Nate Covington
Strategic Technology Consultant
I build custom websites that are easy for my clients to manage on their own. Every month, my work is seen and used by over 100,000 people. I am available for hire with building new web sites, and on an as-needed basis for help with updates, consulting, new features, training, etc…
Sometimes, it's easier to explain what you do by what you don't do: I am not a graphic designer. I am not an artist. I don't like talking to people about colors, and how they make them feel. I'm a programmer. I'm the guy who builds the websites. I make them work well. This implies that my projects will typicaly involve a 3rd party graphic designer, or a "stock template" (off the shelf design).
I work with directly with business owners to build streamlined, effective web sites. I also work with advertising agencies and marketing consultants on their clients' sites.
The large majority of my projects are built using Wordpress, Drupal, and Joomla, although I also support Magento, OSCommerce, and almost any other open-source platform. If you are interested in hiring me to build your next web site, please use the quote request form.
Experience
Covington Creations, LLC (CEO)
Builds and maintain web sites for small and medium businesses, mainly in the PA/NJ/MD area. Main focus is customizing open-source content management systems, frequently working with graphic designers, photographers, copy writers, and project managers to produce and implement cutting-edge web applications. Over 15 years of programming experience.
Mangos, Inc. (Internship in Account Management)
As an intern with Mangos, an award-winning full-service ad agency, I assisted account managers with competitive research, worked alongside creative directors, as well as various designers, writers, and managers. Worked within all three major departments – account management, creative, and production.
Education
Graduated from the Marketing Program at Shippensburg University with a BSBA. During his final semester, was hired by the College of Business to redesign the school’s web site. Coursework included a concentration in sociology, psychology, and art.
Expertise
Technical Skills
Programming (HTML, CSS, PHP, etc)
Open-source Software
Graphic Design
Photography
Google AdWords
Software Toolkit
Mac and PC
Adobe Creative Suite - All Versions (incl. CS6)
Microsoft Office - All Versions (including Access)
Thoughts after switching from iOS (iPhone) to Android (Huawei)
My wife and I have been avid iPhone users for a decade. We recently switched over to Android and I wanted to write up this post to share my thoughts and findings.
First, Why?
We recently learned about these new Huawei phones and did some research on our own. We wound up purchasing matching Huawei Honor 8's. First, the specs are great. They stand up spec-per-dollar wise when compared to iPhone 6s, which was going to be the iPhone that we went with if we stayed in Apple's ecosystem. The iPhone 7 doesn't have a headphone jack and that was a deal breaker for us. The Honor 8's have a 'full' 1080-resolution screen squeezed into 5.2 inches. This basically means that the screen is a little larger than our old phones, but the clarity is amazing. Huawei has openly stated that they intend to compete with Apple and Samsung, head on. I personally believe they will be successful.
United Palace
After going through a rebrand, the organization needed a website refresh that reflected our new direction. Although the site was built by someone else, Nate was able to create a custom landing page that addressed the intricate structure of the organization. Throughout the process, Nate went above and beyond to address our concerns and questions and provided us with training so that we could continue to manage the website on a day to day basis. I also appreciate how accessible Nate was and his quick turnaround on edits.
- Kathleen, Marketing Strategist
Is it just me or is the Joomla project starting to feel dirty?
The Joomla 3.7 release added new features AND 8 (eight) low-level security patches.
What they should have done, was to release 3.6.6 with all of the security patches as a ‘security’ release. Then, after the dust settles, release v3.7.0 with the new functionality. They combined both “security” and “new functionality” into the 3.7 release. To me, it seems they should have pushed the security patches into 3.6.6 and then the new features into 3.7, rather than a combination.
The result is a scramble in the Joomla community where everyone rushes to install version 3.7 because it contains security patches. Then, another scramble to install 3.7.1 because 3.7.0 had a new security issue. It seems like a racket, no?
Why Google’s SEO advice is NOT (always) in your best interest
This article was originally posted on SearchEngineLand.com
Google often provides useful information to the SEO community, but columnist Nate Dame argues that ultimately, the company's advice is in their best interest, not yours -- so make sure you understand the nuances.
Last month, Google released a video detailing best practices for hiring an SEO company, and it is positioned to become the go-to guide for hiring an SEO. After all, who better to tell companies what they should look for in an SEO than the operators of the world’s most popular search engine?
Possible Solutions: Nonsecure Collection of Passwords will trigger warnings in Chrome and Firefox
Starting in January 2017, any website with a "login" form visible (e.g. Client Logins, Shopping Carts, etc) will show an "insecure" message in the browser's address bar if the site does not have an SSL certificate properly installed and configured.
Particularly for my clients that are security-minded, it's important to consider how to proceed with this information. Some of my clients already have SSL certificates running on their sites, even ones that don't process credit cards. For clients who already process credit cards, their sites already have the necessary SSL encryption certificate (https), so this is a non-issue.
Recurring Paypal Payments (e.g. Subscription / Recurring Donation) Without An Account
I had been researching this issue for a client and wanted to share it with everyone. My client and I had been discussing the ability to collect recurring payments via PayPal WITHOUT requiring the user to have an actual PayPal account.
How to Clear Browser Cache
Firefox
- From the History menu, select Clear Recent History. ...
- From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
- Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
Winter 2016 Newsletter
Greetings from the beautiful Pocono Mountains! As we get ready for winter, we want to share a few of our recent projects, along with some ways to make your website more effective.
In this issue:
Another very happy client (recent testimonial)
Sites that generate ad revenue
Sites that build communities
PDF Form Submissions
As always, I appreciate referrals!
Thanks,
-Nate
Reviews
“...we can now update the site on our own…”
“...solutions to problems that we hadn’t even realized…”
“...provided excellent training…”
“...quick to make the changes that we need…”
"...gives sound advice, responds in a timely and thoughtful manner, and clearly holds the needs of his client as his top priority. He is a pleasure to work with..."
Client Testimonials
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After going through a rebrand, the organization needed a website refresh that reflected our new direction. Although the site was built by someone else, Nate was able to create a custom landing page that addressed the intricate structure of the organization. Throughout the process, Nate went above and beyond to address our concerns and questions and provided us with training so that we could continue to manage the website on a day to day basis. I also appreciate how accessible Nate was and his quick turnaround on edits.
- Kathleen, Marketing Strategist
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"Nate was professional and easy to work with in design. He was always accessable."
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"...The professionalism, attention to detail and overall quality of work has been a pleasure. Nate has provided guidance and useful tools to enhance and promote our site in an easy to understand format. I highly recommend Covington Creations and Nate who is reliable and creative. We look forward to a long standing working relationship."
- Mary Ellen -
"Nate has an in-depth understanding of web technology. This knowledge was readily apparent as he was able to explain how each web based decision would impact our operation down the line. He was able to execute and deliver exactly as promised, promptly, and at a reasonable price. Per his recommendations, we were able to add features to our Web site while saving money along the way."
- Dr. Holoviak, Dean; John L. Grove College of Business, Shippensburg University -
"Covington Creations worked diligently to build us a user friendly, state of the art website. Our website is now very professional and pleasing to the eye. Nate, the developer assigned to our account, was very responsive in both emails as well as over the phone. He provided a quick turnaround… as soon as we provided the content, it was up on the site. He has also been helpful in suggesting new ideas and working to continuously improve our web presence."
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"I had the pleasure of working with Nate and Covington Creations during a complete redesign of our website. Nate was very prompt in addressing any changes that we required; and provided excellent training so we could effectively content manage our site once it was up and running. Nate also provided us with solutions to problems that we hadn’t even realized. That attention to detail and helpfulness has continued even now that our site is completely up and running. I know if I have questions, need additional training or his input, Nate will get back to me in a few hours. It has truly been a pleasure to work with Covington Creations."
- Jennifer Malloy, Marketing Coordinator, Indian Creek Foundation -
"Working with Nate Covington and Covington Creations, LLC was an extremely positive experience, delivering a site for our client which was on time and on budget. Nate takes the time to thoroughly understand a project, and he brought our client's website to life. Questions are answered promptly, and when a few challenges arose, we were provided with several solutions, allowing us to select the most appropriate path forward. Nate is professional, extremely knowledgeable and a joy to work with."
- Susan Trickel, Sr VP, Production (Mangos) -
"With what appeared to be a daunting task of creating an interactive web site looming over our heads, Covington Creations took on the project and molded our ideas into reality. Nate Covington is a true visionary and was able to interpret exactly what we wanted in a web site and kept us involved in the project along the way. Nate built us a turn key product and provided a simplistic approach to our day to day site maintenance. If you're looking for a web developer that will simplify the content editing process, simplify member / subscription management process, simplify event registrations and online payment process, have the ability to merge existing database of members & payment history into your new site and have that post-launch support, Covington Creations is your answer."
- Pat Fiorilli, President, OTOA -
"I enjoyed working with Nate Covington on the construction of my website, and I'm very pleased with the way it looks and operates. He understood what I wanted and produced it at a reasonable cost with enthusiasm, encouragement, and clear instructions on administration. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking for professional website design and construction."
- Janet -
"Nate has been great to work with, very flexible in his approach to satisfying our specific needs and requirements and extremely easy to both work and communicate with which allowed us to accomplish a lot in small amount of time. We (inDimension3) highly recommend Covington Creations and Nate for any company that just wants to get it done without the typical technical difficulties associated with web development and maintenance."
- Dave Tribbett, CEO, CTO -
"Covington Creations knows the latest Internet marketing technology; knows how to create a customized solution for clients; and most importantly, delivers a product that not only meets but exceeds client expectations. I have partnered with Covington Creations for a number of Marketri clients' Web sites including the Bucks County SPCA which receives close to 400 hits per day. All of our projects together have been extremely successful."
- Debbie Andrews, Marketri LLC -
"Nate was both flexible and patient during the process of developing and building the Busy Bee Toys' website. He worked with our graphic design and marketing team in a professional and courteous manner. The knowledge and experience he contributed insured that our website would have the look and feel we desired. As our business has grown, Nate has been responsive to our need to quickly make updates and changes to our website, and has provided us with tools and training on how to update the content ourselves. We highly recommend Covington Creations and Nate!"
- Nerice Kendter, Owner, Busy Bee Toys, LLC -
"Thank You, Nate, for working with our company and producing superior work. You came highly recommended and now we know why. Your professionalism, expertise and innovative approach has made our website an exceptional expression of our organization. This could not have been done without your guidance… THANK YOU AGAIN!"
- Erica Crews-Paul, President, Chesapeake Home Health Care Inc. -
“Nate is conscientious, easy to reach, a creative problem solver, and unusually reliable in an industry where reliability can sometimes be spotty. I wouldn't use anyone else for web needs, and as a consultant on marketing, especially for Google Adwords. We've worked with him on multiple projects and intend to continue doing so as long as he'll have us.”
- Foster Winans, President & CCO -
"I've worked with Nate two years now. He’s conscientious and reliable in his work. I call, he’s there. His ideas have increased and expanded my practice. I heartily recommend him to design your web-site."
- Andrew Schneider -
"Nate has created an excellent web site for us. He has great ideas and has implemented them into our site. We are more than happy with his services."
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"Nate was very professional and attentive in getting our site more visibility. Within days of re-engineering our site, the rankings improved significantly. Thank you for your good work."
- Perry Ercolino, Bespoke Shoemaker -
Nate had come to us very highly recommended. He has been prompt and reliable in managing our website and putting the updates on it in a timely fashion. He has been courteous in all of his dealings with our organization. The communication has improved greatly on our team due to his efficiency. Having Nate design and manage our website has made my job much less stressful. I would definitely recommend his service.
- Karen Palombo, President -
"Working with Nate has been a breath of fresh air. He instantly made me feel like he truly cared about our organization. He is reliable, patient, and knowledgeable. I especially appreciate his ability to communicate his knowledge of web technology in an easy-to-understand way and his genuine desire to help us create a fresh website that will best serve our needs."
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"Excellent job, Nate! Thank you so much for your work on the Web site -- you knew exactly what we needed and helped to guide us through the process seamlessly. The site exceeded our expectations and we couldn't be happier."
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"Nate has been a joy to work with and has been there to help us every step of the way. We had a very complicated site which required a lot of creative fixes and Nate was willing to do extra research to make sure we had the most current technology working behind the scenes of our site. We can now update the site on our own, and when we want something new, he is always quick to make the changes that we need. Nate is patient and professional and I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to spruce up their website."
- Mary Heins, Editor, National Tactical Officers Association -
"I want to thank you for your excellent work on our new site. We are very happy with the site and excited to have it completed. I can't thank you enough for how flexible and patient you were with us as we had to adjust with all uncertainty, hurdles, and time delays. I know this was not in your plan to work on until July, but thank you for still working with us. Everything was done professionally, quickly, and well. Communication with you was always very easy, and it was a pleasure to work with you on this. You were very organized, gave your expertise and advice, and even helped with designing things after our designer fell through. I would highly recommend you to anyone looking to create/refresh their website. Thank you for everything Nate."
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"I just wanted to thank you for all the work you did on our Web site. It looks fantastic! Your ideas really fit into what we were looking for, and your personal service was a pleasure to deal with."
Read more testimonials by browsing our Portfolio.
FloridaDivorce.com (Attorney)
After much research and effort to find a programmer for our website, I had the good fortune to become aware of Covington Creations. I have worked with Nate Covington for several years now and can state without hesitation that he is a highly skilled, hardworking, trustworthy programmer.
Nate takes his work very seriously and gets projects done on time and on budget. He understands the needs of a small business and is always there to answer questions, fix problems and offer ideas. Moreover, he explains things in language that a non-technical person can understand. I have worked with programmers in the past who were very good, but I have to say that Nate is a cut above. I highly recommend his services.
