After we agree to work on a project together, there are some important steps to take so that I

Getting a Site You LOVE

First, send me links to sites you love. Of course, I would never copy another designer’s work, but seeing the style you like, the colors you are drawn to, the kinds of fonts you love, all of those things help me to visualize what you want from your site. If we are doing your project with a digital scrapbooking kit, send me a link to it as well, that is absolutely necessary.

Hosting & Domain Information

If you are purchasing your domain and hosting through my recommended host, all I really need is for you to purchase your domain and subscribe to hosting, then forward me your Paypal receipt for your hosting as well as the information you receive from the domain registrar.

If you purchased a new domain and hosting elsewhere, I’ll need for you to set up your nameservers to point to your server or I’ll need the information for both so that I can do it for you.

If your site was already set up, I’ll need information to access the server via FTP; if you don’t know what that means, you should have an e-mail that your host sent you with that information.

If I am creating a theme or template for a blog or store or gallery or other script that is already installed, I’ll need a login with FULL administrative rights.

I will almost always need an e-mail address where you want administrative e-mails to go to.

New Blog Installations

If I am creating a new blog for you, I’ll need to know what you want in your sidebar (Blogroll, other links, any widgets, a Feedburner option, etc…). I’ll need to know if you want two or three columns and if you only want two, which side you want your sidebar on.

WORDPRESS ONLY

Also, for Wordpress blogs hosted on your site, I always use the Akismet spam plug-in which requires a Wordpress API key. It’s totally free. Just go to Wordpress.com and sign up for a free account. You do not need a blog, just a user name. After you activate your account, you’ll receive an e-mail with your API key. Just forward that to me and I’ll plug it in.

Photopost

If I am installating Photopost for you, you can help me by purchasing the script, downloading the zip file, unzipping it and then uploading it back to your server (just upload the entire folder).

vBulletin

If I am installating vBulletin for you, you can help me by purchasing the script, downloading the zip file, unzipping it and then uploading ONLY THE UPLOAD folder to your server. You will also need to send me your vBulletin customer number because it is required for the installation.

DIY Graphics

If you are creating your own graphics, you’ll probably want your banner to be around 850-900 pixels wide by 200-300 tall. That’s a good size for a banner. Any other graphics you want to use can be created by you and sent to me and I’ll work them in as per the mockup we agree on.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but at least this is a good start. All of my clients are free to contact me via e-mail at any time before, during or after the project with questions or requests. I am a firm believer in service and will do all I can to ensure a pleasant experience for you and create a design for you that you absolutely love!