1. How much does a web site design cost?
Great Lakes Consulting specializes in custom web site design and
development. Each project is quoted individually based on your
company's needs, goals, and vision. Because each web site is
custom designed to fit a clients specific needs prices vary.
Our Web
Design section gives a general idea of pricing.
Return to
top »
2. I don't know anything about web site design
and development, what is the process?
Customer service is priority at Great Lakes Consulting. We will walk you through the process
step by step. Below is a general guideline of the process.
- A meeting either by phone or face to face to determine
the requirements of the project and to map out a web site
development plan.
- A formal proposal is presented for review. Upon
acceptance of proposal a 50% deposit is required to begin
work. Depending on size of project 1/3 payments are
sometimes set.
- You have homework! To start the design of your web site
we ask that you look at web sites and provide us with the
web site addresses of the sites you like different aspects
of. This process gives us a good idea of what you are
visualizing and the style you desire for your web sites
overall look and feel. You will also need to pull together
the content and verbiage you want for your web site. If help
is needed to write the content of your site we offer content
writing services as well.
- A design concept is presented for your approval. Once
the design is approved the building of your web site begins!
Completed pages are submitted for your review. Once the
entire site is completed we walk through the web site with
you. Once final approval is given by you the final payment
balance is due and we push your web site live on the
internet!
Working together is crucial in providing a finished product
that exceeds your expectations getting your web site completed
in the time frame agreed upon.
Return to
top »
3. Can I maintain my own web site?
We offer e-commerce solutions that allow you to add, modify,
and delete your own items as well as maintain the content on
designated pages. For all other web site maintenance needs we
provide Web Master services.
Return to
top »
4. I have some experience with FrontPage, can
I maintain my site myself?
Our web sites are compatible with FrontPage and in most
cases you can maintain your web site using FrontPage. We offer hosting packages that includes
FrontPage extensions.
Return to
top »
5. Do you offer web site maintenance
services?
Yes, we offer Web Master services. Our Web Master services
are billed by the hour or we offer maintenance packages to fit
your web site maintenance needs.
Return to
top »
6. How long will it take to design my web
site?
Our formal proposal includes a time frame to complete your
site. However, meeting the determined deadline also depends on
you. Providing all the content needed for the web site up
front and quick response on requested approvals is crucial to
completing your web site within the time frame agreed upon.
Typically a web site will take 1-2 weeks to complete. Time
varies depending on size of web site and development
requirements.
Return to
top »
7. Why are template designs cheaper than
Great Lakes Consulting custom web site designs?
Template designs are premade designs that are sold over and
over. Although they are an inexpensive alternative to a custom
web site design they also have limitations and disadvantages.
See the table below comparing some of the advantages and
disadvantages of a template web site design vs a custom web
site design.
| Custom Web Site Design |
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Your web site is unique
Your web site is created
to fit YOUR needs
Fully expandable
You own your
web site
|
Start up costs are higher
Self
maintenance has limitations
|
| Template Web Site
Design |
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Start up cost is lower
Self Maintenance less
limited
User friendly
Good for start up
businesses |
Your web site is like others
Canned
solution
Web site cannot grow with you
Contracts
& monthly fees usually apply
You do not own the
web site |
Return to
top »
8. Can I start off with a small web site and
expand upon it as my needs grow?
Yes, your web site can be designed in a "phased" approach
growing as you grow and your budget grows. Great Lakes Consulting
will be there with you every step of the way.
Return to
top »
9. Do I own the web site when it is done?
Yes, after final payment is made you own all graphics and
files associated with the web site. Great Lakes Consulting will
provide you a CD containing all web site files at any time
upon request. The web site design created for you cannot be
re-sold to anyone else.
Return to
top »
10. How much input do I have in the web site
design process?
Your input in the web site design process is encouraged. We
will guide you and make suggestions based on our
expertise.
Return to
top »
11. How long have you been doing web site
design and development?
We have been doing web site design since 1999. The
Great Lakes Consulting team has over 15 years of combined experience
in web site design and development.
Return to
top »
12. How long has Great Lakes Consulting been in
business?
Great Lakes Consulting has been
doing business in Chicago, Illinois since 2003.
Return to
top »
13. Do you have references?
Yes, we will provide references upon request. Our business
is based off of word of mouth and referred clients count as a
large percentage of our business.
Return to
top »
14. Do you have samples of web sites you have
designed?
Yes, please see our Web
Site Design Portfolio to see some of our latest and past
projects.
Return to
top »
15. I don't see an answer to my question
here.
Please Contact
Us directly and we will be happy to answer any questions
you have. |
