Hampton Roads history and penny postcard tour requires a Java enabled browser. Please upgrade and return.

Effective Small Business Web Site Design --- WHO and HOW
Let's start at the logical beginning of the web site design process ... hiring a professional web site developer.
A component present in all successful small businesses is the ability of the owner(s) to acknowledge the skills and experience they do not possess. Your time is valuable. If your business is not directly involved with Internet Services - Hire A Professional to develop your web site. This will be money well spent and will be planned for in the marketing section of your Business Plan. My goal here is to teach you how to hire a professional web site developer. I will list some traits you should look for in a web site developer; what you should expect from your developer and what your developer should expect from you.
Effective small business web site design introduction
In the beginning ... it is a sound business practice to never hire any service for your company that has the ability to materially impact the image (therefore, bottom line) of your company without a contract and, if sensitive business information will be revealed by either party, a Non Disclosure Agreement. Web site design contracts should contain provisions that make clear:
  • The price details.
    • What is the total dollar amount?
    • How many hours does this dollar amount include?
    • Is there a maximum number of hours? pages? images? words per page?
    • What is the price for new pages/sections?
    • Is monthly maintenance is included? If so, the number of hours per month and any restrictions should be specified.
  • Who owns the finished product?
  • What information will be provided by the Owner?
  • That the web site will be compatible with the major browsers.
  • Whether or not web site hosting is included.

and any other provisions you and your attorney feel are necessary. Sample clauses you should consider including in your web site design contract are here.
Effective small business web site design introduction
Web developer traits. All web site developers should present a professional attitude toward your project. Every project will be different and will not fit into a nice little box - one size does not fit all. Ask your prospective developer if they have customized web site templates. These templates should include a menu/navigation system, maximum number of images, maximum amount of text per page, maximum number of pages and are generally priced according to the amount of further customization required. These should not be the standard templates that are resident with most software packages; the difference between the two will be immediately discernable. If your prospective developer has these available ... put two stars beside their name ... they have taken the time and effort to provide a sample of their styles.
Not all good web site developers will have an extensive repertoire of completed web sites; ALL web site developers should have at least their own web site with their own domain name. A review of their their site is imperative; this is what they are presenting to their prospective clients. Is the layout logical? Does their site seem cluttered? Can you find you way around their site easily? Is the navigation system logical and intuitive? (Did you find the information you were looking for where you thought it would be?) Did you have to download any programs (Macromedia, Real Player, etc.) before you could view their site? If your prospective web site developer does not have their own site, or if you have a problem with any of these areas, start looking for another developer.
Effective small business web site design
Effective small business web site design introduction
BACK | NEXT ===>
Home | Postcards | History Markers | Site Information | Regional Links | Search | Our Mission
 Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Historic Hampton Roads.com All rights are reserved.
Our privacy policy is here. Visit our site information page for photograph and postcard use information.
Direct all web site questions, comments, suggestions or other thoughts to our site manager. Thanks for visiting.
This page was last updated on 02.14.2008 --- today's date is