1. Where do I insert my sites name and tag line?
When I set up a site I usually insert your name for you as each site is a unique install and you don’t share it with anyone. But you can change it under Settings/General.
2. Is there FTP access?
FTP: You can be provided with all the FTP access credentials in order to configure your FTP client. This is provided upon request as all uploads can be performed within the admin area including batch image uploads to the gallery and most people don’t require it.
3. Can I see stats on my site visitors?
Stats: there is a counter that tracks your visitors as well as what pages they view and can be seen inside the admin area. (The stat counter is not shown in the demo site.)
4. “I love your designs, but I currently have a website….business cards with my address, etc. So, to change over will be an effort for me. I don’t really understand how I’ll do this.” Lori
Business Cards, address etc: you wouldn’t have to change a thing all that needs to be done is to redirect your current domain name servers over to the new site location. People would still access you via www.yoursitename.com and no reprinting of business cards required. I can redirect your name servers for you, all I need is access to your domain name control panel, user name and password.
5. What is SEO?
All Artbiz sites includes a search engine optimization plugin called “SEO”, you will find it under the editor on every page or post. Here you add a meta description and keywords to your site on a whole or to each page individually. This helps search engines to index you properly and helps your visitors find you.
Use a description of what you want visitors to see in the search rankings, you can also add tags (key words) which are words that visitors would enter into a search to find you, for example “artists + yourhometown”.
Your web site also has xml sitemap. Sitemaps house text links to all your web site pages so the engines know what to follow.This plugin submits your site to search engines Google, Yahoo, Bing and Ask.
There is also a robots.txt page in your root directory this tells the search engines that they can index the site.
Also read this news post for more info
6. The “Edit Thumb” feature is not showing inside Manage Gallery
The edit thumb feature doesn’t show in Internet Explorer or Safari (don’t know why…stormy weather)
Here’s the link to download the FireFox browser (it’s free) http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html Better, faster, more secure and…what’s that, oh ya – CSS compliant!
The feature works in Google Chrome as well. Here’s the link to the free download http://www.google.com/chrome/
7. How big should my images be?
For use in an Artbiz website I ask clients to resize to no larger than 800px X 800px maximum in any one direction and 72dpi . Be careful here as you could upload files that are too big and take to long to load. For more help on resizing images please read resizing images.
8. Is there a limit on the number of images and galleries that I can have?
You can have as many images and galleries that you need. Bear in mind that your website is your brochure to the world and is meant to show the best of your best work and not necessarily an archive or storage facility. My fees list the number of images that I include to get your site up and going but after you take over – sky’s the limit.
9. What can I put on my website and how many pages can I have?
Pretty much anything that you need to present your art. Recommended navigation for artist sites includes CV, Bio, Reviews, Artist Statement, Events and Contact and of course your gallery images. People who visit your site can contact you via a secure contact form, read your news/events page and leave comments if you have the blog feature. You can also create links to other sites like your gallery’s site. The administration area lets publish or un-publish pages without deleting them with the click of a button.
10. Can I use your templates but host my website elsewhere?
Yes and no. Each Artbiz website is a unique installation and can be moved to or installed on any number of host providers that support WordPress. Saying that, custom sites and customized templates can be moved. Subscription sites are basically a lease of Artbiz templates and include the hosting. The program updates and maintenance are also free to subscribers, services that I could not perform if the site was hosted elsewhere.
11. I already have a domain name can I use it?
Yes. That was easy. We will discuss your unique needs when we start setting up the site.
12. I am not very good on the computer, can I do this?
Absolutely! I usually tell people that if you can save and attach a jpeg to an email and type a letter, then you have all the necessary skills. If you do get stuck everything that you need to know is in the Manual and there are videos on this site 24/7. But you can always call or email me for friendly help and answers to any question. You do not need to know any code in order to manage your site.
13. How long does it take for my site to show up in the search engines? And what ranking will I get?
We submit your website to all the major search engines for free! Sites can take up to 12 weeks to get indexed. Every Artbiz website comes with all the tools necessary to make your website as visible as possible to the search engines, however we cannot guarantee what keywords will result in a search match or the ranking of your site. Be wary of those that promise otherwise. It is likely that you will achieve good results if you are somewhat prepared. For more information please read question #5 above on SEO (search engine optimization).
