Web Design
Websites have become critical components of successful business marketing and management plans. A well-designed site can perform many different functions and serve both employees and clients alike. The use of information architecture (IA) helps to categorize related content into a logical set of pages, allowing users to access information within two or three clicks from any page on the site. A visual hierarchy helps highlight important information. It also sets a standard for the size of fonts and attributes that are to be used throughout the site. Visual consistency helps users focus on site content rather than the navigation. Another key element of good design is the use of a comprehensive set of style guidelines. These guidelines ensure a cohesive site and address color schemes, photo and graphic sizes, basic page layout and navigation behaviors. The end result is a site that is consistently branded, attractive, informative and user-friendly. A well-designed site increases the likelihood that users will navigate multiple pages and absorb more content.
We have a nationally known artist on staff who develops robust websites such as www.virginiapeninsulaphysicians.com, www.smithfieldincentives.com and www.hrvending.com and has assisted hundreds of businesses and organizations with branding and identity management through creative print, web and multimedia marketing support. Our team of web developers provides website design and implementation support using our in-house content management system (CMS); our CMS makes it easy to update websites for those that may not be well versed in technology.
With the site design in place and the structural programming complete, a site can function and serve content to the user on a day-to-day basis. A robust website can function as much more than an online brochure or a virtual salesperson. Online stores with flexible and reliable cart systems allow businesses to sell products and services at any time of the day or night without geographical restrictions. Online stores can not only display and describe products and services; they can also cross-market similar items to increase the likelihood of purchase. E-commerce functions can be added to keep track of inventory, monitor sales, forecast trends, coordinate shipping, and serve client feedback surveys among other features.
VECTEC has built a customizable and flexible shopping cart application that greatly enhances website performance. All of our developers and programmers are well trained on this application. We also provide client-side training to ensure cart updates and maintenance are user friendly. Our basic cart system can be customized to meet specific needs.
Non-Techie Maintenance
With solid design, programming, e-commerce and marketing strategies in place, a website is ready to work as hard as a company’s most faithful and tireless employee. Unfortunately, sites can’t maintain themselves, and content can quickly become outdated. A website’s effectiveness is greatly diminished when content is difficult to maintain or update. A content management system (CMS) can help to delegate the responsibility of keeping the content fresh. CMS automates website design functions and allows non-designers to upload images and content easily and quickly.
VECTEC has developed a customizable CMS that enables business personnel to update static information and calendar information. This administrative interface is protected by a username and password. Currently we are working on enhancements that provide multiple levels of user permissions and change tracking.
Search Engine Optimization
Non-Techie Maintenance
Search engine optimization is a full-service process that encompasses everything from initial site consultation, ranking evaluation, copy writing, keyword generation, website design, incoming and reciprocal link creation, search engine submission, and site traffic evaluation. VECTEC’s professional copywriters, designers, programmers and optimization engineers collaborate to maximize search engine ranking.
Search engines rank websites based on two major factors:
* Unique content with pertinent keywords in body copy
* Link popularity, based on the number of quality incoming links
Other important algorithms that affect search engine ranking include site architecture, content visibility, and underlying code.