(Q) Why can't I just use a template and make my own website?
(A) You can. But do you really want your business represented with a TEMPLATE that anyone can emulate and change? Or would you rather stand out from the crowd with a website that is tailored to YOUR BUSINESS?
(Q) But I can get a template website cheap and/or free! Why should I pay for one? I mean, I can customize the template to make it match my company.
(A) Yes, you can certainly customize *most* templates, but so can anyone else, but ultimately, it will still be a template and people will know the difference. They will look at your site and wonder why you couldn't make the effort to have a professional website created. Even though the template is FREE, free isn't always the best route to take. The adage: "you gotta spend money to make money" is so true with advertising. And a website is just that - advertising. You should spend some time, money and energy on making sure your website is a direct extension of your business - in all aspects.
(Q) Allright, so I don't want a template. How much am I gonna pay for your services?
(A) Great! You're one step closer in the right direction!! Stinky Web Designs offers affordable pricing because I believe in the philosophy that every business owner should afford a high quality functioning website. With that in mind, most websites I create range in (normal) price from $775-$900 (shopping carts are between $900-$1,400) with discounts offered on my website and FB all the time!
Have a question? EMAIL or CALL ME! stinkmeup@stinkywebdesigns.com
502-777-0072
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Not a blog designer
I design websites, not blogs. I detest Wordpress, Joomla and Drupal. Creating this blog to match my website has been harder than perfecting a design for the pickiest client! grrrr
It's a little off (what with the light pink on the sides and all) but overall, I am ok with it. One day, on a slow day, I'll teach myself how to create a blog template instead of using a customized one.... but not today. Today, I have projects to work on!! :-)
It's a little off (what with the light pink on the sides and all) but overall, I am ok with it. One day, on a slow day, I'll teach myself how to create a blog template instead of using a customized one.... but not today. Today, I have projects to work on!! :-)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Work. Work. And yup, more work!
While I'm not complaining about the magnitude of work I have taken upon myself to complete within the next few weeks, I must admit I am swamped and ready to explode!
With 7 current contracts, I feel the pressure of deadlines, meeting with new clients all while juggling the responsibilities of home. Unfortunately, the dog can't wait to go to the vet when he's sick; the teenager will always have an attitude or boy problems and undoubtedly, the baby will need attention - and then, the poor hubby.
But somehow, I am managing. I may be gray before the end of the month, but deadlines will have been met and projects completed - only to start it all anew (I hope!) for August!
With 7 current contracts, I feel the pressure of deadlines, meeting with new clients all while juggling the responsibilities of home. Unfortunately, the dog can't wait to go to the vet when he's sick; the teenager will always have an attitude or boy problems and undoubtedly, the baby will need attention - and then, the poor hubby.
But somehow, I am managing. I may be gray before the end of the month, but deadlines will have been met and projects completed - only to start it all anew (I hope!) for August!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Designing, Meetings, Flat Tires and Babies
Currently, I'm working on two designs. I've finished the actual designs and am in the process of adding copy to both, while also waiting on photos from the client to upload these to the sites.
Today, I met with a prospective client and future reciprocity partner while munching on some hard HARD bread at Panera (the broccoli soup, however, was awesome!) Oddly enough, another partner was plugging away a few tables over so I stopped to say hello on my way out (and ended up spending another hour talking!)
I drove around all day on a donut-yanno, the ugly spares hidden away in the trunk? My husband explicitly implored me to keep the speed at or under 45mph-a feat for me! Thankfully, my trip to Panera was a mere 15 min drive even with the donut. Wish I'd grabbed a Krispe Kreme on the way home-perhaps tomrorow!
I overslept this morning. My 2 year old had an accident in the middle of the night and was snuggled between my husband and me. Apparently my subconscious wanted him home because I dreamed he was staying home from work-even had a lengthy conversation with him about it (or so I thought). Except, when I woke up at 10am, to let him know I needed to get ready and the baby was still sound asleep-he wasn't there. Instead, a pillow. Lengthwise on the bed. To keep the baby from rolling out. The baby, btw, is 2 1/2 years old-a toddler, not a baby. But my last, so a baby to me she'll stay.
Not sure how this has ANYTHING to do with work but I felt obliged to make this one a bit more personal. Now...back to work. (and yes, it IS 4:33 in the morning and YES, SVU IS on my tv!) :-)
Today, I met with a prospective client and future reciprocity partner while munching on some hard HARD bread at Panera (the broccoli soup, however, was awesome!) Oddly enough, another partner was plugging away a few tables over so I stopped to say hello on my way out (and ended up spending another hour talking!)
I drove around all day on a donut-yanno, the ugly spares hidden away in the trunk? My husband explicitly implored me to keep the speed at or under 45mph-a feat for me! Thankfully, my trip to Panera was a mere 15 min drive even with the donut. Wish I'd grabbed a Krispe Kreme on the way home-perhaps tomrorow!
I overslept this morning. My 2 year old had an accident in the middle of the night and was snuggled between my husband and me. Apparently my subconscious wanted him home because I dreamed he was staying home from work-even had a lengthy conversation with him about it (or so I thought). Except, when I woke up at 10am, to let him know I needed to get ready and the baby was still sound asleep-he wasn't there. Instead, a pillow. Lengthwise on the bed. To keep the baby from rolling out. The baby, btw, is 2 1/2 years old-a toddler, not a baby. But my last, so a baby to me she'll stay.
Not sure how this has ANYTHING to do with work but I felt obliged to make this one a bit more personal. Now...back to work. (and yes, it IS 4:33 in the morning and YES, SVU IS on my tv!) :-)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Just to bring the designs to the top of the page...
Here they are again. 2 new ones added (but they are showing up already on the "older" slideshow too, so I apologize for the repeats!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Do you need a website? DUH!
Of course you do! Consider all the advertising you do with the phone book. Most, not all, but most people are connected to the Internet with the touch of their fingertips with laptops and cell phones. With so many of these and others on the go, it's quicker to jump online to grab a phone number or address (with an App or Widget to even point you in the right direction) than it is to look up the info in the phone book. Granted, this info can be accessed as long as you've uploaded said info to the Internet but why stop there?
Instead of paying upwards of $600/MONTH for advertising in the phone book and on various "phone book" websites, consider the number of people you can reach with a well designed, well written, user friendly website.
When contemplating your website venture, keep in mind a few do's and several do nots.
DO Set a budget for this expense. While many companies can offer specialized pricing, others will not. You don't want to get your hopes set on one designer and then realize later you cannot afford their services.
Do NOT Set an unrealistic budget. If you were already paying money out for advertising you plan to nix, use that money as a basis for a budget. Designers range in (realistic) prices from $1,000-$2,500 for basic sites. Some are more affordable, such as Stinky Web Designs, while others hit the higher end.
DO hire a professional. Whether you've just started your business and a website is one of your first major investments or you're an established company who has decided to take the technological plunge-hiring a professional web designer is the easiest, most affordable route in creating your website.
Do NOT be tricked into doing the site yourself on some freebie template based site. Yes, it's cheap, but your website will not be yours. Any one can choose the same template and add their information to it. Your website should be a direct reflection of your company. Even if you are one of ten on the block, YOUR business is different from the other 9. Stand out from the crowd with a unique design, instead of a template!
DO Get it in writing. Regardless of who you choose, get a contract...for your protection and theirs. AND, if they are registering your domain name, be sure it is IN your name, not theirs.
Be on the lookout for more "choosing a web designer" info soon!
Instead of paying upwards of $600/MONTH for advertising in the phone book and on various "phone book" websites, consider the number of people you can reach with a well designed, well written, user friendly website.
When contemplating your website venture, keep in mind a few do's and several do nots.
DO Set a budget for this expense. While many companies can offer specialized pricing, others will not. You don't want to get your hopes set on one designer and then realize later you cannot afford their services.
Do NOT Set an unrealistic budget. If you were already paying money out for advertising you plan to nix, use that money as a basis for a budget. Designers range in (realistic) prices from $1,000-$2,500 for basic sites. Some are more affordable, such as Stinky Web Designs, while others hit the higher end.
DO hire a professional. Whether you've just started your business and a website is one of your first major investments or you're an established company who has decided to take the technological plunge-hiring a professional web designer is the easiest, most affordable route in creating your website.
Do NOT be tricked into doing the site yourself on some freebie template based site. Yes, it's cheap, but your website will not be yours. Any one can choose the same template and add their information to it. Your website should be a direct reflection of your company. Even if you are one of ten on the block, YOUR business is different from the other 9. Stand out from the crowd with a unique design, instead of a template!
DO Get it in writing. Regardless of who you choose, get a contract...for your protection and theirs. AND, if they are registering your domain name, be sure it is IN your name, not theirs.
Be on the lookout for more "choosing a web designer" info soon!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Giving back...
Stinky Web Designs is taking steps to give back to the community.
Discounts are now being offered to Nonprofits. If there is a doubt, I will ask for proof. I am in the process of designing TWO websites for a company that gives back to the community in spades. JSS Enterprises operates as Ahoy!! Fish Hutt and JSS Catering. Stinky Web Designs is in the process of redesigning both their sites. The links previously will take you to their current designs (as of 2-11-10) but be on the lookout for the improved modifications! Ahoy!! puts on a benefit every other month in the "summer", starting in April. 
Last April, they focused on a local organization striving to build a state of the art Autism facility in Louisville, KY. Beading to Beat Autism is also about giving back. When Ahoy!! isn't donating all the proceeds from such benefits to the charity their hosting, they're taking in people off the street, feeding them, clothing them, giving them a hand up for a better life. Ahoy!! is what giving back is all about and Stinky Web Designs is proud to be a part, even if only a tad bit, of their kindness and humanitarianism.
Imagine what a better place our world would be if we all just gave back. Just a little. What would you do to give back?
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