XSitePro Templates and Headers FAQ

1. What does a template consist of?

A template is basically the "framework" upon which you build your own content. It consists of a graphical header, as well as the setup of the footer and the right and left panels to match the header. Some templates may include graphical elements in the footer and/or right and left panels, but this is rare as it makes the template harder for you to manage. A template does not include any added pages of content, nor does it include any content in the footer or the right or left panels such as text, forms, bookmark, testimonials, audio/video, links, etc. These would be extra as this would be building a Web site for you, instead of a template. See next question...

2. Can you build a complete Web site for me?

Absolutely! :)

3. How long does it take to receive a finished XSitePro template?

First we need some simple information from you regarding your template. Then we design the header and show it to you for approval. Once approved we then create the footer, the side panels, the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) and the XSitePro files needed to create an XSitePro template. After that we zip up the files and email them to you. This process can take as little as two days or as long as a month! It all depends how quickly you answer any questions we have and how quickly you approve the design. We also need to schedule work as we are always very busy, so our turnaround times will also vary, depending on the number of projects we are managing at one time.

The search for appropriate photos can slow down the time it takes for us to finish your template, so if you do this for us first, we will be able to get started right away. Here are two sites you can check out for very cheap photos (about $1.00 USD each): Dreamstime, iStock Photos. These sites don't have the best photos on the Web, but most often they are just fine. Remember the rules about placement of images before you start collecting photos.

4. How easy is it to import my new template?

Very easy! We provide the instructions with your template files, but truthfully it's as simple as saving the template files to one of the XSite Pro templates folders and then clicking the Import link. Voila!

5. How much does a basic template cost?

These are our current prices (see question #6 for package pricing...). They will go up, not down, as demand is incredibly high for our product.

For a basic template, we do one design concept for $295 USD (or $245 USD for a header only). Note: Prices online for custom, quality Web site headers by professional designers are usually around $250 USD. A basic XSite Pro template also includes a footer, side panels and creation of the special template files, so our price is very reasonable. And you can view and approve the header before we start work on the full template. We require a down payment of $150 USD before we start work. See question #7...

6. Do you have package pricing?

Yes, we have three packages:

Package A. Basic template - $295

A basic XSite Pro template includes a crisp, clean, professional header, set-up of the footer and side panels to match the header. And you can view and approve the header before we start work on the full template. You recieve the template, a separate header file (JPEG) to use in your blog or newsletter, etc., as well as the Photoshop PSD file so you, or a designer, can make changes to your header in the future. Note: We require a down payment of $150 USD before we start work.

Package B. To Package A, add search engine optimization (SEO) of your template and Home page content; opt-in box, contact form - $395 ($415 value)

Package C. To Package B, add 2 hours of online marketing consultation - $595 ($635 value)

Additional services:

Photo search, graphical navigation, photo gallery, general support services (not related to our work on your template) - $60/hour

Internet marketing and consulting - $120/hour.

Note: For consulting and support we use Fog Creek Copilot to access your computer, if required.

7. How do I pay for my template?

Payment for services and templates/headers is via PayPal (yes, you can pay with your credit card via PayPal, even if you don't have a PayPal account).

8. Can I edit my template?

Yes, you can make changes to your XSite Pro Web site by replacing any graphic with a coloured background or your own image. Any other settings we have made as to width of panels, etc. can also be fully edited, as can any CSS we have added. In other words, you have complete and full control over your template once you receive it.

If you own an application that will open the .psd file that we provide as part of your custom template, you will even have full control over your header/footer and other graphics. The .psd file will contain the layers that make up your graphics, e.g., the text will be on a separate layer that you can edit or delete. This makes it easy to replace or edit elements in your template graphics.

• Adobe PhotoShop - http://www.adobe.com
• Corel PhotoPaint and Paint Shop Pro - http://www.corel.com
• Ulead PhotoImpact - http://www.ulead.com

9. Can I use a Web template that I get from somewhere like Template Monster®?

With the right tools and skills, yes. However, time is money and editing a Web template to work with XSitePro takes time. It requires experimentation and a knowledge of graphics, HTML and the inner workings of XSitePro. You also have to own a decent editing program like Photoshop. Your success will also depend on the template you choose. Some are far more suitable than others for this task (so the cost can add up as you search for a usable one). Many templates have a lot of extraneous graphics that you will have to figure out how strip out without destroying the design. Truthfully, learning how to create your own custom header may serve you far better in the end. There are many things you can do to make your site professional looking and unique. Check out our XSitePro tips and our sample templates for some good ideas.

Note: Many fancy-looking off-the-shelf Web templates are created mostly with eye-candy in mind. That's why they are often useless for the average Web owner. Where the heck do you put your content in the midst of all that clutter? And where does Web usability fit in when eye-candy, not eye-tracking, is the primary feature?

10. Your XSitePro templates are not as cheap as some we've seen out there.

That's because we do only high-quality, custom work (so you get exactly what you want!). We do NOT provide generic, off-the-shelf solutions. Here's what you can expect:

• A completely unique template design!
• Your template will exhibit YOUR Web site title, USP, bullet points, logo, colours, style, mood, etc.
• We can locate appropriate stock photos for you. Ones that match YOUR requirements.
• We work with you until we achieve the look you want!
• Your template will not look like the typical XSite Pro Web site!
• Your template will be created for YOUR target market.
• Graphics will be high quality, crisp and clean.
• We strive for magazine-ad quality. Therefore, use of effects like gradients, fading, shadows, stroking, etc. are only used when they enhance your header. (One sure sign of amateur design is the overuse of effects!)
• We design with usability, eye-tracking and other marketing factors in mind.

This kind of quality design will never be available from cheap solutions. And when you receive your template, you can import it and start to add content immediately. It's ready to go. You don't have to try to finish the design by adding your Web site title, USP, etc. on top of the header. (*See next question for why that is so important!)

11. Why is the quality of the title and other text in your headers so much better than when I type my title over a generic template header?

In a generic template (like the ones that come bundled with XSitePro), the header graphic is set up as the background image for the header panel. You are then expected to type over that image and add your own title, USP, etc. Your text quality is now at the mercy of HTML, different browsers and different screen resolutions. But because we create only custom designs, your header already contains your Web site title, USP, etc. You do not need to type all that into XSitePro. Therefore, your title and other text will always be crisp and clean. It is independent of HTML, browsers and screen resolution because it's part of your header image.

12. What if I want to change my USP or bullet points, or even my Web site title?

Glad you asked! We provide you with the Photoshop .psd file that contains all the layers that make up your template. This means you can change anything you want. All you need is an application that will open the .psd file and some very basic knowledge of how to edit a graphics file.

These software applications will allow you to edit a .psd file:

• Adobe PhotoShop - http://www.adobe.com
• Corel PhotoPaint and Paint Shop Pro - http://www.corel.com
• Ulead PhotoImpact - http://www.ulead.com

Order your own XSitePro template today...