Contact Details
Name: John Maxwell
Tel: 07446 902113
Email: max@thepigfarmer.com
Website: http://www.thepigfarmer.co.uk/
Address: Lace Cottage, Westleigh EX16 7HS Tiverton
The Pig Farmer Designs
30 Clients & Projects 29 Reviews
4.7 Stars | Write Review
The Pig Farmer Designs is a brand of John Maxwell Ltd
Languages Spoken: English
Employees: 1-5 Established: 2004 Joined: 2007
Latest Work
The Pig Farmer Designs are a small but perfectly formed company based in Devon who pride themselves on customer service that is bordering on pampering! We are developing a niche for designers and fellow creative types but are happy to work with anyone who appreciates quality and attention to detail.
Industry Sectors
Manufacturers & Engineers, Automotive, Consumer Services, Not for profit / Charity, Building & Construction, Retail, Professional Services, Sports & Leisure, Health & Beauty, Tourism & Travel, Food & DrinkTends to work with
Entrepreneur, Private Company, Non-profit Organisation, Startup, Small-Medium Enterprise (SME), Public SectorGeneral location of clients:
UK, Middle East & EuropeContent Management System:
Based on FCK Editor and designed from ground up each time, tailored to the website's needs and with the same branding and styling. Also use Wordpress off the shelf.We Recommend:
Accountant: Tempo AccountingLawyer: Ashfords Solicitors
Printer: printing.com
Hosting company: 123-reg.co.uk
Recent Projects
-
RocUp Holidays
http://rocup.uk
Bonita Norris & Robin O'Leary have set up a truly unique holidaying experience in Kalymnos for anyone that loves climbing. Read More -
The Posh Kebab Company
http://posh-kebab.co.uk
Partridge Farm in Tiverton are already a client, but they wanted a website to show off their new, high quality street food venture - The Posh Kebab Company. Read More -
Eve Copper
http://EveCopper.co.uk
Eve Copper is a talented fashion designer who wanted a website to show off her latest collection. Read More
Recent Reviews
-
Reviewed on 20 May, 2015
Max has the patient of a saint!!! hes built 2 fabulous websites for us and we would recommend his services highly. He is nothing but helpful, patient and has fabulous advice and ideas. Max is willing to listen and took onboard any... Read More
Hannah Mary Nobbs
— The Posh Kebab Company -
Reviewed on 28 Mar, 2014
Finding someone to give my Fashion Design Website an elegant, yet unobtrusive edge was looking a little tricky in Devon, until I stumbled upon the Pig Farmer.
I'm a complete Techno-tard with no idea how or what I wanted from my ... Read More
Eve Jones
— Eve Copper -
Reviewed on 14 Feb, 2014
John Maxwell from Pig Farmer Designs is an absolute star!! From start to finish he has been incredibly supportive and achieved everything we wanted for our website and more! He is very professional and prompt and has given us 1st ... Read More
Hannah Mary Nobbs
— Partridge farm Meats
Interview
Q : Describe your company in 5 words.
A : young, free, intelligent, design led
Q : Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A : In 10 years I would like to be in a large studio in Devon providing workspace to young and aspiring designers. I see a lively, cosmopolitan, busy interchange where a colourful collection of freelancers working together on exciting projects.
Q : How was your company name chosen?
A : Well, it is unique and people never forget it - so also handy as a handle for things like FB and Twitter etc. But I also harbour dreams to one day have a studio with a small holding and my very own pigs down here in the beautiful Devon countryside.
Articles
Social Networks and your business
I wrote this a year or so ago and will be following it up soon. It is a brief intro into how to use social media sparingly, and intelligently. I also cover the concept of SMO.
RocUp Holidays
Bonita Norris & Robin O'Leary have set up a truly unique holidaying experience in Kalymnos for anyone that loves climbing.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | E-commerce |
| Organisation category: | Startup |
| Industry: | Tourism & Travel |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress & Woo Commerce |
| Online Payment System: | YEs, SAGE Pay Form |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, XML, (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | April 2015 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding, Social Media
The Posh Kebab Company
Partridge Farm in Tiverton are already a client, but they wanted a website to show off their new, high quality street food venture - The Posh Kebab Company.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Food & Drink |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | March 2015 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding, Social Media
Clients Review
20 May 2015
Reviewed by Hannah Mary Nobbs
— The Posh Kebab Company
Max has the patient of a saint!!! hes built 2 fabulous websites for us and we would recommend his services highly. He is nothing but helpful, patient and has fabulous advice and ideas. Max is willing to listen and took onboard any specifications we asked for and when we were unsure about something he explained it thoroughly or came up with alternative ideas. We are very pleased with the final website and wouldnt hesitate to recommend The Pig Farmer Designs to anybody wanting a website built for them.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Many thanks Hannah, as always - a pleasure to work with you both and the fantastic images made my job easier!
Eve Copper
Eve Copper is a talented fashion designer who wanted a website to show off her latest collection.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Retail |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, CSS |
| Completion date: | March 2014 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding, Social Media
Clients Review
28 March 2014
Reviewed by Eve Jones
— Eve Copper
Finding someone to give my Fashion Design Website an elegant, yet unobtrusive edge was looking a little tricky in Devon, until I stumbled upon the Pig Farmer.
I'm a complete Techno-tard with no idea how or what I wanted from my website, and was under a time constraint to get something together for the launch of my new collection. Luckily my lack of Industry terms (refering to icons as squiggly thingies) did not phase Max, who took time to understand what I was looking for, and focus my ideas in to a practical vision. He also used his considerable expertise in the area to create something that would work on touch screens (extremely important in retail) and something I had not even considered.
This vision was developed really quickly, with a significant amount of hand holding, and free insight to web marketing from launch. Artistically speaking I think I only contributed the accent colour, the rest was perfect from inception.
I have nothing but praise for every aspect of the Pig Farmers work. The final outcome exceeds all my expectations.The website is stylish, offering an elegant backdrop which makes my designs look incredible. It's intuitive, easy to navigate, and super modern. I've had so much positive feedback for the site, and to say that it has transformed my business would be putting it lightly.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Thank you Eve, I look forward to working closely with you and adding new collections to the website as your company grows. Good luck!
Partridge Farm Tiverton
Partridge Farm breed, farm and butcher rare breed cattle and they wanted a new website to show off their fabulous awards - to include a shop through which to buy their meat.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | E-commerce |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Food & Drink |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | Paypal |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP |
| Completion date: | October 2013 |
Services provided
Branding, Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Social Media
Clients Review
14 February 2014
http://www.partridgefarmtiverton.com
Reviewed by Hannah Mary Nobbs
— Partridge farm Meats
John Maxwell from Pig Farmer Designs is an absolute star!! From start to finish he has been incredibly supportive and achieved everything we wanted for our website and more! He is very professional and prompt and has given us 1st star service. I was able to put my complete trust in him.
We are extremely happy with our new site, and have had so many lovely positive comments from our customers.
I would thoroughly recommend John Maxwell from The Pig Farmer Designs any-day for his conscientious work ethic, friendly advice & help he has given us. No job is too big or too small.
He communicates well, kept us constantly informed of how the website build was going answered any queries we had straight away & is always very supportive on the phone and has also been out to visit us on a few occasions.
JMC Recycling Ltd
JMC Recycling are the UK's #1 manufacturer of Metal Recycling Equipment and they needed to update and modernise their web presence.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | Private Company |
| Industry: | Manufacturers & Engineers |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress 3.5.1 |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | August 2013 |
Services provided
Online Marketing, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Social Media
Bespoke Installations SW Ltd
The very 1st site I created back in 2004 was for Michael Blake, and we have this month replaced it with a brand new, responsive wordpress build and new branding to boot. Michael is a custom installer and needs to stay abreast of technology and all platforms.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Building & Construction |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress + Avada theme |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | April 2013 |
Services provided
Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Online Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Social Media
Clients Review
28 February 2007
Reviewed by Michael Blake
— Bespoke Installations
Excellent design with good interpretation of ideas and creation of content.
Always attentive with excellent customer service. Highly recommended!!!
Fancy's Cottage
Fancy's cottage is a holiday cottage in Dartmouth owned by Vicky Maxwell. Vicky wanted to have a website to show off her beautiful cottage and allow people to check it's availability and make bookings/enquiries.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Tourism & Travel |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | March 2013 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding
The Ash Stud
A small, high quality Horse Stud based in Devon. Need a website to showcase their outstanding horses, and give news updates on them. Fully responsive.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Professional Services |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, JavaScript, (X)HTML, CSS |
| Completion date: | June 2012 |
Services provided
Hosting, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding
Clients Review
5 November 2012
Reviewed by Jana Khayat
— The Ash Stud
We have a small stud in North Devon breeding very good quality Show jumpers with world class bloodlines. I was looking for a web designer who would understand what we are trying to achieve and who could produce a beautiful website quite unlike others in the industry . I don't think Max knew a great deal about horses before he started on this project but he grasped the brief immediately and has designed a site which has generated an enormous amount of positive feedback. He was a joy to work with and though we only met face to face once, he was always at the end of the phone line and without any problems or misunderstandings has produced something quite special for us. Max continues to manage the site for us updating it approximately every 3 months. Thank you Max!
The Car Concierge
David Dann is a Car Concierge covering Surrey and Berkshire.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Content Managed |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Automotive |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | April 2012 |
Services provided
Branding, Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Mobile application development , Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Clients Review
27 May 2012
http://www.the-car-concierge.co.uk
Reviewed by David Dann
— Car Concierge Ltd
Wow, A first class looking site, Very impressed with the colours, navigation is easy with a fluid feel to it. the most impressive part is every aspect of the planning brief has been achieved and surpassed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kept informed very well. I am totally happy with all aspects from start to finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pete Turner
Pete Turner is a builder specialising in new builds, renovations and barn conversions - but it didn't take me too long to realise that he was a little bit more than that. Within a short while of knowing Pete I just knew that I was going to enjoy creating this website.
Technical specification
| Languages: | English |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Private Company |
| Industry: | Building & Construction |
| Content managed (CMS): | No |
| CMS Description: | N/A |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 3 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript |
| Completion date: | November 2011 |
Services provided
Branding, Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Mobile application development , Online Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Average Ratings
Client Reviews
20 May 2015
Reviewed by Hannah Mary Nobbs
— The Posh Kebab Company
Max has the patient of a saint!!! hes built 2 fabulous websites for us and we would recommend his services highly. He is nothing but helpful, patient and has fabulous advice and ideas. Max is willing to listen and took onboard any specifications we asked for and when we were unsure about something he explained it thoroughly or came up with alternative ideas. We are very pleased with the final website and wouldnt hesitate to recommend The Pig Farmer Designs to anybody wanting a website built for them.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Many thanks Hannah, as always - a pleasure to work with you both and the fantastic images made my job easier!
The Posh Kebab Company
Partridge Farm in Tiverton are already a client, but they wanted a website to show off their new, high quality street food venture - The Posh Kebab Company.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Food & Drink |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL |
| Completion date: | March 2015 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding, Social Media
28 March 2014
Reviewed by Eve Jones
— Eve Copper
Finding someone to give my Fashion Design Website an elegant, yet unobtrusive edge was looking a little tricky in Devon, until I stumbled upon the Pig Farmer.
I'm a complete Techno-tard with no idea how or what I wanted from my website, and was under a time constraint to get something together for the launch of my new collection. Luckily my lack of Industry terms (refering to icons as squiggly thingies) did not phase Max, who took time to understand what I was looking for, and focus my ideas in to a practical vision. He also used his considerable expertise in the area to create something that would work on touch screens (extremely important in retail) and something I had not even considered.
This vision was developed really quickly, with a significant amount of hand holding, and free insight to web marketing from launch. Artistically speaking I think I only contributed the accent colour, the rest was perfect from inception.
I have nothing but praise for every aspect of the Pig Farmers work. The final outcome exceeds all my expectations.The website is stylish, offering an elegant backdrop which makes my designs look incredible. It's intuitive, easy to navigate, and super modern. I've had so much positive feedback for the site, and to say that it has transformed my business would be putting it lightly.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Thank you Eve, I look forward to working closely with you and adding new collections to the website as your company grows. Good luck!
Eve Copper
Eve Copper is a talented fashion designer who wanted a website to show off her latest collection.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Retail |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, CSS |
| Completion date: | March 2014 |
Services provided
Hosting, Content and Copy, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding, Social Media
14 February 2014
http://www.partridgefarmtiverton.com
Reviewed by Hannah Mary Nobbs
— Partridge farm Meats
John Maxwell from Pig Farmer Designs is an absolute star!! From start to finish he has been incredibly supportive and achieved everything we wanted for our website and more! He is very professional and prompt and has given us 1st star service. I was able to put my complete trust in him.
We are extremely happy with our new site, and have had so many lovely positive comments from our customers.
I would thoroughly recommend John Maxwell from The Pig Farmer Designs any-day for his conscientious work ethic, friendly advice & help he has given us. No job is too big or too small.
He communicates well, kept us constantly informed of how the website build was going answered any queries we had straight away & is always very supportive on the phone and has also been out to visit us on a few occasions.
Partridge Farm Tiverton
Partridge Farm breed, farm and butcher rare breed cattle and they wanted a new website to show off their fabulous awards - to include a shop through which to buy their meat.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Food & Drink |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | Paypal |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP |
| Completion date: | October 2013 |
Services provided
Branding, Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Social Media
5 November 2012
Reviewed by Jana Khayat
— The Ash Stud
We have a small stud in North Devon breeding very good quality Show jumpers with world class bloodlines. I was looking for a web designer who would understand what we are trying to achieve and who could produce a beautiful website quite unlike others in the industry . I don't think Max knew a great deal about horses before he started on this project but he grasped the brief immediately and has designed a site which has generated an enormous amount of positive feedback. He was a joy to work with and though we only met face to face once, he was always at the end of the phone line and without any problems or misunderstandings has produced something quite special for us. Max continues to manage the site for us updating it approximately every 3 months. Thank you Max!
The Ash Stud
A small, high quality Horse Stud based in Devon. Need a website to showcase their outstanding horses, and give news updates on them. Fully responsive.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Professional Services |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | PHP, JavaScript, (X)HTML, CSS |
| Completion date: | June 2012 |
Services provided
Hosting, Development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Design, Branding
27 May 2012
http://www.the-car-concierge.co.uk
Reviewed by David Dann
— Car Concierge Ltd
Wow, A first class looking site, Very impressed with the colours, navigation is easy with a fluid feel to it. the most impressive part is every aspect of the planning brief has been achieved and surpassed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kept informed very well. I am totally happy with all aspects from start to finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Car Concierge
David Dann is a Car Concierge covering Surrey and Berkshire.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Automotive |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | April 2012 |
Services provided
Branding, Content and Copy, Design, Development, Hosting, Mobile application development , Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
6 November 2011
http://www.activ8-training.co.uk
Reviewed by Steve Cockram
— Activ8 Training
Having a very specific market to hit in terms of web promotions, I needed a site that would look professionl but also which was easy to navigate and informative. The design of my website has helped me to feel confident in the service I am delivering and the input I am able to have is essential.
I am very pleased with the layout of my website and would reccommend The Pig Farmer Designs for sure.
Steve Cockram - Activ8 Training
Steve is a personal trainer 'trainer' and this is his website. Quick and easy wordpress site.
Technical specification
| Languages: | English |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Entrepreneur |
| Industry: | Sports & Leisure |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | September 2011 |
Services provided
Content and Copy, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Development
26 October 2011
http://www.storiesatfitzpatrick.com
Reviewed by Ian
— Ovation Global DMC
What kind of relationship did you have with your website designer? Did they communicate well with you?
Max is a fantastic communicator and was always available when I came calling with tweaks to the content.
Did they take your requests into consideration?
I was getting feedback on the site from a number of sources so Max was in turn getting re-writes and re-designs regularly. 'patience of a saint' would best describe his approach to my requests!
Did you feel part of the process? Did they keep you informed about what they were doing?
Very much so. There were constant updates on progress.
Were you happy with the final outcome?
Yes. The site was to be more functional than attractive so we were happy that it did it number one job first. It was hard, at times, to communicate by email only. It would have been beneficial to get on the phone and talk out a few suggestions or concepts for the website - this is in retrospect of course, I'm sure if I had thought to give Max a call he would have been more than happy to use that as a line of communication. In short: it can be hard to get a concept or theme across in email correspondence.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Many thanks Ian and you're very welcome - I hope the event is a success. By all means call anytime ;-)
Ovation
Ovation are from Dublin and they needed a brochure turned into a website ASAP to allow on-line registration for an event in New York. There were some revisions and a bit of backtracking - but we got there - and pretty quickly too!
Technical specification
| Languages: | English |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Private Company |
| Industry: | Tourism & Travel |
| Content managed (CMS): | No |
| CMS Description: | N/A |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | September 2011 |
Services provided
Content and Copy, Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Development
24 October 2011
Reviewed by david breen
— triplekite ltd
Firstly i would like to say how delighted i am with the way my website has turned out. It regularly gets comments as to its design being effective, on brand and cleanly simple yet striking....
It is everything i had dreamt up and more.
Working with Max was straightforward and organised. There were no dramas, total flexibility. Creativity was high, suggestions and being led by him was welcomed and forthcoming. all in all a good experience at a sensible, value for money price.
I have no hesitation, and have already many times, in recommending Max.
The Pig Farmer Designs comments:
Many thanks David, it will continue to grow I hope so i shall need some more photos from you! David game me some images and said 'go for it'. Absolutely no rules - that's how to get the best from me for future reference everyone! ;-)
Triplekite Development
David Breen came to me on a recommendation from one of our graphic designers who had created the brand for Triplekite Development. David wanted a clean site and gave me free reign, I really like the result and I think it works really well with the brand.
Technical specification
| Languages: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | Startup |
| Industry: | Professional Services |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | June 2011 |
Services provided
Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Development
6 May 2011
Reviewed by Carol Alexander-Price
— ITDAHQ
Technical Diving is a fairly specialist area and we had very specific ideas for the design of our website. Max (Pig Farmer Designs) was able to lift our ideas and produce a website that reflected exactly what we had asked for. He communicated with us throughout the process and fortunately for me it was all very jargon free. Although there have been a couple of complications, they were dealt with quickly and effectively. We are really happy with the final outcome, we have a modern, slick, no nonsense website which is perfect for our needs. Thanks Max
ITDA HQ
The ITDA (International Technical Diving Association) wanted a new website with reliable hosting to give a professional online presence to their esteemed organisation.
Technical specification
| Languages: | English |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Sports & Leisure |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 2 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | March 2011 |
Services provided
Branding, Hosting, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Development
4 May 2011
Reviewed by Jackie Light
— The Horse Place
Max spent time with us before starting the design to find out exactly what we were marketing and how we wanted to go about it. He then referred back to us on several occasions as he developed the site to check that we were happy with the look. We wanted a site that would be easy to update and manage ourselves and Max has built in calendars and links to social networking sites which we were not aware would be possible to keep the site constantly refreshed. Before going live we spent a few hours with Max learning how to update the text, add photos and videos and as promised he has been available when needed to help if we made any mistakes.
Alison Jones
Alison Jones and her partner David Zuend are both 3* Parelli Horse Professionals and they wanted a website for their new joint venture - The Horse Place.
Technical specification
| Languages: | English |
|---|---|
| Project type: | Basic Content |
| Organisation category: | SME |
| Industry: | Sports & Leisure |
| Content managed (CMS): | Yes |
| CMS Description: | Wordpress |
| Online Payment System: | N/A |
| Size of project team: | 1 |
| Technologies used: | (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, mySQL, PHP |
| Completion date: | March 2011 |
Services provided
Branding, Hosting, Online Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Development
The Pig Farmer
Front End Designer
John 'Max' Maxwell aka The Pig Farmer is the founder and main man of the Pig Farmer Designs.
Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: My name is Max and I am the Designer
Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: young, free, intelligent, design led
Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: Customer service is at the core of everything we do - every project is focused on surpassing our client's expectations and making another client-for-life. We do not design and run, we design and develop your on-line brand and presence and then we become your on-line marketing department - dedicated to maintaining what we have built and then growing it with you as your company grows.
Q: Describe your office environment.
A: A small office on the Devon/Somerset border - bliss. But often on the road and 100% online.
Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: I work with an eclectic mix of designers and developers spread across the world. I will only work with the very best and with those that I trust and are dedicated to quality above all else. Yup - I am a fussy bugger, it has been said and so far it is working for me and for my clients.
Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: In essence - Me. I am not a classic designer or developer. I was 10 years in the British Army, I have worked all over the world as a designer and a telecommunications engineer and I suffer no fools. I am honest, hard working and have integrity that cannot be questioned. I work with partners who have the same qualities. That makes for quite a team. People like doing business with me and my company - the rest is in my portfolio.
Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: 100% recommendation and word of mouth - including return business from existing clients.
Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: Once introduced I get the client to complete a 'project-planner' document that gives me a little more of an idea as to what my client is looking for - it also filters out any time wasters. When I get this back I respond with a full and detailed proposal outlining what I think they need, how my team can provide it and a detailed, broken down price. Once I get the nod, I take a 50% deposit and give a rough ETA along with a list of what I need from them wrt content and imagery. I also put my 'work area' live online so they can follow my progress (albeit still hidden from the public) and we work until they are happy - then we go live and settle up!
Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: COMMUNICATE!! - always - above all else. Give realistic timescales and be transparent on costs and then talk, talk TALK!
Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: I usually check with my wife (a beauty therapist with the patients of a saint) to make sure I am not imagining it and then I count to ten Having said that - on 2 occasions I have told an unreasonable client that I cannot work with them and sent them away, usually because they are telling me 'what' to design - which isn't their job.
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: If they really cannot decide just based on portfolio and quote and 'testimonials' I'd recommend that they get together for a coffee - or a beer - and see which one they'd rather do business with. My clients are for life, so you need to be sure ;-)
Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: In 10 years I would like to be in a large studio in Devon providing workspace to young and aspiring designers. I see a lively, cosmopolitan, busy interchange where a colourful collection of freelancers working together on exciting projects.
Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Good question - don't know. I am just focussing on my own company's future and that of my clients.
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: Well, it is unique and people never forget it - so also handy as a handle for things like FB and Twitter etc. But I also harbour dreams to one day have a studio with a small holding and my very own pigs down here in the beautiful Devon countryside.
Q: If you were to give your clients one tip on how to get the most from their website what would it be?
A: Tell me what you want to achieve as a business - leave it to us to work out how best to achieve this on-line. Some clients try and tell you what they want the website to be 'like' whereas they should be focused on their own area of expertise - and that is THEIR business. Also - keep pushing - every month there is something new going on, make sure your designer is always working on your on-line presence.