How We Work

Getting Started

The heart and soul of any successful Web design is communication. So, first thing we do is talk—and most of all—listen. Whether we have a conference call with those supplying input from your end or just communicate via e-mail, we want to identify the purpose of your Web site. We need to know what you’re showcasing. Is it products, talent, a film, a service? Will this be a one-time informational site or will you be updating the site with new content on a regular basis? The more we know about you and your business, the better job we can do in making your site—and your business—truly shine.
Although each of our sites is unique and custom-designed for each client, if you’ve seen interesting special effects or features on another site, send us the links so we can see firsthand what you like and can create similar techniques for you.

The Quote

We operate on the philosophy of "no surprises." So that means once we see the list of pages your site will require, get a sense for the style and know what sort of features will be needed, we'll let you know the cost for the job—before any work begins. We do ask that you keep in mind one important factor: If you ask for additional pages once site construction begins, the cost may increase. That’s why planning ahead and understanding the needs required by everyone on your team is so critical.

Preparing the Content

Building a Web site is much like putting together an intricate puzzle. That means the best way for us to create the site you envision is by having all of the pieces of your site at one time—kind of like putting all of the puzzle pieces out on the table so you can sort them by colors, borders, pictures, etc. before you start trying to connect them into one finished puzzle. If you can give us a list of pages, the text, all of the photos, videos, MP3s and any other features you want to include all at once, it helps us get a clear vision of where everything needs to go and how it all fits. And, most important for you—it shortens the process of creating your site because we know time is valuable and we want to give you an outstanding site as quickly as possible.

However, we do understand that often you need a great Web site up and running while your venture is still taking off and you may not have all of the critical elements quite ready (press, photos, news, store links, etc.). If that's the case, rest easy because we’ll work with you and include a clause in the contract that states certain portions of the site will be added later after the site goes live. Bottom line: Giving you what you need when you need it.

The Free Sketch

With every single design we offer a free sketch. We'll build just the home page so you can get a feel for the vision we have in mind. If you have an idea of the style and color scheme you're after or fonts you want to use, that's a big help. But if you don't have specifics in mind, that’s okay too and we'll use our creativity to get the ball rolling. Once we’ve created this initial design, it’s your turn to tell us what works and doesn't work. We’ll even start over completely if necessary. When you’re satisfied with the design, we’ll take your down payment, get to work and before long your site will be finished and bringing you business. The point is, we want you to be 100 percent happy. Remember, communication keeps every aspect of the design process running smoothly so always let us know how we can give you the site you need and want.

The Contract

Once the sketch is designed and approved, two things happen. First, we prepare a site design contract that spells out the requirements in detail—the list of pages, the special effects, interactivity features—everything. We also detail the cost and payment plan. And this brings us to the second thing: the down payment. Once the sketch is finished and approved, a 50 percent down payment is required for us to complete the site design. The final payment is due after the site goes live. Remember that it's possible there will be pages to create later after the site goes live and we have received your final payment. In this case we will make a note of it in the contract.

Uploading the Site / Purchasing the Domain

For a Web site to be effective, it needs to be live and available for everyone to find. Makes sense, right? This brings us to the upload and the purchase of the domain name. If you already have a domain name and Web site hosting purchased, just send us the account access information. We are familiar with most major hosting companies and work with them frequently. If you don’t have a domain name yet, we will walk you through the entire process step by step, free of charge. Keep in mind the cost of the domain name and hosting goes to the hosting company—not Mazedude. Although we will help you get these set up, none of the costs are included as part of the design.

Updates

Some Web sites need them, some don't. If you do, there are two ways we can handle it.

First, let us handle all of the updates. We include two for free with each site design contract. If you provide us with new videos, several new photos, or an entirely new page all at once, that’s one update and you still have another update available at no charge. After that, we charge by the hour at $50/hour. This is the method we recommend if you’re rarely going to update your site or have remarkably complex content such as videos, photoshop elements, etc.

The other way is for us to build a custom control panel so you can update everything yourself. Such panels greatly add to the complexity and we definitely need to know if one is going to be required before we begin to build your site. Control panels also add to the cost, but can save you a lot in the long run if you're going to be doing a lot of updates. Whether it's news, text, music, photos, or even video, we can create the means for you to add them to the site all on your own. The control panel will then be password protected and placed at a hidden link so that only you have access to it.

SEO and Marketing

SEO is an important element for driving traffic to your site. We always include some basic SEO-friendly code with every design we create. We'll also give you instructions on how to do some additional marketing of your own if you like. And we’ll even provide some tips on how to get your ranking to climb over time. If you need additional marketing help, we’d be happy to refer you to some very experienced colleagues who specialize in SEO and Web site marketing.

That's It!

These have been the basics of how we work at Mazedude and how you can have a unique and powerful Web site up and running in two weeks. The next step is the best one: showing off your Web site and telling your friends and business associates. If you have any questions, send us an e-mail at production@mazedude.com and we’ll get right back to you.

Our goal is to give you a Web site you're proud to show others and that will promote you and your business in the best way possible. With Mazedude, your online presence will get you noticed. And isn’t that what a great site should do? Contact us—we'd love to get creative with you.

Who We Are
How We Work
Testimonials
Why Web Design?
References
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"My experience working with Christopher Getman was absolutely positive. I told him what I needed, gave him some pictures and sound files, and within a couple hours he had created the perfect website for me. Not only did he impress me with his extraordinary work ethic AND sense of style but with his sensitivity to my fastidious nature as well. Thank you Mazedude." - William Reyes William Reyes Guitar   "A true professional! We needed a simple and affordable yet professional website. We spoke to several designers and found Christopher to be the best match for us. He really listened to what we needed and prepared a site that was perfect for us and within our budget. We were very impressed with his quick turn around time as well as his ability to communicate and corresponde via email. He made us very happy customers." - Helen Schureman Centerline Design

"Christopher introduced himself to L'Adour through an e-mail, stating that he was looking for a nice French restaurant to take his wife to. He then went on to comment about our website, which he said , "It could be a lot better... much more modern, sleek and stylized".
His timing couldn't have been more perfect! Little did he know that I was searching for a person who could work some "Flash" magic, and that I had not found anyone anywhere near the level of his skills and talent.
It was a tough job, mainly because I needed to change to Flash while keeping the integrity of the original design, and I needed to be able to post changes on a moment's notice.
Working with Christopher was a dream. He's an A-list professional and I expect his sites will soon be winning awards. He has an extraordinary gift for service in the name of aesthetics, and as an artistic human being he's a pleasure to work with.
I recommend Mazedude Productions for anyone and everyone and I promise - you will be pleased!"

- Denise Marie Cronin
L'Dour Restaurant