The eight commandments of Web development
1. Make sure to get your source files
Source files are the files that contain the editable graphic versions of your Web site. These files include not only graphics, but also typically include any kind of decorative text. Source files are required for any kind of graphic updates, so be sure to obtain the source files from your graphic designer. Particularly ask for Photoshop, Illustrator or Flash files. If your designer does not want to provide them, find another designer.
2. Programmers make bad graphic designers
Programmers are bad designers, and vice versa (see below). If you have hired a programmer to create a Web site, you can expect it to have excellent functionality and Web usability, but sub par design. Potential customers will make major decisions based on how professional your Web site looks, so be sure to hire a company that provides you with the professional image you deserve.
3. Graphic designers make bad programmers
Graphic designers know how to design a Web site, but do not know how to build a Web site and know the intricacies of coding, navigation, optimization and data. An experienced programmer builds the Web site and makes sure it works, whereas a designer ensures that the Web site is attractive and appealing to customers.
4. You shouldn’t have to pay for content updates
If you have minor (or major) changes on the content of your Web site, you should not have to pay your Web site company a fee just to modify your content, unless you want to. With a content management system, however, you should never have to pay for content updates because you will be able to personally revise, rewrite or change the Web site content as often as you like where you want to. Granted, the more content management, the more expensive the site, but sometimes paying up front for content management will be less expensive in the long run, as well as it empowers the client. If your current Web company doesn’t offer this, they aren’t a credible Web company looking out for your best interests.
5. There are no guarantees with search engine submissions
No one can actually guarantee your site top placement in search engines through search engine submissions because there are far too many determinants that decide where your site is placed in search engine results. Search engine submission solely makes your site recognized by search engines and once again, doesn’t guarantee premier placement.
6. You can have more than one domain name pointed at your Web site
You just found a better domain name for your company. Though it is available, you are afraid to change the domain for fear of advertising reflecting your current Web address. You can use both; and more. Many people will secure their domains in .com and .net just to protect their trademarks. Others will use diverse domain names to market in different markets. Whatever the case, besides spending an extra $20 a year per domain, it can be done and in many cases, it should be encouraged.
7. Your Web company should also be your “brand builder”
Your Web company should be building your brand while building your site. This means they should be working with you to keep your brand and message consistent. For very little money (this really should be included with the price of the Web site) you can have a customized email address from your Web company. The custom email addresses offer consistency and reinforce your company’s corporate moniker. Custom e-mail addresses, such as, name@yourcompany.com, not only offer you branding but e-mail addresses with Hotmail, Yahoo! and other free email addresses often encourage spam and viruses. If your Web company doesn’t do this, you aren’t getting the full amount of your investment in a Web site. Branding builds credibility, which builds trust, which builds loyalty, which equals success and profit!
8. Your Web site should be built with Compliancy and Web Standards
It’s not? Ask your Web company why not. They will tell you what they tell everyone: it’s not a big deal, it’s not important or they have no idea what you are talking about. Walk away from them and find a company that will watch out for you. The Internet is still a wild frontier, and there far more amateurs than professionals. Make sure your Web company meets and exceeds Web standards, as well as your expectations.
Source: Courtesy Genevate
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