elkinsware

This is a page where I answer a few general questions about how I work with clients and an overview of the steps involved in getting a project done. I am flexible and can adapt the process to better accomodate your needs. Please feel free to contact me with any other concerns or questions that you might have.

General Questions

• Hosting the web site

  If you prefer, I can register your domain name and obtain hosting for you. I will locate the best deal for your budget and for the technical requirements of your web site. I have found that most of my clients prefer to have me handle this process, however that is not a requirement.

  Already have hosting? No problem. I can work with almost any hosting company.

• How I charge?

  My rates are by the hour, however you will not have to worry about keeping track of the time. I will give you a flat bid based on the time I think it will take for me to complete the project, and I will notify you if more time will be needed to accomplish any extra tasks that you might request.

  Usually minor changes and additions do not add to the cost, however, I will keep you well informed. I keep track of all time worked, and you will not be charged for any mistakes that I have made through my estimation bid.

• Saving you money

  I will always help you save time/money throughout this project by providing you ways to make the work I do go faster and smoother.

The Process

This is a general overview of the process, depending on the size of the project we may decide to break it up into smaller projects and go through these steps many times before completing the whole project. I find this approach to be beneficial for you, the customer, and me because it allows us to get a better result and we get more accurate estimates for time and cost.

• Stage 1 - Planning & Consultation

  This will require a brief phone or email discussion to assess your goals for the site, content, design style, etc...

  To prepare, you should begin to gather:

  • All content that you would like to present on your web site including textual copy and digital photos/graphics
  • All existing marketing materials such as logos, illustrations, charts, graphs, brochures, business cards, mailers, etc.
  • Other web sites that you would like for me to review for reference and comparison
  • URLs of your competitors and industry-related resources

  Examples of other items that we will discuss: Your purpose for the site (informational vs. e-commerce), what you hope to accomplish, your budget, your deadline, etc.

  There are MANY more important aspects to planning a web site. Once you contact me, we will begin to address these issues...

• Stage 2 - Design & Development

  During this stage, I will begin to design & develop your site. I will provide a private URL where you can review designs that I have created, as well as check on the progress of the development.

  After the site has been completed according to our earlier agreements, and I have thoroughly tested the web site or application in different platforms, we will begin the last stage of production.

• Stage 3 - Implementation & Transfer - Going Live...

  This occurs when I upload your site to the live server for the “launch”. Final invoice balance will be due within 7 days of the completion of your project.

How I work

I like to keep things casual! Not a lot of contracts and red tape for you to sort through. This is why I decided to freelance. I like working with the clients, meeting new people, and learning about new industries. Most of my clients are those who want the same types of things, and do not want to be confused by a lot of “technical jargon”, or to be put-off by firms who are not available for their questions and concerns.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about what I do, or if you have any other web or design related questions. Your input and suggestions are welcomed at anytime.