Q: What's your name and position in the company?
A: Mark Carter - Owner, Programmer and Designer
Q: Describe your company in 5 words.
A: Affordable, Creative, Understanding, Helpful, Friendly
Q: What's your business philosophy?
A: It doesn't always take large amounts of money to make money!
Q: Describe your office environment.
A: Open minded, friendly and talkative.
Q: Describe how your team interact and work together.
A: I converse with my clients over the phone, E-mail and via SMS Text messages. I work closly with my clients, whom I consider as my team since the network evolving is becoming useful and friendly for all.
Q: What makes you different from other web design companies?
A: I use my own CMS (Content Management System) So when features and functions are required. I program them to suit the website. I do not rely on pre-programmed scripts which usually restrict a client from getting what they really need. I offer all website services (Web Design, Hosting, Domain, Marketing and Unlimited Content Updates) for one monthly price.
Q: How do you get the majority of your business?
A: Via local networking and the Internet.
Q: Describe how you manage projects from the initial client contact to completion and handover.
A: When a client first contacts me, firstly I establish what service will best suit them. To do this it is important to establish if they need a website to provide new customer, or if they want it as a place to send their customers to. If it is the former, then there is usually no need for marketing and a one off website design (so to speak) is probably ideal for them. If they require new custom from their website, then it is really essential that they use my website management services.
If it is a one off website design that is need, I require a 50% deposit. If a management service is required, then I require the first month in advance, this is usually £19.99.
Once we have agreed on the service type and payment has been transacted. We discuss what kind of functions and layout they require. I find it is best that they send through example sites that they like the look of. Another website design is never copied, but it can be used as a demonstration of my clients likes and dislikes. With this information, I create a first draft. If for the most part they like the design, it will be tweaked untill they are happy. If my client doesn't like it, I will re-try and continue to create draft after draft untill I get it right. Usually it takes between 1-2 drafts.
Once the design has been agreed on, perform all admin tasks, such as registering the domain name, activating the hosting and installing the YMS CMS.
After this, I publish the content, create the pages and menu systems. This gives a good structure to play with and perfect. Over a period of time, I work closly with my client untill they are 100% happy. This can take anything from 1-30 days. Longer if that is required.
If it is a one off web design, then the final 50% deposit is require and all information is handed over. For a managed website, the first day of marketing will occur and the website will be managed and tweaked constantly to perform well with Google andother search engines.
Q: What do you think is the most crucial element of creating a good client relationship?
A: Listening and understanding their point of views. It is their product, not mind.
Q: How do you manage demanding clients?
A: I do not really believe there are demanding clients, they will want what they want. If I cannot provide that, then it will be explained to them that my services are probably not for them. Not to be rude, but I do not wish to mis-lead them into believing something that is not going to happen.
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: Find the one that matches your needs, not your budget. Even though I can gurantee that you get more from Yazs for your money than my competitors, if my competitors are going to make your business more of a success, then it is worth paying extra for. This is your income, your life, but if anytime you want my opinion or help. Just let me know and I will give you my view:)
Q: Where do you see your company in 10 years time?
A: I will only be managing upto 100 websites. After I have 100 clients I will be releasing the YMS to the public and Yazs will be the ultimate CMS provider. I will always be there for my 100 clients and they will get my fullest attention with style and marketing. The programming aspect of Yazs will be passed on to a trustworthy party.
Q: Where do you see the web design industry in the future?
A: Static HTML and basic website design will be a thing of the past. Most web designers I feel will turn more into website programmers.
Q: What computers do you have use in your offices, PCs or Macs?
A: PC
Q: How was your company name chosen?
A: My Daughter Yasmine, when she was born I was feeding her one night, probably at about 4am, the YMS is copyrighted to 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: Concentrate on good, clear content. Do worry about the style to much, it is about what you are offering! If you are offering crap, then no matter how pretty the bow is, the crap is still crap!