AC - Freelance Web Developer
Colchester
(5)
Colchester
(5)
Hello, I'm Andrew Creighton - a Lead Software Consultant for a Global FTSE 100 Company and a Freelance Web Developer. With dedication, knowledge and 12+ years experience I can develop software and digital web interactions for startups and established companies. Check out my services using the services tab above.
5 customer reviews
Systems Principal Lead
Andy was responsible for designing a complex web solution for our main customer ask and then defining how this would be implemented. Understanding the customer demand for the project, Andy defined how multiple developers could be used to implement the solution, and broke delivery down into tasks that they could then carry out, thereby allowing us to meet challenging customer milestones. As the project progressed Andy has shown strong delivery leadership, actively managing project tasks, monitoring progress and delivery quality, and working well with the projects system engineer to ensure that the project is running well and to milestones. More...
Caryn Connor
After the initial site was built Andrew took the time out to ensure we were fully trained on how to keep it up to date ourselves. Any time we have had an issue he has been very responsive to our needs. I would highly recommend Andrew’s work as a software developer and I am sure he is destined for great success in his career. More...
Denise Baxter
Due to a referral from one of Andrew's previous clients, we approached him to develop a website for our new HR & Recruitment business. Andrew had a mature approach and asked very pertinent questions at our initial briefing meeting. Andrew took the time to understand our business needs and drivers and offered an exceptional web solution to fit. More...
Senior Project Manager
Andy has lead and delivered a new web based project for our main customer, that will deliver a step change capability. He was fully responsible for the full stack development tasks as well as managing the customer relationship. The project was delivered on time and to budget and Andy has had some glowing verbal customer feedback. More...
Craig Turner
Andrew was a pleasure to work with. He was patient, knowledgeable did a great job with my website. Not only did he cover all the technical side and make it understandable for me, he also has a fantastic creative eye. I handed him my requirements, ideas & target market and, with very little input from myself, my website grew into something I am truly proud to have as the front window of my business. I highly recommend him More...
What makes a great website?
Getting your business online is one of the best things you can do to reach new and potential customers - we live in a digital world after all. With this in mind the most important points that make a great website for me are the following:
1. Strong and clear message
A website is your best chance to make a lasting impression to your customers and it is often a potential customer’s front door of your business.
In order to have a successful and engaging website, it should have a simple and clear message that all visitors can understand and will remember. The best way to communicate your website’s mission is through a clear message on your homepage. This will help search engines categorize your website for appropriate keywords and phrases. This tactic is called search engine optimization (SEO).
Its important to think about what your website does or what you want it to do. What products or services do you offer? Then, on your homepage clearly displaying that message in your content is key- you may be excellent at what you do but failure to convey could potentially lose you many clients.
Many websites fail to communicate the essence of their website to customers on their homepage and, thereby, lose valuable leads and sales very quickly. Make it count!
2. Easy navigation
Another important feature of a good website is navigation. Many websites fail to include well-structured pages or clear navigation tabs that lead visitors to relevant sections of their website.
Organising the information on your website in a simple and structured way will bring you success. In many cases, adding sub-pages to the top navigation will be the best option for organising your information into specific categories.
Its also important to think through your web pages’ structure so that it all makes sense in a logical flow. That way, when customers visit your website, they will have an easier time navigating to the information on your website that is most relevant to them.
3. Content and more content
The main function of a website is to convey relevant content to your visitors and help them understand the problems that your products and/or services solve. Your content is the single most important element in increasing customers. Its imperative that any content added to a site is displayed in a simple, consistent and clear manner.
4. Community
Building a community for your business is one of the best investments you can make. It’s crucial to establish an online presence. Adding social networks to your website its therefore key. Starting with the networks you know and are active on – the most common being Facebook and Twitter will allow visitors to connect with you through other media.
In addition to social networking profiles, creating and maintaining a blog is one of the most effective ways to build a community and a great way to increase content and make a website great. Blogs are a great way to have a conversation with your visitors and customers on a regular basis and improve the level of trust between both parties.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
I have lead and delivered multiple projects right from project initiation to delivery. My strategy is to keep you involved throughout the process in an iterative fashion. Naturally, this will involve multiple conversations back and forth with many questions being asked. My approach is:
- STEP 1 RESEARCH & STRATEGY
The first step involves an in depth discussion about your web project. I will want to know from you:
-What the direction that you want your website to take?
-What is your business, its market and its goals? This will drive how the website will look and allow me to start researching SEO keywords and phrases for your onsite SEO.
-What high level ideas do you have on how the website will look?
-What is your budget?
With the above information I will then begin to flesh out your website’s structure and functionality. I’ll outline my recommendations and suggestions in a Project Proposal document and provide a fixed price quote.
- STEP 2 WEB DESIGN & CONTENT
This step will involve multiple iterations and is based around the web design and the content you want to add to your website.
I will ask you for the content that you want to add to your site. Initially this can be in draft form but it should be kept on topic. Taking inspiration from the content and imagery you have supplied, coupled with everything we discussed in step 1, I’ll create design visuals for an agreed number of key pages.
These design visuals will be shared with you and from there I will work collaboratively and iteratively with you on making any improvements and changes until you are happy with the final outcome – during these iterations we will also finalise your design content.
By the end of this stage you’ll know how your new website will look on a desktop and a mobile device and your website content will be finalised.
- STEP 3 WEB DEVELOPMENT
Using the agreed design visuals and your final, polished content, I’ll custom-code your website and integrate it into a CMS.
During the build process we’ll continue to work iteratively, focusing on:
-Your websites look and functionality - I will show you your site as I develop to ensure are you happy with it.
By the end of this stage your website will be coded, your content will be uploaded into the CMS and your site will be ready to go live.
- STEP 4 LAUNCH & MAINTAIN
With the website design and build complete I’ll prepare for your launch and beyond. By the end of this stage your new website will be live, receiving its first visitors, and working hard to get your business noticed online.
What do you love most about your job?
I am doing the job that I have always wanted to do from when I was a kid. For me, going from an initial idea on paper or from a proof of concept and developing that into something functional that delights my clients is very special indeed. With many years experience in this field it still brings a smile to my face and gives me a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Ultimately its my passion for all things software - its a continually evolving space!
But to answer the question more specifically, as a Lead Software Consultant I spend most of my energy managing projects both technically and its delivery for large scale systems. But coupling this role with becoming a freelancer allows me to move away from that and really get my creative juices flowing in creating engaging end user experiences for my clients.
Why should our clients choose you?
While I don’t know the experience of the other potential candidates, I can only speak of my qualifications that make me the best fit for this position. After working in this field I have amassed over 12 years experience.
In my Lead Software Consultant role I successfully manage a team that delivers large scale web projects at a national scale. I am responsible not just technically but also for managing budgets and delivering against difficult milestones - I know how to deliver on time and on budget. Now, I’m ready to spread my wings as a freelancer and do the same for you!
I have all the skills and experience required and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed. If chosen as your freelance developer, I will strive to deliver high-quality work for the continued success of your business.
Web Hosting
I have an unlimited hosting space with one of the UK's best hosting providers. This allows me to set up your domain names, host your website and manage everything moving forward.
Full Stack Web Design & Development
Being an expert in full stack development allows me to not only create responsive web designs but implement websites that are made with high quality code that maximize website optimisation and performance.
Content Management Systems
Experienced in utilising Worpdress & Webflow as a Content Management System every website I create will allow your content to be controlled and managed by you.
eCommerce Solutions
I can help you drive sales with a fully-fledged storefront. Customer focused development of an online store will ensure your end users have a pleasant and memorable user experience.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
You can have the most aesthetically attractive and informative website that knocks your competition out of the park but if no one can find you on Search Engines such as Google or Bing then your competitors still have the upper hand. This is where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) comes in. SEO is complicated but by using my 3 pillar approach of technical, on site and continuous SEO improvements your site will be on the right path for online success.
Maintenance & Support
You must keep on top of your website maintenance which can be time-consuming and challenging. This is why I offer maintenance and support services to take care of the hard work. Website maintenance services are not a one time activity, it is usually a continuous process that needs to be done every month depending on the size of your site, how actively you want it updated and how keen you are to promote it with a view to gaining high Google rankings for example.
