Keeping Web Design Alive

Staying Competive in Changing Markets

There are a lot of forces impacting the business of web design today: from do-it-yourself software packages that allow anyone to build a website, to the proliferation of Software as a Service (SaaS) models that offer template websites for a low monthly fee. In effect, what is now happening to the business of website design is the same thing that has occurred in the hosting industry over the past few years. The big players are becoming massive through consolidation, while the smaller players are being absorbed or gradually squeezed out of the marketplace entirely. And everyone is caught up in a mad dash for that last, rapidly shrinking dollar.

Similar forces are being brought to bear on website design. It is no longer enough to have the best creative talent and a killer portfolio. You must offer a complete package of design and functionality...and do it faster and more economically than ever before, just to remain competitive.

There are two ways to do this. If you are a big player with sufficient capital, you do it by hiring or acquiring (through competitor buy out) the technology and skills you need. The smaller, more typical shops have to leverage existing technology and develop strategic partnerships that complement their offering rather than trying to do everything (or develop everything) themselves. Otherwise they will rapidly be knocked off the board by those who can afford to squeeze profit margins as they grab an ever larger piece of the market.

Make sure you "future proof" your website business by incorporating these key technologies and areas of expertise into your business, and by cultivating strategic partnerships that will help you stay competitive:

• Web Content Management
• E-commerce Solutions
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expertise
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM) expertise
• Custom Application Development

This article forms part of the Website Producer Learning Series ™ provided by Lewis Media Inc., the manufacturer of WebAdmin CMS™. For more information about WebAdmin, the Web CMS that makes it incredibly easy for designers and marketers to offer content managed websites, register for a free online information session or contact us today.