Where to learn
There are excellent University and College facilities in the Perthshire
and Tayside area that will provide training in your area of interest.
Courses range from part-time/evening to full-time university degrees.
There are options to diversify into the different areas of web development.
Sh*t copies Talent borrows Genius steals (continued)
Choosing
a web developer: Once again you may have difficulty choosing a
web developer, simply because they are not sure what to look for. Web development
includes the input from an experienced graphic designer and additionally
skills in programming, usability, search engine optimisation and competent
technical skills. The same goal of achieving measurable business results
is desired.
Formal education is important. Does the developer have the relevant technical expertise to produce a website that is usable on the variety of web browsers currently available. Are they aware of the legal implications. The web developer should be able to take you through their portfolio explaining their experience with brochure and database-driven websites. At the same time getting the feel for your requirements, goals and target audience. Also ask the developer how the sites they design rate in the search engines.
It is important to chose a developer that understands the importance of search engine optimisation. It is not always possible to obtain a number one search engine ranking and the developer should be able to tell you what is achievable for search engine rating. Ask what methods the company uses to ensure the site is easy to use. Will the site be accessible for users with disabilities. It is now a legal requirement. The developer should be familiar the principles of usability, ensuring your site reaches the largest audience.
Similar concept to the practise of free-riding can occur when choosing a web developer. The developer will sell the customer a downloaded website template as original work. The template is changed around to suit the customers requirements. The customer is usually charged full development costs for the site. When in reality the template was purchased cheaply and the new owner doesn't own the copyright on the website they commissioned. Worst case scenario is downloading another companies web site, changing the graphics and passing-off as an original work.
There are well trained designers/developers in the Perthshire area who understand what it takes to create a web or print project that will embrace your needs. However, you are the one who will pick up the invoice for mistakes that come from hiring the services of unqualified designers or developers.
