Functional Website Creation

Types of WebSite

Simple

These are likely to have three to six pages. Although these sites will have limited content they will be based on the same technology as our most complex sites and capable of upgrading with additional features at a later date.

• Domain name(s)
• Unlimited E-mail addresses plus optional webmail
• Multipage website (e.g. Welcome, About, Products & Contact pages)
• Facility to add or edit your own content
• Optional: Business Card & Lettehead design
  
• Optional: Capped pay-per-click internet advertising

Suitable for new businesses on a low budget and without an existing turnover.

Content Rich

All the features of "Simple" websites plus various optional items:-

• Editing, cropping & enhancement of photographs
• Creation of animations and other media such as before-after animations (e.g. see Landscaping )
• Picture gallery
• Site search
  
• Email forms
  
• RSS News Feed output
  
• etc.
  

We reccomend this level for those trying to increase business and with an existing turn-over. We also strongly reccomend using the pay-per-click advertising as possibly best and most cost effect way of advertising.

EXAMPLE: www.RedwoodGardenServices.co.uk

Designer

When creating a distinctive image where impact is important:-

• Implimenting an precise design
• or, designing a new custom graphic concept.
• Combining print and electronic media into a distinctive identity
• Creating a distinctive and unique look and feel
• importantly not forgetting functionality and visitor experience

This site was around a pre-existing graphical concept which then had to be implimented and transformed into a working internet reality within a tight deadline.

Portal (community or business)

All the features of "Simple" websites plus various optional items to create an online interactive community where registered visitors create their own content:-

• Forums
• Chat rooms
• Site search
  
• Categorised content
• Site Editors
• News Feeds
• etc.

High Profile

Here it can become critically important that the site works fully on a wide range of computer and browser types. Extra attention has to be given to detail and maintenance. Plus there can be difficulties in transfering existing but incompatible content and informaton whilst ensuring that there is a smooth switch over between old and new systems.

eCommerce etc.

Extend your business into the online world. These are serious sites designed to earn money and involve a range of skills and technologies:-

• Arranging online Merchant Banking facilities
• On-line product database
• eCommerce on-line store
• Optional: Integration with your existing stock control system

ALT2 are historically "Application Integration" specialists for corporates and large organisation. We have been implimenting complex combinations of systems in novel ways for companies such as Unilever , National Grid and Barclaycard (please note that we have no involvement with these websites, but past involvement with these companies internal IT systems).

Getting Started

So you are interested, how do you start?

Contact us

Tel 01235 847040 and ask for John. We may agree with you to immediately purchase an internet address (domain name) to ensure it's availability to you.

Business Description

Understanding your business will allow us to create a internet presence that best reflects it and that will allow visitors to the site to develope confidence in it. Write down basic information about your business such as:-

• How it started
• History
• The owners
• What it does now
• List of satisfied clients
  
• Future plans
• Offices & staff

Existing Material

This can help jump start site content and supply us with required information:-

• Your letter-heads, business cards
• Advertising copy
• Price lists, brochures, menus etc.
• Any existing photographs related to your business

Gather Additional Material

This task should be an ongoing task best started as soon as possible but continuing even after the site is created. Some of this is best gathered as it happens, whether you are have a website or not:-

• Photos of your work, staff, premises, vans, signage etc.
• Obtain letters of reccomendation from your customers
• Take photos of work done (see "Photography tips")
• Ask suppliers for electronic promotional material (e.g. on CD or by email etc.) or even printed material.

Meet & Discuss

We suggest sending us your gathered material before a formal session but we are always willing to talk at any point to answer questions or queries.

Then by discussing directly we can get a true feel for what we can achieve for you and develope a picture of how to progress.

Agree General Direction

This might include:-

• Logo & imagery style
• Type of web-site & content
• Printed materials (e.g. letterheads & business cards)
• Time scale
• Support & update requirements
• Internet advertising & promotion plan
• Setup & monthly costs