Your choice of website developer can mean the success or failure of your website. It really is as simple as that.

During 2010 there were many changes that happened in the world of Search; Google Places, Google Instant, new Search page layout, decreasing number of organic spaces on the first page of Google.  The list goes on.  This means that your online market has become way more competitive than ever before.

You need to ensure that you have a very strong site that is able to withstand such changes (and there will be more coming during 2011) and also compete strongly in your online market place.

The approach your website developer needs to take is one where every single aspect of your site is considered.  Understanding how all the individual parts integrate and influence each other and of course, getting it right is the difference between success or failure of your website. If just one part is overlooked it could mean failure.

So, what are all these component parts?  The list is quite extensive but should certainly include the following:

• Technology. Easy and simple is so much better for your user than cool and trendy. Used properly technology can enhance your users experience.
• Search Engine Optimisation. Your strategy should be in place before any work starts on your site.
• Site Architecture. This is how your site is built.
• Navigation. How your user and the Search Engines will find their way around your site.
• Content. Put together a content outline before building your site.
• Website design. This always comes after the content outline, site architecture and navigation.
• Linking structure. This is important for your users and Search Engines. Are all your links working properly. Are the structures simple.
• Social media. This shouldn’t be an afterthought. How will it integrate into your site? How will you interact with your users?
• User generated content. An example of this is Forums or the ability to add comments to a blog.
• Blogs. A great way to interact with your users and loved by the Search Engines.
• Subdomains. How should these be handled if you need them for your site.

You can no longer have a website designer who doesn't know anything about site architecture and a content creator who doesn't understand at least the basics of Search Engine Optimisation, or a team that has no idea how this will integrate with your social media plan.

Your site isn't a set of isolated parts. The environment where your website will sit requires an integrated approach if it is to grow to its full potential.