Web Design
Our aim at Web Preference is to build cost effective websites that make a real difference to profitability for small to medium sized businesses.
We believe our solutions meet the requirements for any successful website:
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Simple to maintain and update content
An important determinant of search engine ranking is the frequency and nature of site updates. Historically, website owners have been at the mercy of developers when it comes to updating their websites due to their lack of coding knowledge. If you choose, we can incorporate advanced content management systems which enable owners to update their site at any time of the day, without any knowledge of HTML or CSS. -
Designed with Search Engines in mind
Coding websites in XHTM 1.0 Strict and now HTML5, and using valid CSS not only ensures the correct separation of content from presentation, but also maxmimises the chances of correct indexing by the search engines. To reinforce this, we incorporate Google Site Maps as standard. In addition, a problem with many dynamically (database) driven websites is that the pages may not be easily indexed by search engines. We prevent this problem arising by creating what appear to be static URLs. -
Simple, usable, navigable designs
Based on a thorough understanding of our clients' target market, we try to create websites designed for users. Time and time again we are told by users that they are put off by complicated, convoluted designs which only serve to confuse not enhance their experience of the website. For site owners, the message is clear - without a simple design, users will not stay long on your site, and they will certainly be unlikely to ever return. -
Responsive design
Websites are being viewed on an ever wider variety of platforms from mobiles to tablets to wide screen desktops. Given the rapid pace of change, it is not possible to plan for the different devices that are likely to be brought to the market. Responsive design attempts to accomodate the different screen sizes and potentially produce a different layout for each, the ultimate aim being one site for all devices. Mobile websites should ideally be AJAX based and not require a standard page refresh. In the short term this may require a separate site, using a framework such as jQuery mobile. In the long run the trend will be to design for mobile first
"Ten years ago, the web was exciting to people. Today, it's a tool. If it's convenient, they will use it; if not, they won't. With ten times as many sites and probably a hundred times as many pages on the web, users are getting less tolerant of difficult sites, so every design flaw means lost business. Usability has become more important than ever".
Jacob Nielsen
