Web design has changed a lot in the past few years. Now that "web 2.0" is in full swing, you need to choose your web designer carefully. Web design skills of the last decade do not apply today. Today's great web developers should also have lite programming knowledge such as javascript, in addition to a complete creative portfolio. As the Internet changes, choosing a web designer with a balance of artistic skills and adherence to web standards is the best option.
Web designing is often not updated in smaller businesses as it is difficult to manage. Creating anything on the web is a difficult task unless you understand the many different languages that computers dish out. After you decide you need to add or update your website; plan ahead. Start with the face of the company, the real image. Web designing is a craft just like engineering - plans are essential, followed by the craftsmanship to put it all together.
Databases are the first step in planning. If your site is not just pictures and information but has ordering and other things of that type, a programmer will be needed unless your designer is fond of that material. Look around the web at the hundreds of business sites and take note of everything you like and what you definitely do not want. Time is money in the web design world, so save yourself some.
After you have a good idea of what you would like to see on your website, it's time to start looking for a web designer. The Internet is the best place to look of course. There are numerous people already advertising their services, or you can place a free classifieds ad to request applications and portfolio links. You should also have a budget range prepared.
Reputation, style, and personality are some of the major things to consider when picking out your web designer. Do not just base your decision on degrees or professional experience, as there are students in the web design field who have the updated technology and are better at their craft overall than those who have been in the field professionally for years.
Acronym soup. Okay, now the tough part...what about all that jargon. Luckily you don't have to know much about it. A professional web designer will have at least the following skills: Image editing, CSS3, XHTML, and possible javascript or knowledge of a javascript library such as jquery. You will need javascript if you would like moving parts. You will need to hire someone with Flash skills, possibly actionscript too, if you are planning on having a movie or interactive graphics and sounds.
When choosing the web designer make sure you look over their portfolio carefully. If all of their sites look the same, that means template - and do not choose them. Templates can just be purchased by you and for a fraction of the price. These are very unoriginal and do not look as good as a creative web designer could make your site look.
CMS's are also important if you plan to keep an updated site. These content management systems are available from blogs such as wordpress or professionals like Drupal. Make sure your designer knows how to skin images if you get a branded CMS so they can update your software.
After you choose a web designer you will need to create mock ups, or images that show how the website will look after it is completed. It is very important that you examine the mockups carefully before starting. Planning is the most important step in web development. After you and your developer agree on the mockups, your web designer should translate the images into valid XHTML and CSS. You can validate your web designers XHTML and CSS code online. - 15478
Web designing is often not updated in smaller businesses as it is difficult to manage. Creating anything on the web is a difficult task unless you understand the many different languages that computers dish out. After you decide you need to add or update your website; plan ahead. Start with the face of the company, the real image. Web designing is a craft just like engineering - plans are essential, followed by the craftsmanship to put it all together.
Databases are the first step in planning. If your site is not just pictures and information but has ordering and other things of that type, a programmer will be needed unless your designer is fond of that material. Look around the web at the hundreds of business sites and take note of everything you like and what you definitely do not want. Time is money in the web design world, so save yourself some.
After you have a good idea of what you would like to see on your website, it's time to start looking for a web designer. The Internet is the best place to look of course. There are numerous people already advertising their services, or you can place a free classifieds ad to request applications and portfolio links. You should also have a budget range prepared.
Reputation, style, and personality are some of the major things to consider when picking out your web designer. Do not just base your decision on degrees or professional experience, as there are students in the web design field who have the updated technology and are better at their craft overall than those who have been in the field professionally for years.
Acronym soup. Okay, now the tough part...what about all that jargon. Luckily you don't have to know much about it. A professional web designer will have at least the following skills: Image editing, CSS3, XHTML, and possible javascript or knowledge of a javascript library such as jquery. You will need javascript if you would like moving parts. You will need to hire someone with Flash skills, possibly actionscript too, if you are planning on having a movie or interactive graphics and sounds.
When choosing the web designer make sure you look over their portfolio carefully. If all of their sites look the same, that means template - and do not choose them. Templates can just be purchased by you and for a fraction of the price. These are very unoriginal and do not look as good as a creative web designer could make your site look.
CMS's are also important if you plan to keep an updated site. These content management systems are available from blogs such as wordpress or professionals like Drupal. Make sure your designer knows how to skin images if you get a branded CMS so they can update your software.
After you choose a web designer you will need to create mock ups, or images that show how the website will look after it is completed. It is very important that you examine the mockups carefully before starting. Planning is the most important step in web development. After you and your developer agree on the mockups, your web designer should translate the images into valid XHTML and CSS. You can validate your web designers XHTML and CSS code online. - 15478
About the Author:
Stephen Grisham, Sr. is a Staff Writer for InfoServe Media, a Houston Web hosting company that provides custom web design. Visit today, or call 1 (800) 838-2203 for a free quote.
