About Creative Arc Inc

Creative Arc is a small web design and development studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company was founded in 2003 and has its office at 400 N 1st Street, Suite 103, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

LinkedIn lists the company as having 2–10 employees, while its own website currently shows a small team of developers and owner Paul Larson.

The company has been around for more than 20 years, which is worth noting when comparing it with newer web agencies.

Creative Arc started by working with interactive websites and open-source content management systems and became particularly experienced with ExpressionEngine, a content management system used to build and manage websites.

Its portfolio also shows that the company does not work with just one type of business.

Past and current projects include Gillette Children’s Hospital, Junior Achievement North, MGC Diagnostics, North House Folk School, Maya Romanoff, and McGough, among others.

What Does Creative Arc Do?

Creative Arc Inc builds and supports websites, but its work goes beyond normal website design. The company also handles custom applications, databases, eCommerce, third-party connections, hosting, SEO, and website maintenance.

This matters if your website needs to do more than display company information.

For example, Creative Arc’s project intake form specifically asks potential clients whether they need eCommerce, databases or custom programming, hosting and maintenance, redesign work, or SEO. That gives a better idea of the type of projects the company is prepared to handle.

The company also works with both small organizations and larger brands. Its portfolio includes nonprofit organizations, healthcare companies, manufacturers, retail-related businesses, and other organizations.

Another important point is ongoing support. Creative Arc does not only build a website and walk away. Its services include site maintenance, hosting, migrations, and CMS training, which can be useful for organizations that need help after launch.

Services Offered by Creative Arc

1. Website Design

Creative Arc designs websites for businesses and organizations that need a clear online presence. Its design services include responsive websites, user interface design, interactive design, and brand or identity work.

The company has also worked on websites for organizations with very different needs, so its design work is not limited to one particular industry.

2. Web Development

Web development is a major part of Creative Arc’s business. The company works with content management systems and can also build custom applications when a standard website is not enough.

3. ExpressionEngine Development

ExpressionEngine is one of Creative Arc’s notable areas of experience. The company describes its team as having specialist experience with the platform and has remained involved with the open-source CMS community.

4. eCommerce

Creative Arc also develops eCommerce websites. Its development services include shopping systems and connections with payment services such as Stripe and Authorize.net, which are listed among the technologies and tools it works with.

5. Custom Applications and Databases

Some businesses need their websites to connect with internal information or perform tasks that normal CMS features cannot handle. Creative Arc lists custom applications, databases, and third-party integrations as part of its development services.

6. Hosting and Website Support

Creative Arc also provides hosting, site migration, maintenance, and CMS training.

7. SEO and Digital Strategy

SEO is included in Creative Arc’s strategy services. The company also lists content strategy, digital strategy, mobile strategy, and social media among its broader services.

This gives clients the option of working on both the website and the ways people find and use it.

Is Creative Arc the Right Choice?

Creative Arc may be worth considering if your project needs more than a basic business website.

It could be a good fit if you:

• Need a custom website rather than a simple template.
• Already use ExpressionEngine and need an experienced developer.
• Need eCommerce features.
• Want a website connected to databases or other services.
• Need custom programming.
• Want hosting and website maintenance after launch.

Its small team can also be an advantage if you prefer dealing with a smaller studio rather than a large agency with many departments. Creative Arc says its team includes experienced interactive professionals and developers.

However, you should compare other companies if you need a large software engineering team, a major mobile application, or a very large enterprise system. Creative Arc’s main focus is websites and related digital work rather than large-scale software development.

Clutch currently lists a $5,000 minimum project size and an hourly rate of $100–$149. These figures are useful as a starting point, but your actual price will depend on the website, programming, eCommerce, integrations, and support you need.

Before hiring the company, ask which CMS they recommend for your project, whether custom programming is needed, what happens after launch, and what ongoing hosting and maintenance will cost.

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