FAQ for Designers

What exactly is your role on a website project?

I come in when the visual design is complete, and ideally all the content is written, and make them into a real working website. I do not do graphic design or content writing, and I’m not a project manager, but I can put you in touch with people who do all those things.

What about SEO, do you offer that service?

Good SEO can only be achieved by having good, clean code. All of the websites I make are coded with SEO in mind, complete with helpful plugins. I don’t provide keyword research and can’t edit your copy for a high Google ranking, but I can connect you with people who can once I understand your needs.

Can I provide you with Illustrator or Indesign files instead?

Websites are best created using Photoshop. In order for me to cut up your files as web graphics, PSD files with well-labelled layers work best.

Here is a very good tutorial on how to prepare files for a web developer.

Once you have the PSD, what’s the turn-around time?

It depends on the complexity of the design, the delivery schedule for the content, and if extra features like jQuery or forms are required. For simple sites without any bells and whistles and where the content is ready, a couple of days is all that is needed to go live.

Once you have the PSD, do you need anything else before you can begin?

Ideally hosting should be set up early so that I can ensure a WordPress-compatible environment with an optimal configuration.

Having the content in advance, or on a well-defined schedule, also helps: no one likes seeing a site with lorem ipsum, but you’d be surprised at how often content is left until last.

Although I can start building without content, past experience has proven that getting the content from the client is the most difficult part. Starting early and being assertive about getting content in order is the best way to ensure an on-time launch.

What do you need to install WordPress for my client?

I’ll need their FTP information and access to their hosting provider admin interface such as a cPanel.

What hosting providers do you recommend?

If you’re in BC, you’ll love Vancouver-based Retrix.com. Not only are they reliable, they answer their phone! I highly recommend them.

If you’re looking for someone cheaper, you can go with Bluehost or Dreamhost. Please note that if you choose Dreamhost or Retrix, I’ll get a small referral reward.

I like the idea of a CMS, but would rather use something more robust like Drupal or Joomla?

Sorry, I simply don’t know the other platforms as well as WordPress. However, I’ve met lots of great developers and once I know what you’re looking for I can connect you with them.