Greetings
My name is Chris Abbott and I design excellent web sites that are appealing, functional, accessible and findable. As a maturing web developer I can help you establish a healthy online presence on the internet.
I am not only limited to web design and programming, but as a graphic designer I can assist you with any print and advertising needs, as well.
This is my passion. This is what I do.
Standards
So why choose Chris Abbott Media for your next project? I'm glad you asked.
I have put together a six point check-list covering the major areas of concern that you should know about when deciding who will be your web designer. Review these points and be sure to ask your potential designer if their websites are...
- ...Compliant
Does the web designer follow W3C standards and best-practices principles, and develop semantic and validated code? Does the CSS validate? Do they separate the content (XHTML), presentation (CSS) and behavior (Javascript) components?
This allows the website to remain usable and legible even when certain features are disabled. This also dramatically reduces development time and contributes to the ease of future maintenance and updating.
- ...Findable
Does the web designer incorporate and apply the latest SEO techniques and practices? A large part of this is covered by developing compliant code, as outlined above, but there are many other aspects.
There are legitimate and inherent techniques that can be very effective in raising the value of your website with search engines. At the same time, there are shady, "black hat" techniques that can result in your website being banned from search engine indexes and results pages.
- ...Accessible
Does the web designer strive to adhere to the WAI recommendations, in connection with Section 508 regulations, concerning disabled users rights? There is still absolutely no justification for alienating and frustrating this group of users, and inviting a potential lawsuit by not following certain practices.
The accessibility and code guidelines are reasonable and easy to implement and there is no excuse for not including them.
- ...Usable
Does the web designer develop compatible websites? Does the website display consistently, properly and as intended across the millions of combinations of screen sizes, browsers and versions, text sizes, and other presentation features like images, CSS and Javascript being disabled or enabled?
A broken or frustrating website can be very damaging to the value of your web presence.
- ...Responsive
Does the web designer configure the code, website structure and hosting server for maximum performance? There are studies that report that the majority of internet users are impatient and fickle. If the site does not perform up to their standards they move on.
Search engine spiders indexing the web have a hard time with poorly configured websites also. There is much more to developing a website than making it look pretty and work right. Under-the-hood adjustments offer the best experience to the user and provide your website the best opportunity with the search engines.
- ...Appealing
Does the web designer create unique and engaging work while honoring the undeniable laws and methods of design, composition, spacing, color, balance, flow, etc.?
Is the design too artistic, serving the designer's creativeness or is it accessible to and helpful for the end user? Placing neon green text on top of a bright pink background will never, ever be acceptable.
Decisions
Did any of that make sense? Don't worry. It's my job to understand this stuff. Just rest assured that I know what needs to get done, and that I get it done right.
Unfortunately, there are many web designers and even established, large firms out there today who willfully disregard or are totally ignorant about these paramount points.
Armed with this knowledge I hope you have a more fruitful web designer shopping experience. Just don't forget I'm here, and please note that talking with me today would cost you nothing. In fact, you could save thousands considering the non-existent overhead I have as a sole proprietor.
Be assured also, that as the only person in the company, or living room, that you will receive the utmost due care and attention that I offer all my clients.
View more detailed outlines of my web and graphic design services.