Who we are at Upnorthwebs
Really, the design of a web site comes from everyone involved in the project, including the client, but in this instance we are talking about the 'graphic' design team whom are often responsible for the overall 'look' of the site and functionality within the main menu and other sections of the site.
More and more of our sites are becoming 'database driven'. What this means is that any site that has interactive features, such as self-maintenance, e-commerce, events calendars, newsletters, etc. are scripted using a type of programming called PHP. This form of scripting uses what's known as MySQL databases to store and control the data that is being generated by the visitor of the site. Upnorthwebs is fortunate to have one of the best PHP/MySQL programmers in Ontario on their team. Their motto is 'nothing is impossible'. They have proven this over and over again in some of the most complex searching database projects on the web.
The Upnorthwebs team optimizes the design and development process of each project, while keeping these professional services at a reasonable rate.
Process
We believe that asking questions and listening is the only way to identify a solution to fit your needs.
The image you wish to portray to the world begins to take form with your selection of style, layout, company identity, and the written message. In a world that values appearances this selection process is essential. Upnorthwebs will guide and direct you towards an appropriate company identity that will reflect your goals and your budget.
Once the initial requirements of the site are discussed, and an understanding of the main sections are established, then we have the basis for the "site map". From this, an estimate for the site can be derived, and production can begin. Our customers are also required to make a deposit towards the production at this point.
The first stage of development is always the graphics, or cosmetics of the site. How will it look, respond and navigate? Preliminary work is done on the logo as a starting point. Whether our client has an existing logo, or we have to create one from scratch, there is work to be done to make the logo "web ready". This often includes embellishment to existing logos as many of them are designed for one or two colour printing. The web is full colour, jump off the screen, catch your attention territory. Even a company logo must adapt to this new media. The logo is then sent online to our customer for approval or modification suggestions. When the logo is approved, the artist can continue designing custom navigation menus, backgrounds, titles, etc. based on the look, feel and colours of the logo.
After the menus and other graphics have been created for the main page, an additional page or two will also be created to allow our customer to see how the site navigates from page to page. After the customer approves the "site look" and overall layout, the web team dives into the "meat" of the site... the content. In some cases, where database, research, photography and other specialty services are required, this will be tackled first. The scripting of the html pages is usually done simultaneously to this, as forms are created for database connectivity, etc.
The customer's input in this part of the development process is critical. Nobody knows your business or products like you do. The more information you can provide the better. Photos, maps, text content, brochures, logos, etc. are all requirements for most sites. In some cases we develop all areas of the site including research, photography, etc. but we still like to obtain as much information from our customers as possible.
Once the site development is completed and tested, it is ready for uploading to it's own domain and hopefully promoted. Some customers choose to promote their sites themselves, and this can sometimes limit the "hit" results. Upnorthwebs is set up to do search engine optimization and banner advertising, which all help to increase the number of hits to a site.
Clients
At Upnorthwebs, our clients are 'everything'. Obviously without them we wouldn't have a business, but most of all, without their continued support and praise, we wouldn't enjoy what we do as much as we do.
- 1. Youth Science Canada Invent the future! an online social networking website for canadian students, teachers and mentors.
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2. Madawaska Valley Township Over the past 10 years we have been specializing in creating self maintainable municipal websites that allow staff member so easily add, documents, text, images and more.