Web Design & Website Maintenance Services

I am a web designer and webmaster based out of Pittsburgh, PA. I began my journey building websites with static HTML, and today primarily work with dynamic, content management systems. Most of my recent projects are built with WordPress as it is an ideal platform for my clients. WordPress provides a variety of tools to help my clients manage and maintain any information they would like to present to their visitors.

My web design experience began when standard practices consisted of slicing PSD files in Adobe Photoshop for table based layouts (i.e. "old-school"). Pages were typically viewed at the "standard" 1024x768 resolution on CRT monitors (remember those?). CSS was just starting to become popular, and we generally designed for 760px wide presentations while trying to keep home page content "above the fold". Technology and design trends have changed dramatically since then.

My process allows me to work with clients throughout the entire development cycle. This includes project planning, front-end design, back-end development, content and multimedia integration, as well as SEO, website maintenance, support, and web hosting. I also provide consultation and support for existing platforms. I truly adore what I do. Visit my web design portfolio to see some examples of my web design and website redesign projects.

Static HTML to Dynamic CMS

The Web started with the use of "static" pages that contain HTML code to display text, links and images. HTML, a.k.a.  Hyper Text Markup Language, is a language that instructs web browsers how to display the content of the page using a variety of elements. HTML pages have many benefits including security and the ability to customize everything. However, relying on HTML pages alone can also increase the effort (and level of skill) that is required to manage and maintain a website. In addition, static HTML pages do not provide the dynamic functionality that is available with modern CMS platforms. Enter WordPress.

Getting Started With WordPress

My first experience with WordPress took place when my previous company began using version 2.x for their blogging platform. I worked with osCommerce on numerous website projects so I was familiar with the benefits (and time savings) of implementing a dynamic, PHP/MYSQL driven website application. However, at that time the popularity of content management systems used for the "main" website was in its infancy. Most of my clients integrated dynamic features like storefronts, discussion forums, blogs, chat rooms, etc. as an additional component to their main, HTML based website.

WordPress Web Design

One of the main "issues" with HTML based websites is that they require coding experience in order to design, build and maintain the overall web presence. When building websites with WordPress, this focus shifts to content integration using visual tools for updating information and integrating dynamic features and functionality.

Easy Content Management

WordPress users are able to login from any Internet connection in order to make changes through the back-end Dashboard. Designing and building websites with WordPress allows my clients to focus on managing their content, rather than the obstacle of editing website code to present their company "message".

Building Websites With WordPress

WordPress excels as an efficient platform to manage pages, menus, articles and any type of information offered to visitors. WordPress can be used for projects ranging from small, brochure websites, to advanced websites that provide a variety of features and functionality.

Features & Functionality

WordPress is the most popular CMS available, with over 40% of all websites built using this platform. WordPress users have access to thousands of plugins that provide a advanced features and functionality including E-commerce, contact and survey forms, calendar and event integration, community forums, native audio/video integration, newsletter sign-ups and more. With the default Gutenberg editor, WordPress has taken a huge step towards providing an integrated, fully customizable, page building experience.

Open Source Application

WordPress excels at ease-of-use, automated SEO, and provides both non-profit and for-profit businesses and organizations a stable platform to build with. WordPress is open source software that does not lock users into continual licensing fees (*some 3rd party plugins and themes do require payment).

Focus on Security

Due to its overall popularity, WordPress tends to be targeted more often by hacking attempts than other CMS platforms. From my experience in IT, this is to be expected. However, with the appropriate steps, WordPress can be configured to be a secure, stable, and highly efficient website platform.

WordPress, Post Types & Gutenberg

WordPress provides full search integration, native blogging capability, content categorization, and much more. One of the best features is the ability to create and customize client-specific "Post types" (articles, bios, unique pages etc.). WordPress developers can fully customize specific Post types to include unique data fields (copy, images, video, audio, files etc.), as well as how, when, and where they will be displayed. With the Gutenberg editor, WordPress provides the ability to fully customize the "look and feel" of any pages and posts.

WordPress Development

I enjoy building features and functionality into my projects that enables easier management for my clients. My belief is that my clients' website should function as a 24-hour team member that adds value and opportunity for their company or organization. View some before and after web design projects to see how website redesign has changed their online presence.