I believe in equipping myself with the best professional tools to benefit my clients. I invest in a wide range of software subscriptions and services—often at my own expense—so you get access to premium capabilities without having to pay for them separately. Here are some of the tools I use regularly: Adobe Creative Cloud: I […]
Comprehensive Technical Skills Modern websites require a blend of technical know-how beyond just making pages look good. Here again, John distinguishes himself by wearing many hats with professional skill. He is a true full-stack web developer as well as a designer: Front-End Development: John is an expert in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring that your […]
One of the most significant differentiators is experience. John Schuster has been building websites since the late 90s, with a professional track record going back 25+ years. He has published hundreds of websites and thousands of web pages over the decades, working with businesses across industries. This longevity means John has encountered and solved virtually […]
When it comes to building a powerful online presence, John Schuster—backed by Company Chicago Inc.—delivers the rare combination of personal attention, deep technical skill, and full-service marketing support. This in-depth comparison shows how he outshines typical freelancers and agencies across experience, tools, pricing, and results. John Schuster vs Freelancers vs Web Design Agencies Should you […]
As a freelance web designer and developer in Chicago, I often get asked how I build high-impact, affordable websites for businesses and organizations efficiently. It’s a balance between getting things done fast and making sure they’re really good. Here are some of my key principles: 1. Understand What “Good Enough” Means for Each Project Not […]
Let’s Encrypt Now Offers Free IP Address Certificates Let’s Encrypt is now issuing free SSL/TLS certificates for IP addresses, making it easier and more affordable to secure sites without a domain name. While IP-based certificates have existed from other providers at $40–$90 per year, Let’s Encrypt offers them at no cost, providing secure connections for […]
Many websites still use “click here” as link text, but this phrase is neither helpful for users nor good for accessibility. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommends avoiding generic link labels because they fail to tell users what to expect, forcing them to read surrounding text to understand the destination. Instead, use descriptive link […]
Negotiation is a vital skill for small business owners—it affects everything from pricing with vendors and service contracts to closing sales and resolving conflicts. Here are the basics of effective negotiation: 1. Prepare Thoroughly Before any negotiation: Know your goals: Be clear on your best outcome, acceptable compromises, and walk-away point. Research the other party: […]
Improving your critical thinking and problem-solving skills for business requires a combination of mindset shifts, structured approaches, and continuous practice. Here’s a breakdown of actionable strategies to sharpen these skills: 1. Adopt a Critical Thinking Mindset Be curious: Constantly ask why, what if, and how else. Challenge assumptions: Don’t take things at face value—question habits, […]
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