West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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.

Web design in West Virginia generally falls into one of the following three areas:

1. Front-end development by a West Virginia 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 West Virginia

Web development companies in West Virginia 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: Poca-based Terradon Communications provides content management that allows a website to be updated without expert help. Charleston-based Marcus Cole Interactive provides graphical content for its websites.

Locate a West Virginia web application developer that provides programming services

Website developers in West Virginia 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: Shepherdstown-based Tech Methods performs web programming in ASP, PHP, HTML, CSS and DHTML. Flyeye Design provides application programming as part of its website design process.

Hire a WV web development company 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 West Virginia that has experience in building these integrated tools to help you create a global market for your business.

I recommend: Charleston-based Web-Design-Shop.com provides a range of eCommerce solutions for its clients. Charleston-based Capitol City Communications offers a suite of solutions to take customers’ websites beyond the "brochure" stage to a full-fledged sales site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the websites in the portfolio of web developers in West Virginia 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.