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This article will give you some idea of what to expect when I design your business website. The development process has three important elements:
- The Content Management System (Joomla)
- The Template
- The Business Web Design
The Content Management System
I'll build your website online using a content management system (or CMS) called Joomla. Joomla is a software program that runs on your server. It includes an integrated text editor, file upload, database, and all the tools you or your webmaster need to maintain your website online.
Joomla websites have an integrated database, so they can do cool stuff like remember registration info, store customer records or maintain a product list. They're also modular: it's easy to add apps like a blog, shopping cart, newsletter or discussion forum. I've upgraded the standard Joomla editor with JCE (Joomla Content Editor.)
Joomla Day 2007 at Google Headquarters
Joomla is free, open-source software. It is widely supported, as this photo taken at Joomla Day 2007 at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, CA shows. Beyond the obvious price advantage, there are many great (free) apps written for Joomla and a lot of help available online.
Templates
Many templates are available for Joomla. The decision to go with RocketTheme's commercial templates is easy. They're the best templates available on the Web. To see live demos of RocketTheme's templates, go to http://demo.rockettheme.com. Click the drop-down box at the top of the page. You can read more about the templates by going to http://www.rockettheme.com.
Spend some time viewing the demos. There are many RocketTheme templates to choose from, each with a number of styles and variations. The latest templates are especially impressive. A premium RocketTheme template (your choice, a $50 value) is included in my fee.
Business Web Design
As part of the design process, we analyze your goals for the website. Do you want to sell a product, advertise your services, build a customer base, establish your brand, or something else? In this way we can design a site to meet your needs.
Based on your goals, I'll add a number of tools to your website. In addition to standard administrator tools like WYSIWYG editor, photo upload, site backup utility, site search, etc., I'll customize your website with free optional enhancements such as a mailing list, shopping cart, slideshow, photo gallery, Google map, blog with commenting, YouTube video or other feature to create a positive customer experience. I'll even add a 3D text logo done in Ray Dream Studio at no extra charge.
Each website is unique. I have over ten years experience in web design and ecommerce, including a year of ecommerce and business courses at Foothill College and a 5000+ feedback rating on eBay.
General Terms
The flat advertised fee is for a basic, five-page business website. It takes around ten hours or a weekend to make, depending on the complexity. If you like the site and want to continue developing it, I am available at an hourly rate. Additional work might include adding more articles, photos or apps, setting up Google Analytics/AdWords, running a social networking campaign, SEO, keyword management or helping with a newsletter.
I provide hosting if you need it. I'm a reseller of HostGator, a green hosting company in Texas which hosts over two million websites. HostGator is reliable and customer support is excellent. I am a GoDaddy affiliate too.
I can even help you develop custom web content. Copy writing service is available. Website content might include:
- Description of your product or services
- A few paragraphs about your company
- Your logo (if you have one) and tag line
- Keywords related to your product or service
- Product videos, photos, other media
- Contact information
- Store location, hours
- Management bios and pics
- Your mission statement
- Your community connection
I will help with keyword management. Be ready to provide at least a basic description of your business.
