A Sussex web design consultancy has turned the standard e-design process upside down.
Brighton-based Absolute Inter-net has a web site promotion (WSP) department to work on strategy from stage one of any project.
The WSP works with new clients to identify their target audiences and how best to position their site on the web while the creatives get to work on building the site.
The idea has proved such a success, the company is taking on new staff to build the business.
Jason Russell, WSP director, said: "We have always understood the importance of placing a site on the internet.
"Most companies concentrate of site production, with promotion as an afterthought.
"It is no use developing a fantastic web presence if there has been no consideration of how to let customers know it exists.
"The WSP department has been a part of the business since we began in 1996, running in tandem with a strong creative team.
"It takes time and effort to make sure we keep up-to-date with how all major search engines are returning web site requests.
"We research all the latest developments and take care to avoid methods banned for boosting a web site rating.
"The larger team will be able to extend our services to more clients than ever before."
Brighton-based Telephones Online commissioned Absolute Internet to develop their web site in 1999 and has continued to work with the company to improve the site's online position.
Now more than 60 per cent of orders come from interest generated through search engine results.
Telephones Online managing director Mike Rentz said: "Effective online marketing is vital to our success and we have been very happy with the focus on this in the development of our site.
"We have tried a combination of ideas, including targeted search engine registration and a banner ad campaign, which clearly have been the right methods to use."
Absolute Internet operates from a converted barn just off the A23. The WSP will soon relocate into another barn conversion next door. The new two-storey building will house an additional 30 employees, almost doubling staffing numbers, and will also have space for social facilities such as a coffee bar. It will be ready for use by the middle of this month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article