Google has introduced a change to its algorithms that has been tested in the USA and launched internationally to English language Google users. This is intended to help users search results providing them with higher quality sites that are relevant to the search criteria. There are several changes that have been made, including an update to page rankings and search settings. The main intention being  to provide the most relevant search results.

Firstly, the implementation of reduced page rankings of low quality sites – including sites that duplicate content from other sites. It will work as an advantage for high quality sites – with original content insuring they are found in search results. This will be a welcome change to make sure people find the high quality sites in their results.

Secondly, Google are incorporating additional controls for a user to be able to personalise search results. This is not something that is entirely new – previous examples are Search Wiki and location settings. However, there is a new way to get more specific results  when searching. Google has introduced measures for users to have the ability to to block particular sites. When a user searches Google there will be a link  to block sites. When a site is blocked it will not appear in future searches. The feature is intended to give users greater control over their searches.

Since the changes to the algorithms Google have found that people are getting better search results from high quality sites. In addition to these changes, users can leave site feedback which means that google can go into looking at “long tail” of low ranking sites to make sure higher ranking sites are found that may have been missed previously. The algorithm is an extremely precise way of finding out the quality and relevance of a site. As websites are constantly changing Google will keep updating to indicate theses changes.

Making sure you choose the right website design company can be very difficult. How do you decide how to find the company that is right for you? Do you go for the first result in Google, do you talk to fellow business people for recommendations or spend time online looking for something that catches your eye?

Here are a few pointers to consider when you make that all important decision choosing the right company for you.

Has the company asked you what you want to achieve from the website as a business?

It is important that the design team take the time to understand what you want from the  website. Therefore it’s important to consider what type of website would best suit your business. Will it be a static website, a portfolio website or a online business that you can manage.

What experience does the company have designing websites in your industry?

Have a look at the portfolio to get an indication of the type of sites and work that the design team have done. It might also be worth ringing the company and having a chat to see how knowledgeable and approachable the team are.

How well do the existing sites work?

Make sure you look at several of the websites that have already been designed to see if they are easy to find your way around. Also look at testimonials to see what other companies have to say about the work they had done.

Is it easy to communicate with the team?

It is vital that you feel comfortable to be able to talk to the design team and that they are easily approachable. It is also important that they full understand what you want to achieve with the website and keep this in mind.

Do the design team have ideas that could be useful for the website?

It’s important that the designers understand what you want to achieve and are able to suggest ideas that could benefit you. However, what the client wants should be the main focus rather than the design team pushing for what they think is right.

Internet specialists Corporate Web Solutions are set for expansion after relocating from the city centre to a new base at Sheffield Business Park. The business is recruiting new members of staff and plans to launch a web design and internet marketing training academy – using facilities at the park’s Sheffield Business Centre. “The centre offers us the flexibility we require, with the ability to take extra space for meetings or training as we need it,” says managing director Diego Herrera. “The centre also provides us with a very good front-ofhouse service and a friendly, positive
atmosphere – for around half the rent we were paying in the city centre. And there are no hidden costs.”
Corporate Web Solutions specialises in web design, bespoke web applications and marketing. It is seeing a surge in demand for its latest product, a pay-as-you-go ecommerce website aimed at new and small businesses. “The website can be adapted to a client’s individual requirements and comes with a full content management system so that they can run it themselves,” says Diego. “We are offering it on a pay-asyou- go basis to help new start-ups or small businesses. Instead of having to invest £5,000 in a fullyfeatured website, they can rent it for £65 per month. We are seeing a lot of demand and expect our turnover to increase by 300 per cent as a result.”

Sheffield Business Park director Graham Sadler welcomed the company’s success since its arrival. He said: “Corporate Web Solutions is one of a number of expanding, high-tech occupiers to make the business park their home. “Our Sheffield Business Centre is particularly suited to small, dynamic companies who need to flexibility of additional space when required and a range of administrative and secretarial services.”

Source ( Sheffield Star )