© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

Ten Essential Functions

of a Professional Web

Development Firm

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www.elinkdesign.com

859-422-9165

info@elinkdesign.com

© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

Ten Essential Functions of a Professional Web Development Firm

When websites first gained acceptance into the corporate marketing plan, they were used

mainly for informational purposes. Similar to handing out brochures at trade shows or sending

direct mail pieces, the brochure website simply provided another tool to pass along information

to customers and this simple approach worked for a while.

Today, a robust web presence is vital for generating new business. With the increase in the

demand for websites has come a flood of web development companies. When it‘s time for you

to redesign your current site or to develop a new one, this list will help you understand the 10

essential functions of a professional web development firm.

1. Web Programming

A professional web development firm should utilize industrial-grade

database and backend development tools to provide dynamic, updatable

websites. While many sites contain the same structure, you may need

advanced programming functionality, such as e-commerce capabilities,

subscription-based development, SEO web design, social media integration,

blog integration or integration with third-party software. Make sure your

web development firm can build these advanced applications.

2. Web Design

Obtaining a professional and progressive design that will be branded to reflect the integrity and reputability of your company is a result of working with talented designers. An impressive design portfolio and an iterative, yet creative design process will result in a remarkable web presence.

3. Project Management

A web development project involves multiple phases, including discovery,

design, development, quality assurance, testing, fallout and optimization. A

professional web development firm will provide you with a project manager

that will help to guide you through the entire process.

© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

4. Content Management

A content management system is a web-based interface that allows you to manage the content on your website. They allow for real time upkeep of site content, yet don’t require you to understand programming. While every management interface is proprietary in one way or another, a professional web development firm must develop projects in a programming language that will be usable for many years.

5. Search Engine Optimization

The purpose of having a website is for your company and its products to be

found by potential customers. There are many places to be found on the

web, including search engines and social media sites. To obtain rankings,

your site must be built properly. A professional web development firm will

follow a specific checklist of factors that help to enhance search engine

rankings, such as keyword analysis, code modification, content

writing/consulting and link building consulting. It is significant to have a

certified SEO analyst on staff.

6. Online Video

As video continues to rise in popularity on the web, you may need the ability to participate in this growth. A professional web development firm will have the ability to produce high-quality, interactive video that will be usable on the web.

7. Hosting

A professional web development firm will have the ability to manage the server-side aspects of web development. This is especially relevant to highly complex or SEO oriented websites.

© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

8. Support & Maintenance One of the major challenges in the web development industry revolves around support and maintenance. Many designers and developers are very talented, but lack the business skills to develop functional customer service and retention plans. A professional web development firm will offer support and updates on an ongoing basis.

9. Marketing & Advertising

In addition to search engine marketing and social media marketing, it is beneficial to partner with a web developer that has general marketing and advertising knowledge and the ability to offer fully integrated marketing campaigns, including televisions, PR, radio, print, outdoor, events and copywriting services.

10. People

Lastly, for all of these functions to work in tandem, a web development firm

must have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is enjoyable to work

with. Many people are involved, including executives, marketing managers,

sales staff, support staff, designers, developers and programmers. Be sure

to choose a firm that has the staff to support all of the essential functions

mentioned above.

When entering into a new web development project, it is important to understand

these essential functions and then to find the firm that best fits for your needs and

budget.

We have been in the web development industry for more than 10 years. From our

experience, we have produced our Web Development Checklist to help you find

the firm that best fits your needs. To request your free copy, send an email to

info@elinkdesign.com or call 859.422.9165.