Websites are a vital business tool today. The Internet is often the first step in gathering information and deciding with whom to do business.

“You can’t get away with a bad Website anymore. That’s something that shows,” said Kimberly Cerra, co-owner of CK Websites.

“Technically, everybody can do their own hair or fix up the kitchen,” added Christine Nyburg, Cerra’s business partner.

“But is it worth it?” Cerra asked.

In fact, investing in a functional, smart and efficient Website may pay off faster than people think.

Local builder Richard Epstein landed a large account directly from his Website within two months of the launch.

He told the CK Website team that the deal was a 2,000 percent return of his investment.

Nyburg and Cerra build Websites primarily for small businesses. Many artists and non-profit organizations on the island are their clients.

“It is our goal to build Websites that are affordable, easy to navigate and project the unique personality of their owners with professionalism,” Nyburg said.

Clients will get professional Web hosting and Website design services, graphics creation and design for the Web, as well as domain registration and transfer.

Maintenance and upkeep is available for those who require help in keeping their Website up to date with fresh and new information.

Whether clients are accustomed to maintaining their site or they are ready to take on this task, CK Website support is behind them 100 percent.

As active members of the community, the women have come up with a practical way to give back to the community. Each year, they build one Website for a local organization they believe in.

“We pick one Website a year. This year it is the Children’s Center,” Nyburg said.

In the past they created Websites for HOPE, Goss Lake Woods and Girls in Technology, among others. Sometimes they donate discounted Websites to fundraiser auctions.

The women behind CK Websites have formed a perfect duo to build successful Websites.

“We are definitely well matched. Right brain here,” Nyburg laughed pointing at herself.

“Left brain there,” she said looking at her business partner.

Nyburg, who has a lifetime of fine arts experience and 21 years of working in graphic arts, brings the aesthetic sophistication and dynamic appeal to create visually impacting sites.

Cerra has been programming and working with computers since the 1980s. She has studied programming, Web development and Web graphics.

She also shares her extensive experience in technology with students at the Langley Middle School and the home schoolers of Island Academy.

Cerra and Nyburg formed the company almost five years ago — an eternity in Web business time.

Before starting their business, they worked together as the Web development team of another company.

Besides a good business match, the women share a vision and friendship.

“Christine has the most fabulous eye for color and design. And, she does an amazing job of creating Websites that reflect the personality of the client,” Cerra said.

“She has a real talent for that which I think comes from her people sense and ability to get to know people quickly,” she said.

Cerra’s technical skills are much appreciated in return by her partner.

“Kimberly is smart, steady, hard-working, honest, and a wonderful business partner,” Nyburg said. “She is the perfect balance to my very social right-brained bursts of energy. She really helps me to stay grounded, focused and on-task. What ever would I do without her?”

Local clients include WICA and Island Dance. National clients range from New York to California.