Web Design

Each website is unique; just like the person who owns it. Templates or ready-made sites may work well for you if you're just starting out, but like any design project, your website is designed to communicate. It is essential that everything about it enhances that objective.

The Development Process

People invariably ask "what does a website cost?" There's no easy answer. How many pages are you looking to build? How much text on each page? Will you supply the text or will I create it for you? Will you use photos? Are they the right size and resolution? Do you have the rights to use those photos? Do you want to sell items online? Do you need a database?

There are so many variables when dealing with web development that you can see how each factors into the cost. That's why it‘s vital for me to meet with my clients to ask them specific questions so I can tailor my proposal exactly to them. Many times a client doesn't realize what is possible or what is prohibitive. It's only through these personal meetings that I and my clients can determine what's right for them.

From Your End

In web development client and developer work in concert. There are some things you as the client need to keep in mind. First, do you have a domain name? If not, choose one that not only reflects the name of your business. Shorter ones are better (it saves your visitors typing time) and a good one will aid in search engines finding your site. Second, find a good hosting company. Determine what your site needs are (Will you have a large site? Do you need a database?) Find the hosting company and package that fits your needs. You also need to determine what the basic style of your site needs to be and the message you want it to communicate to your visitors.

Who Are Your Trying to Reach?

Often overlooked, but very important. This has a big impact on the look of the site as well as how it's deployed. Are you trying to reach a younger audience? If so, most are web-savvy and probably have the latest browsers and operating systems. They're accustomed to unique navigation systems. They're probably more attracted to sites with a less traditional look. What about an older audience? These people may not use the web as much so we need to keep things simple and straightforward. Many in this demographic use older browser versions (they don't upgrade that often, if at all) so older browsers must be taken into account when developing the site. Text should be easy to read, too.

Updates

Will you need to add or delete content over time? This, more than anything, is a concern of my clients. There are many ways to update your site, some of which are less costly than others. Changing the content of your site periodically also helps maintain your search engine ranking. Think about your site maintenance needs. If you can do it yourself you can keep costs down. If you require periodic maintenance, I can perform that. There are any number of possibilities, but it helps me to make sure my clients know as much as they can about the process. Of course, I work with you to guide you through the process every step of the way.

Look and Feel

Can you put your finger on what it is about sites you've seen that you like? Was it a special graphic element? The font used? Maybe a little animation tickled you. If you have a site in mind that you like, that's a good starting point. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

My Approach

Finally, I want to stress that I will always be open and honest with my clients. I will never promise something I cannot deliver. My goal is to create a website that will help your business grow. That is my greatest satisfaction. Also, as a member of the Graphic Artists Guild, I have pledged to live up to the highest standards of my industry. Integrity is my strongest asset. I cannot do business any other way. I look forward to working with you and creating a site you can be proud of.