Caniwi Design

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Dulcie Beatt, Director

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Friendly, Listens, Effective, Creative, Efficient

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: To really listen to the client so we can ensure that their website looks like they want it to and meets the needs of their company, their clients and prospective clients. Keeping sites easy to update is very important to us in order that maintenance is cost effective for the client with content updates or new design ideas being easy to implement.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Professional, friendly and caring

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: Very well, open communication being key

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: I see function as being so critical for an effective site. While the design side is my absolute favourite part of the job, a site has to be a lot more that just great looking. It has to be easy to use, it has to answer the questions of the site's audience, it has to load quickly, it has to work on different platforms, it has to also be an effective tool for the company and it has to be easily searchable for search engines. Combining design and function effectively is how I see my company being different. Ensuring function and design is also geared to the intended audience of the site is also a specialty.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Client referrals

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Free initial consultation, estimate, design sketches & review, design coded into website and tested, content added and reviewed, approval, site goes live

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Trust and communication. This is achieved by getting to know what the client wants and then delivering on what you've said you'll do for them. Clearly outlining expectations, realistic goals and possible pitfalls is key.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: Demanding is fine. If a client really knows what they want then this helps get the best end result. I like to let the client know the full costs and implications of what they want before a project starts so they can fine tune their requirements and wish list with their budget. If a client is unhappy at any stage of the process, I like to find out the problem and work with the client to find a solution that works for both of us.

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: I would suggest meeting with the firms to see if the personalities and philosophy of the web firm was a good match with their own company. Price is only one factor. Being able to work with someone who you trust and feel comfortable with is so crucial when you're wanting to discuss your company's needs, target market, growth strategies etc. If you feel truly listened to and that the design company really knows what your firm is about and what you're after, you'll be happier with your decision and the end result.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: I want to continue designing and developing functional sites that work well for my clients. I enjoy the one-on-one work with companies to create a site that really works for them and their user base. Incorporating new technologies along the way, as the web advances, is also an interest.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: As the speed of the internet becomes faster and faster I see a lot more interactive and real time elements being added. This could change how customer service is provided and also how people work. Company websites will always have the marketing angle, but they might also become a lot more a part of a company's work process then they are typically used for now.

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

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: It is a combination between Canuck and Kiwi. My husband is a Canadian and I am a New Zealander, although I grew up in Canada. We moved to New Zealand after we were married and, after 12 years working in NZ, we felt we wanted to come home to Canada. The combined name of Caniwi represents our love of both Canada and New Zealand.

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! Users are coming to your site for information so supply good quality info about what you do and how this can help them. Make sure the fundamental questions users need answering about your company are answered. Keep how to contact you obvious and give FULL contact info including address, phone, fax, email and opening hours as this helps legitimise your company.