All of my customers have the same goal I have…to build their businesses. The strategies and tools used to accomplish that goal are as varied as they are, but the process doesn’t have to be rocket science.I actively seek clients who are as committed to growing their businesses (and to serving their customers) as I am. In order to best serve a client in design and marketing, I become intimately involved in who they are, what they do, and what they define as success. More often than not, it isn’t about simply creating a website or developing a logo…it’s about establishing a long-term relationship that yields success for both of us.

I invite you to take your company to a new level. Let me give you the resources to better communicate your company image, product or service.

With a hands-on approach and a personal interest, I work daily with emerging companies seeking stronger and more effective image and message delivery.

What to Expect During a Web Development Project

Business owners come to me because they want their website to stand out from the crowd…to be a cut above the rest. I LOVE this type of creative challenge…in fact, it’s what most designers live for. Most folks ask what to expect during the process. Here’s a primer:

Telling Your Story

A website is a natural extension of your brand…and your business. It should reflect the care and effort you’ve spent (or are about to in the case of a new enterprise) creating your company. Often there is a disconnect between the message you want people to hear and the way you’re telling it. That disconnect adds a barrier to selling your product, service and brand. That’s why we’ll talk about your audience AND your message from the very start to ensure a consistent, targeted message in your marketplace.

Myth: If You Build It, They Will Come

First time website owners often assume that by simply having a website built people will flock in great numbers immediately launching their sales into the stratosphere (a la a UPS advertisement a couple years back). IT DOESN’T USUALLY WORK THAT WAY. Creating a good presence on Google, Bing, Yahoo, et al requires additional effort and takes time. While there ARE things that I do when creating your site that make that process more efficient, just having a site isn’t web marketing…I have strategic partners whose full-time specialty is getting you noticed in the search engines…and they are GOOD at it!

Building Your Site is a Partnership

You know your business better than I do…which is why I will rely on you to provide as much information, content, images and other materials as the project calls for. While I will certainly assist however I can, you’ll have to put your best efforts into gathering what’s needed…and sooner than later. When we discuss timelines, I am making assumptions about how well you’ll be able to deliver your end of the bargain. If I don’t receive the things I need in a timely fashion, schedules tend to stretch. Organization certainly is king in these types of projects! If you have questions or concerns ask immediately so we don’t wait until the last minute if we need to adjust (I’m good, but I don’t read minds .

Marketing-Centric Design

While it is true I strive to deliver stunning design, without a solid goal, it’s just a pretty picture. I’ll work to ensure the design really delivers on message and stays true to your brand. Effective design is a tool in building your business.

The Process of Design

While no project is “typical”, all do share a similar process:

1. Develop a site outline detailing pages and functionality

2. Concepting a design(s)

3. Finalizing the design

4. Programming the site’s structure including navigation and base functionality

5. Plugging in content*

6. Final spit and polish

7. Set up hosting (yep, we do that too) and go live!

8. Web Marketing (ongoing based on needs)

*Sometimes you’ll need help with copywriting, photography, illustration, video, etc. If I don’t already do it, I have partners that do…so ask!