Frequently Asked Questions

Codebender often receives questions about how to design/set up a web site, modify existing designs or register/transfer a domain name. Some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about website hosting and design are listed below. Have a question that's not answered here? Contact Us today!


What domain name should I choose?

The choice of domain name depends on how you plan to use it. In most cases, it makes sense to choose one that is easy to pronounce and spell if you will be telling people about it over the phone. Above all, you should choose a name that is memorable and not confusing.

How long will it take for my website to be designed?

The time it takes to build a site depends on the complexity of the site. If you have a deadline, we will work hard to meet it. The most common cause of delay is the content (text/images) from the client. However, our turnaround time is usually 3days to 3months, depending on size of the website

Will we need to have a meeting to discuss the website design?

Most of the time, a meeting isn't necessary and the work is completed with only discussions over phone and email. We upload our work to private websites that only clients can access. We then work with you to discuss the site and review changes. The site isn't made available to the public until it looks and works exactly as you wish.

How much will a website cost me?

The cost of a website varies depends on its complexity. We are happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote at any time.

Once my website design is completed, what after-sales service do you offer?

We fully support any website we design and are always available should you encounter any problems or require new enhancements. Codebender also offers website hosting and maintenance.

Do I have to keep my website with you forever? Can I move it to another provider?

You may move your site to another Web hosting service at any time. Once your design has been completed, we send you a copy of the site on CD.

What photo, graphics and text formats should I use for my new website?

Please provide all text, photos and graphics in electronic form. For example, the output from a digital camera, Microsoft Word or a digital scanner. If this is not possible, we can help get your information ready for the website.

Will my website design be search-engine friendly?

All our websites are created with search engines in mind, and all designs are compliant with search engine guidelines. It is a good idea for your website to be re-evaluated from time to time as search engines do alter their rules and algorithms. This will ensure that your site is up to date and compliant with new rules.

I run a small- or medium-sized business and want an online presence to promote my business. What's the first step?

You need a domain name, a Web server and a professionally developed website. You also need the website to be uploaded to your host and promoted to search engines. Codebender can help you with all aspects of getting a website up and running

Are there hidden costs with Web design services?

No. We discuss your website requirements and price accordingly. Once you have placed your order with us, we will adhere to our quoted price.

Do I need a database for my website?

This depends on how much information you want to be displayed on your website. If you have many products and services, then it will be advantageous to have a database built into your design. We will discuss this with you in detail. If a database is advised, we will explain exactly how it will work. We will tailor your website design to suit your specific requirements.

How do I update my website?

There are many different ways to update websites. The method you choose and the functionality we build into your design is solely up to you. If you have a small website of just a few pages and will only wish to make changes very infrequently, then usually it is more cost effective simply to ask Codebender to carry out these changes for you. Other methods are largely dependent on how much data or information you have and how you store this information. We can provide an online content management system in which you can update individual products/pages/services or particular sections of your website such as company news. We also can provide functionality so you can upload your entire product catalog to the website in one action using spreadsheets. We can also add databases if you wish.

Will everyone see my website the same way?

Your visitors will see some things differently depending on their browser, screen resolution settings and their computers. We design sites with that in mind and preview them in several browsers and resolution settings before publishing. As technology evolves, all websites need to be re-evaluated.

Can you provide Web design and hosting services?

Yes, Codebender is a one-stop shop. You do not have to worry about who to call if you have problems. Codebender can take care of everything from registering your domain name and designing your site to building it and maintaining it for years to come.

Do you guarantee that my site will always be available?

Codebender's Web hosting service has been up 100% of the time for many years. We have the necessary backups in place to deal with the issue quickly should our servers have any problems in the future

How do I get my website on search engines, especially Google?

Modern search engines will find your site naturally, through links to your site from other sites. Google especially relies on your incoming links to determine popularity and relevance. For more information on submitting your site and how to promote your site through search engines, read our white paper "Promoting Your Website."

Can I register a domain name through Codebender?

Yes. Codebender offers domain name registration. You will help you search for available names and submit registration. You don't have to purchase website design or Web hosting services from us to use this service, though we hope you will want to use Codebender for all your website needs!

What if I do not like the design?

If you are not satisfied with the initial design, we will work with you further and come up with another design. Our aim is to design a website that you are completely happy with.

Why should I choose Codebender for my website?

Codebender is an established hosting and Web development company that has been delivering projects at all levels of complexity to clients across East Africa. Our clients range from small business to large enterprises. We have developed a sophisticated style and a deep understanding of website requirements since our founding in 2011. Read more here about our Web development services.

What is the difference between a static site and a dynamic site?

Static Web pages always look the same and the content rarely changes. To make a change, you must create the page yourself or request a Web designer to do it for you. The newly created page and any images must then be uploaded to the Web servers. Dynamic pages are the opposite. They can change every time they are loaded (without anyone having to make those changes), and they can even change their content based on what your website visitors do. The dynamic page can be created to respond to information entered by your site's visitor. They usually store and pull information from an underlying database. Dynamic sites can reduce ongoing maintenance costs if you don't want to change things yourself with a Web page editor. They usually cost more to develop, as they require more complex coding. A content management utility also needs to be developed to help you manage your site. Many clients have a combination of dynamic and static elements in their sites. For instance, they might use dynamic pages for a product catalog where they have to change information or pictures regularly. The "Contact" and "About Us" pages are often left as static pages.

When can I update my website content?

If the website we have designed for you includes a content management system (CMS), then you can access your administrative areas from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. You can make updates instantly and as frequently as you wish. If your website is smaller and designed without a CMS, you can update the HTML pages yourself. Codebender also can update it for you.

Can I have an e-commerce system for my website?

Yes. We have secure servers (SSL) that use the latest encryption methods to ensure that your customers can buy from you website knowing that the information they enter is secure and safe. If you want your customers' payments to be "cleared online," we can interface to PayPal, EasyPay, and our own online payment system. Read more about our Online Payment System here

How can I accept credit cards on my website?

There are two ways to accept credit cards. The first involves using your own card machine and processing the payment yourself. The second option involves hiring an online clearance company. We can design your website accordingly once you have decided which method to use.

How many pages can I have on my website?

You can have as many pages as you'd like. In fact, the more the better from a search engine's point of view!

I already have a website and it needs updating. Can you help me?

Yes. We are happy to look at your existing site and give you a quote for updating it.

Do you redesign existing websites?

Yes. We can redesign existing sites and retain your organization's style or give you a completely new look. Codebender also can provide a free website evaluation. We will show you how your site can take advantage of the latest Web technologies.

Who owns the website once design work is complete?

The website belongs to you. We will send you a copy of the site on CD. If you wish to work with another Web design or hosting company, you can use this CD copy to them to use.

Will I find my website on the search engines?

Yes. We always design websites to be search-engine friendly.