web development grand rapids michigan

Business Web Development

In today's business environment If your business does not have a web site, or if you have a website that is not promoting your business effectively, you could be losing out on sales and potential profits. This problem only gets compounded If your main competitors have a web site and you don't. As more and more people use the web to to find and research products and services, having a website is more than just an extension of your business, it becomes a necessity.

How can my business benefit from a website?

• It Can Boost Your Credibility
• Increase the Effectiveness of your Advertising
• Improve Your Customer Service
• Generate New leads
• Increase your sales

How Much Will It Cost Me?

We believe that every small business should be able to have a web site. That's why we offer affordable web design solutions to small and large business looking for a web designer. Give us a call to see how we can help you grow your business and reach a new audience.

 

Blog Design

Blogs have become pretty popular over the past few years and also have become pretty powerful publishing platforms. There are many types of blog websites out there. Many people today are utilizing the power of blogging for either their own personal blogs, or using and adding them to their business websites.

• What is a Blog?

The most simple answer- a blog is a type of website that's content is arranged in chronological order from the most recent ‘entry’ (or article/post) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom.

Blogs entries,posts and articles can be written by one or more persons and are updated regularly. Most Blog sites are often (but not always) focused around a particular topic and cater to like minded individuals. Each blog post also allows for site visitors to leave comments on that particular entry which which in turn creates discussions which leads to more visitors.

• Do I need A Blog?

A blog is very versatile. You can use it for your own personal journal or use it to write articles related to your business. Blogs are a great addition to any website, new or old and can create returning visitors to your site. The possibilities are endless.

If you determine that you need or would like a blog for a new web site or existing web site we can help. We can provide insight on choosing the right platform for your needs as well as provide a blog design that reflects your company and integrates into an existing website.

Content Management

Content Management Systems have become one the internet’s most powerful web development and maintenance tools since PHP. However choosing the right content management system (and for the right reasons) can be a tough task now days. With literally thousands of them out there its important to know what you are looking for in a content management system and Diverse Design can help with that.

• What is a CMS ?

A Content Management System (CMS) is a Web application that uses a database or other methods to create, edit, and store website content in a manageable way. Content is created and edited on the web in an administration portion of the web site. The resulting content is then displayed to the viewers on the website.

• When to use a CMS

There are several possible reasons for using a Content Management System, but one the main reasons for implementing a CMS into your site is to make creating, editing and managing large amounts of website content simple and easy.

Many web development companies tend forget that this is the main purpose of a CMS. They will tell their customers that they need a full blown CMS in order to update their own content. This couldn't be further from the truth, and by forgetting this key element, they cripple their customers.

• I would like to update my own website. Do I need a CMS?

Short answer- Yes, you will need a content management system. What kind of CMS you will need is another question.

This is where we separate ourselves from our competitors.

We work with a few different content management systems depending on what your company needs. If you only have a small site that does not require a lot of updating we can set you up with adobes InContext editing or a very robust, easy to use software solution called adobe contribute. More often than not, these two content maintenance tools are plenty for most small to large business needs.

However, if your company does need a database driven website we certainly have a solution for you. Our content management system is highly flexible to allow a for a design that is unique to your company (many CMS are not very flexible). Simply put, we can give you a design that sets you apart, not makes you look like the rest. All this while still taking advantage of a very powerful content management system that is easy to use and doesn't require us to train you to use it.

 

E Commerce Web Design

At diverse design we offer a robust, feature packed ecommerce platform coupled with a compelling and lasting design that lets you stand out from the crowd - and your competitors. Our e-commerce websites have so many features they need a separate page to describe them all. Please visit our e-commerce development page for more information.

Planning Stage

• Web Design/Development Quote

One of the first things you and your company will want to do is to take some time to go over what you would like to accomplish with your new or existing website. Try to determine if you will need any specific functionality for your website or any special interactivity with your visitors or clients. Also take the time to look at the type of designs that appeal to you or your company. Simply put, are there any websites that you really like and that stand out to you?

Once you have this figured out we can give you a very rough estimate on what the costs will be. Once a rough estimate is provided we go ahead and schedule a free consultation to finalize any details or answer any questions you may have.

• Goal Analysis

Based upon the information you have provided we take the time to go over the details to ensure the best possible price prior to providing you with a web design quote. Based upon the information provided to us we will review the goals of your website, and what you are expecting from your website. We will also get ourselves familiar with you industry and research your competitors.

We ore than likely will have a few questions for you through this process and will express those prior to finalizing a quote on your project.

 

• Web Design Contract

After we have come to agreement on the specific details of your project, time frame and price, we will prepare a web design contract for you to review, sign and return back to us along with your initial deposit. (Development contracts are required for all projects over $500.)

• Initial Deposit

Before the design process can begin we require a deposit. Depending on the size and scope of your project, this amount may vary. The amount we require for the deposit will be outlined in the contract. Once we have received your deposit and a signed contract, we will provide to you, a copy of the contract signed by all parties, a receipt for your deposit and a projected start date. Most projects are able to start immediately but are scheduled on a “first come, first served” basis unless otherwise specified.

• Domain Registration

If needed, at this time we will immediately register your desired domain name (depending on availability) and include the first year of domain registration. Once a domain is selected and available it will be registered in your name or business along with your information and you will be the only registrant contact on file.

• Web hosting

If you need web hosting for your website we offer various plans and packages. Please let us know if you require web hosting.

Web Design Stage

• Project Begins

At this time you will need to let us know the basics of your site such as navigation of your site such as the links you would like ( home, services, about us, products, etc) and supply the copy (text)or product information to be included on your web site pages. We will also need any images, logos and any files that you would like included in your website.

• Design Concepts

This where we start designing the actual site. We will design 3 homepage concepts based upon the information you have provided us. . In most cases this phase will be completed in roughly 2-5 business days.

Once you have had the time to review the web design concepts we provided and decided on a design we start a design of the interior pages. Again we will send you the concepts to approve. Once the final look is achieved, we will start the coding process such as converting the design to html/css and add any specific programming that you require.

Website Coding and Programming Phase

• Programming/ Coding

This when the site will start to come to life. The coding process is what actually makes the site functional on the internet.

• Convert Concepts to HTML/CSS

We will take your approved design concept and start converting into a format that is readable by web browsers. This is better known as HTML. You can be assured that when we convert your web design concept it will be coded to strictest standards in web development. All website coding is validated by the W3C guidelines. This ensures that your website will work across all web browsers and also lets you know that you received a properly coded website. Based upon your contract and the final design you selected, we create as many static or dynamic pages as needed to complete your site.

• Create The Web Pages

Based upon your design contract and your needs, we create all the pages that you need and add in any extra functionality that you may need or require.

• Web Site Content

Once the web pages are created we then go ahead and start adding your content that you have provided us with. This goes for any and all text, images, products, etc.

Pre Launch / Testing Phase

Once the web design and development care complete we go ahead and test the site to make sure everything is working properly. Depending on specifics of your website this process may vary but some of the things that are routinely checked are

• Search Engine Check

We make sure your site has all the proper and basic search engine techniques implemented such as page titles, page headings (h1-h6), alt image Tags, link text, body text evaluation. It is important to know that we do not guarantee when or where the search engines will place your website within their search results.

• Browser Compatibility Test

We test your website on a variety of operating systems and web browsers to insure that your website displays and functions properly.

• Grammar & Spell Check

Before we launch the website we go through and check for any spelling errors that occur during the course of the project. This is usually one of the last items that is done.

• Link Check

A We do a thorough check for any links that are misdirected or point to the wrong files. This check is also performed after the site goes live.

• Forms

Any email contact forms included in your project are tested to confirm they are functioning as required.

Website Launch

• Final Payment

Once the website is complete the final payment is due. We always require that the site be paid for in full prior to uploading the site to your domain.

• Launch Website

Once final payment is received any necessary databases are set up and website files are uploaded to your domain.

• More Testing

After the website is live, any interactive programming and scripts are tested to verify proper function. Since we conduct the design and testing phase on our servers, it is important to once again test everything and verify that the website is working properly on your server.

• Release Of Files

After launch and testing of the website, you are provided with a zipped archive of all website files.

Instructions & Documentation

When necessary, any documentation needed to use the administration functions of your website is included in PDF format.

Completion Stage

• Minor Adjustments and Changes

During the first few weeks you may find that you would like a few things changed around such as text, images, etc. We will provide minor adjustments as needed for a up to 2 weeks after the site is launched with a (maximum of 3hrs labor). Any major revision requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee.