Companies that perform web design in Maine 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 Maine 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.

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

1. Front-end development by a Maine 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 web development in Maine

Web development companies in Maine 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: ACRO Global is located in Richmond and specializes in providing compelling advertising copy for travel and tourism websites. Lucid Web Development is located in Camden and provides full service web design including online content.

Locate web development agencies in Maine that provide programming services

Website developers in Maine 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: Dragonfly Productions is located in Portland and its services include website development and programming. Easterbrooks Software is located in Wintrop and provides CGI programming for websites.

Hire web developers in ME 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 web developer in Maine that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Global Passport is located in Portland and has specific experience in building websites for businesses. Katahdin Software is located in Cushing and provides a range of eCommerce solutions for your website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in Maine 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.