Iowa web design includes the creation of applications for the Internet and distributed networks that run 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 Iowa 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.

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

1. Front-end development by an Iowa 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 web development. Iowa developers perform 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 Iowa website development

Web development companies in Iowa 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: Saltech Systems is located in Ames City and provides a range of web development services including content management systems. Code 9 Design is located in Davenport and has specific expertise with content management systems for websites of all sizes.

Locate an Iowa web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in Iowa 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: CEC is located in Hiawatha and uses .NET, ASP, HTML, Javascript and ActionScript for its web programming needs. Heartland Internet is located in Ft. Dodge and develops database applications with MS Access 2000 and Oracle.

Hire Iowa website developers 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 Iowa web designers that have experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Angeles Graphics & Design is located in Iowa City and provides a range of database types and payment methods for eCommerce sites. Advanced Web is located in Clear Lake and uses Miva Merchant to create eCommerce websites.

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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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.