Web sites are an easy way to reach a (world) wide audience. They don't often cost nearly as much as other forms of advertising, other media. Plus, they aren't difficult (on a basic level) to design.
However...
Because of this, there are literally millions of sites on the internet. You face a great deal of competition, even for the most obscure of topics. Almost any set of keywords and most terms typed into a search engine will return a staggering number of sites from which to choose.
So... how do you get an audience?
Web design is the process of creating a visual medium. The design of your web site is vital to attracting and holding on to your audience. The best of content will be ignored in the face of an amateurish production.
- Poor layout
- Improper grammar
- Spelling errors
- Difficult-to-use navigation
- Immature language (unless targeting a young audience)
- Misuse of images (too many, too few, too big, too small)
- Too many things that move, flash, or otherwise cause irritation and/or nausea
- Ignores browsers other than Internet Explorer (looks great in IE, like garbage in anything else)
- Ignores screen resolutions (designing for one size/resolution only)
- Uses obvious, cookie-cutter templates (looks like a hundred others)
- Title bar (text on top of the window) says "Welcome" or "untitled" or "page 2"
- Poor color choice, poor word choice, poor image choice
- Tasteless and useless animated splash page
- Just plain ugly
The good news is there are a lot of sites like this on the internet (less worthy competition). The bad news is there are a lot that aren't.
A good web design combines artistic talent, journalism and common sense, along with demonstrable technical ability. Take a look at our Staff Qualifications page.
Web design is the art; web development is the business.
It's one thing to have a great-looking site. What's often overlooked in the process is the integration of the business goals or personality behind the message. A great and wonderful design that has nothing to do with the message is useless.
And a fantastic presentation without an audience is like the proverbial tree falling in the forest with no one to hear it. It doesn't make any noise.
A great deal of planning and thought go into every web site we create. Each site is unique, reflecting the message and personality of the site's owner.
- Assessing Your Needs
The first step is to work with you to determine the ultimate goal of your site. Do you want more image, information, or advertising? What do you want to accomplish – a sale, a new member or employee, more attention to your cause, spreading the word? We work with you to help analyze your target audience, integrate your marketing strategy and find what needs emphasis.
- Understanding Your Image
We need to determine how you want to be seen. Do you already have an ingrained image you want to maintain or can we help you create a new one? You need to ask yourself this question to find the right style for your message. We can help bring out the best in you.
- Researching
Once we know your needs and understand your image, we research more on how to present you. We look at psychological factors such as color use, word choice, images and their placement. We look at web trends and your competition. Whether you are an individual, a large organization or a local club, you have others like you competing for audience attention. We find the best way for your site to capture and retain visitors or customers.
- Creating
We structure your site on paper then go to work. We create the designs and layout you requested or come up with our own. We use your photos (or can even take them for you in some cases), optimize images, design graphics, build forms and navigation tools. We may research possible links to other sites that may enhance viewers' visit to your site. You may be presented with a mockup of the design and asked for your feedback.
- Proofing
No site will ever go online before a rigorous proofing and editing regimen. It's far too easy for spell checkers to miss errors that could prove to be embarrassing. Humans will read over all printed material for grammatical as well as spelling mistakes. We examine image placement, layout and general readability before anything is given final approval. We also test the site using a number of browsers to ensure quality on each.
- Going Live
After you are satisfied with the final design, we can get you on the internet or help you do it yourself. SunFox is happy to help you every step of the way. We'll be there for you in the future if you ever need advice or other assistance.
- Being Ready for Your Changing Needs
We are ready to grow as you do. As your business or needs expand or change, we can be there to help.
SunFox is committed to designing professional, custom sites. We don't use templates. We don't hire inexperienced, unqualified designers or developers. We don't use excessive animations or unnecessary scripts. What we do is work with the client, find the right forum for the message, and deliver a high-quality, polished presentation.