The custom design site is a "cafeteria style" plan where the client picks from several service options. The size and complexity of the site determine the price. However, the price is quoted to the client before development starts. If your needs can be met with a smaller site, a "web presence" site of three to five pages can be purchased.

First, if you have not already done so, go online. This means selecting an Internet service provider (ISP) that will provide you not only with dial up connections, but web space and email accounts. If you already have email, your current ISP may have already given you a web space that is sitting empty. The Mouse Pad can provide can provide web space, or consultation as you select a web space provider.

Many clients will register a personalized URL or Internet address for your business so that their address will read "yourcompany.com". The domain names are registered through INTERNIC and the domain name registration fees are paid to them, $70 for the first two years. If you already have an ISP, you need to talk to that ISP to find our what their fee structure is for domain name serving and hosting a site. These domain name serving and hosting fees are included if you are using the The Mouse Pad as you web space provider.

The next step is to design the web pages that make up your site. The Mouse Pad will meet with you to determine the scope of the work involved. In many cases this involves taking print material already in use by the client, and adopting it for the web. This phase may involve scanning, retyping, copy editing, or special programming services for multimedia. Every website will have a price quoted before development starts.

There is a two week evaluation period after publication during which The Mouse Pad will make reasonable changes at no additional cost.

Site promotion of your site to the major search engines (including Yahoo!, Alta Vista, HotBot and Web Crawler) is essential for visitors to find your site. Again, The Mouse Pad provides this at no additional cost.

A site that is interesting and has up-to-date information will generate more visitors than a site that does not stay updated. If the client chooses not to maintain and administer the site, The Mouse Pad can do this for a fee starting at $55 per month.