Custom Design vs. Box Templates
Choosing a CMS
The DESIGNforCMS Process
What are "modules"?
Project Managers
Custom Designs vs. Box Templates
Do you use ready-made templates?
No, never. All DESIGNforCMS designs are original, drawn up by us, for you, based on your specific needs.
Can I order a ready-made template from you?
Sorry, no. You might try and browse templatemonster.com for a boxed template. You can have it mocked-up and built onto your CMS by a third party service, like csswebsite.net (this is a sister service and we can vouch for the professionalism).
Can you customize a ready-made template?
If you need heavy modifications to your template as well as module styling or collateral material styling, then DESIGNforCMS can help you. Please use the online order form and specify your needs in the additional instructions field. You will be charged the standard package price since heavy modifications often require a lot of work.
If not, you might try our sister service csswebsite.net, or some other mock-up service.
I have my own design, can you build it for me?
If you need additional module styling or collateral material styling, then please use the online order form and specify your needs in the additional instructions field.
Choosing a CMS
Which CMSs do you offer?
Joomla!, Drupal and WordPress. Please feel free to ask if you'd like to use a different CMS, you can write us at info [at] designforcms [dot] com (info [at] designforcms [dot] com).
Which CMS is right for me?
There is no “right” CMS, just the right CMS for a particular project. The CMS Comparison Chart should help you decide which product is best suited to your needs. If you'd like some help, feel free to write us at info [at] designforcms [dot] com (info [at] designforcms [dot] com.)
Which modules are available?
info [at] designforcms [dot] com ( )
The DESIGNforCMS Process
What are the steps from start to finish?
There is a detailed description here: Website Design Process
What is a Concept Draft?
A Concept Draft is a sketched out page of a website. Concept drafts often have an unfinished look to them. That's normal in this phase of the project. They serve mostly as a tool to hone in on your site structure (how many columns, where the call to action goes, etc.) and color scheme (monochromatic, full color, pastels only, vivid tones, etc.) and overall look (photographic, 3D style, high-tech, open-space, etc).
Concept Drafts are drawn up in the first 3-5 days after order completion.
They are not templates. They are made specifically for you, based on your needs.
What is a Base Design?
Based on your feedback on the Concept Drafts, a Base Design will be created. This is your first real look at your website. Base Designs can, and will, undergo revisions - so expect changes. However, if you think we've totally missed the mark, now is the time to speak up. You should talk it over with your Project Manager. If need be, a new Base Design will be drawn up: We want you to be happy.
At the risk of sounding repetitive: Base Designs are not templates. They are completely custom website designs in the making.
What constitutes a Revision?
A Revision is a modification to your Base Design. The first revision may be fairly substantial – for example swapping a few colors, making the logo bigger or changing a photograph. However as you project progresses, revisions should become less drastic such as slightly shifting a color darker or lighter, making text a tad bigger or move the logo by a few pixels.
What does not constitute a Revision?
Sorry, but back-tracking or changing your mind on basic decisions made early on in the project can't be classified under “Revision.” We understand that sometimes things change in your business might effect your website design before it's finished. Should this happen, talk it over with your Project Manager. Together you will surely be able to find a solution. Please understand however, this may (or may not) include additional costs.
What is a Final Design?
The Final Design is the result of your Base Design after it has undergone all revisions and you have given Final Design Approval. Final Designs can not be revised. Make sure you are satisfied with your design before you give Final Design Approval.
What is a Moving Mock-up?
A Moving Mock-up will let you see how the dynamic elements on a page move, light up or change color. This is the working HTML which will be used to mount your Final Design onto your CMS. All page elements (JavaScripts, CSS, Flash, etc.) with the exception of links, should be working perfectly.
What is a Test Site?
The Test Site is the last production phase before delivery. We put a fully functional copy of your website on a DESIGNforCMS server. You will be given access to this Test Site so that you can use it and make sure that everything is in working order. Once you approve the Test Site, you will be able to download your completed website files.
How will my finished website be delivered?
Your finished website files will be downloadable from your client account page. If you'd like help installing your website directly to your server or hosting account, please feel free to ask. Except in rare circumstances, there is no additional charge.
What are modules?
The functionality of many CMSs can be increased by extensions. Extensions are named components or modules in Joomla, modules in Drupal and plugins in Wordpress. Whenever we are mentioning "modules" on this website we are talking about Joomla components/modules, Drupal modules or Wordpress plugins.
Project Managers
What do you mean by Project Manager?
Your project manager is a real person who is in charge of making sure your website comes out the way you want it. He, or she, is your point of reference for all aspects of the project. If you need information, want to make a request or air a concern, your project manager is the person you can contact.
How do I contact my Project Manager?
Your Project Manager's name and contact information will be emailed to you at project start. This information is also available on your customer account page. If you have any problems, just write and ask us at info [at] designforcms [dot] com
Can I request a specific Project Manager?
Yes, you can. If you've worked with someone in the past and feel more comfortable continuing that relationship, that's wonderful. However, if the person you request is currently “booked” up, or for some reason can't fulfill your request, you will be assigned different project manager.
What if I don't like my Project Manager?
Please send us an email describing the problem to info [at] designforcms [dot] com (info [at] designforcms [dot] com) and we will take any necessary steps.
