For three decades, we have been at the forefront of website development, leveraging a wide array of technologies. Our experience spans various roles and sectors:

• We've been clients ourselves, understanding the needs and expectations firsthand.
• We've served as suppliers, delivering solutions to diverse clientele.
• Our projects have covered both public and private sectors.
• We've successfully deployed websites on an international scale.

Throughout this journey, we've maintained an impeccable track record and gained invaluable insights. This wealth of knowledge is something we believe is worth sharing.

If you're a newcomer to the world of website development, this article aims to provide you with essential considerations to guide your initial planning process. Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of web development by sharing our hard-earned wisdom.

Starting Simple

If you're new to website building, consider starting with user-friendly platforms like Wix or Squarespace. These solutions are ideal for generic needs and can support initial growth. As your requirements evolve, you can transition to more customized solutions without significant financial loss.

Custom Solutions

For larger projects with specific needs, custom solutions might be necessary. These allow for better cost control as you scale and provide more control over your product's consistency and build aspects.

Separating Form and Content

A crucial lesson for growing teams is to separate website development (form) from communications (content). This separation offers several benefits:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Allows for selecting the best value for each aspect independently.
2. Flexibility: Enables swapping out underperforming elements of your web strategy.
3. Avoiding Vendor Lock-in: Prevents being tied to a single external entity for both form and content.

Pitfalls of Bundling

While vendors often pitch bundled services as cost-effective and quality-enhancing, this approach can lead to:

• Limited Options: Difficulty in changing one aspect without affecting the other.
• Increased Costs: Potential for paying for unnecessary services or missing out on cost-effective alternatives.
• Strategic Inflexibility: Reduced ability to pivot to higher-value options in either form or content.

Benefits of Separation

Keeping form and content separate:

• Maintains Strategic Control: Keeps business knowledge in-house.
• Increases Vendor Accountability: Vendors remain aware of potential replacement.
• Enhances Flexibility: Allows for modular changes and upgrades.

Conclusion

By understanding the distinction between form and content and keeping them separate, you maintain control over your web strategy, ensure cost-effectiveness, and preserve the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and technologies.

Posted: December 10, 2024 by Greg Van de Mosselaer

View