When was the last time you took a good, hard look at your website?
It's not enough to just have a website today. It's got make a bold statement of who you are... what you do... and what makes you different than your competitors.
It’s not an option.
Your business website is critical for credibility and customer contact.
But even more imperative is knowing what to look for in a web developer so that your site successfully functions the way it needs to be profitable.
Most likely you already have a website and are looking to either redesign or enhance it. Knowing the four types of web developers will save you time, money, and frustration...and educating yourself will empower you to use your site to meet your business and marketing goals.
If it's primarily graphics you need to give your website some pop and appeal, the graphic designer is the type you're looking for.
With an impressive portfolio of work to show you, they create custom graphics, unique photographic effects, creative layouts, and balanced color coordination.
A web developer who is primarily a graphic designer will rely on you to supply the content and organizational structure for the site.
If a professional image and consistent brand that flows throughout the website is your primary goal, a graphic designer will be able to make that goal a reality.
Technical programmers typically are more about the "engine" than the "paint job." Functionality is what they're all about... their portfolios showcase all the bells and whistles that are the result of ninja scripting and coding.
Flash animation, membership areas with protected content, support suites where customers can take out a help ticket, e-commerce integration, and live chat are typical features that a technical programmer creates.
If functionality is your most important objective, a programmer type is the right fit for you.
The majority of web developers fall in the technical category so unless they have partnered with a graphic designer, you may need to look into bringing one on board to get the effect you're looking for.
Marketing consultants have the skill to understand target markets, develop campaigns that convert, and motivate leads and prospective customers to take action.
With a good marketing consultant, they will ask a lot of questions so that they can best create a website that will attract targeted prospects and turn them into loyal, referring clients.
A marketing consultant will also be valuable in knowing how to design the website so that it is compliant with search engines if you plan on marketing your website using paid advertising.
The "good neighbor" type of web developer is the well-meaning neighbor, cousin, or go-getter secretary who offers to put up a website for you using plug-n-play site builder that requires no technical expertise.
While they are usually either free or very affordable, you will be limited in functionality, customizing the look and feel, and tracking your marketing efforts.
We strongly advise against this type of do-it-yourself builder, but in the very least consider the following:
Most good developers can give you a pretty site...but pretty won't give you a return on your investment.
Not everyone who visits your site will buy your stuff. A great web design firm will know exactly how to turn that dilemma into gold.
[Image supplied by Gregory Jordan]
