Starting Up on The Content Mill

Can I transfer an existing site to The Content Mill?
Yes, we will transfer your site over and you will then be able to modify your own pages.

Can I buy my domain name at The Content Mill?
Yes, domains can be bought and hosted through The Content Mill at http://domains.thecontentmill.com
You can then use www.yourdomain.com as your site address.

Do I need to give my credit card number to start the free trial?
When you sign-up for your free trial using PayPal, your credit card number will be secure and not disclosed to us. You will not be billed until the end of your free trial period. You may cancel your trial with no obligation at any time.

Do I get a discount if I buy a year package?
A 20% discount rewards customers who wish to pre-pay for a year.

What type of Tech Support will I receive?
We provide prompt technical support from skilled technicians via e-mail.

Do you have a knowledge base to help me get the most from my site?
Yes, Technical FAQs and Help files are available. We will steadily add tools and resources to help you develop your site.

Content Management System

What is the workflow for creating a site with The Content Mill?
You can create your site in 3 easy steps:
1. Upload your images and files to your online library.
2. Copy/paste your HTML into the content management window. Or, type and layout content from scratch
3. Redirect your domain name to our servers if you have not registered your domain with The Content Mill. Then your site is live!

Can I put a downloadable PDF, or PowerPoint show on my site?
You can upload any kind of documents to your File Library and link to them for browsing or download. To mention a few file types, you can use PowerPoint (.ppt), Portable Documents (.pdf), Archives Files (.zip), Word or Excel Documents (.doc, .rtf, .xls)

Do you support multimedia files?
Yes, you may upload Flash, audio and video content to your online file library. Link to the file and it is live on your site.

Can I put in rotating banner ads, marketing links, headlines and other syndicated content on my site?
Yes, switch your content window to HTML view and just insert the HTML code provided by the banner provider, affiliate-marketing partner, or syndicated content provider.

How can I edit or customize the template buttons and gifs?
In the same way you edit web pages, you have the ability to modify the templates to include your own buttons, images, or links.

Can I use fonts that are not included in the content management tool?
The available fonts are the one universally recognized across platforms, as to ensure that your site will display consistently across the board. But, if you would like to use other fonts, you can specify them in the HTML code of your pages or the global stylesheet.

How do I layout my web page?
If you want to create a layout that is not in one of the templates, use the table and color features in the content management tool to position your text and graphics.

Can I access and edit my site with Netscape?
At this point you need to use Internet Explorer 5.5+ to use the content management tool. However, the resulting site can be seen by any user regardless of browser and platform.

Can I create my site with a Macintosh?
You can create a Store Front and use the Store Backoffice management.
Unfortunately because or technology not supported on Macs, you can't use the Content Management tools to make edits. The pages produced are however visible on any platforms.

Do I need a particular Internet connection to edit my site?
No, you can use The Content Mill with any dial-up or high-speed Internet connection.

How do I access my e-mail?
Your e-mail is POP3 and can be viewed with any e-mail client such as Outlook or Eudora. You may also download it to a compatible PDA device. Web-based access is also available.

E-Commerce

Do I need to apply for a merchant account to receive credit card payments?
If you already have a credit card processing machine for your business, your store can simply receive the number and you punch it in to the terminal. Ask your existing provider if they have a web gateway that you can use to automate your online sales.
Otherwise, you can use PayPal and other payment services displayed on our e-commerce page as a low cost option to accept credit cards. For large volume transactions, you may wish to obtain your own merchant account.

Can I sell downloads on my site?
Yes, the built-in e-commerce engine handles sales all types of digital goods, e.g. tickets, reports, software, e-books, audio files and prints.

How do I set up my product catalog?
Just import your product catalog from any standard database file to your e-commerce store.

Newsletters

Can I send HTML or plain text messages depending on what my clients can access?
Yes, you can choose to send either plain text, HTML, or Multi-part (both text and HTML) newsletters.

How big a mailing list can the newsletter function handle?
The list management system is very robust and can automatically handle thousands of subscribers.

Do you have automatic opt-out functionality in the newsletter?
Yes, there is a built in opt-out link for your subscribers.

Do you have a question that has not been answered here?
Don't hesitate to contact us here and we will promptly answer you.