What type of web design can you do?

I can create a site using traditional static XHTML/CSS pages or dynamically created XHTML/CSS pages within a Content Management System (CMS). What does all of that mean? Well, to maintain or update an XHTML/CSS site and keep the site standards compliant, you need to know how to write the code. If you know you won’t want to change the content later, or if you’d like to hire someone (such as myself) to maintain your site, this is a fine option.

If you’d like to be able to update content or perhaps add a blog, a CMS such as WordPress is definitely the way to go. For example, my site is currently built within WordPress. I developed and coded a WordPress theme to create the design, and then I added the content within the WordPress interface. It’s extremely flexible and versatile — I highly recommend it.

Why is standards compliant code important?

Well, it’s the best way to make sure your site will work for people using all the major browsers, now and in the future. There are some quirks to some of the older browsers still used by a decent chunk of the internet, but a well designed and coded site will work on any browser (including IE6). That’s important for making sure that anyone who visits your site can access your content.

You didn’t mention Flash when talking about types of web design, why is that?

I didn’t mention Flash because I’m personally moving away from sites designed completely in Flash. While it was popular to create entire sites with Flash, there are some clear disadvanatages.

One, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is important for helping people to find your site, but search engines can’t “read” the content of Flash sites. That means that your site can’t be indexed in search engines like Google unless you also maintain an HTML site (which is double the work and cost to update and maintain).

Two, Flash sites aren’t accessible, which means that many users might not be able to access your content (due to using older equipment, browsing in a text based environment, using a screen reader, browsing from a smartphone such as the iPhone, or any number of reasons). To make your content available to all of those users, you’d also need to maintain two versions of a site.

So while Flash elements can be included within a site, most sites can be better served with an XHTML/CSS design.

What about blogs?

I can create a blog for you using the WordPress platform. Your blog can be standalone or it can be part of a larger website. Since WordPress can function as a Content Management System (CMS) it can contain an entire website and a blog together under one platform. Your blog can be as simple or as complex as you’d like. If you want a blog now, or think you might want to add a blog to your site in the future, a CMS site is a great choice.

If you already have a blog, I can create a new WordPress theme to give your blog a new look. I can also convert a blog created under another platform (such as Blogger or Livejournal) to a WordPress theme. I can even import your existing content into WordPress.

That’s a lot of information, what if I really don’t know what I want yet?

Well, the best way to figure out what type of website would be best for you is to think about what you want your website or blog to accomplish. What type of information do you want on your site? Do you want to be able to edit the content yourself?

For example, let’s say you’re a small business looking to set up an online presence. What would you want on your site? Do you want information about the history of your company, the services you provide (possibly with prices), how people can contact you, directions to your location(s), or a way for people to send feedback through the site? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, we’ve just figured out how many sections and what type of information you want on your site.

Let’s say your prices vary due to the current market price. Wouldn’t it be great if you could change the price list without knowing any code and never having out of date information on your site? If that sounds like a good idea, you’ve just decided on using a Content Management System for your site.

Figuring out what it is important to your site will answer all the technical questions about how the site will be built. I’ll work with you to help determine what would work best for you. You can contact me if you have any specific or general questions about a possible project.

So, can I consult with you about internet related things?

Sure! My initial consultation is free, after that I’ll charge by the hour. If you do decide to hire me to complete a project for you, the consultation fee will go toward the project cost. There will be no hidden charges. If we’ve reached the end of the free consultation, I’ll let you know and let you decide if you want to continue.

You mentioned website maintenance, is that part of the web site design? What would I get if I hired you to design a site?

There are a few different things I can do. Which option you choose all depends on your needs, both with the site and your budget.

First, I can design and code a website; then deliver those files to you either on a cd or via email. You would then need to set up a domain name, sign up for a webhost, and then upload the website files onto your server (note: all websites have the ongoing cost of domain renewal and webhost fees). If that sounds a bit overwhelming, then there’s a second option.

Option two includes a website design and additionally I would take care of getting your site up and running online. If you chose a Content Management System (CMS) site, this second option is probably your best bet. Since there’s more time and work involved, this would cost more. If you’d like to try it on your own, there are books and websites that explain all the steps to getting a site online.

So, what about maintenance? Option three adds maintenance. Websites occasionally need some tweaking or updating. Maybe you’re not as high in the search engine results as you’d like (you might need some Search Engine Optimization). Maybe you need to change the content a bit. Maybe you need to create some backups. These are all things that are often needed after a site goes live. If you chose to have a site built with a CMS, you would be able to make changes yourself. But, what if you just don’t have time to maintain the site and run your business? If you’d rather not deal with domain name renewal and webhosting fees every year, I can do that for you as well. Well, in any case, you can hire me to do monthly or quarterly maintenance on your site. You could even hire me as needed for a site tune-up.

What if I have an existing site and I need to hire someone to upgrade the code or maintain the site, but don’t want to change the design?

Not a problem. I can upgrade the code of your site without altering the existing design. If you’d like to convert your existing design into a Content Management Site (CMS), I can do that. If you need someone to take care of the ongoing maintenance of the site, you can hire me to be your webmaster. If you’d like to have a one-time tune-up, I can do that as well.

Ok, so what would any of these options cost?

Each project is unique. Until we determine the scope of your particular project, I can’t know how much time your site will take to build. I want to make sure you get a website that’s right for your needs and budget. So feel free to contact me and together we’ll come up with the best fit for you. There will be no surprises or hidden costs. Before you pay me anything, we’ll both agree to a detailed itemized list of what will be included in the project and an estimated time frame for completion.