For some of the sites we work on it makes sense to develop the site on the intended launch domain name. For these situations we provide instructions to clients about how to modify their "local hosts file" to view the site prior to it being live for the whole world.

If you are using a PC or Mac the process is pretty simple although it does require some command line access (gasp!). It can be intimidating to use an non-GUI interface, but if you closely follow the simple steps below, you will be all set in no time.

1. Start by opening the terminal program (which you can find using OSX search).
2. Type "sudo nano /private/etc/hosts".
3. Enter computer password.
4. Enter IP / domain name line.
5. Exit and save file (control+x, and then "y" to save).
6. Flush local DNS cache with "sudo dscacheutil -flushcache".
7. View development site by typing in URL (using a Chrome incognito window is best).

Please be careful with these steps as you can really mess with your DNS settings on your computer, but if you follow closely you will be able to view your development site easily.

Enjoy!

Floodlight Evolved

Happy to share our evolved web presence which positions our firm as a collection of expert digital strategists. We've learned the past 12 years that software development without tight integration with design and end client solutions is meaningless. With this new website launch we are pushing forward to provide more value to all our clients by recommending insightful strategy, design, and technology solutions. We're excited you stopped by to check out our new hub and look forward to talking with you soon.

Maywood District 89 Extends Service Agreement

Ongoing Support

Floodlight originally launched and built the 12 sites for Maywood District 89 three years ago and we have been maintaining and supporting them since then. Last month the board unanimously agreed to have Schools By Floodlight continue to hosting, maintain, and support the districts sites going forward.

fresh e-commerce platform for Black Friday

Intuitive E-Commerce

Our clients at ModSprout needed a quick solution for their aging e-commerce platform. We developed a completely rebranded responsive website with a tightly integrated e-commerce solution to take their business to the next level. Working with the insightful designers at GRIP, we ensured that every aspect of the user experience illustrated the client's brand promise and personality.

fairlife Canada launches dual language site

Dual Language

The Coca-Cola owned brand fairlife ultra-filtered milk needed a web presence that was local to their expansion efforts in Canada. It was of paramount important that the Canadian site was perfectly translated into French so we built a platform that supported this. Users can easily switch between languages and their preference is stored in the browser to streamline future selection. Check out the site here >

happy to announce adding a web developer to our team

Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy is excited to have joined our team as a web developer focusing on interface development and WordPress site integrations. He comes with a good background of understanding all facets of the website development process, due to his in-house position at a startup company. He was previously responsible for the entire web presence of a small company and learned through bring the one-stop-shop for all web needs. We are very excited to welcome Jimmy to the Floodlight team and look forward to continuing to share new work that he was involved in.