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Help me find the right programmer/script

by fknouwds
7 replies
Hi

I am very new at using the internet for marketing. I do have an idea that would help me a lot, but do not know what type of programmer (what skills, programming language, etc) I need to accomplish this. Here is what I need:

I need a website that has 5 basic pages - one of which functions as a sort of portal to x amount of different categories (eg tables, chairs, desks, etc) of products . Each category (when selected) should then show the different products (eg chair 1, chair 2, chair 3, etc) in the particular category = with a name, picture, short description and price of each product.

My secretary (with no knowledge of programming, FTP, etc at all) must then be able to independently manage the content on these pages from a screen/personal control panel on her desktop computer - especially the following:

1. Add new categories and products
2. Change text for each product
3. Change pictures for each product
4. Add/delete products in categories (text + pictures)
5. Easily change prices on range of products at end of year
6. Download opt-in list (prospective clients)

That is:
My secretary must have a simple screen on her desktop asking her: What do you want to do (choose 1):
1. Create new category
2. Change picture
3. Change text
4. Create new product
5. Download subscribers list
and then automatically log in to the website, give her a choice of which info/picture/price she wants to change... show the existing info.... give possibility and space to replace it.... and automatically upload the new info to the site?

ANY suggestions/existing scripts/referrals/help?
What programming language would be best?
What specifications should I use when I try to find a programmer?
What would the extent of such a program/job be?
#content management #ebsite #find #programmer or script #programming #script #website development
  • Profile picture of the author Manfred Ekblad
    With those requirements it can be built in less than half a day.

    You say you need 5 pages, one page is the one with the portal linking to categories and products. What are the other 4 pages for? From what I can see you also need an opt-in/contact form, a thank-you page (for the optin) and such.

    How about the style and layout of the website?
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    • Profile picture of the author fknouwds
      Hi Manfred

      The idea is to give some info about the company + 'n "manager's choice" / "Special Offer" box that can be changed as needed + an opt in (with a free gift/guide on buying certain furniture) on page 1

      Products page

      Also a contact page

      And a page with references to articles they can either read or download

      The same change-the-picture-or-text functionality from a desktop control panel should be applicable to these pages as well.

      You will see that it is primarily these 3 functions that I am not sure about = desktop management panel + outomatic connection with and upload of changes to website + exchange of info on pages (pictures and text)

      The idea is that I use a graphics package to create the idea and layout of the pages. As well as the whole process about how I would like it to work.

      Currently I am looking for someone that can do the whole thing!! And give me a video (or show and tell type manual) of how to effectively upload it to a server and train my secretary to manage it.

      Or point me existing technology that can do this easily!

      OOPS!!! forgot to mention that it need to be on Linux platform (Please forgive.... still a real newbie!)
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  • Profile picture of the author Manfred Ekblad
    When you say desktop management panel, do you specifically need a desktop application for your secretary? I would recommend a solution where your secretary has a special login to the website so that she can manage everything from a internet browser. Everything safe protected with username and password of course How about that, would that work for you?

    I know exactly how to build it, I just finished a similar project with basically the same functionality that you want.
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    • Profile picture of the author apoorv.parijat
      Hii fknouwds,

      As you mentioned,you are completely new to this thing.You're looking for solution before you can even describe the problem(at least in technical terms).I don't mean to be rude but someone can easily fool you around.

      I am a developer myself and have dealt with clients like yourself.Contact me on skype please

      apoorvparijat

      I'll help you in getting this done if not actually do this for you.

      Good luck
      Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author jedz
    Banned
    Hi,

    We can definitely help you out. We have an experienced programmer who can do the job for you.

    Answer:
    1. You can use Wordpress or drupal to build your ecommerce site
    2. Php, because it's open source, widely used and almost installed in all webservers.
    3. Have knowledge in php, mysql and apache

    Please check your PM for more information.
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    • Profile picture of the author fknouwds
      Apoorv is perfectly right when he says: "You're looking for solution before you can even describe the problem (at least in technical terms)." And that is precisely why I started this thread. I need to first understand what is involved before I can outsource. That is definitely one of my needs.

      That is also why I am not shure that I understand what Manfred is saying - even though it sounds right. So, Manfred, here is my question:

      Does your solution mean that it works exactly the same as the "desktop application" (ie desktop control panel) - but is an application that is installed on and runs on the server. She then logs in to the website, goes directly to the this application and the application guides her in the same actions as the desktop application would - only directly from the server. If that is so, it should still work perfectly. Maybe even better.

      Just two questions:
      1. Can this be done on Linux platform... and using which programming language?
      2. What sort of space will this application need to install and run on the server?

      Or do my questions just show once more that I really don't get it?
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  • Profile picture of the author Manfred Ekblad
    You get it, don't worry, it just takes some teamwork There are more software buyers than programmers, you are definitely not alone with your feeling of "not getting it".

    The idea you describe is great and I fully support you in achieving it without you getting to know each and every technical aspect of it.

    But it can be tough... really tough to establish a good understanding between clients and programmers. People with technical skills often talk a different language than their clients.

    When I work with someone, whether they are a client or I'm just helping out, I always follow my own process which takes the project step by step in the right direction. It's not only about which technical platform to choose, but also about which steps we need to take to make sure you reach your goal and improve your business.

    After all, we all know how hard it can be to create software, and it's really a shame it is like that. But there are a lot of solutions to your problems!

    Regarding your questions:

    + Yes, your secretary can use this application from her browser. No software needs to be installed on her computer. The "control panel" she use will run on the same server as the website. Actually, it's an integrated part of the website, just that it is protected by username and password to make sure that only you and she can edit the information.

    + Yes, it can be done on the Linux platform using PHP as the programming language and the information stored in a MySQL-database. Pictures will be stored as files on the hard drive.

    + Good question, the software itself wont occupy many megabyte. The real question is how many products and product pictures you need to store, and how big (file size) each picture is.

    I hope that answered some of your questions You're definitely moving in the right direction!
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