There are two major components to business web site development: the "back end" and the "front end."
Front end business web site development controls what your web site looks like: the images and text that make up your site. Graphic designers concentrate on the front end, choosing appropriate images, fonts, and layout. They should have a strong understanding of what works visually on a computer screen and know what the technical limitations are in designing for the web.
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Keep in mind that you will be responsible for the content of your web site: if you have a “history” page, you’ll have to write the content for it; if you have a products page, you’ll have to supply the images and descriptions that make up the page.
Back end business web site development focuses on the code that makes your site work. Development tasks include writing HTML (HyperText Markup Language) to display your images and text, connecting to product or customer databases, and uploading your web site files to a server. Developers don’t usually call it “programming” when they’re working on basic web sites.
Other web site design development terminology
Some other web site design development terms you might encounter:
Javascriptis used for simple site functionality such as making sure users have filled out forms correctly, pop up windows (the helpful kind, not the ads), and some kinds of animation.
ASP and PHP provide customization and interactivity, such as collecting data from visitors or displaying account information.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) lets you easily control the look of your entire web site from a central file.
Flash allows for interactive menus, animated presentations, and interactive tools. (Bonus design tip: please skip the fancy Flash animated intro. Visitors don’t want to watch it and you’ll save money.)
Now that you understand the basics of business web site development, it’s time to find the right designer to work with. Submit a free BuyerZone request for web site development quotes and let multiple providers compete for your business.
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