Web Development, Design, and Promotion
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BioLumix is a company that has developed specialized hardware and software for microbiological testing in various industries. 100% of this site was developed by MNS including all the graphics, animations, and interactivity (such as contact and tech support forms, hidden text, and drop-down menus). VIEW SITE: www.myBioLumix.com |
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Danise Jennings is a Michigan artist who needed an e-commerce site set up for her business, Faith by Dzign. This site showcases her "art cards" and custom projects, as well as providing an e-commerce solution through PayPal. VIEW SITE: www.FaithByDzign.com |
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When our Web Development Director, Art Thomas, is not designing websites, he's entertaining children via his side-business, Mr. Art, LLC. This has an interactive, fully animated Adobe® Flash site (for faster connections) as well as a matching XHTML site. Both branches of the site feature some complex web design techniques that you might want to incorporate into your own site. VIEW SITE: www.MrArtMusic.com |
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Fowlerville Freedom Center is a church in Michigan who needed a site designed completely from scratch. All the graphics and elements were custom designed by MNS. We also had the privilege of designing their road signs, brochures, newsletters, flyers, and more. VIEW SITE: www.ffcag.org |
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Gutierrez Industries, Inc. wanted an attention-grabbing, patriotic, informative site. The CEO, Ben Gutierrez, drew up a concept for the welcome page, and we made it come to life with a customized Adobe® Flash animation featuring him and his son. This was the first site designed by MNS, and we're still hearing positive feedback! VIEW SITE: www.gtz-ind.com |
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Of course we made our own site, but we want to make you aware of some of the behind-the-scenes features. The Michigan Network Solutions site was designed to comply with the most modern web standards. Use any current web browser, and everything shows up beautifully. If, however, there appear to be little "glitches" in the page, you likely need to update your web browser. This won't just help with our site, but many thus-far untapped features on the web will be opened up to you!
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Quick F.A.Qs:
What is XHTML? >>
What is CSS? >>
What's Javascript? >>
What's Flash? >>
What is XHTML? >>
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XHTML stands for eXtensible HyperText Markup Language. Developed in the year 2000, it's a hybrid of the programming
languages of HTML and XML; and it is used to develop the structure of your web site. It carries the balance of
browser-friendliness and popularity found in HTML with the extensibility and strictness of XML. Benefits of XHTML over HTML:
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"CSS" stands for "Cascading Style Sheets" and refers to the language used to add style and layout
to your XHTML.
This web site uses several pages of CSS to make the text and graphics appear on your screen the way they do. |
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Javascript is a programming language used to perform calculations, generate simple animations, validate forms,
and perform many other advanced tasks that can't be done with HTML, XHTML, or CSS. This page is using plenty
of Javascript to help it perform. For instance, the paragraph you're reading now was hidden until you clicked
"What's Javascript?", which activated a javascript function that revealed the answer. You can also run your
cursor over the navigation buttons on the left of this page and see each button "light up" and then go back to
it's former state. Thank you, Javascript!
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Flash is a program originally developed my Macromedia®, and now owned by Adobe®. It's used to generate
dynamic content for a site that ranges from simple animations (like the MNS logo graphic in the upper left corner
of this page) to entire animated interfaces. It can be used to make forms more interactive and exciting. It can
also be used to prepare an exciting introductory animation for your web site. At MNS, we're well-versed in Flash
programming and design; and we can even go so far as to generate a cartoon mascot for your site that walks, talks,
sings, dances, and more!
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W
ebsites designed by MNS are fluently programmed with XHTML, CSS, Flash, and Javascript, which are guaranteed to be compatible with the most wide variety of web browsers used by your potential customers. To give you a feel for the potential of these technologies, we've designed this site with these standards in mind.
Web technology has advanced substantially since the turn of the millennium. The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) has established a set of "web standards" with which modern web browsers are designed to be compliant; and we go to great lengths to make sure your web site is in agreement with these standards. The two small blue W3C rectangles at the bottom of this page were earned by having every bit of XHTML and CSS on this site validated by the W3C. We'll do the same for your site.
We also go to great lengths to make sure your web site is compatible and readable by all the most popular search engines (such as Google.com, Yahoo.com, Ask.com, and more).
Web Design:
You supply the content and tell us your vision for the site; we'll take care of everything else. The following features
and services are included with each new web design account:
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Two-Hour Web site Structure, Design, and Content Consultation
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Q: Does it really take two hours?
A: Our experience has been that it usually takes about an hour and a half of discussion and brainstorming with a new client to fully gather the expectations and possibilities for the new site. We've added an extra half-hour for those projects that may involve a little more attention.
Q: What happens if we go over two hours?
A: No big deal. The initial consultation is always free. The time expressed here is an estimate so that you know how much time to set aside in your schedule.
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Custom-Designed Header Graphic
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Q: What does this include?
A: The "custom-designed header graphic" can consist of some or all of the following: your logo, company name, slogan, other short phrase, photos, or even interactive buttons.
Q: What does this NOT include?
A: If you need MNS to design the logo for your company, this falls under the Graphic Design Department and is not included in the price of the web site. Likewise, if photos are included, any necessary enhancements are not included in this feature.
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Custom-Designed Navigation Buttons
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Q: What does this include?
A: We can custom-design simple roll-over buttons that match the color scheme and theme of your site. For an example, run your cursor over the blue navigation buttons on the left-hand side of this page. See how they change based on where your mouse is hovering?
Q: Do we have to use graphics for buttons?
A: No. While a graphical navigation interface like this is more appealing to the eye, it may not be what you're looking for. We will be happy to design your navigation with text.
Q: Can the navigation buttons be made with more advanced animation in Adobe® Flash?
A: Yes. However, this requires more advanced programming and design, so Flash buttons are not included in this feature. We'll gladly design a panel of animated flash buttons for you.
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As Many Pages as you Need -
price breaks come with each allotment of 5 pages |
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Q: Can I have just one page with all my information on it?
A: Michigan Network Solutions has certain quality standards for sites we develop. One such standard is that we try to minimize "scrolling." That means the more you can fit in a browser window without scrolling, the better. Consider this site, for instance. The only information on each page is the information necessary. Additional items (like this Q&A section) are hidden until accessed. Putting your entire site on one page is hard to navigate and thus frustrating to your potential customers, investors, donors, clients, etc. It is also confusing to search engines, like Google.com. MNS only makes web sites that are user friendly, well-designed, and optimal for search engines.
Q: How far do the price breaks go?
A: If all you want is to post a single page to the internet with contact information and a map to your location, we have a "Simple Web Page Package" that runs $299 and includes several features (which we can discuss with you).
For more detailed sites, there is a $349 base rate plus a set amount for each page. We also charge a nominal $0.15 per line of CSS code based on the clean layout techniques taught by the most well-respected CSS books (this web site has about 300 lines of code in the external CSS sheet, which would run about $45 total).
Please contact Art Thomas for a free estimate today.
Q: Are there any price breaks for web sites larger than 20 pages?
A: That depends on what you're doing with the extra pages. For instance, suppose you have a gallery of artwork or products. We can make one page of "thumbnail" graphics at normal price, and then link each small graphic to a page with a matching high-resolution image for visitors to view. These simple pages (that typically contain the image and a caption) can be made for as low as $4 a piece.
Q: I want an e-Commerce site with many products. How expensive is that?
A: Prices for e-commerce pages vary based on the complexity and advanced scripting needed to generate the page. Price breaks still apply to bulk orders, but they function differently than the increments for "non" e-commerce pages. They can also become as affordable as $15 per page. Remember, you'll likely earn that money back with your first few sales from your online store!
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One Fully-Enhanced Graphic per Page -
you supply the graphic; we'll edit for free |
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Q: Why can't I have two graphics on a page?
A: You can actually have as many pictures or graphics as you like. It's just that only one of those pictures is covered in the price of the page. Input of additional graphics is free, but they almost always require some form of editing, enhancement, or optimization to make them download quickly and appear correctly on the page
Q: What format should I use to send you pictures and graphics?
A: You can submit graphics in any file format recognizable by Adobe® Photoshop. Typically, graphics you send will be in .jpg, .bmp. or .gif formats. All these are acceptable. Note: for best use on the internet, photographs work best in .jpg format.
Q: Can I use any graphic at all?
A: Copyright laws do not permit the use of graphics from other sites without official permission from the owner of the photograph. Therefore, do not try searching for graphics on a Google.com "Image Search." Rather, you may use any photo that you own the electronic rites to. For instance, you might want to check out istockphoto.com to purchase high-quality images, or you can buy a CD-ROM of photos from a store like Staples or Best Buy.
It should also be mentioned that MNS abides by morality standards as well, and thus we will not allow use of graphics that exploit women or suggest sexual themes. MNS reserves the right to refuse use of any photo that is deemed inappropriate or offensive.
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100% Validated Web Programming -
XHTML and CSS with some Javascript integration |
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Q: Can you explain XHTML and CSS?
A: XHTML is used to establish the structure and hierarchy of text, graphics, and tables in your web page. CSS is used to layout and style the site so it looks professional and interesting. For more detailed information, check out the "Quick F.A.Qs" box at the top of this page.
Q: What do you mean by "some" Javascript integration?
A: The Javascript functions included in the price of your web page are the scripts needed to run "rollover" graphics (such as those used as navigation buttons). Additional features are very affordable (some are $0.50), but they are not included in the cost of the page.
Q: What do you mean by "100% Validated"?
A: As mentioned in the introduction to this page, the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) has established various rules for modern web site design. "Safe colors," "Table Layouts," and the "<embed> element" are things of the past. Modern web browsers are designed to be compliant with the web standards outlined by the W3C, and so web sites designed according to these standards are guaranteed to work with the most wide range of browsers being used by your potential customers, investors, donors, or clients. 100% of the XHTML and CSS used to develop your site will be run through the W3C's Validation Service as many times as necessary until it officially achieves the status of "Valid."
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Search Engine Optimization and Placement
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Q: How do you "Optimize" a web site for a search engine?
A: First of all, we'll ask you for a list of 10 "keywords" that you would want to associate with your web site. We'll also ask for a short, one or two sentence description of your business that will appear in the description field of the search engine. Then we'll check spelling and make sure all the right words are in place before including it in the XHTML code for your site. These keywords and description will not be visible to a visitor, but they will be visible to a search engine like Google.com
Q: What is involved in Search Engine Placement?
A: Without boring you with too many details, a "site map" is generated with some special scripting and then submitted to four search engines of your choosing.
Q: What search engines do you recommend?
A: The most popular search engines on the net are: Google.com, Yahoo.com, AltaVista.com, and Ask.com. Submitting your site to these four search engines is the default procedure unless you specify otherwise.
Feature Integration:
We can provide professional design and integration of the following features for your site:
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Q: What is Adobe® Flash? A: In short, it is a separate program that enables complex animations and other features. For a more detailed explanation, see the "Quick F.A.Qs" box at the top of this page. To open the question "What is Flash?", CLICK HERE |
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Q: What is Adobe® Fireworks? A: Adobe® Fireworks is a graphic design program used to edit artwork or photos and also to develop creative content for your web page. Fireworks can generate semi-transparencies, rollover effects, and other graphic-related features that give your site that professional flare. |
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Q: Why bother with HTML? A: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the "old school" language of web design. Occasionally, we run across a situation where archaic HTML from a former web site needs to be integrated into a new web site, in which case we will hand-convert each line of code to make sure it is readable as valid XHTML. Q: What is Actionscript? A: Actionscript is the programming language of Adobe® Flash. Many advanced components, features, and animation can be developed by writing actionscript into your Flash animation Q: What is Ajax? A: The following definition comes from Wikipedia.com : Ajax, or AJAX, is a web development technique used for creating interactive web applications. The intent is to make web pages feel more responsive by exchanging small amounts of data with the server behind the scenes, so that the entire web page does not have to be reloaded each time the user requests a change. This is intended to increase the web page's interactivity, speed, functionality, and usability. The name is an acronym standing for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. Ajax is asynchronous in that loading does not interfere with normal page loading. JavaScript is the programming language in which Ajax function calls are made. Data retrieved using the technique is commonly formatted using XML, as reflected in the naming of the XMLHttpRequest object from which Ajax is derived. |
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Q: Does my web site need a database? A: Probably not. Most web sites are more informational than interactive. Databases are only necessary if you have an e-commerce site or a site that needs to keep tabs on personalized customer profiles that the customer can edit online. You might also want to use a database to store a list of contacts for an e-newsletter. There are various other uses as well, but we'll be sure to let you know if it's necessary. |
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Q: Is an e-commerce site expensive A: That depends on the site's size and scope. The good news is, it is the nature of an e-commerce site to quickly and effectively earn back the money spent to build it. Q: How does an e-commerce site maximize profits? A: First of all, almost everything is paperless: orders are made online, a receipt is sent via e-mail, and even the advertising is electronic. Second of all, you vastly broaden your customer base to a national level and possibly international level rather than merely your own county (you decide the scope of your selling audience). |
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Q: How many e-mail accounts can I have? A: There's really no limit within reason. Obviously, we're not going to furnish you with 10,000 e-mail accounts. But we can work with you to meet all your needs. Just tell us what e-mail accounts you need made, and we'll provide all the setup and tech support for free with the purchase of your site. Q: Free? What's the catch? A: There's really no catch. We simply require that you host your site with MNS. This is simply because we need to be able to have full access to the servers in order to ensure the best quality and reliability |
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Q: Do you recommend message boards and discussion groups? A: Generally, no. These can be useful and fun sources of information exchange and dialogue for sites that regularly host a large number of visitors; but for most sites, they can be overkill. It can cheapen the quality of a site if you've had an active forum for a few years and no has posted any messages. Q: Why don't you mention "guestbooks"? A: Guestbooks are a feature that largely disappeared with the 1990s. Not only are they considered unprofessional, but most internet travelers agree that they're basically useless. No one ever reads them, they need censorship and upkeep, and they don't serve any purpose other than to take up space. Most web-goers these days won't waste their time with one. Q: What can you use a form for? A: Pretty much anything. Whenever you need to gather information from someone visiting your site, a form is the way to go. We can design comment-submission forms, surveys, order forms, e-mail registrations, and more. Let us know your idea for a form, and we'll let you know how we can make it a reality! |
©2009, Michigan Network Solutions, LLC.