In 1991, Tim Bernes-Lee brought together web communication and hypertext and the first website was born. The complexity of websites grew with the evolution of HTML. Sites became more visually exciting as images, figures and other graphic elements began to be a standard part of website design. Similarities to a traditional print publication do exist. They both are a case of the whole is more than a sum of the parts and each is a way to transmit information. A global industry has emerged that brings together elements of writing, graphic design and marketing.

Website design is a vital part of delivering content and form to the consumer. It is not about computer programming. It is about an aesthetic. It takes many skills sets to create an effective site. Graphic design uses principles of colour, organization and more to make everything make sense while at the same time beautiful. Other skills such as animation, photography, search engine marketing and more all go into what you see on the computer screen. It also involves technical skill behind the scenes. A website designer must know or hire someone who knows markup lang
uages such as HTML. All of these elements come together to create a site that is easy to navigate for the visitor and effective in transference of information.

There are some important things to consider when choosing a website design company or a website designer. An established company with published work is important. You will be able to see what they have done and how the site functions. Often the company's site itself is a good indicator of the quality of the work they do. One thing to note on the site would be testimonials from clients who have used their services. Other things to look for would be their methodology and process. The company should be a one stop shop. They should be able to take care of all of your needs from hosting to search engine marketing.

An internet presence is a crucial part of much business success. Good website design is important to doing business in cyberspace. A site must be inviting and functional and accomplish the goals that are set for the site. This is no easy feat and takes work to make it happen. If a company is looking to develop or revamp their internet presence, it is worth the cost to enlist the help of a skilled and talented website designer.