Establishing True Web Presence: The importance of balancing form and functionality
February 2, 2010 – We’ve all websites seen done in Adobe Flash. It is the standard tool of choice for web developers who desire to create a memorable impact, from the moment the page begins to resolve. From there, we can break it down into three basic types. First, there are the ones done in full page, Adobe Flash that seamlessly slide images, of waif-like models wearing fashion one would never see on the street, across our desktop. Perfectly timed fades, well-placed quotations, and dramatic design make them really great to look at…for about 45 seconds. After the initial wow factor wears off, though, there is not much left to keep us from wandering off to another website. Other sites rich in Flash include popular children’s websites maintained by Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and the like. These obviously need many Flash-based games that increase the likelihood of maintaining the attention span of young children and ensure they return for more. Finally, we have the flash websites that bargain basement web designers (and I use the term loosely) assemble, using a template they “bought” at the Special Internet Store. Next, they plug in text and replace some images. They throw in a little sound effect or a stock sound loop, and the cardboard Flash shack is complete and guaranteed to index one-and only one-time by major search engines, since its essentially only a single page.
There is also a second breed of websites. These are static webpages that include text, a few images, a contact page. These websites are usually reserved for companies that are of the impression that simply having a website is enough, regardless of the age of the content. This kind of website is akin to a house that is well-built but, 10 years later, has never been updated. Essentially, these websites are just sitting and waiting for someone to stumble upon them, like an old desert town. Somone will look around for a few minutes and move on to a fresher, more welcoming place.
Finally, a third Then there are those that are dynamic in nature. This simply means that the content and, sometimes, the design is updated often. Currently, the trend for these pages is to maintain a news or blog-style website. These include news and entertainment websites and are generally built in blog-based websites (e.g. WordPress) or, in the case of more complex websites run by large companies, full-blown Content Management Systems (CMS), such as Joomla. These are generally updated at least weekly (if not daily) and include at least one back-end database to categorize content by date, type, etc. and make it easily searchable by users looking for specific content.
Its important to differentiate between the types of websites. Its also important to point out that none of them are right or wrong. The choice for the type of website to be set up should be dictated by the company, organization, or person’s intent and vision. Too often, though, web designers impose their own visions on customers, which are often unduly influenced by their desire to use a canned template that minimizes the amount of time required to finish the job. Essentially, web design, which includes colors, design, and specific text, should be one of the last considerations.
Web development, not just web design, is what is really required. What does this mean exactly? First of all, it means that a person can be very creative and talented artistically, but it does not mean they have the business saavy to understand what is required to create a truly dynamic web presence. Just as a building is not sketched out and immediately built, a website should not be conceptualized and thrown together. What one ends up with is a case (and we’ve all seen many) where the design, information, or sometimes both are confusing, disjointed, and generally give the feeling that the website was regurgitated on the internet and left to induce nausea. When a company or organization looks for a website developer, it is important to know what the designer should be asking the potential client.
Examples Questions Web Developers Should Pose to Clients What do you want to communicate, allow people to do, or accomplish with this website? What type of static and dynamic content do you anticipate integrating? How often do you plan to update the design, thereafter? Do you want to be able to update the website content in-house, by you or your staff members? Will you be providing email accounts to employees, using your primary domain name?Have you considered integrating social networking (e.g. Facebook/Twitter) or streaming content (e.g. YouTube) into your website, to create a true web presence? How widely and quickly do you want to see the website publicized. Have you considered buying or trading adspace with industry partners?
While these are just a few examples, any website designer or development company who does not ask questions similar to these and simply moves on to how much it will cost, is not the right fit. While web design is not rocket science, it is a process that has a beginning and an end. In between both of these points are weeks of meetings, reviews, and approvals that must take place between the designer and the customer. Ultimately, it is imperative that a web designer establish an actual architecture for the website, before a single pixel is ever created. Beginning by drafting an actual web architecture ensures the customer retains control and approves each step in the process. In this manner, the designer is also certain to understand exactly what the customer wants to accomplish. If and how the company or organization will interact with customers or the general public, via the website, dictate the type of website (the initial discussion herein) to be built. The overall process should also consider suggestions, from the developer, on how your company or organization can leverage the benefits of social networking and Web 2.0 tools.
Unfortunately, there are too many details to be covered in the context of a single article. Choosing a web developer must be a process that includes interviewing independent designers or design companies. Remember, you are paying for a service…not asking for a favor. When you come across someone who believes the opposite, cross them off and move on to the next choice. Ask to see their portfolio but also ask for a list of references. Contacting previous clients and asking questions like those included above will give you an idea of how they actually work. The main point that any company or organization should take away is that finding a graphic artist or a web designer doesn’t guarantee success. The final choice should be an individual or company that provides the equal balance of design creativity and business sense that is needed to establish a true web presence that is prepositioned to help move your company or organization forward in the increasingly competitive, virtual marketplace.
Proudly display your geekosity with Geek Shui Living wallpaper…
So you say you’re a geek, who is technical and spiritual. How do you let the world (or at least the people who see your computer) know it? Well, here’s your chance. Download and apply this Geek Shui Living wallpaper. While anyone can appreciate the design and colors, only a real geek will be able to read the encrypted message it displays! Know someone else who might appreciate it? Send them a link via the Tweet This link or Share button at the bottom of the post!
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Announcing Geek Shui Living’s Latest Achievement – The Digital Ozmoziz Website
Geek Shui Living is proud to announce the web debut of Puerto Rico-based Digital Ozmoziz. Digital Ozmoziz provides visual content and post production services for businesses and non-profit organizations. Their portfolio of successful television advertisements and list of satisfied clients includes well-known companies, such as Banco Popular of Puerto Rico, Martin’s BBQ, OneLink Cable, Siemens/Tren Urbano, and the American Cancer Society of Puerto Rico – just to name a few! The Digital Ozmoziz professionals entrusted Geek Shui Living to develop and deploy their website, based on their need for an attractive, functional, and self-sustaining forum to showcase their services and growing portfolio. By analyzing the company’s specific needs, Geek Shui Living was able to provide Digital Ozmoziz with a static content and blogging capabilities, as well as incorporate and leverage the power of social networking sites such as YouTube, Twitter, and FaceBook. The Digital Ozmoziz website is just another example of how Geek Shui Living focuses on the customer’s needs, minimizes additional costs, and maximize return on investment. Visit their website to learn more about this up and coming company.To celebrate Digital Ozmoziz web inauguration, Geek Shui Living is offering a 20% discount, on web design and development costs (see offer details) to any Puerto Rico-based business who mentions Digital Ozmoziz during their initial consultation with a Geek Shui Living professional. Geek Shui Living congratulates Digital Ozmoziz and wishes them the warmest wishes for continued success and an increasing profit margin!
Offer Restrictions: (1) Discount excludes initial hosting and setup fees; (2) Offer expires 12/31/2009.
Geek Shui Living of Puerto Rico debuts our newest, web-based commercial…
April 1, 2008 marked the official debut of Geek Shui Living’s newest creative endeavour, the Geek Shui Web-Based Commercial. Though similar to a regular television commercial in its production methodology, the key difference in web-based advertising is the limitless and virtually cost-free distribution potential to viewers around the world. Made entirely on a MacBook Pro laptop computer and using Apple’s iMovie and GarageBand applications, this web-based advertisement demonstrates the hidden potential of the internet to reach millions of people, without leaving the comfort of your home or office. By hosting the commercial on the world-renowned YouTube website, we are able to maximize its distribution, while conserving our own precious bandwidth.
Through this method, we are able to “embed” the video on our own website (http://www.geekshuiliving.com) in a smaller player, which can easily be clicked upon, to open on the YouTube.com website in its full resolution. Additionally, the distribution possibilities are further expanded by social networking websites, such as FaceBook.com, who allow for the “posting” of YouTube videos, within your own profile. This ensures that every other user, with whom you are networked, has the potential to see and further distribute your commercial. What does this mean to a business owner? Simply put, it translates into greater Return on Investment (ROI), reduced overhead, and lower operating costs, while enhancing one’s professional image and fostering customer loyalty. The same concept can be used by Geek Shui Living to convert television or radio spots you have purchased, for their perpetual use on your website.
Want to find out more about this groundbreaking concept being employed by countless political campaigns, such as those of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain? Don’t be left behind by your competitors, contact a geeky professional at Geek Shui Living today!
