Website Design
Perhaps your site is looking a little tired these days? Maybe there are some broken things that shouldn't be broken? Maybe you don't even have a website? Don't worry! We've got you covered.
We like to keep up to date with the latest technologies available to web developers. We create solutions that are robust, scalable and use the coolest stuff to make your site fresh and appealing to your customers. We also focus heavily on the user experience and work with you to get a good understanding of your target audience.
There are a few different options for deploying a new website. We generally build sites that are "Static", "Active" or "CMS Enabled".
Static Site
The web site is written in eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) and there is no active content. The site is programmed once and maintained, on a monthly or ad hoc basis, by Glennon Consulting or another firm of your choice (There's no need for that though! We promise to take good care of you).
The static site requires programmer intervention if it is to be updated. This is how many sites are still programmed. It is a process whereby a Web Site developer is constantly involved with the day-to-day operations and updates of the website.
If you are not going to be making many updates to your website, this may well be the right solution for you. If you plan to update your site frequently however, we suggest a Content Management System (CMS) or an Active Site.
Active Site
In an Active Site, Web site pages are written using Microsoft ASP.NET or PHP. These two jargon-bits are programming languages that allow a site to have “active” content, which is content that can change on a regular basis or based on a pre-defined algorithm. Using these programming techniques, we can not only build mechanisms to manage pieces of content but can also program your site to have secure sections that will only allow logged in users. This is helpful for secure messaging areas when you collect potentially sensitive data on forms from customers. It's also helpful when you want to be able to do a couple of specific things to your site.
As in the static site, however, many updates will require programmer intervention. Using an active site we can minimize this so that the standard chores of updating small pieces of content daily can be done by a non-technical user, however it is not as robust a solution as a full CMS. For example, with a CMS a non-technical user is able to add new "sections" to the website, whereas it would not be economically feasible to custom program this in a standard active site.
CMS-Enabled Site
With a CMS Managed website, a non-technical user is able to create, add and edit new content and new sections of the website. They are able to create approval chains and track history of the website as it changes. They are able to store new images and other "digital assets" on the website. They are able to do many things that would cost tens of thousands of dollars to create for your website -- all in a simple to use, inexpensive package. Please visit the CMS Page for more information.
The idea here is to not "reinvent the wheel" every time we build a website. That's why we look at pre-built software to manage content and the like. If we had to write, from scratch, a whole CMS each time we built a site the costs would be astronomical. So, instead, we find a CMS software package that fits your needs and your budget. We then build a site around that package.
Whoa! That's a Lot of Info!
We've been doing this a little while now and understand that the differences between these types of options can be confusing. So, if your head is spinning at this point, don't worry because we'll sort it out for you. Our consultants will take the time to explain to you the various options and help you decide what's best for your business.
We always start with a no-cost initial meeting to get a general impression of what you're looking to accomplish. We then gather the team and discuss the best solution for your specific need. All of that info then goes into a document that has various options and prices for your review.