Website Rescue
It's a complicated web out there. You may be over-paying for your annual or monthly services, or held hostage to a maintenance contract for a website you can't update yourself. You may know you need a new website, but aren't sure where to go for truly professional expertise. Most of these expensive problems can be solved pretty easily. I can empower you to take back control of your website, and you won't have to become an IT expert yourself to do it.
Maintenance & Updates
Case study: The client Tick Tock Clocks had an e-commerce website that an outside developer had installed and configured. The site’s shopping cart was built on an obscure, non-intuitive application with no manual or online help. The developer was no longer available. The site owner did not know how to update product descriptions or prices, or add new products. She was wary of other designers/developers who presented a costly overhaul of the entire site as the only solution. My role in this project was to log in to the system, figure out the process for updating products/pages, make the immediate changes the client needed, and write clear instructions for the owner to be able to make future changes on her own.
Total cost: $300
Savings to Client: $3,000-$5,000 (cost of a new turnkey e-commerce site)
Domain Name Transfers
Case study: The client Acme Equipment had accumulated dozens of versions of the company’s name as domain names over many years. As domain registration prices came down, Acme was paying far more than competitive rates in order to retain ownership of the names. However, transfer of domain names to a low-cost provider is a multi-step and confusing process. I assisted Acme by initiating and project-managing the transfers, communicating with the old and new registrars, tracking every name and its stage in the transfer process until completion.
Total cost: $375
Savings to Client: $1200 annually
Hosting Transfers
Case study: Hamrick Plumbing had been paying $60 per month for hosting and maintenance for 8 years. During that time many web hosts have come on the scene offering far cheaper hosting -- as low as $5 per month for small, basic websites. The owner of Hamrick Plumbing didn't know how to get started moving his website to a more economical option. I recommended a more competitive hosting company and managed the transfer process.
Total cost: $300
Savings to Client: $660 annually
Pre-Website Consulting
This is a way to empower you in the process of selecting a website developer. I interview you about your company, your industry, and your goals for your website. I then provide you with a competitive review of other sites in your industry, and write a spec (list of requirements) for your use in evaluating developers who bid on your website project. I can also refer you to qualified developers who are a good fit for your budget and needs. You can truly save tremendous expense and frustration by being informed before you begin the process of approaching developers. Typical areas that are overlooked by amateur developers are search engine optimization, cross-browser/platform compatibility, overall site testing, and ongoing maintenance/updating concerns.
Typical cost: $300