Because of our talents and experience we can achieve a great deal of production in a relatively short time if the client can help us pre-plan and pre-assemble materials and graphics. We have an extensive amount of software and tools and pre-designed templates that also helps us to work efficiently.

However, doing your homework as a client can save you money and greatly improve the results we can jointly achieve. Here are some suggestions for new clients in preparing to invest in web technology:

1. Get acquainted with the Internet

First and foremost, visit the Internet. Spend as much time as you can surfing the web. The better aware you are of what's available, the more effectively you can use this exciting new business tool.

2. Define your objectives

Next, define your objectives. Ask yourself some questions: Are you merely wanting to have an expanded business card or brochure online that explains your products or services? Are you looking to provide tools and online forms for your existing clients? Are you attempting to collect information from the web. Are you looking for a corporate business image or friendly graphic look? Do you need to collect marketing information?

Clearly defining your objectives can help add structure your project, and will save time in consulting costs.

3. Set a budget

This may be difficult without some input from a web developer but you may compare your budget for advertising in the yellow pages and for having print materials designed and reproduced. The web design process is a cross between print and mutli-media but offers far more potential (and is usually far less expensive and static).

Be aware that preparation of print graphics is different than web graphics. If you plan on coordinating your print and web promotions please consult with us first so that we can explain means and methods to streamline the processes and cut costs.

4. Prepare your materials in advance

The better organized you are on the front end, the more effective we can be on cost and delivery. Create a written outline of you site content. Things like company history and services are great but the more useful the content, the more effective the site. Who cares about history anyway? Most site visitors are more interested in what you can do for them today so don't forget useful content.

Of course we can type your materials and scan and retouch your photos and artwork. But, if you can provide your materials already typed on a (PC) diskette (MS Word preferred) or via - E-Mail we can save time and money for you. If you have a previously designed brochure or sales materials we can work from hard copy.

We generally prefer to work from original photographs or pre-print photos that are prepared and on diskette or tape. We can read a variety of Macintosh file formats and disks as well as Iomega zip files but please check with us first for compatibility. Our programming is mostly PC & UNIX based but we are flexible.

5. Compare costs Finally, compare costs and more importantly review potential designers work. Quality has a price of course but with pre-planning we can help you to get more bang for the buck. It's a good idea to not only review the prospective web developers work but also to check references.

Back to F.A.Q.