Hidden Depth

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Dave Freelance Web Designer

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Getting People Noticed Online

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: Go that extra mile for people. Quality and service are top of my list. Every project is treated individually. It has to be something I am proud of but also something that the users of the site will like and find easy to use as they are the most important people.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: I have a home office so tend to work more than I should. Simple setup. 2 macs, 3 monitors, graphics tablet, a PC for testing, an iPad for meetings, a desk, filing cabinet, whiteboard, not much else needed.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: I deal with a number or other contract services for my clients like printers and web developers for more complex projects.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: I understand the website is not going to be designed how I want it to look. The site is always about who will use it. I put myself into the mindset of the site user and design a site they will find easy to use and appealing. I listen to the client to understand their business and who they are trying to appeal to with the website and what the end goal is.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: recommendations and through my website

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: • a simple web requirements form is sent to fill out. this gives me a general overview of the type of project required. • usually a face to face meeting (or phone call) to better understand why the client wants a website and what the goals are. The face to face also helps us to see how we gel. • a quote is sent • mockups of proposed site • amendments • site coded and put onto live testing server for approval • site goes live

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: honesty. If I can't do something or don't know the answer I will say so. The more honest we are with each other the less friction there will be as everything gets ironed out before it grows into an issue

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: Clear agreed guidelines for us both to follow. I think most clients aren't demanding. It is usually their first web design project so they don't know the correct procedure or what to expect. Once clear guidelines are in place, a proper timetable for everyone to follow must be next. this way everyone knows their role and when they need to complete tasks.

Q: If a client was trying to decide between a shortlist of web design companies, how would you recommend they go about selecting the right one for them?
A: Talk to each in person. get a feel for the people who you are trusting with your image online. Tell them your needs and goals. do they listen and have ideas tailored to your needs? do they offer extra advise and ideas you may not have thought of? Also never judge them purely on price. Money will come and go but the quality or lack of will be on the internet forever.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: very busy. i hope. I hope to have a number of complimentary services to create a start to finish branding and promotional business for people who want to build memorable brands through quality design, good content and well thought out marketing strategy.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: at the heart of entertainment and interaction. television is moving onto the net. devices are getting small and wifi is growing. people use the web every single day now.

Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: Mac

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: after a lot of time scribbling and crossing ideas out. the name Hidden Depth really shows that everything I do has a lot of thought gone into it. there is always more than just one level to things. It is also something that mirrors my own resolve when it comes to business and how I feel to achieve success you need to have that extra something inside you. that depth of character.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Content. Content. Content dont neglect your websites content. make sure it entices and captivates people. A web designer will make your site look great but that won't make your content better. once people see a well designed professional looking site they will then read your content. the content must also be well thought out and have a purpose. this will in turn compliment your design and help show your clients you care about what they read as well as what they see.