Programming:
The development and building of a website is accomplished through programming. You may hear this referred to as the back end - what makes a website work. This is the behind the scenes code that allows visitors browsers to display your content and images. There are many different languages that can be used to make a website. The most frequent one you will hear of is HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Most websites use a variety of languages to accomplish different functions. I make my templates with a combination of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which allows us to easily control the look of your entire website from a central file, and HTML. I frequently use a combination of Javascript, PHP, and/or PERL for site functionality. It is important if you will be using your own server that I know what programming languages are supported.
Interactive Forms:
There are many ways to use forms on a website. Forms can be used to allow Customers can request brochures or product information. Visitors may fill out an online application or enter a drawing or giveaway. You may use forms to allow customers to post reviews of your products or ask for help or support. This information can be either emailed to a designated person or collected in a database on the web server. Credit card and other payment information should always be encrypted and never be emailed as email is not secure. At the very least a contact form can be an important way for a potential customer to interact with you even if they do not have access to their email account.
Database Integration:
Databases are used for such things as a forum, message board, eNews, password-protected members' directory, database-enabled web forms, automated FAQs and link pages, and much more. It is also essential if our website is going to contain a large amount of information that has to be changed or updated regularly.
E-Commerce:
If you sell products directly through your web site, you're doing e-commerce. Typically, e-commerce services are considered to be a separate project from the construction of a web site, due to the different back-end tools to set up and run the online store. E-commerce can be a great way to grow your business if you sell a product that can be delivered over the internet or via mail.