Ten-Point Checklist to Discover if I'm What You Need…
Before you hire someone, you should well aware of what you need.
When you buy a car, you don’t go out and evaluate every model available. You have an idea of what you want (size, economy, reliability, style, etc) and make your selection from a shortlist of possibilities.
It should be the same when hiring someone to create your online presence.
Here’s a ten-point checklist. If you find that I meet your needs, then I’ll be glad to take on your project.
1. If You Need a Website…
I create websites. But, I specialise in creating custom websites for small businesses. Good examples might include any tradesperson, construction business, family run shops, creative individuals (like photographers, artists, etc), charities, churches, and more.
No job is too small. If you’re in doubt, just ask.
2. If You Need An Enduring Design…
In design, there are always going to be certain trends which develop. It is my belief that these trends should be followed very cautiously.
It is not my desire to have you return to me in 12 months because your site looks dated. I therefore reserve the right to share my opinion, when I have reason to believe your suggestions may damage the ‘timelessness’ of your website.
Your website is a long-lasting investment, and I see it as my duty to contribute a durable design.
3. If You Need an Identity…
Identities are not always required, but they can contribute to a professional image.
If you need a logo/logotype, I can provide that for you. Again, I favour enduring, simple logos over complicated designs which are difficult to reproduce in monochrome, or at small sizes.
4. If You Need the Website to be Search Engine Friendly…
I don’t just make pretty websites. I use class leading code on which to build your website, so that there is no hindrance to your search engine rankings.
This is part of the reason I avoid Flash. Sure, it can look pretty, but pretty is no good if the search engines can’t crawl your website effectively, and rank you properly.
5. If You Need the Website to be Easy to Update…
Some web designers like to maintain total control of your site. They do that by making it difficult to update the content, so you’re held to ransom while they charge you their hourly fee for simple updates.
I don’t. Though you may not need to update your website, I create it on an industry-leading platform which allows you the freedom to update details on your site with relative ease.
6. If You Need Advice on How to Rank High in the Search Engines…
I like to work with people who have a desire to rank highly in the search engines. That way, the website is used to its full potential.
If you have this desire but are not sure of what to do, I can help. I offer easy-to-follow customised strategies to help drive you higher in the search engines.
7. If You Need a Dedicated Individual…
If you’d rather work with a stuffy design firm, then you’re in the wrong place.
I don’t have a rented office with high rates, payroll pressures, and other time-consuming and life-draining stresses. My studio is at home, where I work in a relaxed environment with my wife who brings me cups of tea as I work 
8. If You Need to Know Who You Are Working With…
You hire a design firm, but do you really know who you’re working with? Who is ‘Bob, Junior Design Director’? Does he have a website? Will he give you his mobile phone number? Do you know what work he has done?
With me, you’ll know who you’re working with. If you’re in Northern Ireland, I’ll meet with you. If you’re anywhere in the UK, I’ll give you my mobile number. If you’re anywhere in the world, you can chat with me via Instant Messenger, Skype, or whatever is convenient to you.
9. If You Need Someone to Hold Your Hand…
I can guide you every step of the way. If you’ve never bought a domain name, I can help. If you don’t have a web host, I can advise. If you’re wanting to experiment with different avenues of traffic generation, I can give guidance.
10. If You Need a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee…
If you’re not happy, neither am I. For 30 days after project completion, I’m available to help iron out any website issues you may discover.
You can’t afford to have a mediocre website, and I can’t afford to have an unsatisfied client.