Below
are some key technical questions for every business to consider before
embarking on the creation of a web site. You need to be able to find solid
answers to all of the questions posed. Failure to do so will probably
result in a strained relationship with your web designer at best, and
a failed site at worst! You might find it useful to print this page and
consider the contents carefully.
When
you ask CONCEPT to design your site we help you through these and other
crucial questions so that relationships remain harmonious and your site
is successful.
Finding
the RIGHT Web Design Company is one of the more difficult tasks you may
face. In many ways you are looking for a company whose personnel are technically
proficient, visually aware and who have a high degree of business acumen.
In other words, you are looking for a company who can provide you with
a balanced team of people to work on your site.
Listen
to the way in which representatives from web design companies address
you. Are they attempting to baffle you with technology or are they talking
your language. To put it another way, are they talking 'with' or 'at'
you?
Another
issue is referrals. Make it a point to contact reference organisations.
Look for variety in reference sites. If all reference sites look the same
then it is certain that the design company are handing out off-the-shelf
solutions at custom prices.
This is where you
look at the long-term relationship with your web designers. If your site
needs to be updated on a daily basis you need to have a facility is in
place to do so, either by them or you whichever is preferable. Be aware
of the cost factor here. Some web designers quote a small fee for the
initial design but tie you into a high price for updates.
If your site provides
for the on-line completion of forms, purchasing of products, information
requests, etc., you need to have a structure in place to deal with enquiries
in a fast and efficient manner. For example, our office can automatically
acknowledge a request for a web quotation. This means that the prospective
customer, from a different Time Zone for example, is never left wondering
what has happened. During office hours we have someone who can answer
or field incoming mail as it arrives.
On a server
located at your own premises (the most expensive)
On a server
located at your Internet Service Providers premises (often costly)
On a server
located at your web designers premises, or a virtual server used by
them (often the least expensive)
In most
cases, allowing your web designer to house your site is the least expensive
option and more importantly, places the technological burden with them.
You don't have to maintain the server and deal with other related issues
such as security.
This
is a vital issue. In many ways, a domain name is like a trademark. It
is a unique identifier for your organisation on the Internet. A domain
name makes it easier for people to find you and at the same time safeguards
your organisation over the Internet.
Domain
names come in several flavours including the regular .COM (commercial)
.ORG (non-profit organisation) and country specific domains such as .IE
(Ireland), .CA (Canada) and .UK (United Kingdom). You choose which option
suits you best. Domains are also inexpensive to set up.
Another
key benefit to having a domain name is that it greatly shortens the length
of your 'Internet Address'. For example, http://www.concept.ie is much
easier to remember than http://www.something.com/clients/concept. It also
looks better on your stationary.
Look
back to the purpose of your site and the type of visitor you are hoping
to attract. Do you need an all 'singing and dancing' site complete with
Java, ActiveX, Sound and Virtual Reality? If you do, go for it. On the
other hand, perhaps your real need is for a site that will display your
organisation in an elegant and tasteful manner.
The
worst that can happen is you attract thousands of visitors to your site
just to see the 'bells and whistles' and none of them notices what you
are trying to sell.
Below
are some key technical questions for every business to consider before
embarking on the creation of a web site. You need to be able to find solid
answers to all of the questions posed. Failure to do so will probably
result in a strained relationship with your web designer at best, and
a failed site at worst! You might find it useful to print this page and
consider the contents carefully.
