Michigan web development companies 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 Michigan 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.

Michigan web design generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a Michigan 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 Michigan web design. Development companies may also perform database maintenance and administration 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 Michigan website development

Web development companies in Michigan 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: JW NetSource is located in Manchester and offers custom website development that emphasizes clean, attractive content. Encore Web Design is located in Farmington Hills and provides custom website development and content management services to keep your website fresh and exciting.

Locate a Michigan web site development company that provides programming services

Website developers in Michigan 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: Extro Media is located in Troy and provides custom programming that is completely open-source. Inner Circle Media is located in Ann Arbor and has specific expertise with web-based application development.

Hire a Michigan Internet web developer that develops 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 Michigan that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Balanced Interactive is located in Lake Orion and has proven experience in building eCommerce websites. Mancelona-based Redtail Software can add eCommerce capability to an existing commercial website.

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 Michigan 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.