how we work

About Totsie.com

Since 1996, Totsie.com has been creating unique, custom designed websites for small and large businesses. As a well-established, reliable and responsive company, Totsie.com has earned the reputation for providing artistic, technologically advanced, search engine friendly website solutions. Learn more about Totsie.com.

Our Content Management System (CMS) - Plone

The content management system we use is called Plone. It is an open-source database-driven website solution. Plone is used around the world for businesses, cities, universities, scientific centers, and government agencies. Learn more about Plone.

The Value of a Plone CMS

A Plone website costs more in the beginning than a traditional html website. The value is seen long-term. Maintenance can be done in-house, you can add pages at any time and because it is a database driven site, we can add functionality based on how you do business. In addition, when you are ready to change the look and feel of your website, it will be easier and less expensive than with a traditional site. A Plone solution, in essence, future-proofs your site.

Plone Basic Training

Basic training takes about two hours depending on the person's computer skills. Training for the employees who will manage the site is included in the website cost. Employees who were trained at a computer by us will have free phone and email support for a year after the training. A written manual is provided.

A Collaborative Process

Creating a website is a collaborative process between you-the client, and us-Totsie.com.
These are the steps in the process:

1. Completion of the Needs Analysis Document by the client
2. Free Consultation - one hour meeting at our office or yours (or by phone) to identify the functionality and design requirements
3. Website Proposal - includes scope of work and cost estimate
4. Approval of Proposal - includes written approval and payment of the deposit
   
5. Planning Sessions - two or more meetings depending on the scope of work
6. Delivery of Design Layouts - Layouts of the home and one or more inside page layouts
7. Approval of Design Layouts - requires written/email approval of the design. Note: Changes to the layout or scope of work after this approval may incur additional cost which will be noted in writing if they occur.
8. "Ploning" the site - includes creating the site, adding the functional components and implementing the design
9. Adding Content to the Site - we begin adding the site content
10. Training - takes about two hours depending on the user's computer skills and depending on the timing, the student may add some content as part of the training before the site is completed
    
11. Review of the Site - review of all pages for accuracy is done by the client, review of all functionality is done by Totsie.com
12. Publication - final check of the site functionality is done by Totsie.com after publication. Final payment plus any other expenses incurred during the production which would have been noted in writing during the production.

A Note About Our Designs

All designs are custom created for the client to meet their website goals. It is our practice to show one design that is a culmination of our research and discussions with the client. The custom website design becomes the property of the client upon final payment for the site.

During the planning meetings other websites may be referenced by the client, however, Totsie.com does not copy other website designs. If the client finds the design unsuitable, further discussion will be held to clarify the goals and a second design will be produced. In the unlikely situation that the second design is not approved, the client will be refunded the balance of the deposit minus the time spent on the two designs. Please read our free guide: Seven Steps to Website Success.

Working with other Designers
We welcome working with your designer if you prefer. Typically, graphic designers are not familiar with the design requirements of a database website so we will work with your designer to achieve your website goals. There is no cost savings in working with your designer because of the additional communications required to facilitate the production.

Timing

The project timing will be specified in the proposal. Small sites are usually completed within 60-90 days while large sites may take 3 months or longer. The best results come when the project is given priority and completed within the specified time frame.

Scope Creep

The client will be notified in writing if any request or change in scope of the project will cause an increase in price or a change in production schedule.

Delays & Cancellations

If the client delays the project for more than one month, or cancels the project, the client will be invoiced for all of the work completed, including expenses, minus the deposit(s). All work will remain our property, but will be available if the project should be resumed at a later time.

After Publication

After publication of the site, Totsie.com will follow-up once every three months for the first year to be sure that the site is still meeting your needs. Of course, you can contact us anytime you have a question.

Getting the Most out of Your Website

A website should be considered a living entity. It needs to be fed content, it needs to be pruned of outdated material and it needs to reflect the vibrancy of your business. Think of things that will benefit your customers so they continue to have a rewarding experience when visiting your website.

Our Goal

It is our goal to produce a dynamic, unique and user-friendly website for you and your customers that supports the success of your business. We look forward to working with you!

Totsie Marine and Winn King