Why do I need a website or graphic design materials?
The world is a visual place. Most people remember images
that they see before they remember words that they hear. Additionally,
many people often take your business or products more seriously,
if you have materials that you can provide to them so that they can
learn about what you are talking. A visual representation of your
business or product also helps to ensure a constant presence when
you are not personally able to provide that presence.
Why does web and graphic design pricing vary so much?
Some design companies are able to offer low prices because of the
high volume of sites or graphic design products that they produce. Some
get a foot in the door with low pricing and then offer other services
to recover the actual cost of their work. Conversely, some
companies charge exorbitant prices for their work for various reasons
including client naivety about pricing.
It is best to search for a company that can provide the services
that you need. If you do not require a lot of help with developing
your website concept nor hands on, step-by-step consultation on your
project, then a larger company that works as a website or graphic
design factory may be a good fit for you. If you need and
desire more personalized service, it may be better for you to work
with a smaller company whose niche is a client like you.
It is always a good idea to get at least three quotes and proposals
before making a decision on a company. Do not depend solely
on pricing when picking a web or graphic design company. As
with anything else, the most expensive service does not always indicate
a better company, nor does the least expensive represent the best
deal.
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How do I select a web or graphic design company?
Make sure to check the references of each designer that you are
considering and evaluate samples of the work that they have produced
for other clients. This will help you to ensure that the designer
that you select can do the work for which you are about to pay them.
Also decide what type of services you need and have a list of questions
ready for the designer. Their answers combined with the information
that you receive from references should help you to find a good fit.
To see our portfolio page, click here.
What should I look for in a website?
Content - Your site's content should clearly and
concisely tell any visitor about your company or product. Your
content should also be organized in an easily accessible way to the
user. You may have great content, which if not organized in a user-friendly manner, does not communicate with the user effectively.
Additionally, although there are many technologies available to
you, most users visiting a site do not want to sift through all of
that technology to get the information that they seek. Many
sites become bogged down by use of large graphics, flash, and other "bells
and whistles" which defeat the purpose of a website. Your content
should be the focus of the site, with complimentary graphics supporting
content aesthetically.
Aesthetics & Layout - Your site should be
attractive to your target audience ( this also applies to graphic
design products, the product should grab the attention of the audience
before they know about what it talks ). It should also
be user friendly so that those visiting it can find information that
they seek quickly.
Creativity - Because of the large volume of sites
today, it is important to have a site that stands out. Your
designer should put extra effort into creating a unique web presence
for your company or product. (Creativity is also important for
graphic design materials).
Ease of Navigation - The navigational structure
should be designed with the content and the intended audience in
mind. The viewer should be able to navigate to a desired location
within two or three clicks. Links to products and services, people,
feedback and the site's main sections should be readily available.
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Browser Compatibility - A site should work well
in all web browsers. A competent web designer will check your
site in various browsers, especially the major browsers like Explorer
and Netscape. They should be able to make the site as compatible
as possible with all browsers. Additionally, they should be
informed of and compensate for potential problems users can encounter
on different platforms. For example, individuals using Macintosh
computers may encounter different usability than those using PC's. Your
designer should address any platform issues that may result from
the use of special design features such as drop-down menus.
Loading Time - A visitor to your site does not
want to wait minutes for your site to load. Busy visitors won't wait
long. A site should be attractive and still load quickly.
Extra Features - A site can be enhanced with forms,
bulletin boards, search software, helpful links, foreign language
areas, download/upload features and more. Well-designed feedback
forms, for example, assist the user in formulating meaningful information.
Ownership - After your site is designed, you should
own it. Think very carefully about paying for a site that
you will not own. Besides further income opportunity, there
is little justification on the part of the designer for retaining
the rights to a site.
Designer Location - With today's technology,
location of the designer is not critical. Most, if not all
of the discussion regarding your site can occur via email and phone. This
is great for you as a client because most in person consultations
have extra fees attached to them. Typically you will pay $50
and more per hour to meet with a designer in person.
Pay Now or Pay Later! - If
you plan to design your own site, acquire a few hours of a Web designer's
time to discuss your ideas. It is expensive to redesign a site! It
takes considerable time to undo the damage caused by amateurish Web
sites and ineffective search engine design.
If the selection process is intimidating or too time-consuming,
have a Web oriented consultant help you choose a designer or at least
help to narrow the field to two or three finalists. Large businesses
and firms should prepare Request for Proposals for major enhancement
requests rather than putting together quick-study committees to shot-gun
the effort. A consultant can assist with the Requests for Proposals
if needed.
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How does a Web site compare to traditional advertising?
Search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising provide
long-term benefits. Unlike a one-time print or media ad, search engine
placement allows your product and/or services to be available for
an extended period of time - awaiting the time when purchasers are
ready to buy. The typical price of a one-time 1/4 to 1/2-page print
ad will purchase a small Web page or focused resource site that will
serve you for years.
Why is CarKore Design different from other design companies?
We are in the business of taking the passions of our customers and
creating a physical presence, which the rest of the world can see. What
does that mean? We believe that your business or product
is something about which you are passionate. Your passion
moves you to want to share it with the world. We help you
to do that.
We take your passion, the desire, drive, and love that you feel
for your business and product and create a visual representation of
it so that when the eyes of the world see what we have created for
you, they feel your passion also! For us, it is all about
passion!
This is why we focus our work on entrepreneurs, small-businesses,
churches, non-profits and other new ventures. We believe that
individuals involved in such ventures have a strong personal passion
for the companies or products with which they are involved. We
also understand your need to truly present to the world what you
have to offer. We acknowledge and respect your need for comprehensive
assistance in creating an image for your passion. We love to
be involved with that process.
Our passion is providing comprehensive services that result in a
visual representation of the passions of our clients.
What's your passion?
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