FAQs
General/Design
Why spend money on professional design?
When it comes to websites, many amateurs (but not all) generally don't have the knowledge base needed to ensure the site not only looks good, but loads quickly, works in every browser, is easily updateable, uses the best and latest technology, and follows important usability and accessibility principles.
When it comes to graphic design, most professionals (but not all) know how to use the latest software and techniques, know design principles such as negative space, energy flow, rhythm, and pattern, are familiar with color theory and typography, and can deliver the product to the printer with all of the correct font, layout, and color settings to ensure easy and accurate production of the project.
I'm not saying that using your teenage nephew to create your website/brochure for free is a bad idea, but to ensure the best representation of your product or company you'll want the best designer you can afford.
What's wrong with Flash intros/splash pages, animated graphics, and music?
Flash, animations, and music, but not splash pages (introductory pages with little or no information), all have their place in web sites, but we must consider the user before deciding to use them. Generally when someone comes to your site they're looking for information. Flash intros/splash pages take precious time to download and are considered irritations by people attempting to get to your site. Animated graphics can make reading content difficult because of the constant movement. Music can be a good addition if the user has the option to turn it on and off, instead of automatically being bombarded by something they may not have wanted to hear (especially if they're, for example, in their office or the library).
Why should I choose you?
I've been professionally creating award-winning websites and graphic design since 1996. I know the in's and out's of hand coding HTML, CSS, and Javascript. I know how to set up a site so it's easy to maintain and update, how to ensure a page looks the same in every browser, how to color correct and optimize images for the web, and how to create intricate, in-depth Flash pieces. I've designed everything from banners, to business cards, to shirts, to logos, to a wrap for a car. I can illustrate, photograph, and write. Check out my skills.
I also strive to continually exceed expectations. I work to create a product that surpasses your and your audience's needs and expectations, try to respond promptly and make any changes as quickly as possible, and to be friendly, considerate, and professional. I am here to help you and your business grow and my goal is to provide you with great service and a product you'll be happy with.
Do you provide secure connections (SSL)?
Yes, the ecommerce providers that we utilize use SSL to keep your information safe.
Is there anything you can't do?
I believe there's nothing I can't do if given enough time, but there may be things that other people's knowledge/timeframe may be better suited for such as setting up a server, creating computer networks, and developing in-depth computer applications.
Cost & Payment
How much does maintenance cost?
That depends on how much you want me to do versus how much you'd like to do yourself. I can make updating a site very simple and can train you in the use of an application like Adobe Contribute so that you can do it yourself, or I can take care of any updates that need to be done.
How much is it going to cost?
How much is that dog in the window? It depends on whether it's a purebred puppy, or an elderly Lab/Dachsund mutt. Pricing is hard to estimate since there are many factors that go into each individual project: size, style, research, technical requirements, timeframe, etc. In order to give an accurate estimate I need to gather as much information as I can about your project - the more information I get, the more accurate the quote is.
I know you want some sort of number, however, so I'll make some very broad generalizations and say a website can run anywhere from $650 (for ultra-simple) to $20,000,000 (I'm sure somewhere), and graphic design from $100 on up.
See “Why spend money on professional design?” for why it's worth it.
How does payment work?
For new customers a deposit of 1/3 of the estimated price is paid up front for small to medium projects with the remainder due upon delivery. Larger projects can be broken into phases with payment due at the completion of each phase.
What are the hosting plans?
I don't have a server in-house but I do use several reliable affordable hosting solutions. Prices start at $5 a month and domain names generally cost about $15-20 a year.
Why do you ask for a deposit?
A deposit compensates for the time commitment involved in the early stages of the production process. If, in the middle of the project, you were to, say, convert to a new age religion and give away all your worldly possessions I would, at least, be covered for some of the time I've committed to the project. Please don't forget about me when you're giving away your plasma tv.
Process & Time
How long does it take to make my website/cd/brochure/etc?
It depends on the complexity of the project and how quickly you provide me with content and feedback. After our initial meeting I will provide you with a general timeframe.
What is the process? How do we get started?
See The Process.
Search engines
How do I make sure the site ranks well in the search engines?
There are lots of things to take into consideration when it comes to search engines - page content, external links to the page, images, keywords, and so on.
Since you know your business better than I do, it makes the most sense for you to come up with the keywords and phrases that search engines will look under. I can point you to some utilities to help with that process.
What I do is ensure my code is clean, my scripting is utilitarian, content is semantically marked, and the title and keywords accurately describe the content of the page. I do my best to keep up to date on all the quirks of the latest search engine algorithms.
If a more robust marketing initiative is desired I can recommend a reliable online marketing company we can work with.
How long will it take before my site shows up on Google?
It's kind of luck of the draw where Google's search engine robots decide to search on any given day. It can take from one week to three months.
