Services Available
I offer a complete set of services to help you build a strong internet presence.
Custom Programming
I am proficient with XHTML, DHTML, XML, CSS, Javascript, JQuery, AJAX, PHP and MySQL. While many web developers use packages programmed by others, I program most things myself. I can make your site fit your needs perfectly. I enjoy the challenge of building something special! If you have an idea for a new web site, please email me and we can discuss it further.
Web Design
A well-designed web site is a requirement for doing business today. I tailor each site for the type of business and their target audience. For example, an artist's site may focus on snazzy graphics, while a site for a public service agency would focus on being as simple as possible to make it easy to understand.
I base my designs on sound programming using the latest methods - XHTML and CSS. In the past, sites were built using "tables". While easier to program, they resulted in code that was cluttered with formatting. CSS seperates the content from the formatting. This gives better search engine results, makes the site more compatible with a wide range of devices, and makes the site more accessible to people with visual disabilities.
When shopping for a web developer, look at their code! If you don't know how to do it, ask a friend or send me an email and I'll be happy to explain how to do it with the browser that you are using. Sites that are built with old methods will have code full of things such as <table>, <tr>, and <td>. Modern methods will use <div> and <span>.
Online Stores
While the current economy is doing poorly overall, online sales continue to increase. Savvy shoppers know that the best deals are found online and also enjoy the convenience of shopping from home. If your business offers products that can be shipped, you should have an online store.
Many web development companies use pre-made stores. I program them myself using PHP, MySQL, AJAX, and other technologies. This allows me to customize the store much more than a pre-made system would allow. It also can eliminate uneccesary complexity, allowing the owner of the store to focus on what matters - selling their products.
Internet Marketing
Doing business on the internet requires more than just a good web site. You should think of the web site as just the beginning. I can help you build a presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. I can also help you plan for and use Pay-Per-Click Advertising, Email Lists, Traffic Analysis and more.
Search Engine Optimization
While 'word of mouth' is a great way for people to find out about your business, it's very important to be found when they are using a search engine such as Google. Proper coding of the site is essential. Using sound, well-researched techniques I can help you increase the likelihood of customers finding your site. Be careful of companies promising unrealistic results as the search engines will often reduce your site's results ranking or eliminate it altogether if they suspect that you are trying to trick them.
Content Management Systems
A Content Management System, or CMS, allows the owner of the web site to update the site without having to rely on a developer to do it. Most of my sites have a CMS. If a user can use email, they can use my CMS. I give them easy-to-use forms to enter the information. For sites that require a database, I program a system that allows the user to easily control the information in the database.