Some RDesign Web Design FAQs

1. How do you start a new web site?

First, we speak with those involved with the project about the goals for the site, the products and services of the company, competition in their industry, things they do and don’t like about other web sites, corporate colors or graphics we need to match, marketplace trends — and a lot about their audience.

Next, we sign a contract with each client ensuring that they will own the finished product, and can receive all of their web files and passwords if they need them.

Finally, we hit the drawing board. Our staff members talk about design ideas and elements that should be included in the site, and some sketches or samples are emailed to the client and discussed.

2. What makes RDesign great at web design?

There are graphic designers who are visual people. They focus on colors, style and pizzazz. They’ll pull everything out of their bag of tricks when it comes to the visual appeal of a website and the way information is displayed.

Then there is the programmer. They love computer code. They are enthralled by databases. They tend to make websites that are well built but look about as exciting as a spreadsheet.

Is a website that looks great and functions well too much to ask? Nope! That’s where we come in. We like to take a multi-dimensional approach to your goals. Some of us are designers, some of us are programmers, and some of us spend a whole lot of time studying trends in internet marketing and search engine behavior.

Why? Because that’s what it takes to succeed on the internet. That’s what gives you an effective, productive, exciting web site.

3. Are web sites easy to update and change?

We can include a Content Management System, which allows you to log in with a password and change all of the text on the site. For this purpose we typically build a custom WordPress web site. Lots of clients rely on us to make regular updates and changes to their sites for them. Some have a staff member familiar with web design software, such as Dreamweaver, and we give them the FTP information to make changes themselves. Blogs, social networking sites and database-driven websites (such as online stores listing multiple products) always include a system for you to log in and add, edit or delete information.

4. Do you use design templates?

We prefer to create all of our web sites from scratch – both the design and programming. We feel this allows us to make a site for each client that is made to suit their needs. However, if there is a template you have seen that you want to use, we will use it. Or if you already have a site that is built from a template that you need help with, we will try to assist you.

If you need a custom designed template that your staff can use, we can create one for Adobe-based software, WordPress blogs, Constant Contact newsletters and other popular platforms.

5. Do you host web sites?

Yes, and our hosting server is dedicated to our sites and our clients’ sites only. You can learn more about our hosting here.

6. Do you host email?

Yes, email accounts are included with web hosting prices.

7. Do you need to know all about the business you are making a site for?

That depends. Some clients want to write the text for their web site. Some clients want to use text from their written marketing materials for their web site. However, the more research we do, the better we will get to know the products, services and audience – and then we can create a better site. We also make text suggestions that we think will help achieve sales goals and search engine marketing goals.

8. How are web sites priced?

All the work we do is billed at an hourly rate. When we meet with you and have an idea of what you want on your web site, we can estimate how much time it may take us.

9. Have you ever hosted or created a video web site?

Yes, we are familiar with embedding videos in web sites. We can create accounts for users to view and upload photos and videos. We don’t have samples here because of the copyright protection on the sites, and we don’t shoot or edit video ourselves.

Jay Conrad Levinson, the Father of Guerrilla Marketing, recently released his 4 secrets for successful website projects:

1. The nuts and bolts must be communicated prior to starting a website: the company’s overview, business model, goals and objectives, core competencies and competitive advantages, an industry overview, a key competitor review, target prospects, web analytics, strategy overview and action recommendations and benefits.

RDesign comments: If your website focuses on features instead of benefits, you’re missing Sales 101 in the text of your site. If your site shows a list of services and your contact information without explaining why you are the best at what you do while at the same time reflecting your company culture, you’ve invested in a cookie-cutter web site and prospective clients who visit your site will think of you as a cookie-cutter business.

2. Using the above information, your web design team should put together a work-scope document outlining the scope of the project from beginning to end, in a written and easy to follow outline.

RDesign comments: This allows your web team to communicate amongst themselves clearly, it allows you to make sure everyone is on the same page about what the project consists of, and it keeps details discussed early-on in the project from getting forgotten along the way.

3. On more advanced web implementation projects, you will need to get an engineering group involved for a “Functionality Specifications” document. This document takes each line item within the scope document and gives you engineering solutions, with all functionality and features defined in accordance with the planning set forth in the work scope document.

RDesign comments: Not every web designer is a programmer. Often this is the difference between a Web Designer and Web Developer. Be sure your design team and programming team outline details early on to avoid future mishaps or redesign due to miscommunicated functionality.

4. Consult with a web professional if you are not 100% positive what will apply to your website project. Demand excellence.

Jay goes on to say, “If you are not willing to invest the time and energy into a website project, you will not be as happy as you could be with the outcome. First, true guerrillas know that it’s crucial to invest time, energy, imagination and knowledge. Their marketing strategy is then based on psychology, not guesswork. True guerrillas … base their marketing tactics on the target market’s mindset. They must make informed decisions, based on the data and psychology of their consumers.”

At RDesign, we use data and web usage studies to guide us when designing a site. Of course we want a site to look great, but one that is pretty and does not lead the audience to your desired outcome has no value to your business. 

When you’re ready for a web site that achieves your goals with a blend of art, science, research (on both humans and search engines) and up-to-the-minute knowledge – we’re ready to help you get started! Contact us today.