Why have a website?

Your website can be a fantastic promotional tool for your business, reaching the global marketplace of the world wide web. Here are just a few of the benefits of a successful website:

• Creates a leading-edge image
• Enhances customer communications and service
• Increases visibility and market expansion
• Executes online sales and service transactions
• Provides global information distribution
• Lowers communication costs

Hiring a web developer - what to look for

The internet is still a relatively new medium and many people are unsure of what to look for when hiring a web development company. At Spectramedia, we want the customer to feel empowered, not intimidated by the internet. The following is a list of qualities essential to a good web development company.

Personal Service
Your web developer should take the time to understand your business and create a website to suit your needs. This includes:

Putting the Customer First

• Understanding your Business Objectives
• Working with your Brand Image (or creating one to suit your company)
• Suggesting tools to Increase Business or Improve Customer Service
• Offering a Full Range of Services

Experience
Your web developer should be an expert in their field. Many people believe they can create their own websites but are not experienced enough to know about important design, programming and marketing issues that will make your website function properly. Your web developer should have a good understanding of all these issues and should have an impressive portfolio to showcase their experience. They should also be able to provide references upon request.

Professional Design
Your website is your face to the global marketplace, so it is essential that it portray a professional image of your company. Have a look at the web developer's portfolio to determine if their work has the following criteria:

• Effective Brand Imaging
• Clear Navigation
• Rapid Downloading
• Consistency in design throughout the site
• Original Graphics

Services
Your web developer should be a "one stop" shopping place for all your internet needs. They should be able to take a project from start to finish, taking care of everything from registering your domain name to submitting your website to search engines. Here are just a few of the services your web developer should offer:

• Domain Name Registration
• Project Management
• Site Map Design
• Content Development
• Graphic Design
• Programming
• Current Technology (e.g. Flash, Javascript, etc...)
• Search Engine Submission
• Internet Marketing
• Maintenance
• Hosting Solutions

Pricing
Prices for web design vary greatly depending on the scope of your project. Make sure you get an estimate before starting a project; preferably with a breakdown of the various services the developer can offer.
Most companies will require a deposit before starting any work. This of course, should be accompanied by a legal contract protecting both the developer and the client.
As in all businesses, cheaper is not necessarily better. Web developers should be able to work within your budget but the extra cost of hiring a professional will be reflected in the quality and functionality of your website.

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