-
Great Websites for Great People -
About Me
My dream is to have an office with an ocean view. As a kid from Long Island now land-locked in the suburbs of Chicago, I pine for salt water. I had a fish tank once, but it wasn't exactly the same.
My name is Marc Miller. I create websites. By day, I work for ReFrame Media, developing cool ministry websites. At night, I help individuals and small businesses create and then run successful sites. And I've been doing it for over 10 years.
I do my best work using the ExpressionEngine Content Management System (CMS), although I also do some pretty cool stuff with the WordPress blogging system, too. I strive to make beautiful websites that are standards compliant and optimized for search engines. Want to hire me for your next project? Contact me!
How I Work
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll be upfront with you: I can't turn around web projects quite as fast as if you hire a full time agency because I have a 40 hour a week job as the web producer for ReFrame Media and do my Big Ocean Studios work on nights and weekends (and lunch breaks and occasional coffee break).
However, I'm also more affordable than bigger companies. Additionally, I don't take on too many clients at one time so that I can give each project the necessary attention it deserves.
I bill hourly at a reasonable rate, use Project Pier for consolidated client communications, and use Freshbooks for billing so that invoices can be paid with check or credit card.
This all culminates in a very efficient process that delivers outstanding results.
Read some of my client's testimonials below for further proof.
Testimonials
Marc has been managing the website for Roseland Christian School in Chicago for several years. Twice, he has implemented a redesign of the site. Each time, he provides more functionalty and creativity. We continue to receive complements on our web site - for its overall look and for its wealth of information. Marc has implemented several features that make the site easier for us to maintain. He continues to be a great asset to us as we make a difference in the lives of our students!
Roger De Groot
Marc has designed many websites for me. He has exceeded my expectations each time.
I get a lot of positive feedback from people who visit my sites.Rafael Rivadeneira
VoteRafael.com, Epiphany Portfolios, Republican National Hisapnic Assembly of IL
-
Portfolio
click images for more info
South Shore Pediatric Dentistry
Ellen Painter Dollar
Amy Simpson
Perspectives Réformées
Academic Publishing Services
Caryn Rivadeneira
Roseland Christian School
Cornerstone Used Books
The Missional Mom
IL RNHA
Kids Corner
Church Juice
Tracey Bianchi
Epiphany Portfolios
VoteRafael.com
Spotlight Radio
-
Discovery and Planning
Whether you're starting a brand new website or redesigning your current one, the key to success is developing a solid plan. Together we'll work through a creative brief, site map, and wireframes before we even begin to design. These important documents will form a foundation on which your site will be built.
Branding Identity and Logo Design
Whether you're a new company or needing a site redesign, developing a look and logo is crucial to making sure you stand out in the crowd. I can help you figure out what makes you unique and then design a logo that reflects that.
Website Design
Ah the fun stuff. Once the boring paperwork is out of the way, it's time to start visualizing what your site will look like.
I work with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to craft websites. These are powerful, industry standard tools that really help get the job done.
Website Development
To most people, this area is the most mysterious. This is where the design comes to life as a real, interactive website. And it's the area I excel in.
I work on Linux/Apache webservers making sites that run in XHTML and PHP. Thow in some advanced scripting with jQuery and you end up with a site that makes you say "wow."
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a very important part of the development process to make sure your site gets noticed. Through keyword research, search friendly XHTML code that meets industry standard validation, and helping you obtain those high quality inbound links, I work hard to get sites to the top of the search engine results.
Content Management Systems
Content Management Systems (CMS) are tools that make updating your website content a breeze. I recommend ExpressionEngine for most sites.
However, if you need a simpler, more cost-effective solution, I also work with the WordPress blogging system.
Social Media Marketing
Think things like Facebook and Twitter are a fad? Think again. Don't take my word for it, watch this video.
I can help you learn how to use these, and other, social tools to help enhance your online presence and your website.
Web Hosting
Need a place to put your new website? I also can offer web hosting for your site. Various package are available, but for most clients, the basic configuration is more than enough. This includes 2000MB of disk space for $4.00 a month or $44.00 if paid annually.
Contact me for more information.
-
Contact Me
