing registrar as indicated in step 2 above. If you do not have access to this e-mail address, you will need to contact the owner of that e-mail to request they send you the e-mails which you can then forward to us.
- We use the information from the e-mails to complete the transfer. If all goes well, the transfer should be completed within two weeks, and site visitors will not know the difference (there is no down time).
How long with a domain transfer take?
The process to transfer a domain can take anywhere from seven days to two months. This depends on the losing registrar, and if they are compliant and helpful to you in your quest to transfer your domain. Unfortunately, not all losing registrars are cooperative, because they are technically losing your business. Once the transfer is processed, it takes approximately 48 hours to propagate across the internet. If your site is not coming up after a transfer, try going to http://www.ninjaproxy.com to view your site. If your new site is not showing on your computer or at Ninja Proxy, call your project manager right away, so we can remedy any problem or issue.
Will I be able to keep my e-mail addresses when I transfer my domain to XPRT servers?
Absolutely. We will assist you in transferring all your addresses to your "new post office." Another option some of our clients use is to continue to use your current e-mail post office; it just depends on what you are using for your current e-mail. Either way, your e-mail addresses don't change (unless you request it -- then no problemo).
Do I own the publications and website you create for me?
Yes. Everything we create for you is "yours to take home" with the exception of any back-end programming. Our back-end programming items are only for use on our servers and for the purpose they were created as it is proprietary and significant for protection of our business.
When you pay XPRT Creative to create your logo, website, publication or other designed items, you own the creations. We get to use them for bragging about our work or portfolio purposes, but that's about it. We won't ever "re-use" your design for someone else's site.
All designs provided by XPRT shall be for your exclusive use other than for XPRT's promotional use. Upon payment of all fees and expenses, we pass along all reproduction rights for all approved final designs created by us.
What do you mean by back-end and front-end when it comes to my website?
Front-end refers to the files that you see online -- like the web pages, the graphics and all the non-programming items. Many people look at HTML or XHTML as programming, but we do not. These are not actual programming items, they are text markups, just an extension of your site's content. Even the CSS files are yours to keep.
Back-end refers to any PHP, MySQL, CGI, PERL, AJAX, and other scripting or programming that makes certain functions on your website work. The Admin interface (the web area you use to update your sites, add web pages, news releases, positions on your job boards, administering your shopping cart) is also included in the back-end of your site.
What if I want to host my site on my current server?
We can definitely create your site for you, but it will be a completely static site, with no dynamic content. For some, this is a viable solution. We have several static sites in our portfolio, and these clients are totally happy with their sites. It's just a matter of assessing your needs, and what you want your website to provide to you.
What is a Brand?
A brand refers to the image that businesses or organizations portray to market themselves to their various target audiences. This image and message, when kept consistent throughout all areas of your marketing efforts can help you get "more bang for your buck" when it comes to your advertising and efforts to reach your customers! How? Because all the advertisements you buy look like your website, your business cards, your letterhead, everything! You want to get to the point that when someone sees your logo, they not only know your business, but also they remember your previous advertisements better, making your advertising more effective and memorable.
Your brand is the sum of the verbiage you use, the designs of your publications, the look and feel of your web site, and everything else that defines you or your organization. <see how we can help you build your brand>
Can you make a brochure or a postcard to match my website?
Absolutely! Contact us for specific pricing. You can see some prices on our design pricing page.
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