Practical Procedures - advice
on affordable professional web publishing…the KISS way…

The purpose of having a web site is to attract people to buy your product or service. It’s now a world-wide opportunity as more and more people are relying on the internet for instant visual product information. And each year an increasing number are purchasing on-line. More and more businesses are appearing on the 'net' each day promoting their web addresses everywhere. Small businesses that embrace the internet have grown 46% faster than those that do not. So why not move your business from a local to a global operation?

Imagine your web site as an electronic brochure showcasing products and services with descriptions, images and price list. In short a functional business advertising tool that’s cost effective by increasing sales and profits. Updating can be quick and inexpensive and your customers’ can order by plastic card through a secure site. Regular page maintenance and refreshment is essential to win loyalty and return visits. Special offers and promotions augmented with regular e-mail news letters assist exposure and brand loyalty.

Web surfers are typically impatient with a short attention span…so different rules apply from printed media. Pages and images must be designed to be attractive, uncluttered and fast loading. The KISS philosophy suits this approach.

What do I need to do? Preparing ideas for your site design...

• Effective web sites aren't created without thought, preparation, and a good web designer.
  
• Keep in mind that most people will come to your site for information…so it’s critical to provide interesting content.
  
• Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience…ask yourself "What type of information will my customers be looking for?"
  
• Think about what your site is trying to achieve (say increased sales or member resource)
  
• Consider your market sector and essential basic content for the intended audience.
  
• Nobody knows your business better than you, so consider how to project your business image in a positive and professional way.
  
• Spend some time "surfing" the web to size up your competition… bookmark sites that have styles or related information you like
  
• Come up with ideas for a number of interesting themed pages...include information about the business, your people, products and how to order/contact you. (For inspiration...view some recent sites created by Kiss Web Designs).
  
• Make a note of key links to other interesting/relevant web sites.
  
• Aim to produce a unique, informative, entertaining but commercially effective site...Kiss Web Designs advice is “dare to be different” from your competitors.

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What do we need from you? Collecting your strategic content...

• Information about you (with current photograph) plus experience in your field, accomplishments, experiences etc. (especially relevant to visitors when you are a service provider)
  
• Information on your company/organization (a brief history, philosophy)
  
• Descriptive information and prices for your product or services with images
  
• Your company/organization logo, business stationary and relevant artwork (for scanning by Kiss Web Designs)
  
• Explain your business Unique Selling Point (USP)…how what you offer is unique, different or better than your competition and what are the customer benefits
  
• Gather together any company/organization print media including product/service brochures, flyers, adverts and news releases
  
• Other information - ask yourself..."What questions do my customers most frequently ask me?"
  
• Consider what’s missing...create list graphics needing design..summarise any text copy needing authoring.
  
• 10-15 Key words (in phrases of 2-3 words) relating to your business ranked in order of importance (used for search engine rankings)
  
• A description (aprox 10-15 words) of your business activity and USP (used for search engine rankings)
  
• Color preferences for page background, headings and body text
  
• initial ideas for outline design, concept strategy, layout and intuitive navigation structure
  
• number and titles of pages etc (some clients have firm views which we respect…others prefer to leave it to mainly to us)
  
• shopping cart issues…ordering…feedback forms
  
• Proof all copy before submission…if possible deliver content and images in digital form which improves quality and avoids errors.
  
• Be prepared to invest time and commitment whilst your site is in progress...and to keep your site fresh with regular information updates.

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What practical steps will Kiss Web Designs take to build my site?

• Initial Discussions...meeting or phone/email liason, quote & tailored agreement...price will depend on pages numbers,
  
• Consider artwork available, number of graphics, animations and complexity.
  
• Design concepts...common look, feel and ambience...preparation of menubars/navigation and links, graphics, tables, forms, colour schemes & agreed text copy.
  
• Construct Site...upload progress to test area with detailed coding and working links...unlike some competitors - we place great importance on two way communication after posting evolving page prototypes - we will liaise closely on any perceived or required changes.
  
• Test and Upload...after thorough testing on different platforms upload your live Site and submit registrations with over 1100 Search Engines…set up optional live Statistics tracking and Guest Book.
  
• Hand-Holding for one month…help, advice & training as required...Client acceptance & feedback.
  
• Maintenance and Revisions and updates …ongoing as agreed with regular reviews (chargeable as agreed fair value hourly rate)
  
• Monthly/Quarterly search engine submissions (chargeable as agreed fair value hourly rate).

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Our Kiss Objectives

• We think of new contracts as the start of an exciting ongoing project…we’ll try hard to please and establish a trusting long-term relationship. Our policy is “if your web site succeeds...so will we!”
• To improve your Sales & Profit just like our existing clients
  
• To integrate your Printed and Electronic brochures, letter heads and business cards into a common design and marketing approach.
  
• To exploit the “simple is best” or “more is less” KISS philosophy

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Payment Terms

We’re flexible...and are happy to negotiate either a fixed price or an hourly rate
...or a combination to suit.

• We request all clients to sign a contract before beginning work.
• For first-time clients and jobs with a quote value under £300, payment in full is required.
• For projects with a quote between £300-£2,000, a 25% deposit is payable on ‘agreement to proceed’, with the balance due when you are fully satisfied upon completion.
• For larger quotes over £2,000, we usually seek part-payments at project milestones or against monthly invoices.
• For regular clients, maintenance, update changes and site expansion can be handled at an agreed hourly rate, with monthly or quarterly invoices based on completed timesheets.