How to start

Step 1. A meeting

Our projects typically begin with preliminary meetings, held either via telephone or in person, where we get to know the individuals involved and discuss the scope of the site. This allows us to hear the specifics of the project firsthand, determine your needs and evaluate the best possible solutions. Expect us to ask for as much specific information about the proposed project as you can provide; details are essential to our understanding of the precise purpose of your site. Once we understand exactly what you want to accomplish, we can begin to develop content and define the most effective graphic style for your site. We will set up a comprehensive overview of what makes a friendly online environment, detailing the kinds of information that will be found on specific pages and how we can use design elements to pull the entire site together.

Step 2. The proposal

After we've met with you to define your needs and expectations, we'll chart a course of action and deliver a written proposal describing the level of complexity appropriate for your site. This proposal will outline all phases of the project so we can develop a realistic schedule that adheres to your proposed deadline. We'll include when testing should begine and launch dates. Along with a work schedule, our proposals include an outline of content, navigation scenarios, design concepts, site maps, proposed images, and an analysis determining the most efficient programming language for the site. Based on the outline of services we present, we can arrive at a fee estimate.

Step 3. Your look

The home page is your face to the rest of the world. Together we'll analyze the audience that you want to attract and retain, then determine what you want to tell them and how you want them to act on it. When we have a firm understanding of your audience, we can begin to define what kind of approach will best communicate your message. Through brainstorming and dialogue, we will come up with innovative solutions that turn your ideas into a tangible design. Take advantage of our ability to integrate copy and graphics in a strategy that appreciates how users will interact with your Web site.

Step 4. Site maps and design

After we establish a look that sends the right message, we will create preliminary digital designs to show you our ideas and some possible variations. These designs help to match a graphic style with your company and display a visual outline of the architecture and navigational flow of the site.

Step 5. Design refinement

After initial design presentations are created and discussed, we refine and strengthen the result to create the final product. We'll make sure the final design is user-friendly and easy to navigate from every part of the page, all the while remaining true to the branding motif. At this point, we'll fine-tune the colors, typography and copy to ensure that visitors to your site will be able to learn about your company in a straightforward, stress-free environment.

Deciding on the right design team

When looking for a Web site design/development team, you should ask yourself several questions. Can you communicate with them? Do they understand and listen to your specific needs? Will they advise the most cost-effective approach? A good working relationship is extremely important; trying to create a site with a talented graphic designer or programmer who doesn't return calls or emails, misses deadlines, submits sloppy proposals or sports an attitude isn't going to be pleasant or effective. Someone can have graphics or coding experience, but that does not always come with good business sense or communication skills. Look for a good fit on a personal and business level, and then examine previous work and site designs. You may end up working with your design team for two or three months; make sure you have confidence and a good feeling about them from the start.

So now what?

Leibow Studios brings something new to the Web: The perfect blend of top-notch programming and exceptionally talented, seasoned designers.

Research and other issues to consider

These days, just about everyone claims to be a Web designer. Some are students; others are computer hobbyists. Some have had training, but they lack the skill or back end to build an effective e-commerce site. Some Web site developers are talented code programmers, but creating graphics is not one of their strengths. The ideal developer uses a design team of professional who have a combination of design and programming skills and the ability to help you create an exciting site that also functions flawlessly. It makes perfect sense to shop around for the Web consulting firm that offers the best price. However, an inexpensive quote can disguise problems that will occur later after you've signed on. An ill-equipped development team can result in a site created with misleading architecture, disputes over appropriate programming language, or ambiguity about the direction the site is going to take. If you're not satisfied, at best you'll lose the money you invested. At worst, the development team could hold the project site for ransom, so to speak. In any case, it is best to be informed about the technology, because some Web consulting firms take advantage of clients who may be unfamiliar with the new information and complexities involved with Internet publishing.

Leibow Studios exists at the crossroads of creative communication and vision. As artists gone digital, we believe that technology is the language, but creativity is the message. Our Web sites are inviting, exciting places your clients will want to visit over and over again. From e-commerce to B to B Web sites, we blend style, content and sophistication to help our clients effectively market their products and services both online and in print.

Things have changed. Your business may now need to be accessible anywhere, anytime for anyone. We can manage your eBusiness processes - integrating all parts of your company, even including suppliers and partners, to make sure that they're working together seamlessly.