Portfolio: Web Design, Flash, Graphics

MarketMyBusiness.Net does not specialize by specific market - we have developed websites for a number of different businesses and industries with more being added every day. Our client roster includes marketing, automotive, construction, consulting, healthcare, real estate, management, photography, mortgage banking, manufacturing, machine shop, pet shop, financial, and sales firms just to name a few.

1.3 How do you measure the success of sites you create?

We take great pride in the success we have had in meeting the goals of our clients and web users. Some studies indicate as many as 94% of websites never achieve a positive return on investment. For small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) the percentage is often higher, as web developers typically either do not know how to or do not care about making your website a business success. We consider our clients business partners -our success is dependent on your success.

1.4 What are your areas of expertise?

Our core expertise is integrating the marketing savvy of ad agencies with the technical expertise of IT consultancies. Our competencies are divided into two disciplines: strategic and development. MarketMyBusiness.Net is committed to researching and implementing web "best practices." As such we have developed unique strategic insight into what produces online results and what doesn't. We offer strategic planning, metrics analysis, industry and technical research and usability testing. We also have a full web development and support network. Services include: website/graphics design, multimedia, application development, online and traditional marketing.

1.5 How many designers and developers do you have?

MarketMyBusiness.Net contracts with dozens of designers and developers, each specializing in his/her own are of expertise. By employing this model, client costs are kept to a minimum. While larges ad agencies may staff many designers and programmers full time, it is impossible to maintain a constant project load in every area of expertise. The result? Clients pay higher prices to justify those salaries. Our method brings the expertise of an agency with the cost efficiency of free lancers - and avoids the drawbacks of each.

1.6 What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, check, cashiers check, and PayPal.

D E V E L O P M E N T P H I L O S O P H Y

2.1 Do you have a standard process through which all projects are processed?

Yes. All projects follow a development process from start to finish to ensure quality and compliance. These steps are managed by a qualified Project Director and include:

• Discovery

• Documentation

• Design

• Development

• Verification

• Launch

2.2 What is the client's role in the development process?

We strive to work with our clients as a seamless team. As such our process is flexible enough to let you determine what level of involvement you want. Some clients want heavy, daily involvement in particular aspects of development, while others want to let us handle as much as possible. Your input to the project will be defined at the beginning of the project based on your project needs and your preferences.

2.3 How often does the client communicate with the project director? How can I learn the project status?

Our clients have full access to their Project Directors, who provide regular communication updates as the project proceeds. Clients may contact the Project Director via a direct line or e-mail at any time.

2.4 Does the client own the website and code used to create it?

Yes. Unless otherwise stipulated, once we have received final payment, the client is the full owner of the website. As a rule, proprietary source files that may contain trade secrets such as Flash and Photoshop files are not part of this delivery.

2.5 Can I make changes to a site you develop myself?

This depends on the type of project and will be covered extensively in the proposal stages. Some sites are delivered "as is" and need little or no regular maintenance. Others require only occasional updates and may covered by support agreements or per-incident charges. In addition, MarketMyBusiness.Net offers content management systems (CMS) to our clients who need such an application. CMS is useful for those who need to make regular or frequent updates to their site, but their power is limited. Ask your project director what choice is right for you.

2.6 Once I sign a contract, how does the project begin? What are the first steps?

You will receive a work order contract that will map out deliverables, pricing and payment schedule, timelines and project parameters. Once the work order is signed and sent back to us and the retainer/deposit paid, your project director will set up a conference call to begin formalizing detailed project requirements and specifications.

2.7 Who will work on my project?

World-class web development is complex and demands more skill sets than any one person can practically have. The task requires a blend of strategic, creative, technical, and marketing expertise. Each MarketMyBusiness.Net web development team incorporates multiple specialists to assure your project will produce maximum results. Your project director will hand pick the team of specialists according to your needs. For a typical web site the following experts are used:

• Web Strategist (Account/Project Director)

• Multiple Creative designers (Graphics and Multimedia Designers) - To assure you a diverse selection of

creative designs we assign a different creative designer to develop each comp (theme/look and feel

design).

• Web Page Coder (HTML/XML, CSS, JavaScript Expert)

• Technical Lead (Hosting setup, e-commerce, site programming, etc.)

2.8 What is the role of the project director?

The project director acts as liaison between the client and the development team, giving you access to a single contact for the life of the project. He/she assures the project stays within the budget and on schedule, and ultimately works to achieve full client satisfaction.

2.9 How long does it take to develop a new site?

This varies depending on the kind of project required. Template or gallery sites may be completed in as few as 2-4 weeks, with an additional 2-3 added for e-commerce. Custom projects usually carry a life cycle of 10-12 weeks, and some extensive projects may require several months of development time. Rush services are available for an additional negotiated fee.

2.10 What kinds of things might delay project completion?

The single most common factor in development delays is lack of prompt delivery of client materials. We request 48 hour turnaround on deliverables if at all possible. The most efficiently completed projects are ones whose owners are prepared with all materials and prompt in providing copy, graphics, and other items. We cannot meet estimated timelines unless deliverables are provided on schedule. Note: if a client deliverable is missed you will not be charged for developer down time. We will re-task personnel to other projects and we will put them back on your project as soon as they are available again after the client deliverable is provided to us.

2.11 What materials do I need to provide for my project and when?

The Project Director will provide the client with a comprehensive listing of deliverables at the inception of the project. Clients are responsible for providing project goals, copy, graphics, and photography unless otherwise specified by the proposal contract.

W E B S I T E C O S T S

3.1 How much does a website cost to design and develop?

While there is no simple answer to this question given the diverse project scope of each individual client, some guidelines are available. Template or gallery sites are available starting at just $3000 for a basic 10-page informational site. E-commerce capabilities may be added at a base price of $4500. Custom sites (10-page informational) start around $7500. Costs are determined based on project hours, with additional features estimated based on our experience and charged at an up-front flat rate. In addition, we often offer discounts and specials making pricing very affordable for our clients.

3.2 Are there any support costs associated with a website?

Additional maintenance fees vary from project to project. Hosting and monthly e-commerce fees are fixed costs, whereas content management systems, support contracts or hourly maintenance charges vary depending on the site. Speak to your Project Director for more details.

3.3 What is the payment structure for web projects?

Projects under $2000 generally require prepayment of 100%. Projects up to $15,000 require a 50% deposit/retainer up front, with the balance due before the site goes live. Large projects carry their own payment arrangements. Payments are retainers for services and therefore nonrefundable.

3.4 How can I be sure there won't be any additional charges associated with the project?

The scope of the project is thoroughly defined in the proposal contract document. During the discovery phase of the project, MarketMyBusiness.Net or the client may determine the need for advanced page elements which are not included in the original project scope, requiring an enlargement of the original scope. The client will make the final decision regarding an enlargement of the original project scope and, thereby, an increase in the project cost. ADDITIONS TO THE PROJECT SCOPE ARE NEVER IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT CLIENT APPROVAL.

C R E A T I V E A N D D E S I G N I S S U E S

4.1 What development and creative softwares and platforms do you use?

We use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, InDesign (print), After Effects (video), Macromedia Dreamweaver, Homesite MX, Flash, and Fireworks, Sonic Foundry Sound Forge (audio editing), Sorenson Squeeze/Spark Pro (video compression), Real Media (video compression), Homestead Sitebuilder, and many more.

4.2 With which web browsers do you test completed sites?

Up to 75% of web users are now using Internet Explorer, thought some studies indicate as much as 40% of users may now be utilizing the Firefox browser. We test all sites using the latest releases of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. Cross browser compatibility has recently grown in importance. During 2004, the U.S. Government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) as well as many industry experts issued warnings about security flaws in Internet Security and recommended people switch to other browsers or use IE in high security mode. During 2004, the FireFox browser was released, which many consider to be superior to IE. In addition, Microsoft discontinued development of IE for Macintosh computers.

4.3 Do you build websites to be search engine friendly?

Yes. We offer basic optimization on all sites as well as expanded foundational programs for organic search improvement. We also offer ongoing, high level optimization through our partner organizations. Note: While building a search engine friendly site is a critical requirement, other factors must be implemented to achieve top organic search engine rankings. Link popularity, age of site, level of competition and dozens of other factors also play an important role. No one can guarantee search positioning!

4.4 Can you provide Flash animations?

Yes. Our network of programmers can provide our clients with virtually any Flash application needed including complete site designs, self contained applications, menus, and presentations.

4.5 Can you integrate audio and video into your websites?

Yes. Out network of programmers include some of the best audio and video programmers in the industry.

T E C H N I C A L A N D D E V E L O P M E N T I S S U E S

5.1 What web application development environment and servers do you use?

Over the years our developers have worked with all major web enabled languages (Perl/CGI, C++/CGI, PHP, Java/J2EE, ASP/.net and Cold Fusion), most popular databases (MySQL, MS SQL Server, Access, Oracle, DB2) and even several legacy systems (IBM mainframes, AS400, Lotus Notes/Domino and HPUnix). We have developed on Windows and Unix/Linux platforms including; LAMP (Linux/Apache/PHP/MySQL), Windows/IIS and IBM WebSphere servers. This diverse background gives us unique insight into the practicality of each technology. For each new project, we will review your requirements, current technical environment and expertise and provide a recommended development environment.

5.2 What sets your application apart from other development companies?

There are many items but the two most important are efficiency and ability to handle enterprise class applications. We have built an advanced framework to streamline development of most web applications. While most developers have to start from scratch, we have a large system of pre-programmed, pre-tested modules that give us a significant head start. What many business owners do not realize is that almost any person can pick up a book and start hacking web scripts – and there is a world of difference between a hacker and an enterprise class developer. While anyone can get your web form working, it takes years of education and experience to build scaleable, secure, mission critical applications such as financial services, advanced online stores, and vertical market software.

H O S T I N G

6.1 Do you provide hosting?

Yes, we offer a variety of hosting solutions.

6.2 Do I have to host my website with MarketMyBusiness.Net?

No. Unlike many web development firms, we do not require that you host with us. While doing so may have added benefit, it is not a necessity and we routinely continue to work with clients that utilize alternate hosting solutions.

6.3 How much space and/or bandwidth do I get with my hosting account?

Hosting space, bandwidth, and features depends on the project. We offer a variety of solutions.

6.4 Can you handle my domain name registration or transfer? Is there an extra charge for this service?

Yes. There is not additional charge for us to do so.

6.5 Do I own the domain name for my site?

Yes. Unlike many other web development entities, we do not maintain ownership of domain names. If you already have a web domain name that was registered by someone else, check here to see if they registered the domain name in their own name or yours. Many times people are surprised to find what they thought they owned is in fact registered to someone else. This may lead to many future problems. We believe no reputable firm engages in this practice.

E - C O M M E R C E

7.1 In what types of e-commerce are you proficient?

We have provided solutions for all levels of e-commerce including:

• Simple one-click purchases through Pay-Pal and other credit card gateways

• Economical off-the-shelf shopping cart software

• Advanced custom e-commerce solutions

7.2 If my needs can be fulfilled with an off-the-shelf shopping cart, which one(s) do you recommend?

Our programmers have worked with many of the webs most popular shopping carts such as Miva Merchant, MonsterCommerce, osCommerce and others. If you have an existing shopping cart or have a strong preference for one, we will most likely be able to support it. For most applications we recommend an enhanced version of osCommerce. osCommerce is the most popular open source shopping cart on the web. Its primary advantages are:

• It carries no additional cost, as it is licensed as open source software. (Clients pay for the

development, not the base software

• We have the rights and experience to modify the source code to add custom features. With many other

shopping carts you can’t modify the source code so you are limited to only the standard features of the

software.

• It’s proven. osCommerce powers more than 5,000,000 web pages.

7.3 Do you provide seamless credit card processing with SSL security?

Yes. We can also offer comprehensive custom transaction reporting.

7.4 How secure is the transaction process?

The entire transaction process is secured with 28-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer), the strongest commercially available encryption.

7.5 Do you provide address and CCV2 verification?

Yes. Address verification and CCV2 reduces the chance of fraud and charge-backs.

7.6 Does your shopping cart provide and administrative system where I can make edits and changes?

Yes, and we will train you or your administrative contact to use the system.

C O N T A C T & S U P P O R T

8.1 How can we contact you? What are your hours of operation?

Prospective customers and current clients may contact MarketMyBusiness.Net and its personnel as follows:

Direct Line: 903.291.8916

Fax: 903.291.8952

E-mail: info-[at]-marketmybusiness.net

Support: jbest-[at]-marketmybusiness.net

Contact company president: oobjvb-[at]-sbcglobal.net

Simply cut and past the e-mail address into your mail client and replace the -[at]- with the @ symbol. We are available for sales and support weekdays from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Central Time. Closed on Federal Holidays. E-mail and voicemail are closely monitored when the office is closed.