Carolyn E. Cooper Communications

Services:

• site analysis,
• consultation,
• graphic design,
• web design & development

I provide freelance design and consulting services to help you meet your goals for today... and tomorrow.

Whether you're are SOHO looking at an afforable solution for your first web site, a growing company looking to redesign or expand your current web site presence, a non-profit needing to get your message to your target audience or an design company needing an extra hand to meet a deadline, I can help. Contact me today for a free initial consultation and estimate.I am committed to creating a professional presence that works for you.

I have been an Internet developer since 1994, working for businesses ranging from large corporations to SOHOs to Internet startups. I was Web Editor for Harcourt Brace Professional Publishing Co., Creative Director for classiFind.com, site developer and PERL programmer for the original EduPoint.com, Unix Software Support Developer for R.W. Johnson (a research arm of Johnson & Johnson) and a Technical Trainer for Acquired Knowledge, Inc. In addition, I have worked as a freelance writer, graphics designer, comedy writer, comedian, associate editor, executive secretary to a mad scientist as well as the ubiquitous contract computer programmer.

I am passionate about the Internet and good design. I can help you avoid costly mistakes. I specialise in helping clients define an effective web site development strategy and set of user requirements, a solid Information Architecture, flexible design for web site management and growth and realistic financial plan. These aren't just "weasel" terms. They mean I help you get the best web site you can afford to meet your needs and goals.

I believe in using appropriate technology to meet your web design goals, not what will aid my career expansion. I also believe in using CSS design and web standards that increase web site accessibility, download and search engine optimization while positioning your site to meet future demands. I design for easy updating and maintenance. I provide you with the knowledge to make better decisions on where to invest your web development budget.

And I can help you find the right e-commerce solution for your business and give you an honest appraisal of start-up costs.

I strongly advocate a Content Management System (CMS) based site for most of my clients because getting the initial web design online is the beginning, not the end of your web site project. Web site management can be frustrating and costly when it's an afterthought. But each client has unique needs and goals. There are times when the primary goal of a client's web site design calls for different solution. I can help you determine what works best for your individual situation as well as design. Let me provide you with free initial assessment.

The Journey of a Thousand Miles Can Be a Lot Shorter With a Good Map

As my grandmother used to say, prior proper planning prevents poor performance. Prior proper planning also saves time and money. Before you waste time and money on an ineffective web design, let me help you refine your priorities, needs and available resources with a Assessment and Strategy Memo. It gives you a written, objective report on your stated needs, goals, desires, options, probable costs for launch and maintenance, probable results and my recommendations. And if I determine that I'm not the right person for the development job, I'll say so. Usually the assessment can be done in a 2-5 days, depending upon the scope of the web site, and gives you a solid map towards your web site development.

Broadband Keeps Me Connected — But I Will Travel for Freelance & Contract Work

Yes, I work with clients throughout North America and world-wide. The beauty of freelance web development is that most of my work with you can be done via email, the web or the telephone. If, however, you feel you need a physical presence I am willing to travel.

Click here to contact me today for an initial consultation.

Why I Recommend the ExpressionEngine Content Management System (CMS)

ExpressionEngine by pMachine.com is an affordable, powerful, flexible, dynamic CMS. It allows you to get the relevant information on your site without waiting for a "web developer" to make changes. It lets you take control of your content and handle the changing demands of your web site growth.

With over 200 standard features, chances are good ExpressionEngine can meet your web design needs "out of the box." This saves you a lot of time and money. If not, than ExpressionEngine's powerful PHP-based plugin and module API allows rapid development of additional enhancements including audio, video, podcasts, photo galleries, Flash productions and much more. Keeping the information architecture and design fresh is easy using CSS-based templates and a modular, database for content control. It's ideal for generating content-rich sites, creating communities or handling author content from multiple authors. Create as many custom fields, categories, subcategories, membership statuses, groups, weblogs or sections as you like.