So, how do you get started? It's easier than you think!
Actually, it's really quite easy! Beginning the web design process can feel like a very confusing, overwhelming experience. Especially if you are not computer savvy. But don't worry! That is what we are here for! We will walk you through the process and are here to answer any questions you have along the way. We will make it as easy as possible. We promise.
1. Contact Us! First we will meet with you in person, via e-mail or telephone to find out exactly what you are wanting from your new website. If you have an existing website that you would like us to re-design, we will also discuss what has worked for you in the past and what has not. We will discuss content and design as well as many other features that are available such as shopping carts, photo albums, calendars, data bases, etc. Your website should be a reflection of YOU and your business, not us and our business, so it is very important that we get as much information from you as possible during this initial consultation. At this time we will have enough information that we should be able to supply you with a fairly accurate quote for your project.
2. Web Site Deposit. From here, should you decide to hire our services, we will now require a deposit in order to continue. We require a $500.00 deposit plus GST for a total deposit in the amount of $525.00. *Note: If you choose Pay Pal there will also be a $20.00 service fee + GST for a total deposit of $546.00. Our design company is always working on more projects that just one. For this reason, we require a deposit from our clients which will allow us to put you in queue on our job board. We work on a "first come, first serve" basis. We can let you know at this time how many jobs will be ahead of you and give you a rough idea of how long it will take us to begin your project. Your deposit can be made in 3 different ways:
a.) Mail A Cheque In To Us - Just remember that your project does not go into queue on our job board until your cheque has been received by us, and work will not begin until your cheque has been cleared by our bank.
b.) Drop A Cheque Off To Our Office.
c.) Submit Your Deposit Payment On-Line Using A Credit Card - By clicking on the PayPal button below, you can pay by credit card and your payment is received almost instantly.
3. Web Site Agreement. We also require that you fill out a copy of our web design agreement and drop it off to us with your deposit. Or if you are making your payment on-line through PayPal, you can simply fax the web design agreement into us at the time you submit your payment. It may be faxed to 403-529-2708
4. Establishing Your Needs. At this time, we will discuss domain names, domain registration and web hosting (which we also provide for those that do not already have a domain or a host) and then plan a strategy, a menu system, and any other features that you may wish to have incorporated in your website.
5. Review Our Copyright Policies. At this phase of the process, we ask that you please take a moment to read and review our copyright policies which outlines the copyrights to your finished website. Due to all of the copyright issues on the net these days, we have also recently downsized our list of Stock Photography websites we deal with. It is always best to use photos that you yourself have taken when designing your projects. However, when stock photos are required, we recommend that you choose photos from one of the following websites as they are safe and we carry paid subscriptions to these.
• Clipart.com - Clipart, photos, graphic illustrations and more.
• istockphoto - A Calgary, Alberta based "paid photo" stock photo company.
• Stock.XCHNG - A Leading FREE Stock Photo Site (Calgary Based)
• CanStock - A royalty free stock photography company located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
6. Beginning A Layout Once we have established your expectations, we will begin work on a graphic design layout according to your specifications and desires. Once complete, we will upload the 'sample page' to our server for you to view. From here, we will discuss any changes to the design elements and make the changes that are required.
7. Upon completing a page design (template) that you are satisfied with, we will use this to continue creating the rest of your site.
8. Submitting Your Content. It is at this point in the design process that we will be asking you to submit all your photos (or links to any stock photos that you may require) and your content. Your text is to be typed out and submitted through e-mail, or you may submit it in Microsoft Word or Notepad format via e-mail or on a disc. Photos my be sent through e-mail or be submitted using discs or flash drives. As we add the content, we may periodically require your input to make sure we are still on the right track with your expectations.
***IMPORTANT NOTE: Once your entire site is complete, you have one week to submit your content. If your content is not submitted, your website will be billed in full and the invoice amount is due upon reciept. When your content is finally submitted it will go back in queue on the job board and be completed when we can return working on it.
9. Once the site is complete and everything is in place, we will publish your site to the web for your final inspection, and take care of any last changes that are required.
10. We will continue to service and update your site whenever required for an hourly fee, or we will train you to update your own website. Many of our clients prefer to do their own updates, and we continue to be a support system for those clients should they have any questions or need help. Should you require us to update your website for you, please contact us for pricing. If you would like to update your website yourself, please review our Updates & Training page.
Ready To Begin?
Call us today to get a quote on your next project! 403-529-2778