From time to time a client comes to us wanting a website based off a design they already have.

Sometimes a client will purchase a design/template or they hire a graphic designer to create the design.  However, once they have the design, they need to turn it into a working website.  This was the case with a website that launched yesterday, MAILFAST.us.

MAILFAST was referred to us by one of our partner companies, 3PSoftware.  The design for the site was created by Taylor Lee Communications.  Taylor emailed us the original Photoshop file that he had created.  We then hid the layers of text and sliced up the images and exported a working HTML page.

We then created an ASP page which became the template page for all the pages on the site.  We incorporated a JavaScript based navigation and created the site’s CSS file.  Once the base page was created, MAILFAST began sending us content to populate the pages.

After all the content was added, we went through all the pages making sure each page had a unique title tag and all the proper meta tags.  The site was then sent to MAILFAST management for approval.  After a few tweaks changes, the site was approved.  We then uploaded all the websites files to 3PSoftware’s servers and they then moved it to a live webserver.  Once the site was live, we got the site Google Verified through the Google Webmaster Tools.  MAILFAST.us is our 56th Google Verified website.

If you have a design for a website that you need turned into a living, breathing website, please contact us and we’ll get you all squared away.

NTC wanted a website where they could display a lot of info on the various house models they offer and available plots as well as information about the various developments they have going on.  To make adding content easy for the user, we developed the site in WordPress.

From the WordPress admin, NTC staff is able to add new house plans, update their list of features and add homes that they have for sale.  They are also able to view web stats for their site from the WordPress admin.

Another feature they wanted on the website was the option to fill out an online application.  Using the WordPress plug-in Contact Form 7, we made an application which when submitted, pushes an email to the applicant as well as a person on the NTC staff.  The form is also editable from the WP admin.

This website is just the first of many websites we’ll be launching this year.  Check back for other websites that will go live in 2012.  Also check back often as we will be launching a SLEW of new services throughout the year including purchasing hosting online.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or need general internet help, shoot us an email or call us at 717-337-2424.

We designed & developed this site in WordPress so the staff could update the site when they see fit.  They are able to add new house plans, homes that are for sale & can also add new photos to the Photo Gallery page all from the WordPress admin.  We also enabled and utilitzed various plug-ins including All in One SEO Pack, Photospace, Sociable and Slideshow Gallery.  Wide Open also host this website.

One of the largest items they wanted to tackle was displaying their work.  They not only wanted to put up pictures of their past projects but also archive them to essentially build a running portfolio.  We did this by creating multiple categories for them to create new posts in.  From the WordPress admin they could enter a title of their job, some of the job details and upload the images they wanted to display.  We then created a separate template to display the information they added.  You can view an example of the custom template at their Mifflin County High School page or view their entire Commercial Projects archive.

Another big item they wanted was a GIANT photo gallery full of pictures.  This task was a breeze with the Photospace plug-in.  I was able to create a page and use the plug-in’s shortcode to display their gallery.  The Carbaugh Concrete staff can now upload whatever images they want to the gallery page and the plug-in will create a thumbnail & large image and place it into a sharp looking gallery.

The last request they had was a Plan Room.  They wanted a place where subcontractors could log in and view various jobs the company had to offer.  Each job is able to display various drawings & specs that unique to each job.  To gain access to these jobs, a user has to contact Carbaugh Concrete and request a username and password to log in.  They preferred this method oppose to automatic sign ups because they wanted to control who had access to the various files.

Wide Open was able to accomplish all the challenges Carbaugh Concrete had.  Once the site was live, we installed and activated JetPack and got the site Google Verified.

If you are looking for a web re-design or seeking new web hosting, please contact us.

Carbaugh Concrete wanted a website where they could log in and make the changes they needed without having to rely on a web company to do it.  We designed their site, set it up on a WordPress platform and also host their website.  We then scheduled a time to show their staff how to log into WordPress and make any changes they needed.

HorryLaw.com used to host with Wide Open Communications a few years back.  Not sure why they transferred away (it was before I started here) but when they wanted someone to update the site, they contacted us.  We redesigned their site with two different designs.  One design for the main pages and another design for the sub pages.  We also added some drop-down navigation scripts to help consolidate all their various navigation options.  Lastly we added a general contact form on every page so a potential, future client could contact the firm from any page they were on.

Singleton, Burroughs & Young, P.A. joins our growing list of attorney websites which also include Campbell & White, P.C. and Henry O. Heiser, III.

As always, if you are seeking web hosting, a web design or redesign or just general internet help, please let us know.

Wide Open redesigned their site and “jazzed it up” with some drop-down navigation scripts.  The site actually contains two different designs.  We also added a contact form on every page so a future client can contact the law firm by email on whatever page they are on and search engine optimized the site.

First one I noticed was an update screen which lets you know that your WordPress system has been updated.  You can also view the credits of the people who helped craft the latest update.  They also added tool tips which pop-up after the update to point out all the new features.

Second big thing I noticed was an updated left hand navigation bar in the admin.  Now when you mouseover an option a pop-out displays with various sub-options (example: you mouse over Posts, a pop-out displays with All Posts, Add new, Categories and Tags).  This makes it easier to get to your desired destination much quicker.

The third major change I noticed was with uploading media.  You now have the ability to drag-and-drop files into the upload window.  They also did away with multiple upload icons (image, music, media) and replaced them with one general icon.  The upload method now relies on HTML5 & Silverlight instead of Flash.

Other changes include an updated Admin Bar, updated jQuery code, responsive layout and the added ability to customize the post editor.

If you’re using WordPress, I highly recommend updating ASAP.

WordPress will make it easier to not only manage and update our site, but also help us increase search engine exposure and run better.

Also within the coming months, we will be adding some features so people can purchase web hosting directly online.  This way, the web professionals out there seeking web hosting can purchase it from us if they want.  We will also offer Reseller Hosting if you are a web designer/developer with multiple clients and need a new web host.  Of course we will always be available by phone if you need us (during regular business hours).

As always, if you have any questions, comments, need a website or just need some general internet help, please let us know.

Sandy Conrad
Littlestown Borough
Littlestown, Pennsylvania