Ten Essential Functions of a Professional Web Development Firm provides marketers and business owners with 10 main functions to look for when it is time to redesign a current website or to develop a new one. After evaluating potential web development partners, with these functions in mind, you will be able to choose the firm which best fits your needs and budget.

1. Ten Essential Functions
of a Professional Web
Development Firm
What to look for when it’s time to redesign
your current site or to develop a new one.
www.elinkdesign.com
859-422-9165
info@elinkdesign.com
© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

2. Ten Essential Functions of a Professional Web Development Firm
When websites first gained acceptance into the corporate marketing plan, they were used
mainly for informational purposes. Similar to handing out brochures at trade shows or sending
direct mail pieces, the brochure website simply provided another tool to pass along information
to customers and this simple approach worked for a while.
Today, a robust web presence is vital for generating new business. With the increase in the
demand for websites has come a flood of web development companies. When it‘s time for you
to redesign your current site or to develop a new one, this list will help you understand the 10
essential functions of a professional web development firm.
1. Web Programming
A professional web development firm should utilize industrial-grade
database and backend development tools to provide dynamic, updatable
websites. While many sites contain the same structure, you may need
advanced programming functionality, such as e-commerce capabilities,
subscription-based development, SEO web design, social media integration,
blog integration or integration with third-party software. Make sure your
web development firm can build these advanced applications.
2. Web Design
Obtaining a professional and progressive design that will be branded to
reflect the integrity and reputability of your company is a result of working
with talented designers. An impressive design portfolio and an iterative, yet
creative design process will result in a remarkable web presence.
3. Project Management
A web development project involves multiple phases, including discovery,
design, development, quality assurance, testing, fallout and optimization. A
professional web development firm will provide you with a project manager
that will help to guide you through the entire process.
© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

3. 4. Content Management
A content management system is a web-based interface that allows you to
manage the content on your website. They allow for real time upkeep of site
content, yet don’t require you to understand programming.
While every management interface is proprietary in one way or another, a
professional web development firm must develop projects in a programming
language that will be usable for many years.
5. Search Engine Optimization
The purpose of having a website is for your company and its products to be
found by potential customers. There are many places to be found on the
web, including search engines and social media sites. To obtain rankings,
your site must be built properly. A professional web development firm will
follow a specific checklist of factors that help to enhance search engine
rankings, such as keyword analysis, code modification, content
writing/consulting and link building consulting. It is significant to have a
certified SEO analyst on staff.
6. Online Video
As video continues to rise in popularity on the web, you may need the ability
to participate in this growth. A professional web development firm will have
the ability to produce high-quality, interactive video that will be usable on the
web.
7. Hosting
A professional web development firm will have the ability to manage the
server-side aspects of web development. This is especially relevant to highly
complex or SEO oriented websites.
© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm

4. 8. Support & Maintenance
One of the major challenges in the web development industry revolves
around support and maintenance. Many designers and developers are very
talented, but lack the business skills to develop functional customer service
and retention plans. A professional web development firm will offer support
and updates on an ongoing basis.
9. Marketing & Advertising
In addition to search engine marketing and social media marketing, it is
beneficial to partner with a web developer that has general marketing and
advertising knowledge and the ability to offer fully integrated marketing
campaigns, including televisions, PR, radio, print, outdoor, events and
copywriting services.
10. People
Lastly, for all of these functions to work in tandem, a web development firm
must have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is enjoyable to work
with. Many people are involved, including executives, marketing managers,
sales staff, support staff, designers, developers and programmers. Be sure
to choose a firm that has the staff to support all of the essential functions
mentioned above.
When entering into a new web development project, it is important to understand
these essential functions and then to find the firm that best fits for your needs and
budget.
We have been in the web development industry for more than 10 years. From our
experience, we have produced our Web Development Checklist to help you find
the firm that best fits your needs. To request your free copy, send an email to
info@elinkdesign.com or call 859.422.9165.
© 2011 eLink Design, Inc, a Lexington Web Design Firm