www.stinkywebdesigns.com

FAQ

2010-08-16T00:33:00.000-04:00

(Q) Why can't I just use a template and make my own website?
(A) You can. But do you really want your business represented with a TEMPLATE that anyone can emulate and change? Or would you rather stand out from the crowd with a website that is tailored to YOUR BUSINESS?

(Q) But I can get a template website cheap and/or free! Why should I pay for one? I mean, I can customize the template to make it match my company.
(A) Yes, you can certainly customize *most* templates, but so can anyone else, but ultimately, it will still be a template and people will know the difference. They will look at your site and wonder why you couldn't make the effort to have a professional website created. Even though the template is FREE, free isn't always the best route to take. The adage: "you gotta spend money to make money" is so true with advertising. And a website is just that - advertising. You should spend some time, money and energy on making sure your website is a direct extension of your business - in all aspects.

(Q) Allright, so I don't want a template. How much am I gonna pay for your services?
(A) Great! You're one step closer in the right direction!! Stinky Web Designs offers affordable pricing because I believe in the philosophy that every business owner should afford a high quality functioning website. With that in mind, most websites I create range in (normal) price from $775-$900 (shopping carts are between $900-$1,400) with discounts offered on my website and FB all the time!

Have a question? EMAIL or CALL ME! stinkmeup@stinkywebdesigns.com

502-777-0072

2010-08-12T17:09:00.000-04:00

Not a blog designer

2010-08-12T13:38:00.000-04:00

I design websites, not blogs. I detest Wordpress, Joomla and Drupal. Creating this blog to match my website has been harder than perfecting a design for the pickiest client! grrrr

It's a little off (what with the light pink on the sides and all) but overall, I am ok with it. One day, on a slow day, I'll teach myself how to create a blog template instead of using a customized one.... but not today. Today, I have projects to work on!! :-)

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Work. Work. And yup, more work!

2010-07-07T16:33:00.001-04:00

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Work. Work. And yup, more work!

Work. Work. And yup, more work!

2010-07-07T16:33:00.000-04:00

While I'm not complaining about the magnitude of work I have taken upon myself to complete within the next few weeks, I must admit I am swamped and ready to explode!

With 7 current contracts, I feel the pressure of deadlines, meeting with new clients all while juggling the responsibilities of home. Unfortunately, the dog can't wait to go to the vet when he's sick; the teenager will always have an attitude or boy problems and undoubtedly, the baby will need attention - and then, the poor hubby.

But somehow, I am managing. I may be gray before the end of the month, but deadlines will have been met and projects completed - only to start it all anew (I hope!) for August!

Designing, Meetings, Flat Tires and Babies

2010-03-03T04:34:00.000-05:00

Currently, I'm working on two designs. I've finished the actual designs and am in the process of adding copy to both, while also waiting on photos from the client to upload these to the sites.

Today, I met with a prospective client and future reciprocity partner while munching on some hard HARD bread at Panera (the broccoli soup, however, was awesome!) Oddly enough, another partner was plugging away a few tables over so I stopped to say hello on my way out (and ended up spending another hour talking!)

I drove around all day on a donut-yanno, the ugly spares hidden away in the trunk? My husband explicitly implored me to keep the speed at or under 45mph-a feat for me! Thankfully, my trip to Panera was a mere 15 min drive even with the donut. Wish I'd grabbed a Krispe Kreme on the way home-perhaps tomrorow!

I overslept this morning. My 2 year old had an accident in the middle of the night and was snuggled between my husband and me. Apparently my subconscious wanted him home because I dreamed he was staying home from work-even had a lengthy conversation with him about it (or so I thought). Except, when I woke up at 10am, to let him know I needed to get ready and the baby was still sound asleep-he wasn't there. Instead, a pillow. Lengthwise on the bed. To keep the baby from rolling out. The baby, btw, is 2 1/2 years old-a toddler, not a baby. But my last, so a baby to me she'll stay.

Not sure how this has ANYTHING to do with work but I felt obliged to make this one a bit more personal. Now...back to work. (and yes, it IS 4:33 in the morning and YES, SVU IS on my tv!) :-)

Just to bring the designs to the top of the page...

2010-02-22T05:22:00.001-05:00

Here they are again. 2 new ones added (but they are showing up already on the "older" slideshow too, so I apologize for the repeats!

Do you need a website? DUH!

2010-02-19T03:15:00.000-05:00

Of course you do! Consider all the advertising you do with the phone book. Most, not all, but most people are connected to the Internet with the touch of their fingertips with laptops and cell phones. With so many of these and others on the go, it's quicker to jump online to grab a phone number or address (with an App or Widget to even point you in the right direction) than it is to look up the info in the phone book. Granted, this info can be accessed as long as you've uploaded said info to the Internet but why stop there?

Instead of paying upwards of $600/MONTH for advertising in the phone book and on various "phone book" websites, consider the number of people you can reach with a well designed, well written, user friendly website.

When contemplating your website venture, keep in mind a few do's and several do nots.

DO Set a budget for this expense. While many companies can offer specialized pricing, others will not. You don't want to get your hopes set on one designer and then realize later you cannot afford their services.

Do NOT Set an unrealistic budget. If you were already paying money out for advertising you plan to nix, use that money as a basis for a budget. Designers range in (realistic) prices from $1,000-$2,500 for basic sites. Some are more affordable, such as Stinky Web Designs, while others hit the higher end.

DO hire a professional. Whether you've just started your business and a website is one of your first major investments or you're an established company who has decided to take the technological plunge-hiring a professional web designer is the easiest, most affordable route in creating your website.

Do NOT be tricked into doing the site yourself on some freebie template based site. Yes, it's cheap, but your website will not be yours. Any one can choose the same template and add their information to it. Your website should be a direct reflection of your company. Even if you are one of ten on the block, YOUR business is different from the other 9. Stand out from the crowd with a unique design, instead of a template!

DO Get it in writing. Regardless of who you choose, get a contract...for your protection and theirs. AND, if they are registering your domain name, be sure it is IN your name, not theirs.

Be on the lookout for more "choosing a web designer" info soon!

Life, What the hell is going on?: A Strange Mental Disconnect

2010-02-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

Life, What the hell is going on?: A Strange Mental Disconnect
ITA with your mentality.
Michele

2010-02-11T12:53:00.001-05:00

Giving back...

2010-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Stinky Web Designs is taking steps to give back to the community.

Discounts are now being offered to Nonprofits. If there is a doubt, I will ask for proof. I am in the process of designing TWO websites for a company that gives back to the community in spades. JSS Enterprises operates as Ahoy!! Fish Hutt and JSS Catering. Stinky Web Designs is in the process of redesigning both their sites. The links previously will take you to their current designs (as of 2-11-10) but be on the lookout for the improved modifications! Ahoy!! puts on a benefit every other month in the "summer", starting in April.

Last April, they focused on a local organization striving to build a state of the art Autism facility in Louisville, KY. Beading to Beat Autism is also about giving back. When Ahoy!! isn't donating all the proceeds from such benefits to the charity their hosting, they're taking in people off the street, feeding them, clothing them, giving them a hand up for a better life. Ahoy!! is what giving back is all about and Stinky Web Designs is proud to be a part, even if only a tad bit, of their kindness and humanitarianism.

Imagine what a better place our world would be if we all just gave back. Just a little. What would you do to give back?

Busy Busy Busy

2010-02-08T01:15:00.000-05:00

Working on two new websites while making phone calls, appointments, getting tax stuff together, tending to the family and TRYING to maintain this blog. I'm worn out!

In an effort to give back to the community, all NON PROFITS are hereby extended a discount for all website design. Please contact Stinky Web Designs for details!

502-777-0072

SPECIALS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH PREPRINTED FLYER!!

2010-02-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

Specials available but ya gotta make it to the event to get your preprinted flyer!

Common Courtesy

2010-01-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Whether solicited or anticipated, receiving an email from a business should not go unnoticed or unanswered. Yes, there are illegitimate companies who send out SPAM emails repetitively but not each company's email is such. The email address and subject header should be the first clue.

Each and every email that Stinky Web Designs sends out is personally written, one word at a time, not copy/pasted over and over and over.

I wonder how many of my personally stamped emails end up in the trash bin without even being read? Extend some common courtesy and at least respond to an email you receive if it's from a legit business. A simple, "no thank you," or "not at this time" will suffice...unless of course, you'd prefer to say, "Yeah, let's do this!" :D

WHY Stinky Web Designs

2010-01-18T23:09:00.000-05:00

Stinky Web Designs, as a design company, is as different as the artistry in my portfolio. My background is diverse and rich in customer service, uniqueness and I'm absurdly straight forward.

Stinky Web Designs is Michele Strotman. Michele Strotman IS Stinky Web Designs. From each phone call, each graphic, each word littering your page, I am the face, the backbone, the heart and soul of Stinky Web Designs. No overhead. No large expense account. Just me. Humbly making my way, one website at a time, as creatively as possible.

So, WHY Stinky Web Designs?

If you want a template design, ask-I might do it for ya, although my prices are reasonable enough that you can afford a custom design for the same price. Templates are for sissies. Yes, I said it. Sissies. Pansies. People without vision. Without the resources to venture forward into the unknown. You thought I was kidding when I said straight forward? If I opt to do a template style design it's because it's been slow and I need the money. Yup-honest too.

WHY?

Because Stinky Web Designs is honest. Straight forward. Simple.

WHY?

You wanna stand out from the crowd-right? You don't want to run with the big dogs with the same collar and leash around your neck, do ya? Break free from the mold. Stand on your own two feet! Let Stinky Web Designs stink ya up-and make ya stand out from the crowd.

WHY?

Just because. You're still reading. I'm doing something right. :D

~Michele

What not to put on your website

2010-01-03T02:20:00.000-05:00

While I can't speak for everyone, it has been my experience that there are quite a few no-no's on website design and copy writing.

1)    PDF's. Requiring visitors to download information (aside from applications and forms) is a shot in the dark. Some may make the effort and read through the information once it downloads while others want a more instantaneous result. With all the virus's littering the Internet and many people becoming more aware of the dangers of downloading from every willy nilly website, they are also less likely to download the information and proceed to the next business.

2)    Heavy Flash Designs.    Not everyone has a lightning fast processor or Internet connection. Many folks who shop online do so because they live out of the city and it's their life line to the world. Their connectivity may take a bit of time to load sites heavily laden with Flash. Yeah, it's a nice touch but a solid, creative and distinct static site can blow them away just as easily.

3)    Mistake ridden copy writing. If you choose not to hire a professional copy writer (www.writehousepublications.com), please be sure to triple check the grammar and spelling of your copy writing.

4)    Blinkies. This is 2010, not 1990. Websites are professional gateways to your business, not a chat forum. Blinkies have no place on a company website. There are other ways to capture the attention of your visitors without the flashy cartoony antics.

5)    Outdated Design & Information. You don't wear clothes from the 90's, don't let your website wear the same look either. Try on a new background, new logo, new layout. Have a fresh set of eyes do some research to show you what others in your field are doing and take it a step further with either simplicity or extravagance. Your website is an informative advertisement. Make sure all the info presented is up to date and accurate.

6)    Non Functional Websites. If your website is in progress, be sure the homepage states such and publish it after completion. If you've not maintained your site and no longer use the domain name and URL, take the web address off your advertisements and business cards. Again, your website is an extension of your business. Clients will be put off if they attempt to view a raw or broken web address. They're likely to mosey on over to the competitor.

When contemplating your website, think of the competition, your favorite and least favorite sites. With these in mind, consider how you'd like your site to look. Does your vision match the reality? If not, call Stinky Web Designs to discuss the details and we'll get ya set up quickly with a distinctively creative design to match your vision!

Michele Strotman
stinkywebdesigns.com
502-777-0072

2010

2010-01-03T01:34:00.000-05:00

New Year, New Ambitions.

Stinky Web Designs is tired of the ho hum of the holidays. Never before in my life have I been more excited about returning to the daily grind. We've phone calls to make, people to see and business to conduct.

Stinky Web Designs anticipates an ambitious, industrious 2010.

Presents wrapped and waiting for my Christmas Bonus....

2009-12-15T23:05:00.000-05:00

All the presents are wrapped except a select few under a blanket so the kids don't see 'em. Of course, I wrapped my husband's present FIRST! :D

Business is slow this month. I'll know better to prepare for it next year but for now, it poses as difficulty for Christmas this year. Ah well, good thing we've been shopping since August!

Already Slackin'

2009-12-12T02:34:00.000-05:00

But in my defense, I've been poundin' the pavement-literally-to get new business. It's rough out there with all the fabulous designers and the economy so tight. Just so everyone knows, Stinky Web Designs offers payment plans for projects over $1,000 ! *Some restrictions apply. We wanna make it easy for ALL business owners to have a modern, out of the box website-without breaking the bank.

So, if ya see me out there walkin' and lookin' a li'l wa-hah in the head, it's because it's darn cold out there. Invite me in for a cuppa java and we can discuss your business needs for 2010 !

ANY blog post created past midnight should instantly be excused for my accent and any typos. I'm just sayin'.

Daily grind

2009-12-04T03:21:00.000-05:00

Stinky Web Designs has had a full day of meetings, Christmas shopping and a sick toddler.

and yet, here I am, blogging at 3 in the morning-to stay consistent with my daily blogging goal.

Regardless of the reasons for your blog, consistency is of utmost importance. Your clients, friends, family, coworkers-all will appreciate the consistency of your words, information and material. Whether you blog daily, weekly, monthly etc, do so routinely as possible to maintain your audience.

Shopping

2009-12-02T11:53:00.001-05:00

While others are scrambling for Christmas presents, wondering what to buy for whom, Stinky Web Designs is busy scouring the city for new clients, wanting to put our print on the next best design. Could you be the next business to get stinky?

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Holidays

2009-12-02T00:50:00.000-05:00

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Holidays

Holidays

2009-12-02T00:48:00.000-05:00

While there are a myriad of holiday traditions for each of us to celebrate, please accept the happiness, peace and prosperity from Stinky Web Designs throughout your holiday season.

Whew

2009-11-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

Creating a blog/day is not as easy as one would imagine! Between contacting potential clients, building new websites, shuttling the baby to/from daycare, spending time with family, there leaves little else to do beside eat, shower and sleep. Now, where did I place my friends? Oh yeah-they're on Facebook, patiently waiting.

And so, that is where you can also find Stinky Web Designs...FACEBOOK

You'll find Stinky Web Designs blogging to be quite different from that of other companies. We take the "plug" approach with a bit of down home feel to our blogging and relationships. We're in business, not just to make money, but because we love to create, design, write and share. Just how we are (or "how we roll" as my daughter's monkey shirt says).

Hope all have a productive and fabulous week and we'll catch ya... when we catch ya. Here, our site, FB or with the good ole fashioned Bell System!

~Michele~
Stinky Web Designs
www.stinkywebdesigns.com
502-777-0072

Web Design on a Dime....

2009-11-30T01:27:00.000-05:00

Stinky Web Designs creates custom websites for all budgets, all industries! Please visit our website, www.stinkywebdesigns.com, for our growing portfolio. ALL of our website design projects include complimentary copy writing by our sister company, Write House Publications.

Don't settle for blah, boring templated websites when you can have a custom website built within your budget. Yes, YOUR budget. Stinky Web Designs doesn't believe in set prices, so we work with your budget-large or small, simple website or elaborate.

Let Stinky Web Designs stink up your web presence with style and function!

Michele Strotman-Owner
502-777-0072

www.stinkywebdesigns.com

FAQ

Not a blog designer

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Work. Work. And yup, more work!

Work. Work. And yup, more work!

Designing, Meetings, Flat Tires and Babies

Just to bring the designs to the top of the page...

Do you need a website? DUH!

Life, What the hell is going on?: A Strange Mental Disconnect

Giving back...

Busy Busy Busy

**SPECIALS** ONLY AVAILABLE WITH PREPRINTED FLYER!!

Common Courtesy

WHY Stinky Web Designs

What not to put on your website

2010

Presents wrapped and waiting for my Christmas Bonus....

Already Slackin'

Daily grind

Shopping

www.stinkywebdesigns.com: Holidays

Holidays

Whew

Web Design on a Dime....

SPECIALS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH PREPRINTED FLYER!!