What is a splash page?

A splash page is an html static page that your visitors first see when going to your site.
This page allows them to have a choice of how to navigate your site
via html or flash (if you have them),
or the option of visiting your blog, myspace or other links on your page.
It can include an image or small flash show as a sneak peek of what's in your site.
I do not recommend putting huge flash shows or design elements that are slow to load your page.
Splash Pages are designed to enhance your viewers experience, not hinder it.

Why do I need one?

If you have more than one site to share and showcase your images and news, it's a good idea to link them all in one place!
A splash page does just that!
In addition, flash websites are not FULLY accessible by search engine crawlers and therefore you may not be listed in the search engine results (Yahoo, Google, MSN. etc).
A splash page allows text and keywords to be searched by the crawlers so your page will be listed when those keywords are searched for.
I do not guarantee search engine placement, but a well written html page will assist you in search engine listings.
I do not provide SEO, but can make recommendations.



What do I get?

I design and build a custom splash page for your site, using your images and my creative design, upload it to
your server via ftp, verify it is in working order and make minor changes, if necessary, for 15 days.
I will work with you to create your dream intro page. The psd release is available on certain splash pages for a nominal fee.
If you are interested in this option, please let kimtown know before beginning the design.
(The actual psd file of the design will not be provided to you on any of the Designer Line Splash Pages or Blog Headers.)



What templates are you able to work with?

Portfoliositez? Creative Motion Design?
I can work with just about ANY template or custom site out there.
I do not change anything in your site or current splash page,
I simply create an html page that introduces your site and lays over your site.
Please note these pages will not work for SmugMug or PhotoBiz accounts. I will not be able to load your page in SmugMug if you have your site with them.
PhotoBiz does not have the capability of a custom splash page at this time.



Do you make all of the design elements in your splash pages?

It depends on your wishes and needs. If you are wanting dog prints across the page or fun hanging frames,
I do not design these graphic elements myself, but rather purchase commercial elements for use in my designs.
I am not a graphics designer. I use different elements from various places.



What if I see an element I want to use in my splash page?

If you find an element, brush, blend, border, paper, layout or the like that you wish to use in your page,
you must have commercial rights and/or permission from the owner to use them.
A credit will be placed on the bottom of the page for usage.
I am not responsible for any elements, images, text and the like on the final output of your page.
Please make sure you have proper permission to use it. You wouldn't want a client taking your images and using them without your permission either.



How often can I change the image(s) on my splash page?

You can change anything within the first 15 days at no charge, then after that you can change out images and add links for just $35 per revision.



If I have the knowledge, can I change the images on my splash page myself?

It depends on how your page is created. Sometimes three images can be one image and your buttons are created separately
(and that would be super easy to swap if you know a little coding), and sometimes
(Like Beautiful Babies and More) the layout is created,
sliced to create areas for separate links and then laid out on the page in tables and cells.
More often the links and images are mapped right on the page.
If you do know a little coding and are comfortable with making minor changes, ask me about purchasing the psd files for your splash.



What is the typical turn around time?

This depends on how quickly you send me the goodies I need to start your page and how many revisions you have.
It can range from 3 days to 3 months. I work very hard to get your page exactly as you want it before we take it live.
I typically have a 3 month waiting list, but once the process is in motion, it doesn't take long to get you up and running



Do I have to pay for your wig after you've pulled your hair out due to my wishy-washiness?

Yes, it's $29.95 per follicle...Just kiddin! Never worry about asking to change things on your page.
As a photographer myself, I understand the importance of a first impression.
You have less than 7 seconds to impress your potential clients!
You have the opportunity to make 3 revisions to your splash page. After that, it's only $25 for each additional revision and will be billed prior to activation.



What do I need to do to get started and What do you need from me to get started?

To get started on the design (after your payment is made and the agreement is turned in),
you would need to send me your images (no more than 900pix wide) that you might want to use and your
logo (with a transparent background) for me to design a preliminary layout.
The initial layout is just an image; It doesn't have any clickable links or text,
it's just a layout of what your page will look like. You will make revisions from this or accept it as it is.
We will work on text and link layout and take your page live.



What if I don't know what I want?

I love free reign. I can suggest what I think would work best for your page based on your style of
photography in your portfolio or by your "wishes" listed in the agreement. Most people don't know what they want,
but only know what they have seen. That's ok too! It gives you ideas on how you feel you want your page.
I work with you until we get your page perfect!
If you DO know what you want and you have designed it in PS, feel free to send the psd file too!



What happens/cost when we get a new website but want to use the same splash page?

When you get a new website and just need to change the link on your splash page to point to your new site, it's just a $35 revision cost.



What happens/cost when my splash page is deleted or overwritten?

If you get a new site and your splash is deleted completely or is overwritten, there is a reload fee of $50.v All files are archived to save space on my ever shrinking hard drive. It takes more time to search for your records,
un-archive them and do the necessary steps to reload everything in working order.



What is a blog?

A blog (or web log) is a great tool to keep your clients informed of special news and updates.
You can provide sneak peeks of sessions and even hold contests on your blog.
A blog header is a banner for the top of your blog listing that is designed to mimic the look of your site and style.
Another great add-on to keep that branding in front of your clients.
A blog header is the banner at the top of your blog. It is meant to keep the cohesive nature of your branding.



What is a Favicon?

A favicon is that little icon next to your website address in the address bar of your browser.
It is technically called a "Favorites Icon" and was originally created to be able to easily identify a specific site in your favorites folder.
A great add-on for your branding.

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