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Professional Website Design and Development for Small Business

Get a Professional Website and compliments as well!

Professional Web design that will leave a positive impression

Vision Bloom is a professional web design company providing website design and related online services for our clients in the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC Metro areas. Most importantly, our individual websites usually receive numerous compliments from users due to specific reasons, including:

The content of the website becomes very useful

The design of the website makes a positive impression

And the website as a whole fulfills the user's expectations

Vision Bloom understands the positive impact a custom website that is easy to use, functional, and visually rich,
can have on your business. So our focus remains to
create the same positive impact for new clients!

As a means of establishing your business presence online, promoting your goods and services, expanding on your current revenue stream, and to better serve the needs and expectations of your customers, a professionally designed website can meet and exceed all of these requirements, and allow your business to compete and advance where it is most convenient for customers, in front of their computers and in the comfort of their own homes.

If you are interested in a professionally designed and maintained website for your business, and would like to quickly get a better understanding of the process and costs involved, including answers to any of your questions, simply

email Vision Bloom and we will get back to you within 3 business days.

" I'm looking for the best Web Design Company! "

We all want the best for our business, and no matter what product or service you provide, you want a high quality website to represent yourself online. Choosing from the numerous web development companies, firms, and consultants out there can be a daunting and time consuming task - and more often than not, there won't necessarily be an easy way to determine the best website design company to approach, specially when considering website costs.

Solution: Find the best Website Design Company that works for you

This is definitely easier said than done...

However, here are some ways to find the right web design company that can best meet your business needs:

First, ask your peers and associates if they have ever worked with or can recommend any web designers

Do a search on Google or Yahoo for web design companies in your area, such as "web design in CITY STATE"
FAQ: Read more ►

How important is the location of my web designer?

Find several websites you like and are similar to the type of website you desire, and determine the companies behind them

Once you have a few companies in mind, review their online portfolios and review their past projects for quality and detail

From your list, reach out to the companies that you think could meet your needs, and determine ballpark website design costs
FAQ: Read more ►

How much does it cost to create a website?

If you are comfortable with the general pricing provided, begin discussing your website goals and requirements with them
FAQ: Read more ►

How do I know what I need for my website?

Finally, before moving forward with any web design company, make sure they have the experience to design a great website!
FAQ: Read more ►

How do I better my chances of being satisfied with the website being designed for me?

So what makes for Great Web Design?

There are numerous factors that go into the design and development of a website, including both creative and technical skill sets. In general, the experience and utilization of the following web design capabilities can set the foundation for a great website, for now and for the future.

The following is a comprehensive breakdown of web design capabilities that a professional web design company should have. Take a few minutes and simply look over the list - by becoming even slightly familiar with the terminology listed, you will better position yourself to judge the competency, experience, and level of professionalism of any web designer.

Webpage Layout

Designing each web page with proper balance for effective User Interface presentation and usability, while making appropriate use of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to accommodate for web page style consistency, flexibility, and cross browser compatibility.

Website Usability

The ease and clarity in which a user can find information, navigate pages, and interact with a website, minimizing the barrier between the human cognitive model and the website's User Interface - also known as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Client Side Scripting

Experience in using client side technologies to enhance website usability and minimize server requests that can slow down website pages and to provide a more user-friendly experience. This includes the use of JavaScript and AJAX, and relates to what is known as Web 2.0.

Website Statistics

Providing website statistics generated from users, search engines, and email-marketing campaigns for the purpose of measuring marketing and search engine optimization efforts. Data should be formatted into easy to read reports with tools such as Google Analytics.

Online Security

Knowledge and the ability to implement industry standard security for email, access control via login and password, utilization of SSL connections, encryption of database data, lockdown of hosting servers, and backup of website pages and database instances.

Email Services

Capability to provide custom email accounts for website domains, to secure those email accounts with industry standard anti-virus and anti-spam software, while having experience dealing with various email components such as SMTP, POP3, and IMAP.

Tools and Technologies

Technical knowledge and awareness of industry standard tools and technologies (such as Eclipse IDE and Java), and Open Source Software that enables the use of free software components and libraries in website development tasks to save time and money.

Web Standards

Designing and developing websites that support the formal technical specifications adopted by the Internet standardizing bodies (such as W3C and IETF), that affect interoperability, accessibility and usability of web pages now and in the future (such as by using XHTML).

Graphical Design

Ability to produce professional quality graphics, either from scratch or through modification of existing media, using photos and original designs, and the experience and talent to use professional graphical editing software, such as PhotoShop.

Website Copywriting

Using strategic words and phrases to promote the services and products of businesses in a manner that attracts the attention of users - while supporting Search Engine Optimization (SEO) goals and maintaining cohesiveness of content for the reader.

Server Side Programming

Core knowledge and experience in programming web-application systems as a means to architect websites, generate dynamic web content, manage business logic, and communicate with databases. This usually involves technologies such as Java, ASP, .NET and PHP.

Website Maintenance

Establishing the proper process to allow timely, cost effective, and quality controlled website maintenance and updates, which requires the use of extensible website designs for efficient and uniform updates to website pages and back-end components.

Web Systems Integration

Experience integrating external web systems and services into the functionality of a website through the use of Application Programming Interfaces (API), with the ability to appropriately understand the Terms Of Use of each 3rd party service.

Content Management Systems

System development knowledge to architect and integrate back-end systems to allow for collaborative editing, production, and publishing of digital content entirely by the website owner without the need for technical knowledge or support from the website designer.

Business Analysis

The discipline of identifying business needs (via requirements gathering, analysis and planning), and providing relevant solutions (such as developing strategies, improving process, and increasing efficiency) for a business as it applies to information technology.

Browser Knowledge

Knowledge of the differences in web standard implementations for popular browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari, including the specific behaviors of each browser as it relates to page layouts and CSS implementations.

Typography

Technique of choosing font types for specific purposes, including the proper understanding of font choice as it pertains to the different browsers and operating systems in use today, and how the look and feel of fonts can affect the message being communicated.

Rich Multimedia

Appropriate use and technical abilities in the integration of video, audio, animations, and interactive elements on a website (such as with Flash) to dramatically enhance the user experience and to provide engaging functionality otherwise unavailable with basic technologies.

Database Design

Ability to setup, support, and utilize relational database systems (such as MySQL or Oracle) to store and retrieve data securely and through transactions to guarantee data integrity and reliability. Experience using related technologies such SQL or Hibernate also necessary.

Website Hosting

Providing and supporting the hosting environment where the website will live, including the monitoring and management of the hosting server's reliability, uptime, bandwidth, internal services, and most importantly, security. This includes the maintenance of the hosting server's OS.

E-Commerce Capabilities

The setup and execution of an online storefront where products can be purchased via Credit Cards, with support for shopping cart software, merchant accounts, data security, fraud prevention, and conformity to industry regulations on internet commerce.

Marketing & Social Media

Providing email marketing to allow for custom email campaigns, including management of email lists, subscriptions, and campaign reporting, while conforming to CAN-SPAM laws; and the utilization of Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to garner subscriptions.

Search Engine Optimization

Experience in improving website traffic originating from search engines (such as Google or Yahoo) by means of identifying relevant keywords and optimizing the website content and architecture to support indexing and high ranking for those keywords (known as Organic SEO).

Web Frameworks

The capacity to understand, design and implement the architecture of web sites and web systems based on proven design patterns, such as Model-View-Controller (MVC), which separates business logic from the user interface, reducing project risk and improving site maintenance.

Vision Bloom strives to provide in each of the above areas. In general, use the above web design capability list as a checklist of possible areas of discussion with any web designer you are considering, specially if your needs go beyond the development of a basic website.

What is the process to get a Website Designed and Developed?

The process to design and develop a website will most likely vary when it comes to different web design companies. However the process used by any company should more or less be centered around the satisfaction of the client and the success of the website project.

The Vision Bloom Process for website design specifically provides benefits for our clients and the success of the website project:

First, the process allows our clients to become comfortable with the entire web design process (including costs and other variables) and provides our clients the opportunity to see how their website will look before it is built outright.

Second, the process allows Vision Bloom to gather all requirements from a potential client so that all feasible solutions can be exposed and analyzed, and more importantly, for the client's business goals to become the driving force behind the design of the website.

Vision Bloom's web design and development process is detailed below:

The Vision Bloom Process - enabling better website design and development!

The Vision Bloom Process - enabling better website design and development!

1. When a potential client contacts Vision Bloom with an interest in Web Design or related services, Vision Bloom conducts a concise telephone interview to determine general needs, allowing Vision Bloom to provide approximate web design pricing , general solutions, and the opportunity to answer any open ended questions.

This initial process usually takes a couple of hours and is free of charge.

2. Based on the feedback provided back to the client and the client's continued interest, one or more detailed requirements gathering sessions are scheduled (either face-to-face or through the phone), to appropriately expose business needs as it relates to the website. These sessions allow Vision Bloom to communicate specific solutions and ideas that support or enhance the client's business goals, including a detailed cost breakdown allowing the client to better analyze the solution being proposed.

This requirements gathering process can take several sessions over the course of one or two weeks. A small retainer fee may be requested as additional time is allotted and dedicated to the continuation of this process with the client.

3. At this stage, having covered the overview of the web solution in mind, the client can specify the extent of functionality and design to utilize, allowing better management of size and cost of the project. Most importantly, Vision Bloom will provide a design mockup of the website to allow the client to visualize the look and feel of the website in mind, and to appropriately allow the client to make adjustments to the sample design with support from Vision Bloom.

This phase can take two to three weeks based on the client's availability and the need for any additional time by the client or Vision Bloom.

4. With the agreement and approval of all website details by the client (including the site design), a contract is signed for the development of the website, start up funds are collected, the hosting account for the website is setup, and the actual design of the site is started. As the site is being worked on, specific information and content will be requested and collected from the client (as mutually determined in the requirements gathering phase) and will be integrated into the website. Additionally, the real-time progress of the website will be available for the client to review at any time, allowing further feedback and enhancements to be brought to the attention of Vision Bloom - making for a web solution that is more finely customized and satisfactory by the client.

This development process can range between one to three months, depending on the size of the website project and the turnaround time for requested information and content from the client.

5. With the categorical completion of the website, the web solution is reviewed both by the client and Vision Bloom for final adjustments and enhancements, including testing of all website functionality - and with the full satisfaction of the client the site is signed off on and launched live. At this point, the remaining balance of the website development fee is collected, and the client is also provided the ability to view statistics for their site in regards to user visitors and Search Engine Optimization results (if SEO has been requested by the client).

6. After the launch of the website, Vision Bloom will continue to monitor the website and will provide support for updates, modifications, or new additions as requested by the client. Remember, most websites will not require any updates or maintenance unless specifically requested by the client for the addition of new content or functionality.

Keep in mind that by better understanding the factors and processes involved in the development of a website (as described above), you'll be better able to connect with the right web design company. Additionally, as a website design customer, you should pay special attention to the qualities demonstrated by any web design company... as detailed below.

Positive qualities to look for when choosing a Web Design Company

Detail Oriented Work Take the time to review the previous works of the web design company you are considering and look for details in content and design - remember, detail takes more time but quality is in the details!	Quality in Graphical Design Look for cohesiveness and professionalism in the look, feel, and usability of previously designed sites - as this is what your customers will first see and predominantly judge your site (and business) by.	Core Knowledge of Web Technologies Web designers who have core knowledge of web technologies and who are not simply graphical artists, will always be more effective in providing web solutions that will meet your needs.
Structured Business Oriented Processes Process oriented in terms of requirements gathering, prototyping, iterative development, and communication. Without these qualities you risk your website project's success and schedule.	Ability to Decipher Your Vision The talent to understand your perspective, and to mold your ideas into successful and concrete implementations for your website. Review prior sites to see how well ideas seem to have come together.	Open and Easy Communications You must be able to easily understand and communicate with the web design company you are considering, otherwise the entire web development process can become problematic for both parties.

Avoid Web Design Companies that show these negative characteristics

Inexpensive Quote Relative to Others An inconsistent low quote for a website (relative to others) may be an indicator of low quality work that besides lacking professionalism and good design, may end up not even meeting your basic needs!	Attempt to Rush Your Decisions Balancing schedules and requests is an art form, however you should not be consistently pressured into making decisions without time for consideration, remember quality takes time.	Reluctant in Forth-coming of Information Whether it's pricing, years of experience, or other details, it's very important that you can communicate openly and feel comfortable with your website designer to ultimately trust your website to them.
Inconsistent or Low Quality Work Quality should not be sacrificed! Your site becomes the face of your company and will be seen by hundreds or thousands of people - a low quality website will only reflect poorly on your business.	Inexperienced in Business Analysis Business analysis is needed for correct requirements gathering and to determine the appropriate content and SEO keywords for your website. In general review the content of previous sites for insight.	Not Up-To-Date on Web Technology Advances This may seem arbitrary, but designers and developers that are especially talented and passionate about their work are predominantly industry insiders who are on the cutting edge of web technologies.

Remember, a website is more than just a few pages online, but an extension and the face of your business for your current and future clients - locally and globally - providing you the opportunity to expand your business on the largest digital network - the Internet. Take your time and make sure you find the right web design company for you!

Vision Bloom can provide your business creative and effective online solutions that aim to
capture your audience's attention and help you design and develop your ideas,
and market your products & services effectively.

Get your business online,

with Vision Bloom web design.

Email Vision Bloom to maximize your online presence and strategy:

info@visionbloom.com

Copyright © 2010 Vision Bloom, LLC, All rights reserved. Vision Bloom® is based out of Northern Virginia,
and provides Web Design services to the DC Metro Area, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County,
Prince William County, and Arlington County in Virginia and Montgomery County in Maryland.
Web Design in Northern Virginia: Fairfax VA, Vienna VA, Tysons VA, McLean VA, and
Bethesda MD, Rockville MD, Silver Spring MD, Potomac MD, and Baltimore MD.

"Vision Bloom" and the Vision Bloom logo are registered trademarks of Vision Bloom, LLC

Phone: (202) 525-6799

Email: info@visionbloom.com