FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I usually give a total price of project based on the complexity of it and how long it will take. If there is a lot of images to be created from scratch, that would add to the over all cost. However when I do updates to sites I created my hourly rate is generally $25-$30 per hour.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
PHASE ONE: Consultation/Information Gathering Purpose What is the purpose of the site? Do you want to provide information, promote a service or business, sell a product..? Goals What do you hope to accomplish by building this web site? Two of the more common goals are either to make money or share information. Target Audience Is there a specific group of people that will help you reach your goals? It is helpful to picture the "ideal" person you want to visit your web site. Consider their age, sex or interests – this will help me determine the best design style for your site. Content What kind of information will the target audience be looking for on your site? Are they looking for specific information, a particular product or service…? PHASE TWO: Planning Using the information gathered from phase one, I put together a plan for your web site. Here I develop a site map – a list of all main topic areas of the site, as well as sub-topics (if applicable). This gives me a guide as to what content will be on the site, and is essential to developing a consistent, easy to understand navigational system. This is also the point where we decide what technologies should be implemented – interactive forms, ecommerce, database requirements, or CMS (content management system) such as WordpressWordPress, etc PHASE THREE: Design Drawing from the information gathered up to this point, I we determine the look and feel of the site. Target audience is one of the key factors taken into consideration here. A site aimed at teenagers, for example, will look much different than one meant for a financial institution.I also incorporate elements such as the company logo or colors to help strengthen the identity of your company on the web site. Once I've designed a prototype, you are given access to view on a test server, which is a secure area of our web site. The test server allows you to view your project throughout the design and development stages. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to express your likes and dislikes on the site design. In this phase, communication is crucial to ensure that the final web site will match your needs and taste. We work together in this way, exchanging ideas, until we arrive at the final design for the site. Then development can begin… PHASE FOUR: Development This is where the web site itself is created. I take all of the individual graphic elements from the prototype and use them to create the functional web site. I also take your content and distribute it throughout the site, in the appropriate areas. This entire time, you will continue to be able to view your site on the test server, and suggest any additional changes or corrections you would like to have done. PHASE FIVE: Testing and delivery At this point, I attend to the final details and test your web site. I test things such as the complete functionality of forms or other scripts, I test for last minute compatibility issues (viewing differences between different web browsers), ensuring that the site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions. I also ensure site is showing up properly in all types of devices, pc's, ipads, mobile phones. Also ensure site comply with all W3C web standards. Once we receive your final approval, it is time to deliver the site. We upload the files to your server. Here I quickly test again to make sure that all files have been uploaded correctly, and that the site continues to be fully functional. This marks the official launch of your site, as it is now viewable to the public. PHASE SIX: Maintenance The development of your web site is not necessarily over, though. One way to bring repeat visitors to your site is to offer new content or products on a regular basis. If this interests you, I will be more than happy to continue working together with you to update the information on your web site. I offer maintenance packages at reduced rates, based on how often you anticipate making changes or additions to your site. BONUS: Once project is complete, I deliver a complete copy of your site(zip file) so you can keep as your backup, and I also give you 3 months free of any changes, or updates on your new site.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems from HVCC. Worked on internet and intranet Websites with NYS Department of Health from 1997-2015. During that time I was sent to many off-site trainings to advance in Web Design. Member of NYS Web Guild Member of NYS-OFT Forum Recently added Online Store websites to my portfolio as well.