|
|
I
A N F I R E S T O N E
Web Developer • Publishing & Marketing Consultant • Dad |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
W
E B S I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
|
|
I specialize in information web sites, like this one, as opposed to database-driven sites. In other words, I create "static" sites that change only when clients specifically require. Dynamic sites with searchable inventories or content editing by visitors (like eBay, Amazon or YouTube) are best left to professional web development teams. I can create the pages, photography, videography, and custom graphics to make an eye-grabbing, easy-to-navigate site, plus host it for you on my own high-end server at an affordable rate. My web sites are designed and built with the following features:
|
Learn
about Web Development from my Video Library How to Build a Web Site. In about 10 minutes, learn the basic steps one must take to get a web domain, a server, activate them, and create the files that comprise an active, online web site. O T H E R V I D E O S
|
|
My local clients include |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Frequently
Asked Questions for Web Sites
|
|
| Q. Why don't you build database-driven or Flash-driven sites? |
| A. I can, but I prefer to create sites that are highly compatible with most Internet users. For example, iPhones and many other devices block Flash content, therefore Flash-intensive sites will not function on these and similar devices. Flash is also blocked by some browsers when the security levels are at higher settings. Some script-based and database sites don't function properly in all major browsers, and though I have some knowledge of databases and scripting, I'm far more practiced at making "flat file" or "static" sites using the more universal conventions. |
|
| Q. I already have a web site. Can you work on it? |
| A. Probably. If there are no barriers concerning programming languages, copyrights or access to your files, I don't see why not. |
|
| Q. I'm not in your area. Can you still build a site for me? |
| A. Yes. I can build a site for a remote client. I can be prepaid via PayPal or by wire, and then go from there. If I complete the project before the prepaid time is used up, I will refund the difference. I cannot personally create your photography and videography, but if you send any applicable photos and videos to me (unedited), I can edit, format and place them in your site as I build it. |
|
| Q. Do I have to use your hosting service? |
| A. Not at all. It's just there for my clients who want it. |
|
| Q. Do you offer hosting services without developing a site? |
| A. No. I only offer hosting for my web development clients as an added convenience. |
|
| Q. I need a "members only" or restricted area on my site. Can you do that? |
| A. Yes. I can install a secure, password-protected section on a web site. |
|
| Q. I am building a web site myself, but need some guidance. Can you work as a consultant on an as-needed basis? |
| A. Yes. I've helped many other webmasters get started. I'm a very good teacher and happy to pass on the lessons and shortcuts I've learned. If you're remote, you can buy prepaid blocks of time online. Contact me to discuss this, as I must first consider the scope of the project and which skill sets are required. If your needs exceed my areas of expertise, I will tell you up front. |
|
| Q. How much does a web site cost? |
| A.
That depends entirely on how much work it requires. If it's just
a single page with hardly any formatting or graphics, the whole thing
could probably cost under $200 for registration, server setup, creation,
deployment and the first year's hosting (less than $20/month). However,
if you're like most people, you probably want a site at least the size
of this one, which, by the way, was created in a single day (not including
the video content). A full day's work, plus costs involved in establishing
a site and server space, runs between $400 and $800. It is the client who often makes a web site's costs increase, as a designer may offer design after design and the client decline them or constantly adjust them. My client, For the Love of Chocolate, accepted my first design, and I created their initial 15-page, graphically rich, photo-intensive site with custom map and video inclusion for under $2,000. Updates, additions and revisions have taken place since then, but if you are a business owner accustomed to paying for competent design and advertising services, you know that's a bargain. |
|
| Q. Do I need a stand-alone web site, or am I OK just using FaceBook? |
| A. I recommend you watch my video titled, "Who Should Build My Web Site?" In this video I discuss what is really necessary as far as a web presence is concerned. If you have a business, you can certainly be seen on FaceBook or other personal networking sites. However, if you want a solid web presence that is independent of the whims, conventions and inevitable declines of various web forums, your best bet is to have your own site, that belongs to you, that isn't limited in what it can contain, that won't vanish if the network vanishes, and where you won't have to start over from scratch if your current forum is no longer the "it" place to be seen. You can always use online networking forums to promote your business, but it's worth considering having a central, independent web site that these forums can reference. |
|
| Q. Are your sites made from templates? Do you have design templates from which I can choose? |
| A. No. All of my web sites are built from scratch. If there is a web site that you love and would like your site to resemble, I would be happy to use it as a general guide from which to create yours. A site is a container for conveying information. The container must be suitable for its contents. When I build a web site, I first consider what it is my client needs to present, and how it should best be done, and then I construct the pages, navigation and graphics around that. I never start with a visual content and try to cram the message into it. Unless you're certain your readers won't care, I strive to emphasize user-friendly, readable, easily-navigated layouts over flashy, busy, or overly intricate ones. |
|
| Q. I've already had a designer create other materials for my business/organization. Can you build a web site to match? |
| A. Absolutely. Before being a web developer I was an award-winning graphic designer, working in print. If you have a logo, brochures, ads, and other media you're satisfied with, I would certainly incorporate them into your web site in the most appropriate way. The only possible caveat to this is if your designer (or another party) owns the rights to those graphics (then you would need to secure permission). |
Mailing
Address: 3126 W. Cary St. #691, Richmond, Virginia 23221 USA
Copyright
© 2009-2011 Ian Firestone
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why are you down here?