The Essence of Web Design

Not every web site is created equal. By this, we mean that while some web sites may look good, when you "lift the hood" they can be quite different.

What's the difference? It's all in the code. Many sites are built with nested tables within nested tables, etc. This can cause the page content to not be read by a search engine. Or no meta elements have been applied across the site's pages, which again hurts the site's standing with search engines. Or the page code is not validated against current web coding standards. And so on.

At Catamount, we create web pages using the latest WC3 coding standards. We also incorporate Web 2.0 features where appropriate to enliven the user experience. The result is a crisp, quick loading web page that's search engine friendly. If you want your web site to be on top of the Internet revolution, let us design your site.


Website DEsign Colorado Springs

When to Use a Content Management System for your Website

Content Management System (CMS) websites are typcially based on modified template designs that feature some form of scripting coding combined with a data base. We prefer to use php scripting with a mySQL database in conjunctions with LINUX servers for our CMS solutions.

When to use CMS? Go with a CMS solution when:

See our page on Web Design to read more about the Catamount approach to web design . . . 

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FAQ

Please review the questions below that many clients tend to have about web and design services in general. If you don't find your particular question listed, please give us a call.

I need a web site for my company. Where do we begin?
A: We begin with an interview to determine your requirements for the web site which can be done in person or by telephone. We will ask you a series of questions to determine your requirements for the site. For example, what is the purpose of the web site? Do you need an Ecommerce capability? Do you want the site to simply be a point of information about your organization? How interactive with the viewer does the site need to be? Do you want a blog? And so on. At Catamount we seek to determine as accurately as possible the various aspects of design and development so that we can formulate an accurate cost estimate for your project.
We've determined the requirements. What's next?
A: Following agreement on the site’s concept and content and contract signing, we develop a proposed site map in graphic form that represents the site’s scope and functioning in a clear, easy to understand visual map. Once this is accepted, we move on to develop a preliminary design. We like to offer at least three different design looks to our clients for them to choose from. Once a design pattern is selected, the site building process continues in an iterative process to completion.
Does Catamount have standard prices for web sites? If not, why?
A: Every web site we create is uniquely tailored to the requirements of the client. Some Commerce sites may run to 50 or more pages while other sites may comprise only 5-7 pages. Because of this, each website must be bid out based upon various factors such as number of pages, type of copy needed, applications needed, etc. A common, 10-15 page web site typically runs between $1000 to $2000 on average, again depending on its complexity.
Does Catamount offer discounts for non-profit organizations?
A: Catamount offers a 15% discount to all non-profit organizations for all web and graphic design to include video production. We recognize the importance of non-profit organizations and want to make it possible for them to have the web site and graphic design products they need at a price they can afford. If you are a non-profit organization and need a price quote, please fill out our Quick Quote Form and be sure to mention your non-profit status.
Who composes the content or copy for the pages on the web site?
A: The client is responsible for writing the copy or content for their web site’s pages. We do offer copy writing assistance with your content if needed. We also routinely proof and edit the content as may be needed with your OK. We ask that you supply the copy in Microsoft Word or RTF format for ease in editing, cutting and pasting into the site’s pages. Images should be submitted in .jpg format. We will modify and enhance your images in Photoshop and resize them for use on the site. If you do not have images, we will obtain stock photos for an additional charge, generally $2 per photo. In the case of vector graphics, we can take those as a PDF, .eps, .ai or .gif. We can’t work with native Corel Draw formats (CDR, CDT, CDX, etc.). If you use Corel, please export to one of the formats noted above.
When do I pay for my design work? Is an initial down payment required?
A: We require a 50% down payment up front in conjunction with contract signing. This payment is non-refundable. The balance is due within 15 days of project acceptance.
How long will it take to complete my web site project?
A: This will vary from project to project. Some projects are finished within several weeks. Other projects can take four or five months. Factors include the size and or complexity of the web site; speed of client communication and speed of delivered goods (copy, photos, etc.). On average, most web sites are completed between four to eight weeks.
Can Catamount maintain my web site once it goes live? How much do you charge for this service?
A: Yes we can! Catamount is committed to working with clients after the web site is goes online. We provide minor edits free of charge for a 30 day post production period to cover the “happy” to “glad” editing and the like. Beyond this period, changes will be billed at an hourly rate of $70. Maintenance contracts are also available if you need monthly updates. These typically start at $150 per month for up to three hours of web site upkeep. If your web site will need monthly updates, a maintenance contract would be a better option.
Does Catamount offer hosting plans? How much do you charge for this service?
A: Yes, Catamount offers several web hosting plans in conjunction with hosting companies. These hosting plans vary in cost as a function of your site requirements but generally run from $8 a month for a site with a small bandwidth requirement to $30 per month for a large business site with high traffic volume and bandwidth usage. These prices includes complete support and administration of your web site (including email setup, help and web site statistics). Most clients note that a turnkey approach to web design and hosting seems to work better for them.
We have an existing web site but it needs an overhaul. Do you do this?
A: We are well schooled in web design, layouts and coding to include HTML, CSS, php, asp.net and data base integration (mySQL). We can take your tired site and breathe new life into it!
Does Catamount offer logo design? What about Internet marketing?
A: We have extensive graphic design capabilities and can produce an attractive logo and similar branding products for you for very reasonable costs. We also offer professional and effective Internet marketing services to promote you web site and bring potential customers to your site
Who owns the project’s files once the job is complete?
A: With the exception of third party copyrighted materials (photos, music e.g., previously copyrighted materials employed on the site), you own the site and all its contents. We will provide a DVD with the site’s contents at your request at no charge following the job’s completion.