United States web developers create applications for the Internet or a distributed network that runs from a web server to a browser. Most web developers also are skilled in related areas that include web design, web server administration and search engine optimization.

Web developers in the United States contribute to a set of guidelines that they consider to be best practices. Web design is a separate discipline that primarily addresses the appearance, usability and visibility of the website.

Web development companies in the United States generally fall into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by the US web development agency relates to the interaction of the website with the user. This includes the actual appearance of the website as well as the means used to display information and accept user input.

2. Back-end development refers to the database portion of the application. This includes the maintenance and administration of the database in addition to the storage and retrieval of information.

3. Middleware is the term used to describe software that connects the front end with the back end.

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

Find experienced content developers to perform US web development

US web development companies will be able to design the website, write and edit text, and document conversions. Content development also includes the creation of guest books or forums and site navigation.

I recommend: Utah-based MWI is a full-service web development firm that specifically includes population of the web with content among its services. Colorado-based Allied Internet is a well established web developer with expertise in the preparation of content for its clients’ websites.

Locate US web developers that provide programming services

Website developers in the United States should be proficient in technologies that include CGI/PERL, HTML, Flash and Javascript. These tools will create hyperlinks, e-mail auto responders, web page validation and user access.

I recommend: Virginia-based Strategic Solutions is experienced in all phases of web development, including programming languages such as ColdFusion, Javascript and Perl. Illinois-based Sirius Programming provides web development services for businesses and primarily uses Visual Basic and .NET for its programming needs.

Hire a US web design agency that focuses on the aesthetics of a website

A website that attracts and keeps visitors is the primary goal of web design. United States web designers should use a consistent style throughout the site that is appealing and relevant. The site should also have a user-friendly interface with simple and reliable navigation.

I recommend: Revenant Design in St. Charles, Illinois, is a dedicated web design company that concentrates on the appearance, atmosphere and feel of a website. RK New York Web Design creates websites to retain visitors by paying particular attention to appearance, usability and ease of navigation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The cost of a website is directly related to its level of functionality. The most inexpensive sites that web developers in the United States can make will do very little, but the cost will increase dramatically if you need a site with online payment processing, custom coding and advanced graphics. Web developers will need expertise in Flash and eCommerce development to provide these capabilities.
• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in the United States to see that they make a good general first impression on you with graphics that make the site look neither too sparse nor too busy. Additionally, you should check to see if the pages load quickly and are easy to navigate. A web developer should also have experience creating sites for your industry.