Hoona Designs

Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Jason McDonald - Owner

Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Affordable, stylish, hard-working, commited, friendly

Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: To help small businesses improve or kick start their online campaigns by offering stand-out, efficient and stylish websites. All at a competitive price and with a strong focus on customer service.

Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Well, I'm essentially freelance right now so it can be pretty quiet! But at least I get the work done with no distractions.

Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: I get on with myself pretty well, I hope!

Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: I just try to keep it personal. Make something the client wants rather than tweaking a template every time with a different company name and say 'Here you go'. I want to give each client something different and unique that expresses them and their work perfectly. Interaction with the client is important to me and I like to build up a strong relationship to bring out the best in both of us.

Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Email marketing, mail shot, word of mouth, recommendations. Hoping to starting a heavier online advertising campaign very soon.

Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: I stay in constant touch and listen carefully to the client. I'm well organised and set realistic finish times.

Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Listening! Very, very important. But also it's important to be honest at all times and show your enthusiasm for the project. Let that radiate out and create a great, friendly and relaxed working relationship.

Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: Fortunately I haven't had anything too demanding yet. Patience is a virtue, as they say. Try to remain calm, listen and carefully offer the right advice. Try to reassure the client you have the relevant experience and explain you have their best interests at heart. There is always an answer if you look hard enough.

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: That's easy, I would say choose me!

Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: I would like to take it as far as I can. I would love to see it grow and grow and be in a position of having more staff and a larger presence. Anything is possible if you work hard for it.

Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: I can only see it going from strength to strength, just as it has done for the past 10 years.

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 a very long story! Essentially it's a homage to my daughter and derives from a nickname I have for her.

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 it user friendly and simple. And make that first page grab their attention immediately.