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These days any teenager with a computer can put together a web site,
so why should you hire a professional?
Because you want a web site that serves a specific purpose, not
just a flashy collection of eye candy. We can create an online presence
that is unique to your business and addresses a business need. In
short, a communication solution that is integrated with your marketing,
advertising and public relations efforts.
After all, you wouldn't hire a teenager with a calculator to do
your taxes.
We can help. It's what we do. tom@thomascg.com
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Web Development
We have been providing creative online communication
solutions since the Web was in its infancy. Remember straight html
coding? When Web pages were text-based and you placed files via telnet?
We do. And that's important because... well, it really isn't all
that important, except to show we have a thorough understanding of
the Web and its use as an effective communication tool.
Our approach to web development is based on the
experience you would like visitors to feel. What words do you want
them to use in describing your site. Is it innovative, fresh, crisp,
elegant, energizing, muted, etc.? We feel your Web site should be
more than an online business card or brochure, and in most cases
less than a collection of graphics and sound that seems more like
a video game than information resource.
We will work closely with you to create a virtual
representation of your company, organization, service or hobby. More
importantly, we will bring you ideas. Tons and tons of ideas to help
you get the most out of your Web site.
Take a look at our samples, below, and read about
why we took the approach we did. Then give us a call about your own
Web site: (757) 650-1690, or send a note to: tom@thomascg.com
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Brownfield
Development
www.brownfielddevelopmentva.com
Virginia Beach, VA
This site was the second for a local real
estate developer, who formed a new company specializing in
re-developing industrial brownfield sites. The site was designed
to emphasize the unique services, without providing so much
information that potential customers would feel as though
they didn't need the professional help after all. TCG handled
the original design and wrote the content.
Soon after the site release the developer
hired an assistant who now maintains the web site, so the
current look is not based on the original TCG design and
search engine strategy.
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Christopher
Technology Consulting
www.christophertechnology.com
Virginia Beach, VA
This clean and crisp site was designed
for a local IT & Change Management consulting firm as
an online brochure containing information about the firm,
its services and the approach taken in addressing IT challenges.
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Architectural
Stained Glass
www.architecturalstainedglass.com
Norfolk, VA
A site to showcase a unique form of art,
stained glass. Not your typical "craft" style stained
glass, the site was designed to reflect the architectural
nature of the company's work, with an emphasis on showcasing
examples in an easy-to-navigate structure. The site is designed
so that it can easily be expanded with future growth. We
handled all design and content for the site.
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ICU-Technology
www.icu-technology.com
Chesapeake, VA
This specialty electronics retailer has
a unique niche and desired a site that explained not only
the products for sale, but how others have used the products
and staff expertise to develop security solutions. TCG handled
all design and content. This is a work in progress.
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Adventure BMW
www.adventurebmw.com
Chesapeake, VA
The Adventure BMW site targets a very specific
audience -- current and future motorcycle owners. The challenge
here was to create a site that is much more than a listing
of motorcycles and prices. Adventure's customers enjoy the
friendly atmosphere of the shop and we wanted to create a
Web site that reflected the feeling of walking through the
doors.
It is crisp and clean, with an emphasis
on the core content, but with plenty of other things to keep
you coming back for more. For example, to ensure regular
customers continue to visit the site, we change the gear
offerings with the seasons. We also update the "rides" section
on a regular basis, giving customers a reason to visit online.
"Teaser" copy on the web announces
new arrivals to the showroom, encouraging motorcycle enthusiasts
to stop in and see the latest in German motorcycle engineering.
One challenge was to appeal to riders of all levels and styles,
and to clearly convey this is a place where motorcyclists
gather, not just a store with motorcycles in it. We helped
accomplish this with a series of navigation banners, each
with a different photo of a BMW motorcycle in action. We
think the entire package works well in communicating some
very important messages.
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Patrick
S. Yockey, CPA
www.patyockey.com
Norfolk, VA
The accounting firm of Patrick S Yockey,
CPA needed a web site that introduces potential customers
to the services provided, but also acts as an online resource
for existing clients. Pat wanted a web site where he could
have a lot of information frequently requested by clients,
including state and federal tax and business forms that clients
can fill-in online in Adobe PDF format.
TCG designed a site that serves both purposes,
with a dedicated “Client Resources” area that
not only meets existing client needs, it also showcases the
firm’s customer service focus.
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The "before" state:
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On-Site Insight
Inspection Services
www.onsiteinspection.com
Chesapeake, VA
On-Site Insight Inspection Services hired Thomas Communications
Group LLC to redesign its web site to better present the
key web communication elements. Web designer and content
manager Tom Noffsinger used the firm's trademark yellow color
from its logo (and shirts, by the way) to create an easily
identifiable masthead that supports the logo and phone number.
The banner is separated from the main content by a black
bar that also serves as the home for a drop-down javascript
menu. The menu can be easily changed to accommodate future
site growth or edits, and matches the yellow, red and black
color scheme.
The left hand gray box can be utilized for photographs,
callout information and testimonials, as the site grows.
The entire site is also adapted for Macromedia Contribute,
so On-Site Insight can personnel can make changes to the
text and photographs, without impacting the overall look
or navigation structure.
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The "before" state:
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Matthews Acres
Subdivision
www.matthewsacres.com
Pasquotank County, NC
Matthews Acres is an elegant home subdivision just north
of Elizabeth City, NC. The developer hired Thomas Communications
Group to redesign the entire web site, update the content
and handle moving to a new server. Essentially the old host
had taken the site down and would not put it back up on their
servers.
We were able to step in, get the site moved and get an entirely
new, site online that is easier to navigate, more intuitive
and makes better use of the web to highlight important home
and subdivision features. TCG founder Tom Noffsinger handled
the web design, copywriting, digital photography and graphic
processing. He also created a colorful note on the home page
for key points about the subdivision. This note can be updated
from time to time to showcase new features.
Soon after the site release the developer hired an assistant
who now maintains the web site, so the current look is not
based on the original TCG design and search engine strategy.
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