Building a custom web site is the ideal web development scenario you can get, right? Perhaps not, since a full custom developed web site may not be the best solution for your Web presence. Some key factors to consider are costs, development time frame and ease of updating code and other scripts. While having a custom Web look is the best scenario for your Calgary company, you probably don’t need a 100% custom solution that is built from scratch just for you.

No, the truth is you can get a customized web solution that offers the best of both worlds: The ability to have a custom look and feel to your site, plus management and upgrading capabilities, while also leveraging the benefits of a universal Web software platform, like an open source CMS (Content Management System)like Joomla! or Drupal. In truth, even developers who build custom sites from “scratch”rely heavily on code chunks and structures that have been created and revised by past companies and developers. Consider the Lightbox effect as a perfect example of re-usable code that is easily adapted to nearly any web presence. This is possibly the greatest power of the Internet, the ability for people, and companies,to build off of each other’s success in developing systems that work; and those areas that don’t work so well can be revised until they do.

So, if you are seeking a custom Web solution, here are a few ideas to help you get the best solution for your budget:

1. Get the Web site design developed by a professional web designer who understands key Web and GUI usability issues, web design fundametals and SEM .The easiest way to do this is to look for a Web designer with a portfolio of previous web design examples that are similar to the site design you’d like.
2. If possible, choose professionally shot photograhy over stock photography. While you may believe this to be a more expensive option versus the economic prices of royalty-free images, little compares to the unique feel and authenticity of locally produced photography. For example, if you are a Calgary business who has a Calgary Website, your local targeted traffic will feel more affinity  with a web presence bearing familiar, Calgary-based photography. There are many photographers with digital cameras around these days, so make use of local talent and find a photographer whose portfolio complements your intended style and price. Of course, stock photos are a boon if you need a quick low cost solution; you can always choose to invest in custom photos once your website is online.
3. Decide early on what you want the site to do when it goes live, but also determine its future functionality. Discuss all ideas with your Web developer, because even if you don’t implement these ideas straight away, the designer can make concessions within the web structure for future growth.
4. Find a development platform that can do ALL that you need for your site, from the first start-up phase to the full fledged e-commerce money maker you envision to be managing once the site is up and running. If you are sure that the platform, for example, e-com catalog or a more univeral CMS (Content Management System), you will be secure in knowing you can efficiently expand the website from the structure with which you have originally built the site, rather than having to design a completely new site to accommodate the new features.
5. If you can, find a Calgary Web design team who provides services beyond the design of the site. While it is great to find a specialist in any field, it is also more streamlined to find a web team who can provide all concerns of Web development and web marketing for your company for the next few years .
6. Consider building your web site in two or three development phases to help ease start-up costs and to get your site up as quickly as possible. If you are working on starting your business, or have a business running and are just starting to venture into your Web presence, diving into a complex e-commerce solution with blogs, galleries and Facebook tie-ins really won’t help if you’re unable to manage and expand every aspect. Learn the basics of site management first, your Web development partner is usually the best resource for training since they know the site functionality and structure best, then build onto the Website and your skill set one stage at a time.
7. Make longevity a goal- some Web designers pride themselves on “cutting edge”design themes that will become passe in a matter of months. The Web design trends will appear dated more quickly than clothing fashions. Consider the difference between style and trends – style is timeless while fashion trends come and go. Find a Web designer who knows how to present a professional layout and design that will stand the test of current and future Web design fashion trends by sticking to clean, professional, intuitive web design.
8. Skip investing in Flash development unless it helps to your bottom line. The days of flash intros have largely passed, so you really don’t need flash to create a great first impression. But Flash animation can provide a superior interface and information flow if used properly. Flash is also a great way to integrate FLV or Flash-based videos into your website. Today you can easily find similar effects to Flash by using JQuery and DHTML effects.

The best scenario is to find a Web designer with whom you can comfortably connect, who can build your site to match your initial vision and who can work with you to develop the web site through ongoing expansion and revitalization. A professionally built Web site can readily be an investment that can last you for up to half a decade, if it has a strong foundation, it will be built properly for the future.

If you require a professionalCalgary Web Design company, please check outwww.blinddrop.com for full Web development and Graphic design services.