Kev,
You'll probably laugh at this. You may even have been in the same position.
I am currently involved in the development of a (non cleaning related) site. For the first time ever, I am working alongside a "proper" web designer.
I am doing the copywriting and SEO. He is doing the graphic design, CSS and database integration.
You would not believe how two people could approach a project so differently!
He starts off doing a fantastic design on Adobe Photoshop. He then "slices" this image into chunks and re-assembles them in CSS in Dreamweaver for the website.
I hate to admit it but his designs look brilliant.
His approach is..... "here's the site. Now go and put a few words in to fill it up a bit"
I'm writing search driven advertising copy, laid out how I want it to work for humans and search engines.
My approach is... "here's the copy. I want it laid out like this. Now go and make it look good".
The site owner, watching from a neutral viewpoint, thinks it's really funny.
The truth is that a decent site needs all of these elements. Can a site look "too professional"? . My opinion is that it's better to look too professional than too amateur.
Garry.
ps Great thread