I need someone to design a small business website

[Mike71]

I have just opened up a small business and I need a basic website designed for it. I'm looking for the best price possible so if anyone is interested in undertaking this whether it be a website hobbyist or a big design company send me a PM and we can discuss the details. I'm hoping this isn't against the rules or the wrong forum.

[setell]

Hey I got a friend that does a bit of web page desiging on the side to make some extra cash. He's done quite a few other sites for people and they're happy. Let me know if you're interested so I'll let him know as I don't know what sort of prices he charge.

[careener]

I think Sam's Club Canada offers small business websites including hosting for next to nothing. It's too bad their Canadian website is so bad. I've seen the flyers advertising it in store.

If you're really looking to do it on the cheap, there's always templatemonster.com .

[burnhammedia]

Hey Mike,

My colleague fowarded your request and thought I would send out a reply. I am in the IT biz and recently finished Web design at Ryerson University. Basically I took it as the creativity of the financial world is lacking! I am in the midst of launching my first site at the end of October for the television show Room to Grow. I undercut everyone on the bid for the show, so getting that as my first site was great news! So basically looking to undercut everyone to build a decent profile. :)

I use Flash (animation) in my sites also so I produce high quality clean and professional pages. What is your deadline for a launch and what are you needs? I could come up with a price based on that for you.

Best,
Stuart

[DaFonz]

I use Flash (animation) in my sites also so I produce high quality clean and professional pages. What is your deadline for a launch and what are you needs? I could come up with a price based on that for you.


Um... flash does not mean high quality clean professional websites.

Tell me - how do you make your websites accessible? What does it mean for something to validate? How would you use flash semantically?

If you can't answer these basic questions, then your skills are lacking

Mike71; Remember, as with all things in life, you get exactly what you pay for. There are tons of people who call themselves "professional" web site designers, but most don't have the slightest clue of what they are doing. My advice (of course, judging from your post, you aren't going to listen), is to pay a little extra to get it done right the first time as opposed to finding the cheapest person to do it.

[luked]

hey Mike,

I can build and design a website for you if you like, just cant get you the webspace.

PM if youre interested.

[GTABuySell]

Hi Mike71, I am looking for the same. Depending on how basic your website is, you may consider using Net Object Fusion to put together a simple website. www.Netfirms.com gives you this software with a hosting package.

For all the Website Developers out there, feel free to PM me your quote for a website like this one: http://www.calyptic.com

Thanks,
Vi P.


I have just opened up a small business and I need a basic website designed for it. I'm looking for the best price possible so if anyone is interested in undertaking this whether it be a website hobbyist or a big design company send me a PM and we can discuss the details. I'm hoping this isn't against the rules or the wrong forum.

[Spidey]

pm sent

[DaFonz]

pm sent

You are a prime example of someone who shouldn't be making websites. You have no talent or knowledge.

[Spidey]

You are a prime example of someone who shouldn't be making websites. You have no talent or knowledge.

Well thank you very much. I value your opinions oh so highly I think I will now quit doing it.

The people I design them for seem to be happy with them and thats what counts. Sorry if I dont use crappy flash or whatver makes you think a good website is

[Outsider]

You are a prime example of someone who shouldn't be making websites. You have no talent or knowledge.
Dude, that wasn't very nice.
Spidey focuses on making simple web pages. Nothing wrong with that. Just because the sites he designed are not graphically intensive, and full of fancy 3D flash animations, doesn't give you the right to say what you did.

Anyhoo, back on track...

Bump for ya Mike. Anyone else have any services they want to offer?
What the complexity of the site you want to have built? Is it based on static pages, or do you want something dynamic database driven by php or asp?

[nightwalker]

hi, if your still looking for someone to design your website i might be able to help you out...just send me a PM and a reasonable quote

example of one of my sites: http://www.amy-acker.tk/

another example: http://www.home.no/pkthunder/swift/
heh...high school history project

thanks for your time

[Spidey]

Dude, that wasn't very nice.
Spidey focuses on making simple web pages. Nothing wrong with that. Just because the sites he designed are not graphically intensive, and full of fancy 3D flash animations, doesn't give you the right to say what you did.

Anyhoo, back on track...

Bump for ya Mike. Anyone else have any services they want to offer?
What the complexity of the site you want to have built? Is it based on static pages, or do you want something dynamic database driven by php or asp?

Thanks. That what i was trying to say in my repost, but was a bit to angry to get it out right. I actually go for smaller firms that do want smaller simplier sites.

[Chris]

www.InBloomTech.com

[DaFonz]

Dude, that wasn't very nice.
Spidey focuses on making simple web pages. Nothing wrong with that. Just because the sites he designed are not graphically intensive, and full of fancy 3D flash animations, doesn't give you the right to say what you did.


Did I say anything about fancy 3d flash animation? In fact, if you look further up, you would see that I said and I do quote "Um... flash does not mean high quality clean professional websites."

Graphically intensive? Again, I did not say such a thing. Perhaps you should not assume things.

Simple web pages? Again, I said he should not be designing them because they are horrible and show a clear lack of understanding about what goes into professional web design.

Let me give you examples of sites that ARE professional and do well. They share a few things in common:
1) Seperation of content from presentation
2) Clean, accessible code
3) Good use of colors and layout
4) Load reasonably fast even with graphics intensive layouts

Note that most, especially a list apart are not all that graphically intensive

http://alistapart.com/

http://www.stonewall.co.za/

http://www.kevadamson.com/

http://www.monc.se/

http://www.happycog.com/

http://www.adaptivepath.com/

Again Spidey, you have no clue what you are doing.

For you to learn
http://www.useit.com/ - read up on usability
http://www.csszengarden.com/ - learn what it means to seperate content from presentation
http://meyerweb.com/eric/css/ - more on CSS
http://www.alistapart.com/ - in case you didn't visit the first time, learn from there too

[deep]

Just because DaFonz comes across as a little overbearing doesn't mean he's wrong. I have been paid for website design, which technically makes me a "professional". However, I have a hell of a lot to learn before I would call myself a "professional web site designer".

The Zen Garden is a great place to learn, as is a list apart. There is more to proper user- and use-based design than just copying things you've seen/done before.

[Mike71]

Guys, there is no point in arguing about this and insulting each other. That was definately not the purpose of this request. I am wanting a simple informational website that will only be about 3-4 pages or maybe 5 at most. It doesn't have to have any fancy database stuff or anything like that. Nothing will be ordered from the website, its purely informational. The reason why I wanted it done as cheap as possible is that the company has not made much money yet and I don't have alot to spend on a website. I may upgrade it in the future though. Please keep the PM's coming and I will be responding to those who have PM'ed me very shortly.

[Spidey]

Let me give you examples of sites that ARE professional and do well. They share a few things in common:
1) Seperation of content from presentation
2) Clean, accessible code
3) Good use of colors and layout
4) Load reasonably fast even with graphics intensive layouts


Hmm, lets see.

1) All of sites are seperated. I make sure the naviagtion is where its supposed to be and always clear.

2) All my code is clean. In fact I learned coding from hand, so I make sure it is clean and accesible with all browsers.

3) My layouts are clean. Some of the sites colours are the persons who owns them idea, niot mine. Ive designed websites that they want everything changed in colours & fonts. They pay the bills, so I do waht they say.

4) All my sites load fast


Dont know what I did to you to make you attack me so, But I dont care. I still make money from it

[Spidey]

Just because DaFonz comes across as a little overbearing doesn't mean he's wrong. I have been paid for website design, which technically makes me a "professional". However, I have a hell of a lot to learn before I would call myself a "professional web site designer".

The Zen Garden is a great place to learn, as is a list apart. There is more to proper user- and use-based design than just copying things you've seen/done before.


Oh I defnitly never came across saying Im a professioanl web designer. Im a web designer that does it on the side. He must have the time to sit for hours and hours and hours, but I work full time. I learn what i can. If peeople didnt like my sites, why do they stay with me

[Mike71]

Lets keep this thread on topic please.;)

[Spidey]

Lets keep this thread on topic please.;)

He started it :D

Did not


Did too

Did not

[jskopek]

Just let it slide, both of you. It doesn't look good to the potential boss :)
BTW... PM sent

[sharkyJay]

As hard as it is to give bad news I have to agree with DaFonz.

A lot of people out there make poor sites. People learn a little bit of html and maybe some javascript and they start outsourcing their work.

I consider myself a professional websign designer because of my experience and knowledge (especially graphic design). It's difficult at times when I come in contact with potential clients with bad sites (designed by a family member or even paid for it) and have to tell them. The usually don't listen.

Bottom line is this, if it's simple it's better to paid a professional designer $60/hour for 5 hours than $10/hour for 100 hours. A poorly designed site gives a company a bad image. Invest the money.

[DaFonz]

Hmm, lets see.

1) All of sites are seperated. I make sure the naviagtion is where its supposed to be and always clear.

2) All my code is clean. In fact I learned coding from hand, so I make sure it is clean and accesible with all browsers.


1) Again, I said seperation of content from presentation which has nothing to do with where you navigation is. It's got to do with the underlying quality of your HTML.

2) No it's not. You make think it is, but I'm telling you, you have horrible code. Tip, the FONT tag should never be used in modern web design. Never. If you think otherwise, you are flat out wrong.

Spidey: I'm picking on you because you shouldn't be in this industry. People may stay with you because you are cheap, but that's only because they don't know better. You are not a web designer, you are a hack.

[Spidey]

1) Again, I said seperation of content from presentation which has nothing to do with where you navigation is. It's got to do with the underlying quality of your HTML.

2) No it's not. You make think it is, but I'm telling you, you have horrible code. Tip, the FONT tag should never be used in modern web design. Never. If you think otherwise, you are flat out wrong.

Spidey: I'm picking on you because you shouldn't be in this industry. People may stay with you because you are cheap, but that's only because they don't know better. You are not a web designer, you are a hack.


Wow, I wonder what i did to offend you. Ive never even heard of you before this thread. All i said was "pm sent"

Also, may we all see some of your websites youve designed

[DaFonz]

Blah.. forget it. I know that you have no skills and that's good enough for me

[henesse]

Do you web "programmers" even consider yourself relevant?
who are you guys kidding with using complicated terminology to make something sound better?
Lets just put it this way, you guys are at the bottom of the pyramid when it comes to programmers.
Try Game Engine development and than you could talk as much smack as you want!
Lay off the guy who is offering his services for a low price for a crappy site.

[kaddy69]

You just happened to touch a nerve because you offer crappy services/poor products.

A site:
http://tru.ca/index.html

Of course, since you won't believe me by linking to it, here are the templates that were used on the site

Start from
http://www.1-2-3-direct.com/tru/index1.htm

then browse the rest of the directory

There are minor issues with accessability, but it's a hell of a lot better than any crap you can put out.

View the source of the templates to see what I mean about clean HTML and seperation of content from presentation.

Take it easy!
I see that you think you are a professional, try acting like one!
Your jumping all over Spidey for nothing!

I'm a programmer myself, and I think web development is a crappy job.


Do you web "programmers" even consider yourself relevant?
who are you guys kidding with using complicated terminology to make something sound better?
Lets just put it this way, you guys are at the bottom of the pyramid when it comes to programmers.
Try Game Engine development and than you could talk as much smack as you want!
Lay off the guy who is offering his services for a low price for a crappy site.

Web Developers are not programmers!! :evil: :evil:

[henesse]

Take it easy!
I see that you are a professional, try acting like one!
Your jumping all over Spidey for nothing!

kaddy69

sounds like an ass doesn't he?
makes you wonder if you want to let an ass design a site for you and take your money only to not support you when there is a bug. this guy sounds like one.

same here, im a programmer also and had my share developing sites long time ago. personaly i think there is nothing to it. its the lowest of the lowest level of programmers and shouldn't even be up for a discussion on theory

[kaddy69]

sounds like an ass doesn't he?
makes you wonder if you want to let an ass design a site for you and take your money only to not support you when there is a bug. this guy sounds like one.

First impressions are everything. You can't work with someone you can't trust.

kaddy69

[deep]

Web Developers are not programmers!! :evil: :evil:

I'm a thermostat/VCR/remote control programmer! Oh, and I also script some websites....far easier job. :)

[Blood_Lust]

pm sent

[jskopek]

Bottom line is this, if it's simple it's better to paid a professional designer $60/hour for 5 hours
You take 5 hours from draft to end product?
That's... fast :)

[wedgin]

It's all really a moot point. Until there are standards or qualifications to be a web designer(which will never happen), this will continue. There are always clients who want a $200 website, and there always will be amateur web designers who will do it for them. It's a reality of the design world.

Getting bent out of shape that someone is making a buck creating websites is hardly worth it. The bottom line is, if you have the proper skills there will be clients willing to pay for those skills. And as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. If the client can only afford a '88 Ford Tempo, why reprimand him for shopping in his price range?

[Spidey]

It's all really a moot point. Until there are standards or qualifications to be a web designer(which will never happen), this will continue. There are always clients who want a $200 website, and there always will be amateur web designers who will do it for them. It's a reality of the design world.

Getting bent out of shape that someone is making a buck creating websites is hardly worth it. The bottom line is, if you have the proper skills there will be clients willing to pay for those skills. And as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. If the client can only afford a '88 Ford Tempo, why reprimand him for shopping in his price range?

Thank you. I agree totally. I never came across as the perfect designer. I have my sites listed for people to view. If they like what they see and they decide to get me to design something for them, thats their decision. I dont "make" them decide it.

I really dont know why this guy decided to take a disliking to me. :confused:

[Spidey]

First impressions are everything. You can't work with someone you can't trust.

kaddy69

I thought it might of just been me. But it looks like other people agree hes not being nice about it.

How can you get mad at" pm sent"

[Spidey]

Blah.. forget it. I know that you have no skills and that's good enough for me

Boy, I better not tell you i fix computers on the side as well. That will truly make you angry

[Spidey]

Do you web "programmers" even consider yourself relevant?
who are you guys kidding with using complicated terminology to make something sound better?
Lets just put it this way, you guys are at the bottom of the pyramid when it comes to programmers.
Try Game Engine development and than you could talk as much smack as you want!
Lay off the guy who is offering his services for a low price for a crappy site.


Oh I never said I was a programmer. I tried it for awhile and realized it wasnmt soemthing I was suited for. As for developing websites it just fell into my lap. I thought it would be nice to try and see if I make any money from it over the years.

I just people would stop using the word "crappy" :D

P.S: All the sites on my site are ones I have done since 1996. These are the following

1. Academic Preparation for Science
2. General's Quarters Paintball Accessories
3. Orientation to Child Daycare Program
4. Prince Albert Community Access Program
5. Wapiti Regional Library

Some of the users havent even upgraded since then, and some places I dont work for anymore. Not a fault of mine if they dont want to put anymore money into. Those old ones I agree look bad.

But some of my newer ones I put a lot of time and effort into them, and I think look good for just a plain HTML website.

1. Alberta Public Housing Administrators Association
2. Energy Doctor
3. Etomami Valley REDA
4. Get It Pages
5. Phantom Fare
6. Prince Albert "AAA" Midget Mintos Hockey Club
7. Town of Porcupine Plain

The owners as well like them and are very happy with them. Does that make them idiots as well like Dafonz is saying because they are dealing with me. Heaven forbid he tries to run a business as well as work full time. Theres more to running a business than having someone with a good programming background. You need to be nice to customers and if you think just having the technical skills does that. Are you going to go to a business where the people know everything but they treat you like ****.

[henesse]

I just people would stop using the word "crappy" :D

lol, sorry.
i was just kinda pissed off at the way the other dood was trying to make it sound good.

[sharkyJay]

You take 5 hours from draft to end product?
That's... fast :)

hehe... no, I take longer. I figure some professionals can probably do it in that time. For me a minimum of 10 hours if the client provide all content and the site is very simple. But that's theory, I've never done a quickie site before.

[Spidey]

lol, sorry.
i was just kinda pissed off at the way the other dood was trying to make it sound good.

No worries

[wedgin]

hehe... no, I take longer. I figure some professionals can probably do it in that time. For me a minimum of 10 hours if the client provide all content and the site is very simple. But that's theory, I've never done a quickie site before.

The best I've done on a quick site is turning it around in 8 hours(straight) for a friend of mine. I pretty much pulled an all nighter to get the website done. Here was the end result.

http://www.lesismoreonline.com/

[danfromwaterloo]

To the OP and any who are looking for something like this:

I currently work for a company that specializes in web development on a custom basis for companies who are looking for more specialized websites that do something more than just the simple website (ie. "brochure site" - all you can do is navigate around and view information). If you're looking for something professional, and more advanced than just a brochure site, PM me and I can put you in touch with the President of my company.

If you're looking for just a brochure site, I've been doing website design for many many years, professional/business sites ONLY. My sites use HTML/CSS for their design - no flash. PM me for information - I do this on the side, and only so long as it doesn't conflict with my primary job (non-competition clause and all).

If anyone is interested, we can discuss needs, price, and delivery schedule via PM.

[KoRRuPT]

I'm getting into web design as a part time thing.

As such, I couldn't over charge you if I wanted to :)

Here's the first site I've done for a client;


www.fullfusion.ca

And I can take care of domain/hosting as well. Send me a PM if interested.

[Mike71]

PM's sent to all who have expressed an interest in taking on this project. If anyone else is interested I am still in the ititial phase and still taking offers.

[Canucklehead]

Do yourself and the designer a favour and have a clear outline of what you want on the site. The designer may be good at design but may not know your target customer. You will have to help the designer understand the purpose of your website, who you want to "talk" to and how you want to "talk" to them.

For example - using flash animation....designers and other creative people like them 'cuz its cool. But are your customers web-savvy or are they unable or afraid of downloading plug-ins? Do they have the time to sit through some cool visuals or are they going to click the "skip intro" and get on to the meat of your website?

Do you want the site to work well in IE, Firefox, Netscape? What versions?

Lots to think about - lot's of planning before you get down to it.

FYI

[wedgin]

Do you want the site to work well in IE, Firefox, Netscape? What versions?


That's not really an optional criteria. A good website should look right in all browsers, regardless of platform.