FAQ

How much notice do you need before starting a project?

All work is carried out by myself , so it depends on my workload at the time and the size of project. Minor amendments and updates to existing websites I have worked on previously would be done promptly between other projects.

How long will it take?

It depends on the project and what it entails. It also depends on how quickly information is received, and the speed of decisions made by clients. However, if information is received promptly and decisions are made quickly smaller brochure type website are typically completed within 3-6 weeks of commencement. Larger websites, particularly those using Joomla! can take quite a bit longer, but I would provide a rough estimate at the outset. The timescale for logo design work is typically more varied.

How do you charge?

Typically larger projects, with a defined specification, are carried out for an agreed fee, which is adjusted by agreement if the specification changes. Minor updates are usually carried out on an hourly basis.

I haven't used Joomla! before, how do I know if it's right for me?

Joomla! is an open source full featured content management system, with thousands of extensions that provide additional features and functionality. However, at the most basic level if you can send emails you will be able to make simple edits and create new pages in blog based sections. The more you learn about Joomla! the more you will be able to do, but I would suggest that individuals new to this build up their skill incrementally.

When creating a website I configure and style the Joomla! core code and extensions to achieve the desired result. During the design and development process I can tailor the site to your level of skill, so that you will be able to make edits. For more complex designs a little knowledge of HTML is required, for which I can provide training or just perform certain edits for you.

I need a website, what do you need from me?

I follow a design process to ensure the end result is what you need, this starts with considering Internet Marketing. I will need you to consider what the purpose of your website is and how it fits in the marketing of your organisation, your target markets and your company image. I will also need to know, realistically, how much time and effort you can spend on the site week to week, month to month. This will help ascertain the general structure and content of the website. I then typically perform keyword research and recommendations, which I then use in design concepts, and hand over to you to provide written content and photographs.

You will need to be involved in providing feedback in the design process until the design is approved. I will then build out the site and place it in a preview area for you to approve before going live. I do my best with spelling and grammar, but I would ask that clients read through their site carefully to avoid any errors in the live site.

The site then goes live, and I provide free assistance for one month in the event of any issues or errors.

If your site is Joomla! based I then I use the preview site as a training area to teach you Joomla! and provide you with a User Guide. I would strongly recommend that you make a number of edits and create new pages on your own after the training to help you remember the steps in the future, and if you get stuck I'd be happy to walk you through it.

Will you meet at my offices?

I'm happy to meet clients at key stages of projects, however, this is not always required, particularly for smaller projects. There would be an additional charge for my time and costs of travel.