About Me
Welcome, I am Tom Cowan, an independent, freelance web developer in Lansing, Michigan. I specialize in constructing new web sites and enhancing current web sites. My experience in web development along with reduced operating costs allows me to provide high quality, professional results while keeping within the limited budget of a small business.
Not only do I focus on redeveloping and improving web sites, but specialize in constructing and designing my own custom content management systems for improved security. I am able to provide a personal level of service ensuring I am able to exceeding clients expectations. With me, your business is not just another company or just another product, you and your company are the foundation of hard work and experience that I have the privilege of taking to the next level with a beautiful, clean, user friendly marketing tool.
I am also open to assisting with special projects. If you are a start-up or have an idea for something new, feel free to contact me. I am also open to donating my time to charities and non-profit organizations.
I have several years of experience with front end design languages such as HTML and CSS. I am also competent in most of the other web development languages such as Javascript and jQuery. In addition to front end design I am also experienced with back end programming using PHP and MySQL for data storage.
I have a broad range of experience in several fields including web design and development, software development, electronics, communications and logistics.
If you have any questions about my services, please feel free to contact me.
Portfolio
Click The Screenshots Below to Visit the Websites
Pricing
My pricing is very reasonable with the average business site costing less than $1250.00.
- Starters
- Basic Brochure Site
- Database Driven Site
- Ecommerce Site
Starters
Every website design project is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but most websites fit into one of these three categories. I will tailor a solution to fit the unique needs of your business.
Note that supplying the site content such as text, images, product prices and descriptions is the responsibility of the client. Development times are dependent on the client getting necessary materials to me in a timely manner.
Basic Brochure Site
A brochure type website does not use a database and is intended for information that will not change very often. They can be a single page or multiple pages depending on the amount of information you need to display.
They are a good choice for business owners who only need to display basic information about the business or whose product line, prices and descriptions do not change often and are not sold directly through the website, such as a restaurant or service related business.
Database Driven Site
Database driven sites are the best choice for anyone who needs to be able to add or update the information displayed on the site on a regular basis. Examples include blogs, artist galleries and retail businesses who need to update their product information often.
Site content is stored in a database and is retrieved and displayed only when needed. These sites incorporate a password protected administration area that the owner can log into and update the information displayed on the site whenever and as often as needed.
Ecommerce Site
Ecommerce websites incorporate all the features of database driven sites and also include linking to a payment processor such as PayPal to collect payments. Once PayPal has successfully processed the payment they will return a confirmation to the site.
Order and customer details are then stored in the database so the business can complete order fulfillment processes such as packing and shipping.
Typically, ecommerce sites also provide for regular customers to create an account where they can store their shipping information, view their order status and history, and print receipts.
Client Testimonials
Tom Cowan is honest, genuine, creative and rare. He has created multiple websites for iMichigan Productions and our programs. They all are clean and attractive designs with easy navigation. His work has made a huge difference in how our business is presented to the world.
It is our distinct pleasure to recommend Tom Cowan Web Design to any and all interested parties.
Rodney Brown
iMichiganProductions
Tom created for me a turnkey, easy to access, easy to manage, professional website. And even more important his follow up is just as good if not better!
I recommend him to everyone!
Debbie Fehrenbach
Owner, Fehrenbach Jewelry
I have worked with Thomas for the last 2 years. He put up my website and worked diligently with me to get it up and working. He has continued to help me whenever I need to make a change or figure something out beyond my skill set. I am very pleased with what he did for me to get my website up and running and for how responsive he has continued to be to help me as I need it.
I would highly recommend Thomas to anyone who needs a new website or webwork.
Beth Giacomo
Owner, Wine4U Wine Collective
I reached out to Tom a few years ago when our small nonprofit suddenly lost our former webmaster right in the middle of a website rebuild. Tom helped us get back online quickly. He understood the needs of our clients and exactly what we were looking for.
Over the years has always been quick to respond and generous with his time when we need updates.
I can't recommend enough!
Kevin Wernet
Director, Woldumar Nature Center
Thank You Tom!
Thank you for creating a great website for me so quickly. I loved the very first design that you came up with. What was most impressive is how fast you made changes or tweaks.
I will be contacting you in the future when the need arises.
David A Bradke
David Bradke PLLC
Top-notch web designer!
I'm so glad I hired Tom. He did an outstanding job of building my site. He worked quickly and was extremely responsive, flexible, detailed, and answered all my questions.
Thank you, Tom!
Carolyn S. Combs, M.S.
Author - Sharing Nature With Children
Terms
I am currently available to take on new clients. I can usually begin work on a new site within one week of receiving all the necessary materials.
My terms are usually 25% upfront deposit, 25% at the midpoint when the client approves the front end design, and 50% upon completion. For small brochure type sites, 50% at the midpoint when the client approves the front end design, and 50% upon completion.
