Artisan Websites

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Tracey, Manager

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Friendly, Professional, Communicative, Speedy, Cheerful

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: We aim to produce websites that give the customer what they want and which help to increase their business. To this end our sites our designed to be quick to load, easy to navigate and look professional. We also aim to service our clients as quickly as possible and answer emails usually within hours if not immediately

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Working from a home office means we keep our costs down for our clients. It also means we're not far away if any support is needed out of hours.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: Myself and the web developer work side-by-side so communication is very quick and we can work out what is needed on a project very easily. We also use the services of a graphic designer and he is always at the end of a phone as needed.

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: As we are a small company the customer can deal directly with me and the web developer which provides a more personal relationship than with a larger company that employs many designers. There is also little administration involved in getting the work done - no need to log requests and be put on a schedule for your updates - just send us an email with your updates and they will get done, often within 24 hours!

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: The majority of our work comes from recommendations from our existing clients. We aim to produce a good service which others are happy to recommend. Other than that we get business from general internet enquiries where people have found our work through search engines. We use Google AdWords from time to time and we are also on LinkedIn and have a Facebook page which is linked to Twitter. When a job is completed we usually promote it through one or all of these media to spread the word!

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: After the client contacts us, either by phone or email, we like to receive from them any ideas they have as to how the website should look. If they have sites that they like the look of then we also take a look at these. This way we have some common ground to start from. From this we design the site and present a test page for the client to view. When they are happy with this then the rest of the site is built. Most of the time we get it right first time, with possibly a few tweaks here and there. We want you to be happy with your website so communication is key!

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Good communication. It is also important that this is put in writing which means no misunderstandings can occur and nothing gets forgotten. Speed of service and attention to detail is also appreciated by our clients. It's also good to go beyond the basic service and really take care to ensure the client is happy with everything.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: By good communication and keeping things in writing.

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: By looking at the portfolio of the design company you can see if their type of websites suit what you have in mind. If they don't it is unlikely you will get exactly what you want. Price can be a consideration as well as service so a look at any customer testimonials is a good idea.

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: Making bigger and better websites or some other virtual reality activity!

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: As companies have become more reliant on websites like never before I think the web design industry will grow. Those who aren't professional web designers will fall by the wayside along with those who provide bad service. New companies are emerging all the time and requirements for existing companies change so there will always be a need for a website designer.

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

Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: It's based on the word Artisan which means a skilled worker who practices some kind of handicraft. The word has creative connotations and was thus chosen along with the word websites to let people know we're in the website business.

Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Advertise your website on business cards, letterheads, local magazines - people need to know it's there and you can't just rely on the search engines