The Internet that we know, love and use today, only started being popular for the mainstream around 1995. Back then, most small businesses did not have web sites. People were awed by the Internet alone and it was fascinating to explore.

As the Internet grew, small business began having simple websites. At this point, just having a Web site was unique and made you stand out from the crowd. People had fun experimenting with simple animated web graphics like rolling horizontal lines, moving arrows or bullets and dancing mailboxes – the more the merrier. Now, the overuse of animated gifs can make your site looked dated.

As Web sites became more sophisticated, Flash intros were mesmerizing and popular. The creative use of long Flash intros made Web sites special.

The Internet continues to grow and more people are using the WWW in their everyday life. Things that were once considered entertaining are now often viewed as time wasters. If people want to be entertained, they have YouTube.

So now what makes your Web site special?

Your Business! The thing that makes your Web site unique is the unique product or service your business has to offer.

The best way to highlight what your business has to offer is:
Clean, simple pages • Intuitive, consistent navigation • Quick load time.

Does that sound like it is my mantra? Well, that’s ok. It works.

Jack Nuwer, owner of Accurate Computer Service, Inc. wanted a web site, but didn’t know exactly what he wanted. Jack knows his business, however, so we spent time talking about that.

Accurate Computer has served local Business and Industry in the Western New York area since 1995. Custom built computer systems, computer repair, upgrades, Local and Wide Area Networking are only a few of their offerings. All products are top quality and customer service is prompt, friendly and reliable.

Jack says, “We serve our customers with a personal touch. We take the necessary time working with them to develop a computer system which will grow with their business, and we are here if problems arise.”

So what are some of the things that can get these points across?

User-friendly pages – things like consistent menu placement and information broken into bullet points or small paragraphs - help visitors find the information they are looking for. Photos of the staff put a personal face on the business.

If a potential customer feels comfortable on your web site, they are one step closer to being comfortable hiring you.

Jack Newer gave me this very gracious testimonial:

I knew I needed a web site but have never seen one that I really liked. So, when I asked Annette to design one for me, I knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t because I couldn’t even tell her what I did like. Well, surprise surprise! Absolutely awesome! How she gave me exactly what I wanted is still a mystery to me! I recommend Annette to everyone! Just fantastic! Jack Nuwer

I've been sick for a couple of weeks with bronchitis. Sometimes I felt like I could really use a hug. And I knew just where I could find one. My computer!

Have you heard about the Free Hugs Campaign?

An inspiring video chronicling this story just won a YouTube Video Award. The official web site has the video as well as photos and complete story of how it all started. I guarantee it will give you the warm fuzzies.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings. My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let’s put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.