Illinois 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 Illinois contribute to a set of guidelines that they consider to be best practices. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) maintains these standards that developers use to enhance and improve web-based technologies. These advancements counteract the effects of novice web developers who frequently do not adhere to accepted standards.

Illinois website development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by an Illinois web development company 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 Illinois website development

Web development companies in Illinois 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: Americaneagle.com in Park Ridge provides web development services, including content management. AstroLLC in Skokie is a full-service Illinois website developer that offers web content development.

Locate an Illinois web design firm that provides programming services

Website developers in Illinois 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: 2wtech is a Chicago web design firm that specializes in custom programming with a range of expertise that includes HTML, Javascript and PHP. 5207 Inc. is a website development company in Skokie with specific experience in web programming.

Hire Illinois web designers that develop websites with ecommerce capabilities

Your website will need features that include electronic funds transfer, online transaction processing and online shopping tools to sell products and services online. Find a company that performs Illinois website design and has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: BrightStar Marketing is in Lake Bluff and offers ecommerce capabilities that allow your customers to place orders through email or an automated payment-processing system. Cititech Solutions in Niles offers ecommerce solutions that provide secure online ordering and customized shopping carts.

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 Illinois web developers 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.