The cold hard truth about Web Development
Posted Mon, 2011-01-17 03:01 by MrAdamJohn
By today's standards, accomplishments of even a few years ago seem easy. Members of our staff have built complex web based solutions, web applications and ecommerce software suites that were years or decades ahead of their time. Today, the means to solve the very same problems these solutions were designed to fix are in more hands and are much more readily accessible. There are a vast array of resources available today.
Why not go cheap on your website?
The tech-savvy "solopreneur" is very capable of executing elements of a good plan on their own. They have to be. But the reality is that there is a lot more to website design than just a page or even just a page that looks decent. After all, getting a website "live" today is a pretty basic task. (it has to be since there is so much more online now) Even more critical than ever is making a good first impression online. Further, "getting found 101" is all about SEO or Search Engine Optimization and leveraging Social Network Optimization. You can continue to learn (or guess) at new trends and invest your time in learning new technology, but the smart thing to do would be to find a strategy partner. A successful technology strategy partner will evolve with you and your needs, providing you with the tools you want and need to grow your business presence online. (and advice against errors, even when they seem like good ideas)
Cheap websites come in several basic styles. From the loss of organic search traffic to the poor quality designs, there are many reasons not to waste your time or risk damage to your company reputation. Did you know that a key to updated and accurate placement in SERPs is site map submission? SERP are Search Engine Results Pages... and the web world is full of these acronyms...
Let me break it down with an analogy.
We can:
(1) buy a frozen steak dinner.
(2) go to a steakhouse restaurant chain.
(3) visit a 5 star gourmet restaurant and order a Fillet Mignon.
Each has an application - a time and a place when it suits us best;
Starving, in a hurry or don't want to leave the house? #1
Economy and value? #2
Experience, consistency and the highest quality? #3
We all know our budgets and our resources. (maybe you have some Kobe steak in the fridge, or a frozen dinner and want to watch the latest season.)
Your web developer should know your budget, tastes and appetite.
In other words, or in much the same words .. budget, tastes and business drivers.
Open with purpose. Close with design.
I wracked my mind to simplify the answer to the question: What are the basics to website solutions for the "solopreneur"?
The reason you're on-line will drive the content of your site. It will determine the tools you need available. It will even decide the fundamentals to your marketing needs and what type of "optimization" is needed. This is purpose.
The tools we need as business operators have evolved over time. Not many can manage without a cell phone today. The same with web tools, not many should be on-line without some means to manage the content themselves. It is evolutionary reality. Relevant, Competitive and viable businesses need the tools to take business to the next level.
Design - the look, feel and even colors of your site are last simply because they should be the easiest to change, given the right tools. A new website design for one of our clients can cost as little as $35 including making it "go live". Ask Inc Magazine about website redesigns.
The follow through here is Communication. Sure, Social gets thrown in here almost to the point of overshadowing everything else. But Social is not the only or for some businesses the best means of creating valuable relationships. Newsletters, email and phone calls (yes!) are valuable to establishing and maintaining relationships.. which are at the heart of Communication. Know what is important to your clients; how they want to reach you.
Design your site with purpose in mind, and the rest will fall into place.
Beyond the fundamentals of web design
Website solutions today need to include strategy consulting and resources or advice on improved web development. These assets are readily available from the right providers, and in a world where the consumer is in charge.. Social Networks have become increasingly important.
The bottom line is that either you will need to: (a) invest a good deal of time into online development yourself, or (b) find a technology partner that will meet your evolving needs readily.
Based in Westchester, New York your web development company of choice is Sterling Solutions LLC. Website projects from across the Hudson to over the ocean are in the best hands with our team. We handle web development and design, SEO, Social Networking and much much more.
