P.L. Ruth Web Design And Computer Services of San Luis Obispo, CA

The next and final step you need for getting your web site up and running is a Web Designer. It is a common mistake for people to confuse Web Designers with Web Developers and Web Masters. Before we go any further, let's define the positions relating to web site building: Web Designer - A Web Designer builds the "front-end" or "user interface" for the web site. The way the site looks, feels, and interacts with the user is the primary function of a Web Designer. Web Developer - A Web Developer develops the functionality or "back-end" of the web site. Developers interface databases or information to be published to the web. News sites sites like CNN and MSNBC are good examples of a web developers primary function when it comes to delivering information. Web Master - Probably one of the most gothic titles a computer professional can be given, the web master is defined as the person who administrates the web servers hardware and software. Basically the management of the web server's hardware and the content thereof. P.L. Ruth Web Design focuses on the Web Design portion of your web site, but has credible experience in development and web master skills. Any advanced programming skills are outsourced at the customers request while we work closely in cooperation. With that cleared up, let's proceed on to what is required from a Web Designer.

	Organization One would think layout and design would be first and foremost on a Designers mind, but it is not. The key to a solid, functional web site goes beyond how well it looks. Organization is a crucial factor in how the site is in fact laid out and navigated. Organization is key to having a solid foundation to build on. Not surprisingly, if your site is disorganized as it grows, it will only be cluttered and harder to maintain in the long run. Internal clutter will eventually come through your web site "externally" too.
Layout and Navigation How your audience navigates your site is another key factor in gauging the success of your web site. Surveys show that people become discouraged if it takes more than 2 clicks to get where they want. Sites that bury their most valuable content beyond several clicks find users leaving to go elsewhere. Information must be easily attainable. If I did my job right, you got to this page in 3 clicks or less. Design and Presentation And finally, design and presentation can make a huge impression on your audience. The psychology of shapes and colors can become a powerful tool when presenting your web site. A balance of text and graphics can send a clear message to your users what your services are and their need for those services. Sites that have too much text become overwhelming and cluttered, making the purpose of the site unclear. Too many graphics can bog down the load time of your web page, plus give a vague message of what you are presenting as a service through imagery alone. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but which words are you trying to emphasize in that image. Also, a thousand words can discourage even the most patient web surfer on the faster connection. Tools and Resources It's been said a worker is as only good as his tools. P.L. Ruth Web Design uses only industry standard software to build our client sites. Software that has proven to be reliable and attainable by the average consumer. P.L. Ruth uses standard products by Adobe such as Photoshop, PageMaker, FrameMaker, GoLive, and Illustrator...Macromedia products such as DreamWeaver, FireWorks, Flash, and Director....Plus Allaire Homesite, QuarkExpress, CorelDraw, and FrontPage. Even basic tools like notepad for hand coding when necessary. Each tool has its specific purpose and is used to create an end product that will satisfy your web site needs.