DESIGN

Website strategy

There is a massive leap from a simple HTML website where the structure and content are one and the same to a database driven site where the structure and content are totally separate. There are big costs differences BUT there are significant advantages to having a separate structure and content. You may wish to use the simple structure as a prototype to understand how to take your web marketing strategy forward. We can advise on the best approach but one important point to remember. Developing a website is an iterative process - don't expect to get the right or final design on first pass through the design. Expect to put a prototype together - a simple design. Look at it - discuss it with customers and friends - change it and take feedback to achieve the result you are looking for.

So you would like to try building your own website?

Part of our support services package is to help individuals or companies of any size who wish to develop a web strategy. You may wish to get going with web development or to manage the content of your own website after having someone put the structure together.

Whether you are a small business, individual or company wondering what all this web technology is about we have a solution for your requirements.

Approach

We offer a few combinations of options for website design and build. These options include....

• do the design and structure and leave you to put the content in
• show you how to put the structure together and leave you to get on with it but be there when you need telephone or online support.
• take you through the basics and let you do the design and provide support as and when required
• design the site and put the structure and basic content together while you manage that content and update as and when you need and provide support as and when required

Tools

We authorised resellers for most of the web development tools - from simple web page generators to complex database tools. We offer software tools such as Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Ultradev, MS Frontpage, Allaire Homesite, etc. These will eventually be available in our own online catalogue but for now you need to talk to us! Here is a list of WYSIWYG tools that you may wish to consider for editing or creating web pages ....

Different browser standards

You need to test your application against different browsers standards. The link here (opens in new window) is useful to help with this.

Accessible website design

An accessible website is one that can be accessed by anyone. In this context, the essence of good design involves ensuring that a text alternative exists for every non-text element on the web page. It is perfectly possible to produce an attractive, dynamic design that is fully accessible. Websites that are designed intelligently benefit everyone - not only people with disabilities. The RNIB publishes a guideline for good website design which can be found here. There are 1.7 million visually impaired people in the UK who are all your potential customers - can they access your site?

Training

You will probably be able to have a go at some simple page creation yourself. However, you may require a formal training course or a few hours personal tuition. Costs vary a lot so talk to us about the range of options that we offer.

Web marketing

If you are keen to design and/or maintain your site then you should make note of our comments within the web marketing section - these apply whether we design and build your site or you do it yourself.

After all this

If after looking at all the different issues involved in developing your site you would prefer someone else to do it - you know where we are ....