WebSites that Work
I am Walt Schaefer, the Walt behind Walt's WebWorx. Website design is a new profession. 10-12 years ago, no one had even heard the term Website Designer. As such, most of us who now design websites have come from other professions and occupations.
I am no exception. I enjoyed a 20+-year career as a management consultant so I tend to view each website design project from a business management perspective. I think not just in terms of pretty pictures, colors and slick animations. I think about how the website can best benefit your business. Moreover, I want to understand your business so I can be sure your new website will make a positive contribution.
Form Follows Function
I work with one overriding philosophy, "Form Follows Function". My first concern is what will work best for your business. No matter how fancy, pretty or exciting your website might be, if it doesn't deliver the function that is best for your business, it fails.
Standards Compliant Sites
Unlike just 5 years ago, web designers today have a clearly defined set of standards to build to. Standards-compliant websites pay huge dividends for their owners. They display correctly in the broadest possible range of browsers and devices, both current and future. Websites built to accepted standards are far easier to modify or add to in the future, potentially saving the owner thousands of dollars.
Think Big - Start Small
Because I believe in the potential value of a website for virtually any business, I encourage clients to think big but start small. No website is likely to pay huge dividends the first month. Some of the major search engines can take several months to list a new site. And, you will learn from operating your site what the real payoff elements are. Finally, you can solicit feedback from customers and site visitors to learn directly what they want from your website.
So don't blow your budget up front on an elaborate site. Start with something small and workable, something that gives you a quality web presence at a reasonable cost. Then, as your new website returns dividends (increased sales, new customers), you can reinvest in your site. Minimal risk, maximum gain; a tough strategy to beat.
on a personal note...
In June 2007 I celebrated the 23rd anniversary of moving to California from Dallas. Although born in Oak Park, IL, Dallas was home for most of my life until I moved here. My grandparents (Schaefer) lived in California when I was a young boy. I visited here several times and fell in love with the warm days and cool nights, as compared to the hot days and warm nights in Texas.
My first love
When I'm not building websites I am usually spending time with my three German Shepherds Foxxy Lady, Pepper & Bruiser. I have had a love and fascination for German Shepherds since boyhood and I am deeply gratified to share my life with these three. They are litter mates and until April 10, 2007 their mother Little Queenie was with us.
Something fishy
Another passion for me is tropical fish, yet again a boyhood thing. I got my first aquarium at age 10 and have had them most of my life. I recently had some custom cabinetry added to my office. One piece is specifically designed to support a 120-gallon aquarium. I hope to have it set up and fully stocked by Fall.
