Web development is a broader term which involves all the work in designing and developing a website. On internet web development ranges from the simplest work of developing a single simple page of mere a text to the most complex work of the following things:

Designing a page.
Internet applications.
Business applications.
Electronic business.
Social network services.

A broader term

Commercialization of the web has pushed the growth of web development industry. A large number of people now shop online and it has become a necessity for a business to develop their website and create an impressive presence on web to attract a massive number of people to sell their products and services.

Easy to use software such as adobe dream weaver, web dev, Microsoft studio has helped people to make simple basic web pages relatively which further increase the web development as an industry in this new era of technology and virtual cyberspace.

Site developers now can effectively build dynamic, interactive and more creative websites through the growing technologies and tools to work.web developers now deliver web services online which were not possible earlier. Users are not tied to a specific location or their work station. Web development has affected social networking websites, marketing websites and personal networking in an effective manner. Web development uses World Wide Web as a major platform.

A web development company refers to the below enumerated tasks:

Web design
Web content
Development of a site.
Scripting.
Web server.
Network security.
Configuration of site security.
E-commerce development.

Characteristics that need focus

Your online investment will make your business or make it depends on the web development company you are hiring. Unattractive or non relevant website will leave a bad impression on viewers rather than increasing your business. A good web development company should focus on the below enumerated characteristics which are necessary to create a good website:

Appearance of the website

A website must be visually attractive, appealing and professional. A website reflects your products and services and overall impression of your business. If you have a good website a potential customer might receive a really good impression through your website. An attractive website generates a good impression and invites customers throughout anytime they want to purchase a product or services.

Content

Your content should be informative and relevant. Customers always look for relevant data and substance which is interesting as well as informative. You can increase knowledge and competence of f your brand by giving customers what they want in a simple and efficient manner.

Functionality

Across the spectrum every content and detail of the site must work quickly and correctly. Bad functionality and navigation could leave a bad impression and more over a frustration in user. Everything must be checked such as:

Hyperlinks
Navigators
Contact forms
Site search
Event registration

Usability

A commonly overlooked feature of a website is its degree of usability. A site must be easy to navigate and understand clearly. Some important elements of a good usable site are:
Simplicity: a simple and well organized site is the key to success. It keeps the visitors content after browsing through your site.
Fast loading pages: a potential visitor look for a fast loading page. If a page will load in more than 20 seconds any customer will move on from your site.
Consistent layout: a consistent site layout is necessary for a good usability and does not let a viewer loose his interest.
Screen resolution: a resolution of 1024*768 pixels is used by an average browser. A website must look good in an average browser and must function properly beyond that too.