With my experience creating websites, I understand that everyone's needs are different. The features and capabilities of your site should be catered to your needs. I have worked with almost every major programming language and technology over the years, and I can help you decide on the best technology for your site and budget.

After all, there are many types of websites, and a variety of website features for you to consider:

  • A Blog will let you inform your viewers of your ongoing activities (or let viewers have their own blogs).
  • A Social Network with user profiles so that viewers can create an online presence and make contacts.
  • Discussion Forums help you build and grow a community around various topics.
  • A Wiki, or collaborative documents with multiple authors, can help you manage knowledge and information.
  • Image Galleries can showcase your work in a clean and graphically appealing manner.

In addition to your website's key functionality, I can ensure that your site reaches your target audience through a variety of other means. I have experience in:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): When building your website I can implement specific techniques to ensure that it appears high in search engine results. I will also work with you so that you understand how to continue to grow traffic to your website.
  • Usability and User Interface Design: Your website should be attractive, but more importantly, it should be functional and easy to use. I can design your site so that visitors can easiy find important content instead of becoming lost and confused.
  • Advertising: Setting up simple advertisements on your website to earn extra income can be a very easy and rewarding process. I can also teach you how to advertise on other sites in order to bring visitors to your site.
  • Visitor Tracking and Analytics: By setting up website traffic and visitor tracking software such as Google Analytics into your website, you will be able to understand the factors that drive viewers to your site. You can ensure that you're meeting your target audience in an effective manner.
  • RSS Feeds: There are many ways that viewers (and potential customers) can reach your site and view your content. RSS Feeds allow readers to keep track of your site by reading your content in another application that aggregates information from around the web. Without actually visiting your site, these viewers can still enjoy your content and share it with others.

Content Management Systems

A Content Management System (CMS) is website software that lets you create and manage your website by easily clicking buttons and entering text into forms. Depending on the particular software package, you can create articles, blogs, forums, wikis, user profiles, and even social networks. Most popular CMS's are open source and free.

I can help you choose a CMS that fits your needs, set it up for you, and then customize it with your design and branding. By incorporating your unique style, I will personalize your website such that your viewers see your message, not the CMS behind the site. While the CMS will not be visible to viewers, using the software will allow you to independantly manage your site. Together we can choose a CMS that is appropriate to your skill level. During the site's development, I will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable with your website and are able to indepedently manage it in the future. Having worked with a variety of companies and individuals with widely varying technology backgrounds, I am confident that I can build a website that meets your needs.

See more Content Management System Features.

Custom Web Development

For those clients with a more specialized vision for which a CMS is not the ideal approach, my wide range of technical and artistic skills can provide the expertise necessary to meet your needs. I have experience with every part of web development, from graphic design, to coding the middle layer, to backend database design. I have written applications in Java, PHP, Perl, Cold Fusion, ASP, and C++. I have the specialized skills to integrate any new features with your existing system.

For an example of a website created with a large amount of custom development, check out Budget Your Trip.

Pricing and Costs

Naturally, the cost of creating a website is always a topic of discussion. I will work within your budget to create a solution that fits your budget and meets your needs. While I charge for my time, the software that I will recommend and customize for your site will generally be open source and free. I can also help you find an inexpensive web host and guide you through the setup process. Every website is different, and I would be more than happy to give you a price quote after reviewing your needs. Contact me for more information or a quote.