create a sport website

If you are looking for a Calgary Web Design (or a Web design anywhere else in the world) , you will need to consider if your Web site will emerge as a real Web presence.

A Web site is, by definition , a single entity on the Internet . It has a unique address , internal links and menus , some kind of Web design surrounding the site content and is, for all intents and purposes, a standalone document . The general practice of website development from the 1990’s into the new millennium was to design a website based on a print brochure . In fact, many websites were simply digital web copies of a company’s brochure content . Of course, the Web evolves quickly and as a result, search engines and marketing methods must also change . Add these factors that more advanced dynamic functionalities are reduced in price or even free , the the website from a few years ago becomes obviously outdated  .

How can you tell that a Web site is out-of-date?

1. Dated Web Design – most web design companies now develop for a 1024 wide screen resolution, and since older sites were built to an 800 pixel wide screen width, just seeing one built to this width can create the impression of an older design. Dated designs will have dated functionality and scripting since they are based on a more limited technology. The best scenario is a web presence that is refreshed visually with a newer web design, has updated coding and functionality and has current content with past content moved to an archives section.
2. Dated Content – probably most obvious is web content that is expired or last updated a year or two ago . This goes for broken external links to other sites that no longer exist…or have been updated.
3. © 2001 – Need I say more? If you or your Web designer update the site at least once a year, get them to update the copyright notice to include the current year.
4.  Little or No Communication Functionality – older sites rely on email and maybe forms , which works well, these are standard levels of communication on the Web . These days, however, web sites can offer live support chat, active forums and interactive flash media to their site’s interactivity.  
5. Poor or no Search Engine Marketing –  chances are if the site is not updated regularly or built to newer standards the owners aren’t going to be out promoting it. This includes Search Engine Optimization and/or online ad campaigns . 

So, if you have a website that sounds like this, you will want to read on to see how to turn your Web site into a Web presence.
A web presence differs from a single website in that a web presence is a chain of people doing the conga versus the wall flower at the party.
A Web presence is considered a living document as it expands and gains attention and gets people involved.  
To take your current web site or if you are planning a new web site from scratch , you would benefit from following these key features to make your website a bonefide Web presence :

The Web site itself:

1. Have a unique web design that is clean, professional and eye-catching , but does not impede navigation through the web pages, nor access to any of the content in the site .
2. The website design does not limit expansion plans , but encourage it – your site can easily have new web pages and the latest functionalities added . Consider the nature of a blog or forum – these tools are built to expand and manage new content easily .
3. A Well Planned Navigation and site flow are needed to define which sections are passive , which are active, which functionalities are dynamic or static and which areas are most likely to expand . Perfect navigation will allow for the user to access all pages from each page , with minimal clicks . Clear logical grouping of content into section/page/subpage is key .
4. Written content on the site is unique and crafted for the Web , not just lifted from a Print document or technical paper . You can make these documents into White Papers or single PDFs for downloading , leaving the Web content to be search engine optimized and edited to flow from one page to the next .
5. Add Reasonable Functionality – you don’t need an “Live Online Support” function if you don’t plan to use it . Determine who will do the site updates , either your Webmaster or a trained editor who can manage the site using a CMS . If you are a creative professional who has a portfolio, invest in a customized, dynamic gallery to exhibit your work online . If you enjoy writing, then get a blog, just learn how to use it and keep posting consistently . Want to run an online shop? Invest in a professional Web solution that you can call your own, or run a shop under a larger organization to garner their support and experience first .
6. Search Engine Optimization – starts with the organic results generated by how the site is built, how accessible it and its content is, and how it relates to other websites. Then get your site manually listed in the top search engines and directories and start building reciprocal or back links to your site to help increase exposure and build popularity.

Once the site is live, you will need to:

1. Regularly review your organic SEO terms in your Meta tags and in your content
2. Find ways to build passive income via affiliates, e-commerce or onsite advertising.
3. Begin a targeted ad campaign using CPC paid listings such as Adwords, Facebook ads, Adbrite, etc.
4. Collect Information about your visitors using Opt-in newsletters and special offers.
5. Get feedback whenever possible from your visitors.
6. Make your website as interactive and personal as possible.
7. Investigate different media such as graphic design/print, vehicle signage, mobile, radio, in-person networking to raise your Calgary Web site to a higher ranking .
8. Update your content regularly and find related niche sites and post on any blogs and groups for your key search terms and links back to your site.

A Web presence is a greater influence than a “standalone” website because it has people actively involved in these key areas .

A website is good as a channel for your regular business model , but a Web presence is innately active and is a successful means of interactivity with your customer base and can provide a growing revenue stream .

Are you a Calgary business looking for a new or revitalized Web Design?

If so, please contact Calgary Web Design Team at www.blinddrop.com for complete Web development and Photography services.