South Dakota web design 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 South Dakota 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.

South Dakota web development generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a South Dakota 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 South Dakota website development

Web development companies in South Dakota 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: Sioux Falls-based Symbiotic Design specializes in providing graphic content for its website designs. Rapid City-based Linlar Services is experienced in managing and improving the content of a growing website.

Locate a SD web design firm that provides programming services

Website developers in South Dakota 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: Sioux Falls-based Page Technology primary develops interactive, data-driven applications for websites. Canton-based Main Street Web Design uses Flash, HTML and JavaScript for its web application needs.

Hire a South Dakota web development agency that creates 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 South Dakota that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Madison-based Matthew Paulson Consulting provides shopping cart and online storefront solutions as a web development service. Rapid City-based DakotaQ Internet Services provides a web design package with eCommerce capability.

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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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.