A website is a significant addition to any business, so partner with an Alaska web design firm that can create a virtual department to match your company's style. There are many designers who develop websites. As you start your search, decide whether you need a basic site that functions as an informational resource, or an interactive site offering tools, products and membership.

Alaska web designers can take a website from concept to completion, but building the website itself is only the first step. A fully functional website is only as good as the amount of traffic it attracts. Therefore, you need to ask yourself if you want your web designer to go further and market your site, a significant service that can make or break your online presence. When choosing from web design in AK, make sure of the following.

1. Ask to see an Alaska web designer's portfolio, request references and make sure the designer has enough experience to make the website you desire.

2. When checking the designer’s references, ask past clients about the designer’s professionalism, response time and organizational skills.

3. Certainly, budgets and time tables change; but sign a contract so you can stay in control of the design process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide which services you need from an AK professional web site designer

Website designers differ not only in style, but in the services they offer. Some design companies limit their services to simply designing a site and filling it with client-provided content. Other designers will go further and use your ideas to design, layout and write the copy for your site, and then carry out a search engine marketing strategy. If you can afford these services, and trust your web designer, this will save you significant time and hassle.

I recommend: Thomas Internet Consulting and Aurora Pages Press can both handle your project, from web hosting to marketing. Their services include web design, search engine marketing, web hosting, web maintenance, support and consulting.

Opt for an AK web design company that specializes in e-commerce

If you want to sell products online, then e-commerce is for you. Many web designers include e-commerce development in their services, but their prices are really dependent on the volume of products you wish to sell, and the merchant services you plan to offer. Database driven e-commerce solutions require additional software and coding, so make sure you are clear about what you want so your designer is clear about the charge.

I recommend: In addition to their website design services, both Carlisle Graphics and SPOON FROG graphics can help you find the right e-commerce solutions for your needs.

Figure out who will maintain your web site design in Alaska

If you are web savvy and have the time, or maybe you already employ a web savvy person, then you may consider self-maintenance. This will definitely save costs. Most design companies have a content management system (CMS) set up so you can to maintain your own website, should you desire to do so. This option usually requires no programming skills and ultimately saves you money.

I recommend: Whether you need a custom solution or an update to an existing program, Alaska Web Dynamics will set you up with the right CMS to meet your needs. Alaskan Web Design utilizes the Joomla CMS, which provides a way for clients to easily modify text and images on their website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The copy for your Alaska professional web design should be informative, but not too extensive. More importantly, it should contain search engine optimized (SEO) content, so your site pops up when customers search for the product or service you company offers.