One of the largest issues that arises from conversations we have with people, is that they are often unaware of exactly what is available to them in terms of improving their website. Many web developers will simply quote for what their clients are specifically asking for, without informing them of alternative options that might be more appropriate to them, both in terms of what will be effective for their company, and value for money. Here at Web Advice, we are more than happy to assist you in any way we can. If you have any queries regarding the various web services that should be made available to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CMS [Examples: BBC News - Belstone Group]

A Central Management System is an administration interface that allows people to update their own websites, without needing to pay a web developer to do it. Content Management Systems are often the perfect solution for businesses that are constantly updating product lists or company information. CMS's can provide you with the means to update the website's content all from an easy to use administration interface. Using a database application such as MySQL, the CMS can also be linked into an active database for automated updates and management. The benefits of this are varied, but amongst them, the ability to keep your customers informed with the latest news and product releases allows for faster turn over and ongoing customer retention. This system also can save money in the long run, without needing to pay for updated content by a web development agency. This however does not mean the solution is right for everyone. The added initial expenses are not necessarily the right solution for your business.

As with all websites, there are various levels of technical development and implications depending on the solution that is right for you. More advanced CMS's can allow for greater in-depth changes from a complete colour change to the movement of the internal structure, adding pages, and allowing customers to change the site to suit their preferences! This kind of development is certainly not cheap, but make sure you are aware of what you are getting for your money. A website where you can update text only is considered a CMS, yet CMS can also imply much more. Make sure you get a job specification from your chosen web developer.

E-commerce [Examples: Amazon - Davina]

An e-commerce system is simply an online shop. It can take credit card payments and will often be tied into a database for stock management. The cheapest option for any company wishing to go online is an 'open source' system. These can be found all over the web, and your web developer should have a good idea as to which is the best. We would perhaps recommend Zen Cart as an option, but there are many within the open source community.

However, it is important to remember that open source systems are generally developed on a 'one size fits all' basis and do not cater for more specific needs. Therefore, although the cheaper option, it might be worth while investing in a bespoke system if the e-commerce is to become an integral part of your companies turnover. We have found that people we speak to are keen to make the most out of their e-commerce systems and appreciated the bespoke nature, number of fields and changeable features that are available. Any administration interface that has been developed should allow for easy updating and product management so that anyone can use the system without having to be technically minded. This is extremely important, as you do not want to have to return to your developer, and pay them more for something you should be able to achieve. These systems can be tied into a database and completely automated to allow for an integrated solution.

Flash [Examples: BMW - Alexander Development Group]

Flash is an interesting option for many businesses looking for a website. It can give a dynamic edge to your site, whilst not being overly pricey. Be careful of agencies that charge more than they should for flash developers. It is a valuable tool, and will often be discussed as a separate entity within the web proposal, partly because it is, and partly because many agencies out source flash work. Ideally you need to look for a design agency who not only provide flash as part of their own skill set, but that will also offer it as a sensible option for displaying galleries and pictures. The advantages of flash are that; it maximises the available space for showcasing imagery, it can display many images rather than being limited to one static image, and it can allow dynamic videos and graphics that can help with the feel of professionalism for the site. In our experience, many people are fearful of flash, partly because it is unknown to them, and partly because they have heard vague rumours of loading times and limited accessibility. These are no longer concerns, 99.3% of people have Flash Player so they can view web content, and any good web designer will only use elements of flash to take full advantage of its specialised features, but so as not to delay loading on a site. With modern connections however, this is rarely an issue anyway.

Message Board [Examples: Facebook - London Books]

A message board is a simple system that allows members of the public to add comments and notices to a section within your website. It is a very useful tool for a variety of sites such as DVD rental sites, book sites, music stores and other sites where customers would be interested in others opinions. Be aware that message boards are susceptible to 'spam bots' which may repeatedly write on the wall and cause havoc. Make sure your web developer is prepared to provide a suitable solution as part of the price that caters for this. It is not easy to completely eliminate the problems associated with spam bots, but simple solutions can be created in order to minimise their effects. Bare in mind your web developer will not necessarily include this protection mechanism on the initial version of the message board, but make sure they are prepared to add it later for no, or a very limited, additional cost.

Blogs [Examples: Boeing - Infozure Blog]

Blogs are effectively a personal web diary that others can read. It is an area in which individuals can write thoughts and other things, Blogs can be implemented onto your site for a very reasonable price, so be aware of anyone trying to charge you through the roof for something you could get for free. Obviously bespoke blogs are expensive, and their biggest advantage is that they can be tailored to specific needs in terms of design and content. However, thee are many effective free blog systems such as Blogger that can be used for a cheaper alternative. Blogger can be linked to your site and to some extent personalised so that it looks more like your own site than the blogger site. Realistically, for a good price, a free blogging system can be completely integrated into a website, and this is perhaps the best option for most companies.

Search Facility [Example: Google]

This is in its basic form a tool to 'search' a website for a word. This can be developed so that only key words are searchable, and that these keywords are linked to other related subjects and content within the site. A good search facility could be applied to any number of areas within a website including an online catalogue, news page or a more general search.

Contact Form [Examples: Pankhurst - Mikala Djorup]

A contact from as a very useful tool which is probably best situated on the home page of a website. Most companies could massively benefit from a contact form and should perhaps seriously consider the possibility of including one within a website. A contact form works in a very similar way to a call back service, but allows a greater depth of contact information. The biggest benefit of this service is the retention of customer information. Rather than a phone call from a potential customer who may or may not give any more information than a first name, the contact form allows for a form of communication to be recorded, whether a phone number or an email address. This allows a follow up call or email, and, even if the customer does not purchase the goods or services on offer, the information is retained for future communications.

Call Back Service [Examples: London Maritime Agents]

A call back facility allows people to type in a name and number to request a call back from your company. This may encourage contact as it shows that your company is willing to spend the cost of a phone call in retrieving new clients. Although not as general as a contact form, the service forces a phone call rather than an email, therefore a effective sales telecom team can find more specific requirement details from the potential customer and tailor the phone call to each individual in order to win a sale.

Dynamic Map [Examples: Yahoo's Map Mixer - Latham Skips]

Google Maps allow a unique option for directions to a company shop or office. Rather than a static map, the implementation of a Google map within a website can allow for a very dynamic map without the need to source it yourself. The map allows for movement and a zoom function and can be used in a manor that makes it appear simply as if it is part of your site, not an external link.