Ask a Website Design Company ^BETA

4 March 2009
Hi Fred,

Your story is all too common, it seems that just about everyone decides they are a web developer because the can rent server space and have access to a couple of tools that allow them to post items on the internet.

Sadly, this gives web developers in general a very bad name and leaves many people unwilling to speak with knowledgeable web developers because of time and money already invested in projects.

So, while I do applaud your statement about being a designer and not a web developer, I would add that your question regarding looking for a quick solution on, "How To", is a little more difficult that is may sound. It would be very much like someone coming to you and saying, "I have purchased PhotoShop, can you quickly show me how to use the program to produce quality graphics?"

I am certainly not criticizing you, so please don't take it that way, but as in the previous answer you received, your best bet would be to interview other developers and see what they may be able to do with your designs, or see if they are willing to train you.

There are a multitude of great resources on the internet, and some really great books available that cover many of the important aspects of good web design such as:

CSS
Usability
Accessibility
Web Standards
508 Compliance
Code Validation

I sincerely wish you all the best, and know that there are many talented web developers on this site, and more than likely some hidden talent you can find locally. Before you pay anyone else though, do take the time to interview them, if they can't explain things in a way that you understand, or do not have references and or a portfolio, simply move on to the next company and try there.

I know that may not be the best answer for your plea for help, but it is an honest assessment, and one that I am confident that you understand.

Very best regards,
Mark Cloyd

11 March 2009
Hi Fred

I've only just seen your question, so not sure if you have resolved this by now.

If not, I'd be happy to take a look at your files/designs for you. As Mark says above, it's not an easy thing to teach and if you are pushed for time it will be more worth your while having someone do it for you!

If you want to email me your designs as .TIF files please, and your HTML pages as you have them I can either make a quick fix (and tell you what I did), or if it's more complex give you a cost for the build.

Kind regards

Emma
Clarified Web Design
emma@clarifiedweb.co.uk

23 March 2009
I don't know if this is exactly what you're looking for, but I came across it by accident one day: http://www.intersquash.com/ it converts your website into a version viewable on iPhone.

30 March 2009
Hi Fred,

Not sure where you are now as this thread is a few weeks old but;

Have you thought about removing some of the developer process form the loop?
If the site is going to be updated a lot, why not look into a Content mangement system (CMS) to run th esite for you.

You would still need to get the design put onto the CMS, but the cost would be less, once it's done you update the site yourself, no developer needed.

There are loads of free opensource CMS platforms about, drupal, joomla etc

cheers,
craig

31 March 2009
Hi Fred,

I think your best solution here is to look around for another web developer, one that can take all of the worry out of this for you and come up with the solution you are seeking.

You should never have had to be placed in this position in the first place so I think you may have inadvertently gone to the wrong developer in the first instance. There are a great many web developers offering their services within this web directory so I am sure that you can easily get this problem resolved without it costing you an arm and a leg if you contact the right developer.

Regards,

Tony Green
Webography.

18 May 2009
I have to agree with those who said that just a quick basic overview of XHTML/CSS is really not an easy task in a few paragraphs.

As much as it claims to be, DreamWeaver really isn't an easy WYSIWYG program, and without knowing the basics of the code, it's not really a quick thing to just plunk an image file into it and turn it into a fully functioning website.

If you're really in love with your design, there are companies that offer slicing services, who will take your Illustrator file and cut it up and turn it into a website for you. Many offer a quick turn around and a fairly affordable rate. You can find a company that will do it by doing a search for PSD to HTML or PSD slicing. (Or send it to me. ;) )

And, as was suggested above, you may want to look into a CMS like WordPress, Expression Engine or Joomla, which will let you manage the content on your own.

I hope that helps. :)

Laurie
Elle Media

31 May 2009
Hi,

As many others have already said, learning HTML and CSS is a lengthy process, something which your first web design company obviously didnt undertake!

If your still struggling with this problem I might be able to help. If your interested I would be happy to help mentor you whilst you build your site, for example looking over your code when you get stuck or even explaining the best way to go about things should you need it. I wouldn't expect a fee for this as this is how I learnt myself and it would be nice to do the same for someone else! I can't promise you'll be hand coding websites within a week but hopefully you might find this useful.

If this sounds of interest to you feel free to contact me,
James