The rumored $500 million spin-off of a major small business Web site development and hosting service has called even more attention to the growing need for affordable Web design services. Small companies finally recognize the necessity of building a high quality presence online, but the challenges of a tight economy have reined in Web site development budgets. Many vendors now offer "Web site design in a box" style packages for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, appealing to the frugal nature of business owners.

1. Does the Web Site Design Support Multiple Platforms?

The days of developing just for Internet Explorer have long passed. Web browser market share has been split up across products from Apple, Mozilla, and Opera, along with Microsofts dominant product. When prospective customers experience a Web site design that cannot be enjoyed on their preferred browser, they tend to move along to a competitor instead of requesting additional information.

2. Does the Web Site Development Process Include Easy Content Management?

The most effective small business Web sites include fresh information about company news and promotions. Many pre-packaged Web site development solutions include the installation of a static Web site without the ability to make changes or edits. For an additional investment, Web site development teams can install a content management system that makes site updates as simple as filling out a form or sending an e-mail.

3. Does the Web Design Emphasize Company Imagery over Stock Photography?

Online communities have sprung up to celebrate "headset hotties," the stock photo models wearing telephone earpieces that seem to crop up in many corporate Web site design packages. Instead of relying too heavily on photos that can easily show up on multiple companies Web sites, experienced Web site development teams can use actual photos of employees, customers, buildings, and vehicles. This assures prospective customers that real people stand behind a company Web site.

4. Does Every Web Site Design in a Prospective Vendors Portfolio Have its Own Personality?

Studies of Web design usability have shown little need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to corporate Web site effectiveness. However, using a stock Web site design without customization can make a companys Web presence look generic or cookie-cutter. Simple tweaks to a standard Web design template can make even an inexpensive site memorable.

5. Does the Web Site Design Reflect Both the Companys Image and Values?

All four of the above questions contribute to this final questions, since company owners really want to ensure that their Web site design reflects their company personality. Customer satisfaction issues ensue when a product or service doesnt hold up to the promises made on a Web site. Likewise, a Web site design with poor navigation and sloppy graphics can lower customers expectations of an otherwise high quality service provider.

Being able to answer "yes" to all five of these questions indicates a potentially high return on investment for a prospective Web site development vendor. Companies that dont have the budget for a totally custom Web site design can still get tremendous value from a more affordable, packaged service that understands the importance of letting a customers individuality shine through.

Sources

BoingBoing

The Epoch Times

Web Host Industry Review