About the Webmaster

Website Development • Dynamic (Database) Designs Internet Marketing • E-Commerce • Related Services 2325 Royal Knoll Lane, Hoover, AL 35226 Tel: 205.822.3650 • E-Mail • www.arrell.com

Traveling the Information Highway

One of the most important tools an organization can have these days is a strong Internet presence. A website that is useful, packed with information, easily navigated and attractive to the eye can have an amazing impact on the way an organization is supported by its members and perceived by the general public. In every aspect of usefulness and design, the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce website is a hit. And it's getting hits - over some 200,000 a month, according to Robert Linthout, Hoover Chamber webmaster and owner of Arrell Internet Services.

Ever since Arrell began managing the site, hooverchamber.org in March 2003, the number of visitors has steadily increased, and the quality and amount of information it provides has only gotten better and greater. The crisp design and frequent updates of the Chamber's website makes it an invaluable source of information about Chamber members and their activities, as well as an outstanding resource for those either doing business or thinking about doing business in Hoover.

His job, said Linthout, is to help clients understand their options and to guide them in setting up websites that meet the clients' needs. Speed is imperative he said, and there must be a balance between looks and functionality. The Hoover Chamber website meets all the aforementioned criteria and more.

"Most websites are designed to promote one company or business, " said Linthout, "but this one is designed so that all the members have a way of communicating to one another and to the world what's going on with them and their businesses. It's a good vehicle that members can take advantage of to get information out. "

One of the most important aspects of a website, said Linthout, is keeping it up-to-date. There's nothing more frustrating to a user, he explained, than an out-of-date website.

"Frequent updates are a must, " he said. "The better you maintain and update a website, the more traffic you'll get. We update the Chamber website almost every day. We pride ourselves on that. " Before Arrell took over the Chamber's website, the number of hits was around 500 a month. Linthout credits the phenomenal increase to the site's usefulness and to the fact that Chamber members feel an ownership in it. "I think everybody understands it really is for them." he said.

In designing websites, Linthout takes potential clients through a process that involves setting up a preliminary"live site" accessible only to the client. Together, he and the client test the navigability, clarity and other factors of the website to make sure it will meet the client's needs.

Once a website is up and going, Linthout continually advises clients as to new developments in Internet technology. If a change is in order, he encourages the client to make it immediately. "The Internet is growing so fast, you have to start thinking faster, " he said. "You have to change your environment and start thinking ahead of the game. "

Arrell Internet Services works with two high level programmers and several full time students at Auburn University. "This is a win win situation for everyone. We get bright young students, our clients get better rates and the students can work around their study schedule." Linthout said.

For more information on Arrell Internet Services and how they can help you and your business, contact Robert Linthout at 822-3650 or visit his website at: www.arrell.com