JM4

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: John McClouglin (owner, software consultant)

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: professional, honest, transparent, personal, friendly

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: A fair days pay for a fair days work means we can all sleep peacefully tonight.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: As relaxed as it gets. As long as the work gets done on time and to the clients expected standards then play time is any time.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: humour. There is always a joke going on but above all there is respect.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: With JM4 there is nothing hidden. We explain exactly how we operate and we always keep in mind that at the end of the day it is your website so it does not launch until you are completely happy. Our customers are usually surprised when we talk them out of expensive solutions, providing the same results a simpler way at a fraction of the cost.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Word of mouth, people talk. By working closely with our clients and delivering projects that exceed expectations our name gets around.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Liaise with the client and gather requirements > Prototype > Develop design from prototypes and time lines with Client > Get busy developing (client has access to development progress) > demo > Launch day > support

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: The ability to listen. Unfortunately too many companies think because they have been doing this for so long they know best. This leads them to tell their customers what they want. JM4 firmly believe that it is your site so it should look how you want it. Will will only ever give advice that you can ignore if you want.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: We do not start the development until the client is totally happy with the road we are going to take and all goals are realistic. As we heavily involve the customer at every stage of the process and even when we are developing, the client can check on the progress they can request "tweaks" to the project at any time. This way the client remains in control of their project.

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: Examples of previous work is all well and good but you need to ask some important questions. Who owns the code? Who owns the hosting/Domain? Who owns the CMS? if the answer to all these questions is not you then think again about using that company.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Still catering for the online needs of small businesses anywhere in the UK and keeping our principles at the centre of the business.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Unfortunately the web design pool is filling up with sharks. Too many companies who would rather exploit small businesses rather than help them grow. Many web companies are pushing their clients into taking on SEO services which many small companies just don't have the resources to fund.

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

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: It is made up of my initials and I am a 4th generation John in my family.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Keep your site clean and simple and whatever you do don't get swallowed up by the marketing (SEO) companies, they will cost you a fortune.