Web Design:

Among the areas we examine with our clients:

URL:

If possible, it is important to have a domain that is as pertinent to a business as possible. It is also important to have a domain, rather than a subdomain with an address such as http://www.somewhere.com/~yourbusiness/, because that shows a lack of professionalism and commitment on your part by not investing in your business.

Visual Impact:

First impressions are always important, and no where more so than on the internet where viewers can go somewhere else in seconds. Nothing is a substitute for content, but to get viewers to see that content it is important to have a site that is visually attractive so they will stay long enough to see it.

Load Speed:

You have about 30 seconds to get something worth reading on the screen, if not have the entire page loaded. In today's design market, the use of Flash and other animations can delay the total loading of the page.

Navigation:

Viewers can't see it if they can't find it, and that's why it is important to have obvious and effective navigation. It can be frustrating when you know a site has something you want to see, but you can't find it.

Professionalism:

A web site should reflect properly on the business that owns it. That would seem to be an obvious thing to do, but it is surprising how many sites are so inappropriately designed.

Readability/Brevity:

Nothing can chase potential clients away faster than seeing incorrect language use, and text that never seems to stop. Say it and go on with your life. Say it correctly and get a client before you go on with your life.

Scope:

It is important that a site covers the entire scope of a businesses' services and products. That doesn't mean it has to have unlimited details about everything, but it should at least tell viewers what the products and services are and how they can get more information.

Contact Info:

This is one of the most important things needed on a site. Some sites tell viewers how to get in touch with the webmaster, but that is not necessarily the person they need to talk to for information.

Meta tags:

While search engines are using these less than before, they remain important for those that do use them. Too many sites do not even make an attempt to use them.

Stylesheets:

Stylesheets enable changes to be made more quickly, and as the internet universe spins more and more toward the use of stylesheets, the clients' sites will work for a reasonable amount of time before needing an overhaul.

Freshness:

A web site should undergo frequent change - not complete redesign - but enough change to offer something new when viewers come to visit. That is important because it can also be a selling point for the designer who wishes to sell the client on a maintenance contract or periodic updates.

Browser Compatibility:

It is important to know how browsers handle various items. Because potential clients find your site in all types of browsers - and their sites will be viewed likewise — it is important to make sure your site looks its best in each type of browser.

Use of technology:

If your site appears modern and features the use of technology, whether it be Flash, Java, JavaScript, or whatever, it will more likely score higher in the visual impact, originality, and professionalism categories. It also helps sell the potential client on having the same type of approach to their site.