There are many things to consider when designing a web site. You cannot think of it in the same terms as print design, it is a quite different medium and needs rather different consideration. Web pages should be designed to work in a flexible manner across all the varied platforms used to access pages.

The web has flexibility built in, that is exactly why it has proven so popular. The trick is to not design the flexibility out again through bad design technique, a mistake made all too often.

By their nature, web sites will look different on every computer or device that views them, depending on the browser they are using, the resolution and size of their screen and the viewers personal choice of settings. There are a vast number of other variables; viewers can switch off the ability to receive 'pictures' (so images shouldn't be relied upon to convey vital information without an alternative text option being offered) and some browsers only view in text mode. I design sites to be fully accessible to all viewers, some of whom may have physical limitations on the way they can use the web, but with consideration from designers, they need not get a second rate web experience, although sadly this is often the case.

Spread the World's web sites are fast, efficient and will work for any user. I validate every page against the W3C's published standards and work to the recommendations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

This is the accepted industry term used to describe the ability for pages to be accessed by anyone, regardless of their physcial abilities or their chosen technology and methods for viewing web pages. I also like to use the word adaptability, this perhaps better illustrates that the page should adapt to the viewers needs and wishes, not the other way around.

A web site that is well designed will maintain the inherent flexibility of the Web and through care and thought in the design process, will adapt to the viewers choices. A site designed with the impaired in mind, will also benefit all users; it will be fast, efficient and will contain nothing that will impede the visitor from getting to the page content. Whilst I design visually attractive pages, it should never be at the expense of functionality and content.

The World Wide Web has grown so quickly, that by far the best use of a web site is to use it as a supplement to more conventional marketing, rather than relying on people finding you through search engines, which is not as efficient as it was a year or two ago when the web was much smaller. For example, always ensure you include your web address on all business stationery, van and company vehicle livery and in all advertising media and sales literature.

A web site can contain a vast amount of information which can act as a supplement to more modest paper advertising or sales activity and can be used to point sales enquiries to for more information rather than posting out expensive printed media. A web site is a wonderful tool to aid your business, when used appropriately. If making information available to your customers (product support, instructions etc.) is your aim, a web site is about as efficient and cost effective as it possible to be.

I make no promises, a site sat on the web without appropriate support will not increase your turnover or profitability in isolation, but when used effectively as a business tool and made to work for you, it will save you money in your marketing budget and will increase customer awareness and hopefully profitability and success.