[choose the right company to create your website]
As complex as the options may seem, website companies fall into two main categories:
Website Designers are focused on the general layout and appearance of your website and often do not have marketing or programming expertise.
Website Developers have both the technical skill and business acumen to analyze the needs of your business and create a website with the appropriate information architecture, functionality, and marketing.
Here’s a brief overview of the kinds of firms you’ll find in each category and the services they offer.
Website Designers
Many companies offering inexpensive websites use the same basic layout for every client. They use stock graphics and basic design elements, so virtually all the sites they produce look alike. Some companies offer a low monthly payment program, but you never actually own your site. What looks like a bargain ends up being costly in the long term, with little results to show for your investment.
Most independent designers or advertising firms can create a website that is aesthetically pleasing, but they generally lack programming expertise and subcontract this essential component out to someone else. As a result, your site may not have the functionality you expect, and making changes may be expensive and time-consuming because you’re not working directly with the people who make your website work.
Some designers use a software program called Flash to create full motion graphics on your website. While these sites are aesthetically striking and interactive, they are often slow to load and may require visitors to download software before they can view the site. A more serious drawback is the nature of this programming language makes updating your site both costly and cumbersome. A simple update may involve an entire page of programming to be re-written.
Website Developers
Website development firms have excellent credentials in design, and go a step further to offer sophisticated programming and web-based marketing services. These firms have the artistic and technical skills to offer the highest levels of visual presentation, website navigation, and search engine visibility.
The full-service nature of their service makes web developers a reliable resource for your business. They don’t design and disappear, because they are focused on developing long-term relationships with businesses that profit from their expertise.
In addition to creating an effective web presence, client focused web developers may act as business consultants, suggesting new marketing strategies that support your salon’s business objectives.
The most sophisticated web developers, like Smarter Salon, choose to focus on a specific industry, combining their industry knowledge with an awareness of market trends and successful web-based campaigns. Such real-world experience enables us to launch your campaign with precision and effectiveness, and provide long-term internet solutions that continue to grow with your company.