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Common
Questions
What should you look for in a web design
firm? How do you know you'll be happy with the outcome? It's easy
to be mislead - mainly because there is a hidden line of data that
the average person is unaware of. Here is the history (in a nutshell)
and the issues to consider for basic web development so you can
make a rational and informed decision.
The Internet developed out of a need to communicate more effectively.
When companies started to realize the potential of the Internet
the business of web site design exploded. Most companies prefer
to concentrate on running their business - not branching out into
unrelated areas like building their own web site. That's when they
look to hire a web site designer.
Web design or ANY design for that matter isn't magic. Design isn't
something mystical and mysterious although it's often promoted as
such. There
are many established and proven design principles that are part
of the process. Professionals use these principles and can explain
the 'why' of their design decisions. Professionals
don't make design decisions based on their favorite colors and typefaces.
They are trained that effective
graphics and
design should work toward a successful
marketing result.
NOTE: the term 'web site designer'
is loosely applied. Some only create the graphics and design the
layout, and have programmers actually build the site for them. At
DesignPro Graphics we
refer to ourselves as
web site designers and developers meaning we are experienced in
all aspects of web site creation including ongoing maintenance,
updates and expansion. We feel that a more complete understanding
of the total process allows us to provide a more effective solution.
Software, Supply and Demand
Seeing a demand to build web sites for the masses, software companies
developed computer programs that simplify the building of web pages.
Building web pages is construction, not unlike building a house.
How the house is to look is determined by
the architect, who is in essence the
web designer. How the house gets built is handled by the carpenter
who is similar to the computer programmer. Web development software
is similar to a carpenters' tools in functionality.
The point is anyone can operate a hammer or computer software. The
level at which they are able to do this separates the professionals
from the amateurs. We've found surprisingly few people are able
to recognize an amateur web designer until AFTER they've bought
a web site from them.
Software companies sell their products by claiming ease of use while
promoting to anyone and everyone that is willing to buy their software.
Their business is to sell software. They are not concerned with
the end result and how it affects you or your company. And many
of these software programs use templates which means many companies
end up 'sharing' their site design with other companies using the
same basic look and feel. This is NEVER the best solution when you
are trying to establish a unique marketing identity in a highly
competitve environment.
Poorly Designed Web Sites
Software programs simplifiy certain procedures. These programs don't
have ability, knowledge and skill built into them. It doesn't take
design training to push buttons on a keyboard and click a mouse.
If you've ever seen a poorly designed web site you've probably seen
the result of a software operator - not a person trained in design
and marketing. In reality they are 'instant web designers' fulfilling
a need in business - to provide services to fill the demand for
web site design and it isn't always pretty. For some companies this
is adequate as a start, but seldom is this the ideal scene for any
company - especially long term.
Although design is a subject that can be learned, many of these
'instant web designers' have little if any experience in marketing
a company and designing effective promotional materials before the
Internet came along. Good looking web sites look that way because
of the application of established design principles. It is the knowledge,
understanding, ability and skill in design applied toward marketing
goals is what makes a successful web site work.
What To Look For
Anyone can claim anything - and many do even if there's only a small
degree of truth in it. When choosing a web site design firm be sure
to study their portfolio - compare their work to other design firms.
Realize there is a gradient scale of ability and training in this
profession. Getting a bargain price on a web site won't impress
your customers if it reflects poorly on your company. Be sure you
can actually 'see' the quality in the work before you invest in
a web site.
Beyond appearance is web site functionality. The pages should load
quickly or potential customers move on to the competition. The site
should work reliably in different versions of browsers. The navigation
should be apparent and intuitive. An amateur may have more of a
tendency to go with their personal opinions or favorite font or
colors whether they best represent and support the needs of your
particular business.
A professional web developer considers marketing goals when making
design decisions knowing the web site has to do more than just look
good.
About Those Marketing Goals
Many 'instant web designers' have little if any experience in marketing.
The first warning sign is their past clientele. How much real world
experience do they have in marketing a company through a web site?
Do they ask for your marketing studies or survey information? Regardless
of whether you actually have this info or not, a professional knows
the focus of a successful web presence isn't based on personal preferences
or which direction the wind is blowing that day.
In the event your design candidate DOES ask for your marketing data,
what does he or she do with it after they get it? Do they implement
it correctly and effectively regardless of whether they 'agree'
with it or not? Or do they try to change it into what they want
to create? Do they have case studies that indicate the successes
of their work?
Prioritize Your Site's Purpose
And finally, don't buy into the latest technology because someone
says you need it. It might cost you more and fail to communicate
clearly and quickly to a widest group of people. The latest in Flash
technology is great (we love it and deliver it all the time) and
most everyone has the plugin. But if it doesn't enhance the communication
it may be delaying your audience from getting to the real message.
This delay might be keeping your site from making a sale or getting
a potential customer to call you. Don't buy into something just
because a 'designer' says you need the latest and greatest. Make
sure it enhances and supports what you need to communicate and works
toward your profitability.
Feel free to contact
us with any questions you may have on our web design and
development services. Part of what we do is help you understand
what makes a web site work.
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