Website Development
We combine functionality with creative design to develop a custom website that effectively serves your digital communication goals for several years.
Built for speed, our websites abide by current w3 web standards and are fully responsive and interactive. We tailor your website to suit your needs. From the user experience (UX), to the user interface (UI), all the way to the call to action and hosting if you desire.
Features Available
Website Design
All Connection Group websites provide clear navigation, quick load time, clean, well-organized layout, compatible color schemes and fully functioning scripting. Every effort is made to communicate your message clearly while strengthening your brand. Our graphic designers work directly with you to create professional, personalized, and unique websites to make your competitors weep. View Web Design Samples
Development & Code – Modules
The techy stuff. Special programming such as databases is required for more complex websites. To function properly websites have a backend comprised of code and programming that is not visible when the website loads for visitors viewing the front end. Depending on the complexity of the site features multiple programming and modules may be used to obtain a robust site such as e-commerce, auction, or member-based website. The range of programming and database knowledge we utilize at the time of this writing include: PHP, HTML, XHTML, DHTML, XML, CSS.
Photo Galleries
Connection Group website design customers find the photo galleries we create for them attract a lot of interest. We develop a variety of galleries from the photos available; interior and exterior of company headquarters, staff photos, products, before and after visuals, presentations, etc. Galleries can begin with thumbnail (small) images and expand to fill the page. Galleries can run automatically without user interaction and interactive arrows to page through the content can be included based on your preference. Many options of gallery function are available including timed slide shows, manual viewing, slow-medium-fast slide display, click-to-enlarge, with or without captions, etc. websites must have clear visuals to make strong impacts, Connection Group’ photo galleries are a step in the right direction.
Content Pages
These are the support pages of your website. All pages are linked and contain consistent navigation. Examples of content pages are: the About Us page highlighting your company background, founders or board of directors page, services or products page, and so much more.
Files for Download
Do you have e-books, presentations, product specifications, or white papers you want to be included on your site? We can post content within the page or for those items or publications that have been designed in specific formats and layouts, pdf or document files can be attached for download.
Links Page
Links build the Internet. Hyperlinks to your customers, suppliers, partners, groups and charitable organizations increase connections and SEO. websites that have valuable content to your visitors increase your company credibility. Links related to your site content make your site more useful and attractive to visitors. websites that attract web surfers gain high search engine rankings. The more links you have posted to your site that are similar in the content will help present you as an authority worth linking to. All links added are checked for viability and function.
Site Map Creation
A site map is a page on your website that layouts the structure and flow of each Web page on your site. Search engines look for site maps on all websites they visit. Having a site map helps increase your website ranking in search engines. Providing a site map allows visitors to understand the organization and quickly gain access to what they are looking for on your site – with a minimalist approach to clicks.
Detailed Website Statistics
Want to know how many people have come to your website this month, what information caught their interest, what pages they visited? No problem. Connection Group sets up detailed website statistics about the traffic on your site, the page clicks and click overs, etc.
Google Interactive Maps
Googles’ advanced mapping technologies give visitors the ability to print and view directions to your locale in the map, satellite, or hybrid options. Google maps on your site increase customer ease in finding your location. With Google Maps visitors get versatile dynamic directions and often a photo of the area. Visitors can get satellite views, written directions, and routes directly from their location to yours.
Feedback Forms
Forms help you connect with your website visitor. Forms can capture customer contact information, visitor inquiries, existing customer questions, request for quotations, and much more. When a visitor completes a form we create autoresponders thanking them for their inquiry or otherwise confirming receipt. Required fields can be indicated. The completed form is e-mailed to a designated e-mail address within your company. Captchas will be included with form scripts to filter spam.
RSS Scripts
RSS is an acronym for Really Simple Syndication. RSS feeds can be added to your website for visitors to subscribe to regularly published elements of your site. RSS scripts are often added for News sections, blogs, or audio and video content in a standardized format.
Weather Script
Customers can use this tool to view current weather conditions. We can set the tool to your zip code and we can program your visitors the ability to set the weather to any zip code or anywhere in the world.
Technical Support
We stand by our work. Connection Group provides support and updates for all customer websites and emails hosted by us. If you have questions on website content and updates we can provide simple answers via email or phone. More complex inquiries for work provided by third parties will be bid at a discounted client rate. You can count on us to solve any challenges you encounter. If you have any questions we are happy to help and walk you through any items you are not familiar with. If your website is hosted with us, email and website access support are also included.
Custom Features
Some features can be included with a standard site design with little or no additional fees.
Other options require more time in development and design and may require additional fees.
- Content Management Systems
- Blog
- Members Only / Secure Login
- Databases
- eCommerce (Online Stores)
- Secure Payment Forms
- Printable Coupons
- eMarketing Campaigns
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Calendars
- Forums
- Web Hosting
- Domain Registration
- Email Accounts
- Listservs
- Care Packages / Maintenance Plans
- Site Usability Testing
- Social Media Sharing
- Banners
- Photography
- Videos
Content Management Systems
A Content Management System is a special type of website that can be dynamically updated by any authorized user – no knowledge of coding required! These types of sites allow for regular updates by a chosen administrator. CMS is especially useful when your website contains sections that will be updated frequently such as events, news, product samples or any similar content.
Blog
Blogs are informal written articles, and announcements of interest about you, your company, product, and industry. Connection Group can set up a blog that emulates the custom design we have created for your site. The setup allows you to add articles, upload photos, audio, and video, as often as you like. A clear WYSIWYG editor is all the code you need to see!
Members Only Area / Secure Login
Do you have certain areas of your site you want to be designated for members only? Connection Group develops a members-only/login area that can only be accessed with username and passwords. If desired, visitors can go to the site and complete a data form for you to capture their information, they can then create a user name and password. websites can be completely designed for log-in only or a public site and members-only site can be built together. Secure log-in areas are often used by associations, groups, and other organizations. Members can access private, personal account information, payment information, and administration areas. If there are areas of your website only some people can view a log-in area is a great solution. Connection Group can build various layered access areas for members and for administration areas.
Databases
We can integrate existing non-proprietary databases or start one from the content provided. From customer contact lists, products, services, members, e-mailing lists, etc. databases can be dynamically updated and configured to import and export from other popular software programs. In-house administrative level access is developed and specific areas can be restricted to limited access by others with content management systems (CMS).
Online Stores (E-Commerce)
Do you want to sell products and services online? Connection Group’s online store feature allows website visitors to preview your products and services, choose one they wish to purchase, and then order and pay for it securely, using an automated payment form through PayPal. Checkout payment pages are secured by 128-bit SSL encryption.
Secure Payment Forms
For secure payment forms to enable customers to make payments from your site we can create secure payment forms by working with third-party gateway companies or PayPal.
Printable Coupons
Printable coupons offer an additional marketing incentive when people visit your website. Connection Group can create coupons to promote specials or offer discounts on any page of your website. Your logo, contact information the highlighted special, and any expiration dates or exclusion will be included. website visitors can choose to click on the printable version and bring it with them to your store. We also have great success with the use of coupons in e-mail campaigns to customer lists.
E-Newsletters / E-Marketing Campaigns
Creation and development of e-newsletters, e-postcards, e-catalogs, and e-coupon design and production. Links for mail list enrollment (Join our list…) created for websites. Mail list management. Graphics, text, and proof prepared and tested prior to sending campaign. tracking of campaigns and sharing with social media connections.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
To get the traffic you want, your site needs to have high placement in search engine inquiries. Connection Group assists our customers in the many techniques used for better website search engine rankings. From keywords, page titles, headlines, and search engine submissions we know how to design your site to get search rankings right away. For top-ranking placement paid placement and SEO expert resources may be recommended.
Calendars
Do you offer events, classes, or special sales dates to your customers? A website calendar on your site that you can easily add dates and information on can be added into your website design. Customers can visit your website anytime and instantly see dates applicable to them. Calendars can also be set in password-protected areas of the site or be limited only to admin areas.
Forums
Add interaction to your website with a forum. Forums can be used for customer questions, product reviews, and discussion, launching of new services, etc. Member access is designated with a password and user name. We recommend all forums have a moderator.
Web Hosting
Your website has to live somewhere, why not park it here? To be visible on the Internet, websites must be stored on a Web server. Connection Group offers safe and speedy web hosting for customers at competitive rates. Hosting is available as a component of Website Care.
Domain Registration
Choosing a good domain name can be the difference between the success and failure of a companies’ web marketing efforts. Your domain name (example: connectiongraphics.com) is the phrase people will use to get to your website. We can help you determine the best names that fit your company moniker and brand. Connection Group (CG) will register your domain name annually so you don’t have to worry about it. If for any reason you prefer to register your domain or transfer the duties from CG, we will release it without question.
E-mail Accounts
Links to specific email addresses are coded throughout your website. Up to 10 email accounts are available with your Connection Group hosting account. Email support and setup are included. E-mail addresses based on your domain name are provided as part of your hosting package. You can check your email online from any location or we can help you configure any third-party e-mail client.
Listservs
Do you have a membership or group that you stay in contact with regularly? Do you want to? A listserv may be a good solution for your website. Connection Group can set up a listserv for your group when you choose us for your hosting.
Care Packages | Maintenance Plans
Connection Group Care Plans allow you to rest easy. We will make sure everything is functioning properly, updates are made timely and accurately and all without breaking the budget. Check our package described here.
Site Usability Testing
Connection Group offers usability testing for new and existing sites. Testing identifies whether an intended user can use the site correctly as it is designed. With limited guidance, a small group of people is tested by our facilitator.
Banners
Connection Group designs custom banners for use on your site or as part of your e-advertising and e-marketing campaigns. We can help you determine the price, rotations, duration, etc. We can create banners for your customers for placement on your site.
Photography
You can provide your own photos for your site, hire your own photographer, or we can help you. If you do not have photography we can take photos of your location and products for use on your website. We can also refer or manage professional photographers and schedule photo shoots of your staff, etc. for various marketing purposes.
Videos
The power of the video is getting stronger every day – just look at YouTube, Tiktok, and websites video content proliferates. Adding video to your website is the easiest way to add interactive content to your site. We can link to your YouTube video or to other sites, such a products manufacturers’ sites, etc. Quality stock video is also getting more prevalent. Our team and partners can create customized videos from original or stock footage. We can also refer videographers close to your community.
Additional Available Features
Logo Design
Direct Mail
Postcards, Newsletters, Sales Pieces
Brochures
Business Cards
Press Kits / Media Kits
Digital Catalogs
Look Books, PDF Page Turners
Are You Looking for a FREE WEBSITE?
We hear GoDaddy, WIX, Square, and others claiming you can build a website in a day for free. The truth is, a good percentage of our new small business customers contact us after they have tried building their own websites.
We usually hear from them when:
- They’re spending more time building a website instead of building business
- Their customers experience confusion or frustration when visiting
- Their “free” website gets hacked and they can’t access it anymore
- Their business has grown but the site doesn’t reflect the same professional level
- The website is out of date and they don’t have time to make updates.
- Junior / Intern / 2nd Cousin / Secretary doesn’t have time to keep it current.
Social Media Sharing
Social Media Sharing
If you need help making sense of the social media realm we can help get you started. Social media logos are added to your website design and linked to each profile you choose. All e-newsletter and e-coupon campaigns can be sent to all your social media contacts. Move our business ahead with a branding strategy across all applications.