Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.

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

1. Front-end development by a Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Web development companies in Tennessee 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: Knoxville-based StrangeFyr Media specifically designs websites around content that will serve your customers. Chattanooga-based Technology Projects provides browser-based content management to allow the immediate update of content.

Locate a Tennessee web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in Tennessee 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: Nashville-based Olympic Advantage provides programming services as part of its web design strategy. Harnett.net provides a range of custom programming services including databases, dynamic pages and online registration.

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

I recommend: Huntington-based DnK Web Services provides a web design package specifically for eCommerce. Memphis-based AAP Consulting provides an electronic storefront to enable your customers to place orders directly on the web.

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.