Website D&D
Website Design
The process of designing a website involves the practical application of all design principals to obtain an overall look that is pleasing and appealing to those who view the website.
This usually involves the display of your company logo if appropriate, any photographs or other art work you want to display in your “header” (the top portion of your website), the color, size and style of any text in your website, the design and placement of any buttons or menu items in your website, and the background colors or styles contained in your website to name only the most common elements of design.
Website design can usually be done through the use of a computer program such as Photoshop that will allow the client to select an artistic design that he finds appealing but is no more than a picture of how the website will look and is not a functional website at that point. Basically, this step involves the “artistic” ability of the website designer.
BeTheNet has the ability to show you numerous layout, design, and color combinations so that you can make an informed and intelligent decision when purchasing your website.
Website Development
Once the website’s design has been determined, the next process involves the development or coding of the website to provide the necessary functionality.
This step involves the process of using XHTML, PHP, CSS and numerous other languages that present the appearance of the designer in a functional manner to those viewing the artwork of the designer. This involves tying the “picture” developed by the designer with the required functionality of the website so that it looks like the designers presentation and performs to the expectations of the client.
While the website development is the most technically difficult part of building a website, it is also the most important to its proper use. Another important element of the proper coding of the website involves the proper use of various Search Engine Optimization elements of the particular code. This is an often overlooked element of website development; however, it is something built into every website BeTheNet produces.
SEO
Of course, you could have the best looking and most functional website on earth but, if no one can find it in the major search engines, it is of little value to anyone. That is were the proper use of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play in the website’s coding and development.
For example, BeTheNet was recently asked to look at a website to determine why the major search engines would not index the website. When we looked at it, we found a well designed and functioning website but, the entire site consisted of nothing but images and java script. Even the “text” contained in the website was only an image. It is not hard to image the problem with the site’s lack of performance when you know that there was absolutely nothing for the search engines to index in the several pages contained in the website. BeTheNet repaired this problem and the website now has decent search engine placement.
Thus, it is not only essential to code a website properly but also intelligently.