Midway through 2006 I decided to add a testimonial section to the site.
Since then, whenever I complete a project I ask the client to take a moment and write some honest feedback of their experience working with me.
Its very important to me that I don't solicit or direct these testimonials in any way - I make one simple request, and thats it.
My clients are very busy, in fact, I often get "Nick Macari, what do you want me to say?", I chuckle, and tell them to "say whatever they'd like"...
Since I don't pursue these testimonials, my clients often get sidetracked, and wind up not delivering them. I don't really mind if clients send the testimonials or not, because I can easily supply contact references to any new clients. However, during 2007, a new client noted to me, that I didn't have many new testimonials, he thought I should remedy this.
After long consideration I've decided to place emails excerpts here in this section. In essence, indirect client testimonials. Of course I'm picking and choosing what excerpts I'm placing here, but rest assured they are real emails.
Gaps in the testimonials...
Besides being a freelance Graphic Designer and Web Developer, I am also a Writer and Game Designer. I split my time between my crafts, sometimes working for many months at a stretch on a screenplay, game design project, or design job. So while there may be spans between the testimonials, I was in fact being productive during those times, not relaxing on a beach somewhere tropical... sigh
Negative Testimonials...
Over the life span of any business there are projects that don't get completed for one reason or another. It is unavoidable - at some point - to find a client whose vision, ego, or work ethic conflicts with your own, and manifests itself into a working relationship impass.
This is simply the nature of a service industry, and anyone who says otherwise hasn't been doing business long.
As a professional, I never take anything personally, and I always do my best to cater to a client even if the client has decided to no longer use my services.
Communication. Professionalism. Not taking things personally.
Email 8.10
I got lucky. And I'll tell you why.
First of all, Nick is a true professional. He tells you what he can and can't do right on his site. He's organized. He works with forms, documents and budgets.
Second, he has a real feel for what works and doesn't on this medium.
Third, Nick knows graphics. He'll take the bits and pieces you give him and creates a picture that simply looks great...and makes sense.
Fourth, Nick communicates. You'll not have to chase after him.
Fifth, and here's what did it for me. After I first spoke with Nick, I could tell that here was a guy who believed in what he did and wanted my site to succeed as much as I did. In essence, he cared as much about building a great site for me as I did about helping my clients create a great kitchen.
Chances are, you'll find creating or revising your web site stressful. But if you want it done right, you could make no better investment than in working with Nick Macari.
Michael Laurence,
thekitchenloft.com
(Full Site - Kitchen Design Business)
[This is actually an excerpt, Michael took the time to write a WHOLE LETTER! Thank You! You can view the entire letter here ]
Email 6.10
Thanks. U fuc*** rock.
[I just post them as I get them folks]
Maddy Claire, http://www.mototire.net/FAQ_Legal.html
(Debug a programming problem)
Email 4.10
Nick's got a great eye. He has a talent for creating compelling design elements, engaging layouts and strong graphics-and he can manage it working with limited visuals and resources. Nick's also extremely responsive. Clients always know the status of every project. He even managed to find a way to continue working and communicating during a power outage.
Iyna Caruso,
sweetlimeink.com
(Full Site and Branding - Copywriting and Marketing Company)
Email 2.10
Nick was so great to work with. He went above and beyond what we originally
agreed to without hesitating. He responded to my every request in a timely
manner. We will defiantly work with Nick again in the future!
Emily Carter,
1PlusRealty.com
(Debug and Clean up Predesigned Site - Real Estate business)
Email 11.09
Our experience working with you was very positive. We appreciate the keen insight and direction you shared, resulting in an ad campaign that we are confident will give us great traction.
Again we thank you for the valuable creative spirit you provided to us.
Best regards,
Ed Cave, President
VeenendaalCave,Inc.
(Online Ad Campaign - Interior Design business)
Email 7.09
Overall the site looks great and we are very pleased with the results.
Kudos to you for putting up with the Rooster team as we got this thing up and running.
I anticipate we will have plenty of business for you in the future. I will sit down and write a nice piece on my experience working with you later this week.
Hardman Knox, realestaterooster.com
(Full Site - Real Estate Events business)
Jun 09
I found Nick to be a great web designer.
It's hard to find someone who has both the artistic vision and the technical know-how. With Nick I could describe the look I wanted and he delivered!
The site is gorgeous, tasteful and peaceful. And it took a great number of return emails to get it that way, and Nick was thorough and diligent about following through and every one of my requests!
Well done, Nick! Thanks for a great site that I'll enjoy for years!
Angela Lee Chen, livingartfully.org
(Full Site - Acupuncture Small business)
Dec 08
Excellent and responsive Nick shines by the quality of his work, and a true gentleman to boot.
Am very pleased with the overall experience, and definitely expect to work with this designer in the future!
Robert Zara, zaralawny.com
(Logo conversion for Law Firm)
Nov 08
My experience working with Nick Macari, at Wikidd Media, was a positive one.
I interviewed serveral freelance developers over a 2 month period and was immediately struck by Nick's technical knowlege and professionalism. Using someone who was not a direct referral made me a little apprehensive at first, but my worries were almost immediately put to rest. He was not only able to understand and execute everything I was looking to accomplish, but he did so in a timely fashion and within budget. He was able to communicate issues in an articulate and concise manner, and was readily available to questions via e-mail.
In fact, if I sent him an e-mail with a question he almost always got back to me within the hour.
I have no hesitation recommending Nick to any of my friends or colleagues and look forward to working with him again in the future.
David Acosta, upperyorkvillesuites.com
(Site Programming - Real Estate Business)
Email 10.08
Nick thanks for your service... you are RESPONSIVE. A definite rarity today...
(that's why I recommended you as some guy called last week asking about you. I do hope you get the job!)
Silas, silasseandel.com
(web updates and email marketing)
Yes Silas's second appearance on my page here - I couldn't resist sneaking him on here again)
Email 9.08
Go ahead and send the bill. Thanks for the great work and being so patient with me.
Mike Abes, Stanleys Deli (Chicago)
(Logo)
Aug 08
When I hired Nick Macari I got exactly what I wanted: a talented artist with good design and technical skills. My website looks great and fits the personality of my business to a "T". A lot of web designers give you cookie cutter templates at the rates Nick charges, mine is definitely unique. I'd recommend him without reservation.
Ed Kuehnel,
EGK Interactive
www.egkinteractive.com
(Full Site - Individual Portfolio Site)
July 08
Once again you did a good job, quickly, and you got it the first
time. Surprisingly, because I don't fully understand what I am talking about
myself, but you knew what I wanted.
I will be in touch...
Silas, silasseandel.com
(web updates and maintenance)
July 08
I wanted to take the time to thank you for your incredible job on my business plan and proposal. Your unique ability to tell a story based on your customers input is amazing. I gave you content and no direction and you created a credible, convincing and eye catching story to tell. You worked with me on a very tight budget and short turn around time, yet you exceeded my expectations. I am blown away that people like you actually exist in this me me me world where customer service is a thing of the past and the numbers game takes first place. You Nick Macari take first place with me and my future business.
Again thank you so much, my business has a promising future.
Best Regards,
Lizbeth Grall
Pooch Porch Cafe Inc.
(print design & business plan structure)
June 08
It has been a distinct pleasure working with NickMacari. His professionalism,
design savvy and diligent implementation of our company's website has resulted in a great product.
Tim Bauer, scsenergyllc.com
(Full Site - Corporate Presence)
Email 5.08
It looks real good. Let's go with it.
You did a great job.
With kindest regards,
Niles Commisso, www.freedomwindows.com
(identity material - Logo/BC/Letterhead)
April 08
Nick Macari was fantastic to work with: professional, responsive, and incredibly thorough.
I checked out a number of possible site builders but Nick Macari and WiKidd Media really impressed me with their presentation - their online resume was so much more comprehensive than anyone else's and they covered a wide range of concepts.
Nick Macariwas able to take what I presented as a set idea for the look of my site and show me how it could be improved, not just to give the site a bigger punch and a better layout overall, but also to really put the gist of my concept into action. For him to build my gorgeous site from my garbled notes truly shows what a wizard he is!
When it's time for my husband's business to build a site we will definitely be using Nick Macari.
Kathleen Buchanan, jdvkids.com
(Full Site - Fashion Small business)
Email 3.08
Thank you Nick Macarifor everything! A job well done. I'm sure i'll have some more work for you at some point. I will make the payment tonight when i get home. Let me know how to write up the testimonial, be glad to do it.
Raymond Ficken, TINY
(logo design)
Email 2.08
OK, first impressions... I'm really impressed. I'll get back to you tomorrow. Thanks.
Paul Koreman, koremangreenhouse.com
(Full Site - Landscaping Business)
Email 2.08
Nick Macari,
We really like this second design. We would like you to make some modifications to this design instead of a third design.
Chris Palenchar, sportsalert.com
(redesign no programming - new design not implemented as of yet)
December 06
"Wikiddmedia goes beyond web design to the development of a product that reflects the nature of a company's image, reputation, and quality. Their consultative DNA and responsiveness are assets that Winefellow will continue to leverage and which we are proud to advocate."
Mathew Ventre,
winefellow.com
(Full Site - Wine Tasting business)
November 06
"I have used Nick Macariexclusively to build web pages for all of my clients in my new business venture. Having been in the business of online marketing for over 7 years, I have worked with my fair share of designers, as both employees and freelancers. Finding a designer who is talented is relatively easy but try to find one with talent, business sense, patience, listening skills, AND (this is the hardest part)... one who communicates regularly. Nick Macariis across the country and I never have had a problem with him not responding to me or updating me as to his progress. I will continue to work with Nick Macari, great job!"
Scott Bearden, Lead Alternative
August 06
"I can't express enough how pleased I was with your services on my project. You definitly went beyond what I was expecting for a final result and I will be looking forward to having you working on further projects to help grow my business... BTW- I have had many compliments on the business cards and brochures. Thanks again."
Ian McWhirt, Sameday Auto Inc.
July 06
"As a small-business owner with a very busy schedule and constant changes needed to my website, having Nick Macarion board as my site programmer is absolutely invaluable. Any time i need something, I know that all i have to do is send an email with my requested changes and it will be taken care of in the most timely and efficient manner possible. His rates are very reasonable and his bedside manner (or webside manner, i should say) is impeccable!"
Karen Gordon, Karenscape.com
July 06
"Nick Macariis a solid, talented and reliable designer. In a fast paced, rush
deadline driven environment such as online printing, Nick Macarihas been
incredibly responsive, professional and detail driven. There have been times
when he has handled multiple projects with same deadlines and he completes
them with ease. He has been an incredible asset to the design division of my
company. Nick Macariis an asset to any project and incredible designer. Bar none."
Jenn Ruso, Udesignweprint.com
June 06
"I have been a customer of Wikidd Media for over 2 years now and have been very satisfied with the quick turn-times, flexibility, and competitive pricing. Wikidd Media and Nick Macari make the web-design experience very interactive where you can witness the continual developments associated with your project almost daily. The team at Wikidd Media is available whenever you need them and make communication a very easy process. I highly recommend this group of talented individuals."
Jesse Torres, Lendingpoint
More coming soon...