Atlanta, Asheville Web Site Design - Jaymunda Blog

Many people are unclear about the difference between web site design and web site programming. Design and programming are both essential to the success of a web site. The site must look attractive, contain valuable keyword rich content, and be user friendly and customer service oriented. However, the web site must also be technologically sound and functional. This is the job of the programmer. Programmers are responsible for the brain of the web site, the coding.

What is Programming Code?

The coding refers to many different things, including the HTML pages and JavaScript. The code is what makes the web site function. If a site provides search options, access to databases or any other interactive features then programming code is custom processed to run specific programs in the web server. This type of programming is done in Java, Perl, VBScript, CGI Script and other programming languages. An experienced and knowledgeable programmer is essential to the creation of a high performance web site since fluency and accuracy in the coding languages is key. Any small mistakes can affect the entire web site and its ability to do what it is supposed to.

Where is the Programming Code on a Web Site?

The programming code of a web site is hidden in the back end of the web site. It generally isn’t seen because it has very little artistic or graphic value to the web site visitor. It would also be very confusing if a web site showed the content meant for the public and the coding. To most site visitors it wouldn’t make any sense and would cause confusion, but even though the programming code is hidden don’t be fooled, it is still the most important part of a web site. Web site programming can take two or twenty hours depending on a web sites functions and customized features. Choose a programmer wisely. When you visit a web site development company ask them about the designer and the programmer, they may be the same person or two different people. If there are two different people working on the project find out how long they have been working together. The coding of your web site will affect its performance; make certain you hire an expert you can trust.

What is e-waste? Many people don’t know to what extent electronic waste is affecting the United States and countries around the world. In this amazing technological age, Americans are blessed enough to have every form of technology available at their fingertips and yet many people and companies never consider what happens when they throw a TV, computer, cell phone or fax machine away. Essentially, just like choosing to throw aluminum or glass in regular trash, these electronic devices end up in a landfill poisoning the land, water and air. In many cases, developed countries have chosen to export e-waste to developing countries like China, India or Africa. As poor families and people in the third world attempt to earn income in harsh conditions, e-waste leaves its mark. Lakes, rivers, land, and air are polluted due to lack of e-waste management and International standards for disposing of electronic devices. As Americans we can sit back and continue to feed landfills and e-waste sweatshops around the globe or we can responsibly recycle and encourage corporations and small companies alike to join this effort to protect the Earth from unnecessary harm.

Computers: The Unknown Hazards

Many computers owners are unaware of the toxicity associated with them. Computers contain hazardous materials such as Phosphor, Barium, Hexavalent Chromium, Brominated Flame Retardants, Lead, Plastics, Cadmium, Mercury, Beryllium and more. These substances can cause brain, kidney, heart and lung damage, hormonal imbalances, birth defects and many other physical side effects. Under a teaspoon of Mercury can affect up to 20 acres of lake water, making fish inedible. It is time to be responsible! As a developed country leading technology today it is our duty to set an example for the rest of the world. To learn more about recycling technology visit the following web sites and believe preserve our planet in a better way. Urge companies who make computers, cell phones or TVs to support e-recycling measures and vote for legislation, representatives and local politicians who support proper management of e-waste around the world!

The Computer Take Back Campaign
http://www.computertakeback.com/

Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) Initiative
http://www.step-initiative.org/

In the world of web site development and programming there will always be two sides of the coin.  Those who believe affordable templates and canned web site designs are useful and the best choice for clients working on a budget and those who stand firm in their belief that custom designed web sites offer marketing and usability benefits that far outweigh the initial savings gained by choosing a do-it-yourself template web site.  Of course money, budget and cost analysis are always a consideration for the savvy business or entrepreneur, however, making an investment requires weighing all of the options and looking at the bigger picture.  Sometimes saving money in the now can lead to larger, more expensive changes and upgrades in the long run.  A smart investor knows to look for the greatest return on investment and in the world of web site design and development a smart investor knows a custom designed web site can be integrated into your long term goals and evolve with your growth over time.

Marketing to the Search Engines Insures Internet Success

In addition, custom designed sites are more successful when search engine optimization and marketing strategies are executed.  Too often companies purchase a template design and over time it begins to lose ranking or never even registers on the search engines at all.  This can be a difficult situation when a company discovers the money they invested cannot produce the return they were hoping for.  It is a typical mistake for clients purchasing a web site to forget to tell the designer key information about their Internet marketing goals or to be uneducated about the right questions to ask in the very beginning stages.  If online sales and search engine traffic are important to you then custom design and programming are essential.  Search engines prefer unique and individualized coding on the backend and only custom designs can provide this.  Of course there are many other pieces to solving the search engine puzzle but this is one of the most important.  Web site design and programming is the foundation of your Internet marketing plan and without a solid foundation the rest of your efforts will not succeed.

Are you looking to be Britney Spears or the Beatles?

The question above may seem ridiculous but it exemplifies my point perfectly.  Think of it like this…Britney Spears and the Beatles make money, they are all famous and they have all achieved success and notoriety in Hollywood.  Yet ask yourself these questions. Who has proven their ability to evolve through decades of changing trends of politics and public opinion?  Although the Beatles began performing music in the 60’s they quickly learned to adapt, grow and evolve with the times.  They continued to be relevant and appealing to the masses, even when they were considered controversial.  Do you want to stand out from the rest and be a leader in your industry and your community?  Britney Spears may be rich and famous, but she is also one of many blonde bombshells singing on MTV to make a buck. (Don’t get me wrong there is talent there but it doesn’t always stand out against the rest!)  She can be compared and likened to all of her contemporaries and reaches the Top 40 pop charts because of the teen market.  The Beatles are still getting paid, some of them even after they died, because their music has a timeless appeal.  Musicians and performers all over the world have covered songs written by John, Paul, Ringo and George and each of their personalities provoked adoration and love from one generation to the next.  The point here is that custom designed web sites are more authentic, adaptable and long lasting.  A template site may be cheaper at first but over time it can’t grow with your business, it can’t evolve with technological advances.  A template has limitations because it isn’t one of a kind, its generic.  In order to utilize the power of our technological age and invest your money wisely custom designed sites are the best choice.  Don’t make a choice to limit your professional and financial potential.