* Mike is helping make the web a brighter place by working with organizations to develop strategic web sites that effectively communicate their message.
The world wide web is complex and massive. Thousands of computers around the entire world are connected through the web. At any given moment millions of people are accessing web sites, email, video, or a thousand other services available. The web is full of helpful resources accessible via computer, television or cellular telephone.
A site built for today's web has several roads available and needs to be directed toward its goal. Among these are close-community information, promotion and sales, and organization and service. Knowing the direction the site is headed helps the organization develop its on line presence strategically.
Types of web sites
Close-community informational web sites are updated regularly with content applicable to a particular group of viewers. These sites are usually promoted within the group, but not toward the general public. Blogs, community forums, email subscription groups, and podcasts are tools available for these web sites. They can grow beyond their intended spectrum or remain relatively closed depending on the content of the site and its owner's discretion. Some small-scale community web sites have grown to global influence where others intended for large-scale influence have floundered.
Promotional and sales web sites are intended to generate customers and revenue. They are generally tied to advertising campaigns and contain content to convince viewers to buy or use their service. Promotional web sites rely on a high volume of visitors, return customers and promotion via word of mouth, advertising, or other creative media to generate the revenue desired by their developer.
Organization and service web sites are largely designed for patrons and personnel as a resource for generally static information or announcements regarding service availability and terms. Large companies, small businesses, clubs, schools and churches are among those who use these web sites. Most web sites on the web actually are this type.
Clients find themselves frustrated when they have expectations of a web site that was not designed to strategically meet their need. Companies tend to expect too much of their web site and few design firms communicate realistic expectations and the work required to successfully launch their web site. When a site is carefully planned, developed and launched with responsive support and open communication between the client and design firm, the results are remarkable.