THREE FACES OF A WEB PAGE
Issue 20, June 2001
By Marie Gallagher
Graphic Design & Support

There are three distinct features of a web page.

It's art expression

It's technical features

It's business profile.

The Art Expression
This is what the site feels like. Does it feel like you're at the circus or in the lobby of a law firm? The trick is putting the right expression on your site. This takes attention to detail. Details in the font, graphics, layout and writing style. I've been to websites that could make me feel like crying, another made me laugh, cringe, nauseous, giggle. Websites can be a thing of beauty, and at the same time, practical, useful and profitable. Understand what you want your website to make people feel when they are at it. Then produce the atmosphere that will nurture that. At all times, keep the end result, first and foremost.

The Technical Features
Here is where you exchange with the tech guy. If you have 300 products to sell on your site, your tech guy will inform you that you need to attach your site to a database. If you dream of a web page that will jump off the screen and paint your house for you, your tech guy will be able to tell you if that's possible or not and within the limitations of the project (time and money). All things automated is his or her realm. Make sure that you mention all the hoops you'd like your website to jump through from the start and be prepared to explain why it's necessary. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

The Business Profile
If you have a business site, be it retail, service or otherwise, your website should reflect this. The same rules that apply to a brick and mortar store often apply to your online presence. Treat your customers well. Make sure to keep professional habits. Do sales and marketing in the traditional sense. Your website address should be on your literature, on your business cards and on your calendar at least once a month. A website for a brick and mortar stores is an added service, a map, questions answered, needs met and a validation that your company is keeping up with the customers needs. It's a business. It's an online presence. It adds to the corporate identity and reputation.

Look good, be useful and have a professional manner. The Internet community looks mighty bright these days. Is your face turned toward the sun?