INTERESTED IN DESIGNING A WEBSITE?

»  How do I get started?

When you request a free consultation, we will send you a document that will help you organize your thoughts about your site. During our discussion, we will clarify what your vision is and what the main sections of your site are.

Will you be providing the content (the logo, text, photographs, graphics and/or animation/video/audio files) or will you want us to generate any of these elements? 

Once you've decided that you would like HC Media Design to develop your website, you'll send us a deposit to hold space in our production calendar. Typically, we work on several design projects at a time, and your deposit guarantees a spot in our schedule.

»  How long will it take before my site is done?

Depending upon whether you or we will be developing the content of your site, once sufficient materials are in place, we will proceed with creating 2-3 rough designs for your approval.

Once you approve an overall look and feel to your site, we finalize the design. Next we begin to add content and build each subsequent page. We test mount your site and send you a link via email so that you can provide feedback on the work in progress. We will continually refine its appearance until you are completely satisfied with it. During this stage, your site will not be available for public viewing.

Generally, a site can be developed within an 8-week period of time.

»  When will my site go LIVE?

As soon as you have approved the site, we will invoice you for the final payment. Once that is received, we will upload your site, and you will be LIVE.

»   Will my current site be disrupted while you redesign it?

Not at all. Your current website will remain intact until we are ready to publish your new site. Once you have approved the new site, the new site will be published live, and the old site will be archived.

»   What will it cost?

To establish a web presence, a basic one page website can cost anywhere from $350 and up. A simple 5 page site starts at $1000 up. The actual cost depends upon the number of pages and how the content is generated (by you or us), as well as its complexity.  The more complex the site, the more expensive. We bill on a monthly basis for work done on your site.

»  Redesigning your current website?

The first step is to review your website and discuss what changes you would like to make to it. We'll determine together what is working and what isn't. The costs and time vary depending upon the extent of the upgrade.

»  Royalty-Free Photography?

There are millions of royalty free photographs available for your website and print project. We can provide you with the web addresses of the best sources and you can search on your own for suitable images, put them in a lightbox and email them to us, or we can provide a search for you and submit a lightbox for your review.

» I'm interested in having a multimedia web site. What do I need to do?

Give us your edited video or audio files in .mov, .mpeg  or .mpeg3 formats, and we'll convert them for your website so that visitors can connect with you and your services even more intimately, thus stimulating greater sales.

»   Do you provide website maintenance?

There are two possibilities for maintaining your site, and it will need to be determined in advance of creating the site which option you will choose.

One is to do it yourself which will require some web editing software and coursework from an Adobe certified educational institute. The upfront costs are higher to design a site that you maintain yourself, especially if it is a complex, interactive site.

The second option is to hire us to maintain your site. We're happy to keep you up to date, and only need a few days' notice to execute minor changes.

HC Media Design makes certain that your web maintenance needs are handled promptly and effectively.

»   What is search engine optimization? Do you provide this service?

When your site is finished, we take a few extra steps to ensure that your site is fully accessible and friendly to search engines by creating page titles, keyword lists, metatags and alt tags. These features will optimze your site and help with search engine ranking.

QUESTIONS ABOUT GRAPHIC DESIGN PROJECTS

»  What's involved in having a logo designed for my company?

Fill out the consultation form, and we'll schedule a phone meeting to explore the type of business you have and your target market. You will receive three sample layouts to choose from and the final design will be delivered on a disk in grayscale and full color that are applicable for print and web use.

What do I need to do?

For all graphic design matters, simply fill out the consultation form, and after we've discussed your project, email us the content you have, if appropriaite, and we'll take it from there. We'll send you a pdf proof file via email for your review. Once it is approved, we can handle the printing arrangements for you or send you the files electronically and/or on a CD to give to your printer.

»  What will it cost?

That depends largely upon the scope of the project. Will you be providing us with the text? Do you have a logo already or graphics that you want to incorporate into the piece? Will we be creating custom graphics or assisting you in licensing artwork from an outside source? The more you can provide, the lower your costs.

Before we begin work on your project, we will email you a quote. Payment in advance is required to commence all graphic design work.

»  When will I have my printed piece?

Logos, brochures, sales sheets, flyers and posters generally need 2 weeks. Book, CD or DVD covers and inserts need 2-4 weeks.

»  What will I receive?

You will receive a CD with digital files that can be given to your printer. We will work with your printer to ensure that the files meet their printing specifications.