FAQ's:

Below are some oft-asked questions regarding Northern Sky Designs.  For the answer, simply click on the question to reveal the answer.  If you have a question that you don't see here, please e-mail or call us.

• How do I set up my e-mail account with Microsoft Outlook?

  • A:  Most people think that it's difficult to set up an e-mail account that will allow for the retrieval of mail right from their own personal computer.  It is easy.  Just follow the steps -- complete with screenshots -- outlined here.
     

• How can I view my website statistics?

  • A:  Northern Sky Designs uses Google Analytics to view website statistics.  All you need to access these statistics is a Google account.  Just e-mail us with your google account username or g-mail address and we'll create a profile for you.

  • "Google Analytics is the enterprise-class web analytics solution that gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way. With Google Analytics, you're more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites."

  •  http://www.google.com/analytics/
     

• Can I pay a Northern Sky Designs invoice online?

  • A:  There are several methods for paying an invoice at Northern Sky Designs.  You always have the option of taking care of an invoice the "old fashioned" way... just mail us your check.  However, if you wish to get an invoice taken care of quickly and easily, take advantage of another method: pay your invoice online.  It's safe and secure.
     

• Can I add a newsletter to my website?

  • A:  A newsletter is a great way to keep your clients and potential clients apprised of what's happening, what's new and what's special at your business.  There are lots of companies out there that will already have the necessary code generated...  all we need to do is add a link to your site.  E-mails can be collected easily, and the newsletter format can be accomplished with easy-to-use templates.  Here is one example of a company used by a large number of business owners: Email Newsletters - 60 Day Free Trial
    

• I am not a Northern Sky Designs client.  Can I add a Virtual Tour to my website if my site is hosted by another company?

  • A:  It is not necessary to be a client of Northern Sky Designs if you want to add a virtual tour to your website.  We can easily copy the tour to a CD and provide instructions so that your webmaster can easily add the tour to your website.  For more details, see our Virtual Tours page.
     

• What does it cost to advertise with Northern Sky Designs?

  • A:  A variety of different advertising options are available to businesses wishing to advertise with Northern Sky Designs.  We host three separate sites on which advertising can be placed.  Costs vary; depending on the type selected and the site on which it is placed, with rates starting as low as $19 per quarter.  Available sites are: OntheFox, OntheLake and OnthePacific.  Please contact us for additional information.
     

• Can I make my own changes to my website?

  • A:  Northern Sky Designs is a full-service, professional website design company.  We will design, host, maintain and make changes to your site, typically within 24 hours of your request.  Businesses requiring multiple, possibly periodic, informational/text and/or graphic updates to their sites, can take advantage of one of our Updates Packages in order to more economically accomplish updates.  For those desirous of achieving the least expensive option in terms of website design, maintenance and hosting, this can be accomplished through services such as Register.com and GoDaddy.com.  Requiring more of a commitment of time and effort on your part, these companies offer do-it-yourself design templates and updating capabilities.
     

• I need my website information updated several times a year.  Do you offer an inexpensive way to do that?

  • A:  Most of the time, informational/text updates are done by Northern Sky Designs staff on an as-needed basis, in which case the updates are made based on a standard per-hour rate.  In many cases however, business owners know ahead of time that several changes are coming at regular -- or even not-so-regular -- intervals.  We have developed two "Updates Packages' especially for this need.
     

• Once my website is up and running, how can I help drive more traffic to my own site?

  • A:  There are numerous ways in which business owners can themselves add to the effectiveness of their site and the traffic to it -- this in addition to the efforts of Northern Sky Designs.  For a complete list of strategies, click here.
     

• Can I sell items on my website?

  • A:  A large and expensive e-commerce site may not always be the best solution when offering items for sale on a website.  Depending on the type and number of items that a website owner may wish to offer for sale, there are several options available.  Here is an easy and inexpensive way to get started in basic e-commerce.
     

• What are affiliate programs and can I use them to make money with my website?

  • Simply stated, they are the easiest and fastest way to earn extra cash for your web site. An affiliate program partners you with another company – usually one that specializes in E-Commerce – in order for you to be able to sell their products from your website. The good news is that you earn a commission on every product that you sell… ranging from a few percent to as much as 25% in some cases! The best known of these affiliate programs sells books for Amazon.com… but you can sell anything from swim suits to airline seats. And, you can make money and promote your website – while you sleep. Check out this great way to add important income to your growing business!   View our page of affiliate programs.