Custom Web Site Design - The Most Innovative Solution To Build Your Brand Image
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rama_Krishna]Rama Krishna
The way your business image is portrayed spells success for any business. A custom website design will display and define your business image in a professional sophisticated manner. Website design should be innovative on par with the latest design techniques.
A customized website is the perfect solution for business organizations that has a unique design in mind. In order to make your website stand out from the crowd, you need to ensure that your website design is different in terms of the style & professionalism in which it portrays your business approach. One needs to cater to the design of the website to suite the target audience, as well as conveying the products and services in a more sophisticated manner.
The concept of custom website designing evolved with the potential idea of simplifying application development by allowing content and layout to be plugged into a single frame work which enhances your products and services there by creating brand visibility for your business organization. The success of any business’s online and offline branding, communications and marketing strategy will be achieved by having a unique customized website design.
Need for custom web site design: The design and the functionality of the website play a vital role in converting a visitor to a potential customer.Design should be simple as well as descriptive and informative.Design should fulfill usability factors.Customize design as per business unique requirements.
The benefits of a custom website design are as follows: It promotes your brand and increases your sales tremendously.It enhances the exact image of the business.It gives a clear idea of the products and services of the business.
When customizing your website design one needs to adhere to the following guidelines: The company logo design should boost your credibility and image in the internet marketThe website colors should be in the same lines with the company’s official color combination.Optimize your website design to gain more global clientele. Synchronization of website design on par with company profile.
In order to build your brand image, sell your products online, advocate your cause, communicate with your members in a unique professional manner customize your website design to suit your specific requirements.
Custom website design offers a great level of flexibility as well as exclusivity online. It also makes a website more competitive as well as user friendly. In order to stay ahead, to accomplish greater heights, one needs to be diverse in designing a refined, professional and customized website.
For more info visit : [http://www.usawebsolutions.com/custom-web-site-design.htm]Custom Web Site Design
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rama_Krishna http://EzineArticles.com/?Custom-Web-Site-Design---The-Most-Innovative-Solution-To-Build-Your-Brand-Image&id=556515
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Tips on Website Design
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anson_Linwood]Anson Linwood
To sell a product or a service, you must convince your customers to buy.
To convince your customers to buy, your website design must give the customers the content and tools they need to reach a buying decision.
Do not expect your customers to know your product or service and to know the differences between your products or services.
The more informative and helpful your website design, the more confidence it gives your customers to make a buying decision.
Therefore, design your website to be a more of a helping tool than a selling tool.
Here's the way to do it right, from the beginning.
First - Simplify your options. The more the merrier does not apply here. Giving customer too many options to choose from, customer may find it harder to make decision. When this happens, it is high chance that customer stop buying.
Next - Make your website design easy for your customer to decide between options. Describe your products or services in terms of their uses and their benefits. Start with the most important features and benefits first to grab customer's attention.
Try as much as possible, limit the use of technical terms.
For products, do not limit yourself to one photo per product. Use sufficient photos to show the details of your products.
Always give your customer a handy comparison tool to help your customer to compare and differentiate your products or services at one glance.
Lastly - Proactively address known concerns. If there are known concerns about your products or services, to proactive and address them upfront. One nice way to put them across to your customer is to address them in the "frequently ask question" session of your website.
The other common concerns which you must address are customer security and privacy concerns. You must give customer the reassurance that it is safe to shop and buy at your website.
By proactively removing these decision barriers in your website design, you bring your customer one step closer to buy your product or to buy your service.
Now visit here for your 7 Ways to Promote your Website! http://www.sunriser.info/website/search_engine.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anson_Linwood http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Website-Design&id=700646
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anson_Linwood]Anson Linwood
To sell a product or a service, you must convince your customers to buy.
To convince your customers to buy, your website design must give the customers the content and tools they need to reach a buying decision.
Do not expect your customers to know your product or service and to know the differences between your products or services.
The more informative and helpful your website design, the more confidence it gives your customers to make a buying decision.
Therefore, design your website to be a more of a helping tool than a selling tool.
Here's the way to do it right, from the beginning.
First - Simplify your options. The more the merrier does not apply here. Giving customer too many options to choose from, customer may find it harder to make decision. When this happens, it is high chance that customer stop buying.
Next - Make your website design easy for your customer to decide between options. Describe your products or services in terms of their uses and their benefits. Start with the most important features and benefits first to grab customer's attention.
Try as much as possible, limit the use of technical terms.
For products, do not limit yourself to one photo per product. Use sufficient photos to show the details of your products.
Always give your customer a handy comparison tool to help your customer to compare and differentiate your products or services at one glance.
Lastly - Proactively address known concerns. If there are known concerns about your products or services, to proactive and address them upfront. One nice way to put them across to your customer is to address them in the "frequently ask question" session of your website.
The other common concerns which you must address are customer security and privacy concerns. You must give customer the reassurance that it is safe to shop and buy at your website.
By proactively removing these decision barriers in your website design, you bring your customer one step closer to buy your product or to buy your service.
Now visit here for your 7 Ways to Promote your Website! http://www.sunriser.info/website/search_engine.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anson_Linwood http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Website-Design&id=700646
Monday, August 27, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Web Templates Are The Key To Good Web Designs
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Maddox]Paul Maddox
Using web templates to create a high quality web site is the best option one has these days. It is the quickest way to create a site. They also have another added advantage, and that is being very cost effective. There will be many problems that arise when it comes to creating a web site, as it has to be perfect.
Earlier, the site had to be designed from the basic step, and there was no other way to begin the web site creation. This included the creative side as well as the technical problems. It is a totally different scene with web templates. The web site is available as soon as the applications are applied.
There are many ways to present the site, as well as many styles to design it when it comes to the use of web templates and it is very exciting. When it comes to creating a web site, a customer does not need anything else. The designing cost may run high, if the web templates are not used when it comes to the site.
All that is needed for the web site will have to be designed from scratch. The web designer will have to work from step one. The customer just has to choose the type of template he wants when they are available. The designer is then faced with an easier job and the process becomes easier for both of them.
Only the necessary applications have to be applied and thus, as it easy, the cost of designing the web page will also reduce. The client will have requirements, and all the designer has to do is customize the needs. Thus the process is easier for the designer and the client and this can be done only with the help of the web templates.
All the costs of web designing are reduced when it comes to using web templates. There will be no need to spend thousands of dollars, when it comes to templates, as otherwise designers may charge so much. When it comes to hiring world class web designers, there will be a lot of money associated with it.
The web templates are very simple to apply, and it can be altered according to the taste of the client, so there will be no need to look for good designers. A good website will be ready to host, as the designer only has to make the changes according to the taste of the client. No major changes will be required.
Every method of web templates is designed to give a very unique look, so the client need not worry about quality. The customer can also choose what he wants from a variety of them, as there are shops that have many templates. At a very less cost, one can obtain a world class web site through web templates.
Thus websites designing is all about picking the right web templates, and also apply the required techniques to bring about a website that is attractive to all users.
Paul Maddox started in the Internet industry in 1998 and has held executive positions in various sales, marketing and website development.To know more visit [http://myacetemplates.net/]http://myacetemplates.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Maddox http://EzineArticles.com/?Web-Templates-Are-The-Key-To-Good-Web-Designs&id=682423
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Maddox]Paul Maddox
Using web templates to create a high quality web site is the best option one has these days. It is the quickest way to create a site. They also have another added advantage, and that is being very cost effective. There will be many problems that arise when it comes to creating a web site, as it has to be perfect.
Earlier, the site had to be designed from the basic step, and there was no other way to begin the web site creation. This included the creative side as well as the technical problems. It is a totally different scene with web templates. The web site is available as soon as the applications are applied.
There are many ways to present the site, as well as many styles to design it when it comes to the use of web templates and it is very exciting. When it comes to creating a web site, a customer does not need anything else. The designing cost may run high, if the web templates are not used when it comes to the site.
All that is needed for the web site will have to be designed from scratch. The web designer will have to work from step one. The customer just has to choose the type of template he wants when they are available. The designer is then faced with an easier job and the process becomes easier for both of them.
Only the necessary applications have to be applied and thus, as it easy, the cost of designing the web page will also reduce. The client will have requirements, and all the designer has to do is customize the needs. Thus the process is easier for the designer and the client and this can be done only with the help of the web templates.
All the costs of web designing are reduced when it comes to using web templates. There will be no need to spend thousands of dollars, when it comes to templates, as otherwise designers may charge so much. When it comes to hiring world class web designers, there will be a lot of money associated with it.
The web templates are very simple to apply, and it can be altered according to the taste of the client, so there will be no need to look for good designers. A good website will be ready to host, as the designer only has to make the changes according to the taste of the client. No major changes will be required.
Every method of web templates is designed to give a very unique look, so the client need not worry about quality. The customer can also choose what he wants from a variety of them, as there are shops that have many templates. At a very less cost, one can obtain a world class web site through web templates.
Thus websites designing is all about picking the right web templates, and also apply the required techniques to bring about a website that is attractive to all users.
Paul Maddox started in the Internet industry in 1998 and has held executive positions in various sales, marketing and website development.To know more visit [http://myacetemplates.net/]http://myacetemplates.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Maddox http://EzineArticles.com/?Web-Templates-Are-The-Key-To-Good-Web-Designs&id=682423
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Quick Web Site Design - How to Skip the Hard Part of Web Site Design
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize]Sean R Mize
Are you trying to make your own website but can't even go past the design stage? Do you feel stuck where you are and tempted to abandon your attempt? Before ditching this project altogether, you may want to hear about quick web site designs that can help you skip the hard part of creating a website.
You don't have to start from scratch just to create a website. A lot of affordable software packages offer ready-made templates that can easily be filled out using click-and-drag technology. They are marketed towards people who wish to build websites for personal or small business use.
If you're worried about being stuck with a non-personalized website as a result of using templates, you'll be glad to know that software packages offering quick web site design allow you, the end-user, a lot of flexibility to practice your creativity. In some cases, you can even design your own templates which you can create in a user-friendly GUI. You don't have to delve into lines of lines of source codes only someone with solid technical skills can comprehend.
You can also experiment with Javascript, CSS, Flash, Swish, and XML. Flash and Swish allow you to have colorful animated graphics as decorations. Javascript can help you insert functions in every page that can help your visitors explore your website with ease. CSS gives you the freedom to choose the color and style of text and fonts. You never have to worry about having a seemingly mass-produced website with a little effort on your part. The level of customization you can give your website is only limited by your own imagination and willingness to take risks.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide‘
Download it free here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/ezwebdesign.html]Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize http://EzineArticles.com/?Quick-Web-Site-Design---How-to-Skip-the-Hard-Part-of-Web-Site-Design&id=691331
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize]Sean R Mize
Are you trying to make your own website but can't even go past the design stage? Do you feel stuck where you are and tempted to abandon your attempt? Before ditching this project altogether, you may want to hear about quick web site designs that can help you skip the hard part of creating a website.
You don't have to start from scratch just to create a website. A lot of affordable software packages offer ready-made templates that can easily be filled out using click-and-drag technology. They are marketed towards people who wish to build websites for personal or small business use.
If you're worried about being stuck with a non-personalized website as a result of using templates, you'll be glad to know that software packages offering quick web site design allow you, the end-user, a lot of flexibility to practice your creativity. In some cases, you can even design your own templates which you can create in a user-friendly GUI. You don't have to delve into lines of lines of source codes only someone with solid technical skills can comprehend.
You can also experiment with Javascript, CSS, Flash, Swish, and XML. Flash and Swish allow you to have colorful animated graphics as decorations. Javascript can help you insert functions in every page that can help your visitors explore your website with ease. CSS gives you the freedom to choose the color and style of text and fonts. You never have to worry about having a seemingly mass-produced website with a little effort on your part. The level of customization you can give your website is only limited by your own imagination and willingness to take risks.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide‘
Download it free here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/ezwebdesign.html]Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize http://EzineArticles.com/?Quick-Web-Site-Design---How-to-Skip-the-Hard-Part-of-Web-Site-Design&id=691331
Friday, August 24, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
The Importance of E-Commerce Web Design and CSS
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Newton]Kyle Newton
Today’s technology is strengthening at a tremendous speed; the internet has become a vital resource for the majority of the population and counting. More and more people are exponentially learning to use the internet on a daily basis. The internet is a BOOMING industry as you may know.
The majority of all users out there are on some type either a desktop or a laptop computer and this has usually been the case. So designing “to fit” was never really a large issue for web developers until recently more and more users are purchasing and services there internet capable handhelds, cell phones, tablets of all shapes and sizes. The most flexible type of layout that can fit across the majority of these platforms is what is called a liquid layout. It’s a mix of html, PHP/ASP or any flavor code but most importantly CSS. CSS, short for Cascading Style Sheets, a new feature being added to HTML that gives both Web design developers and users more control over how pages are displayed. With CSS, designers and users can create style sheets that define how different elements, such as headers and links, appear.
These Style Sheets can then be applied to any Web page. This is a dynamic way to centralize the looks or style of any web site. This can also be applied when using different screen size. With your flavor of code added with CSS you can have the server displays the page to auto-detect which type of browser and or machine the viewer is looking at your site on, therefore it can auto-fit to the best perspective and layout, thus actually delivering your site to all users out there no matter what screen size or ratio they are viewing your site on. This a huge factor when developing one’s site and almost always goes overlooked when choosing a developer or firm to create your companies web site.
Now, if you do not plan ahead in the development stages you can lose a large percentage of viewers coming to your site. It’s one thing getting your traffic there, and to have a snazzy or flashy web design but allowing 100% of the viewers to actually see your site is a point this is far too often overlooked.
Kyle Newton is a professional internet marketing specialist and can launch and manage your complete web presence from [http://www.galaxywd.com] Web Design to [http://www.seo-web-services.com] SEO with professional results that make your projects, services, or products a success on the web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Newton http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-E-Commerce-Web-Design-and-CSS&id=426408
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Newton]Kyle Newton
Today’s technology is strengthening at a tremendous speed; the internet has become a vital resource for the majority of the population and counting. More and more people are exponentially learning to use the internet on a daily basis. The internet is a BOOMING industry as you may know.
The majority of all users out there are on some type either a desktop or a laptop computer and this has usually been the case. So designing “to fit” was never really a large issue for web developers until recently more and more users are purchasing and services there internet capable handhelds, cell phones, tablets of all shapes and sizes. The most flexible type of layout that can fit across the majority of these platforms is what is called a liquid layout. It’s a mix of html, PHP/ASP or any flavor code but most importantly CSS. CSS, short for Cascading Style Sheets, a new feature being added to HTML that gives both Web design developers and users more control over how pages are displayed. With CSS, designers and users can create style sheets that define how different elements, such as headers and links, appear.
These Style Sheets can then be applied to any Web page. This is a dynamic way to centralize the looks or style of any web site. This can also be applied when using different screen size. With your flavor of code added with CSS you can have the server displays the page to auto-detect which type of browser and or machine the viewer is looking at your site on, therefore it can auto-fit to the best perspective and layout, thus actually delivering your site to all users out there no matter what screen size or ratio they are viewing your site on. This a huge factor when developing one’s site and almost always goes overlooked when choosing a developer or firm to create your companies web site.
Now, if you do not plan ahead in the development stages you can lose a large percentage of viewers coming to your site. It’s one thing getting your traffic there, and to have a snazzy or flashy web design but allowing 100% of the viewers to actually see your site is a point this is far too often overlooked.
Kyle Newton is a professional internet marketing specialist and can launch and manage your complete web presence from [http://www.galaxywd.com] Web Design to [http://www.seo-web-services.com] SEO with professional results that make your projects, services, or products a success on the web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Newton http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-E-Commerce-Web-Design-and-CSS&id=426408
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
How to Start a Website Part III
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fortimer]Mark Fortimer
Once you have chosen and registered a domain name, all you have to do now is design your webpages, starting with your home page. That is always the index page, so will likely have the index.html or index.php file name in your domain directory. The secret of rapidly building up pages on your site is to get your home page right. Plan the rest of your pages on paper, as far as you can, then put the links to them on your home page.
You can use that as a template for all your other web pages, saving you having to manually type all the links onto each page. Simply delete those that you do not want on specific pages. You should have at least 10 pages on your site before you submit it to the search engines, and there are a few tricks in doing that so that you can get quick listing. You will also have to learn a bit about search engine optimization (SEO) if you want your website listed in a decent position on the major search engines.
And that is basically how to start a website. There is an initial steep learning curve, and you will learn most in the first few months. After that you will continue to learn at a slower rate, and nobody on the planet knows all there is to know about search engines and websites because the internet is fluid, and constantly changing. Search engines and website design change with it.
Do you want to learn about article marketing? Download a free guide today: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/articlewriting.html]Secrets of Article Marketing
Do you want to learn how to build a massive list fast? Click here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/listbuilding.htm]Email List Building
Want to learn more about driving traffic? Download a free traffic guide here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/tripleyourtrafficfast.htm]Traffic Generation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fortimer http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Start-a-Website-Part-III&id=657531
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fortimer]Mark Fortimer
Once you have chosen and registered a domain name, all you have to do now is design your webpages, starting with your home page. That is always the index page, so will likely have the index.html or index.php file name in your domain directory. The secret of rapidly building up pages on your site is to get your home page right. Plan the rest of your pages on paper, as far as you can, then put the links to them on your home page.
You can use that as a template for all your other web pages, saving you having to manually type all the links onto each page. Simply delete those that you do not want on specific pages. You should have at least 10 pages on your site before you submit it to the search engines, and there are a few tricks in doing that so that you can get quick listing. You will also have to learn a bit about search engine optimization (SEO) if you want your website listed in a decent position on the major search engines.
And that is basically how to start a website. There is an initial steep learning curve, and you will learn most in the first few months. After that you will continue to learn at a slower rate, and nobody on the planet knows all there is to know about search engines and websites because the internet is fluid, and constantly changing. Search engines and website design change with it.
Do you want to learn about article marketing? Download a free guide today: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/articlewriting.html]Secrets of Article Marketing
Do you want to learn how to build a massive list fast? Click here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/listbuilding.htm]Email List Building
Want to learn more about driving traffic? Download a free traffic guide here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/tripleyourtrafficfast.htm]Traffic Generation
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Fortimer http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Start-a-Website-Part-III&id=657531
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Quality Website Content
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Momber]Theresa Momber
Keep it simple. People using the internet are looking for quick easy information. Give it to them. The typical internet user wants to sift through quickly to find what they need. If they click on your site from a search engine and it takes more than about 1.5 seconds to load, there’s a good chance they’ll hit backup before they even get a chance to see what you have to offer. Resist the urge to load your site with large image files and impressive Flash files which will just drive potential traffic away. Strive to keep your load time short.
Keep it easy to read. If they wanted to read a book they’d go straight to Barnes & Noble. Keep your content short and easy to find. Long paragraphs are your enemy. Stick to short paragraphs and sentences. Make use of bullets and numbering. Make keywords bold in select locations. Use italics where appropriate. The typical web browser is skimming. Make it easy for them.
Be original. Write your own articles if at all possible. Search engines love unique content and you can improve your rankings if your site has a great deal of original content. If you are not confident in your skills as a writer, consider asking someone for help or even hire a local college student. Just give them a bullet list of points you want to make and ask them to write it up for you.
Use spell check. Any decent word processor will have a spell check function as well as a grammar check function. Make use of them. You want your website to look professional and misspelled words say to viewers that you are unprofessional, incompetent and untrustworthy. It’s harsh, but true.
Proof read. Don’t rely on spell checker alone. There are a great many spelling and grammar mistakes that word processors will not pick up. You may have a missing word, duplicate word, phrase or sentence. You may have simply used the wrong word like ‘too’ instead of ‘two.’ Get someone else to proof read for you. It’s harder to catch your own mistakes than someone else’s.
Keep it relevant. Make sure your content is consistent with the aim of your website. Make sure it is relevant to the needs of your viewer. If your website is selling garden products, it might be best to avoid writing articles about your favorite sports team. You can start a new website for that.
Keep it current. Don’t let your content get out of date. Review your articles regularly and update as needed. Check to make sure your facts are still true. If you have links to outside websites, and you should, make sure they are still active. Make sure any contact information on your site is up to date. When you are finished reviewing, start again.
To learn more please visit http://cashcrafters.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Momber http://EzineArticles.com/?Quality-Website-Content&id=675187
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Momber]Theresa Momber
Keep it simple. People using the internet are looking for quick easy information. Give it to them. The typical internet user wants to sift through quickly to find what they need. If they click on your site from a search engine and it takes more than about 1.5 seconds to load, there’s a good chance they’ll hit backup before they even get a chance to see what you have to offer. Resist the urge to load your site with large image files and impressive Flash files which will just drive potential traffic away. Strive to keep your load time short.
Keep it easy to read. If they wanted to read a book they’d go straight to Barnes & Noble. Keep your content short and easy to find. Long paragraphs are your enemy. Stick to short paragraphs and sentences. Make use of bullets and numbering. Make keywords bold in select locations. Use italics where appropriate. The typical web browser is skimming. Make it easy for them.
Be original. Write your own articles if at all possible. Search engines love unique content and you can improve your rankings if your site has a great deal of original content. If you are not confident in your skills as a writer, consider asking someone for help or even hire a local college student. Just give them a bullet list of points you want to make and ask them to write it up for you.
Use spell check. Any decent word processor will have a spell check function as well as a grammar check function. Make use of them. You want your website to look professional and misspelled words say to viewers that you are unprofessional, incompetent and untrustworthy. It’s harsh, but true.
Proof read. Don’t rely on spell checker alone. There are a great many spelling and grammar mistakes that word processors will not pick up. You may have a missing word, duplicate word, phrase or sentence. You may have simply used the wrong word like ‘too’ instead of ‘two.’ Get someone else to proof read for you. It’s harder to catch your own mistakes than someone else’s.
Keep it relevant. Make sure your content is consistent with the aim of your website. Make sure it is relevant to the needs of your viewer. If your website is selling garden products, it might be best to avoid writing articles about your favorite sports team. You can start a new website for that.
Keep it current. Don’t let your content get out of date. Review your articles regularly and update as needed. Check to make sure your facts are still true. If you have links to outside websites, and you should, make sure they are still active. Make sure any contact information on your site is up to date. When you are finished reviewing, start again.
To learn more please visit http://cashcrafters.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Momber http://EzineArticles.com/?Quality-Website-Content&id=675187
Monday, August 20, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Benefits to Hand Coding Your Website
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Chadbourne]Linda Chadbourne
Are you one of many website designers who use a popular WYSWYG (What You See Is What You Get) program? I was one of them. I blissfully made websites using the ever-popular design view and grew a very nice clientele. Due to years of experience my websites were cross-browser compatible, affordable and attractive. Life was good!!!
I became intrigued by Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) while surfing the net and decided to read about the benefits and do some tutorials. It seemed really interesting and I soon realized I could become a better designer. But there was a problem. I didn’t know anything about html (Hypertext Markup language)!
It didn’t take long to realize I was doing a disservice to my clients.
First let me list the good points about using a WYSWYG program in design view.
Small Learning Curve - With a little time, you will understand how to design a site. Unlike hand coding and learning any new language there is a learning curve which will take a bit of time to overcome.
Secondly it is faster to design a website using the design view and tables. Want the text bold, click the “B” button. Need a different font, select it from the drop-down box.
But that is where the benefits end.
Hand coding websites has many benefits.
Less Code - Less code results in smaller file sizes and faster load time.
Better SEO Results - Proper html with an external CSS style sheet allows Search Engines the freedom to focus on areas of importance without needing to sift through all kinds of meaningless code.
Maintenance and Update Ease - With CSS located in an external style sheet, updates and changes are easier and faster. If you choose to change the color of a link site-wide, you change ONE bit of CSS code in the external stylesheet. You no longer need to scan every html page to find every link.
Better Design Consistency - Because you have styled elements with CSS, you will not have any errors due to having forgotten or simply missed restyling something like a link. With consistency you have increased the chances of an enjoyable experience for the viewer. Also since all paragraphs look alike, all images are the same size, the visitors eye does not need to relearn how your website works thus delivering a very professional end product. Prior to using CSS, changing the styling of one element such as the color of a link required so much time and effort. I would have to search each page for links and hope I did not miss one.
Release all the Mysteries - Understanding html releases all the mysteries. Knowing how things work allows you to solve problems easier and also be more creative. You are no longer limited to square, blocky designs by tables restrictions.
File Size - Need another reason? The size of files should convince you.
Tables with all styling within the html: Page A = 8.8KB Page B = 10.7KB
HTML with external CSS: Page A = 6.33KB Page B = 6.33KB
HTML is the foundation and structure of a site. CSS is what gives the HTML style.
Knowing how to hand code versus using a WYSWYG program in design view gives you POWER and complete control of your website. Musicians begin by learning one note, one chord until they can play a song. To become a true hand coding designer and developer, learn one element, then another. Soon you will have a website that you can feel proud of because you did it yourself.
About the Author
Linda Chadbourne, an experienced web designer since 1998 specializing in artistic sites for small businesses. [http://www.maine-lyweb.com]Maine-ly Web Design
© 2007. This article may be reprinted freely as long as all links remain active.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Chadbourne http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-to-Hand-Coding-Your-Website&id=670063
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Chadbourne]Linda Chadbourne
Are you one of many website designers who use a popular WYSWYG (What You See Is What You Get) program? I was one of them. I blissfully made websites using the ever-popular design view and grew a very nice clientele. Due to years of experience my websites were cross-browser compatible, affordable and attractive. Life was good!!!
I became intrigued by Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) while surfing the net and decided to read about the benefits and do some tutorials. It seemed really interesting and I soon realized I could become a better designer. But there was a problem. I didn’t know anything about html (Hypertext Markup language)!
It didn’t take long to realize I was doing a disservice to my clients.
First let me list the good points about using a WYSWYG program in design view.
Small Learning Curve - With a little time, you will understand how to design a site. Unlike hand coding and learning any new language there is a learning curve which will take a bit of time to overcome.
Secondly it is faster to design a website using the design view and tables. Want the text bold, click the “B” button. Need a different font, select it from the drop-down box.
But that is where the benefits end.
Hand coding websites has many benefits.
Less Code - Less code results in smaller file sizes and faster load time.
Better SEO Results - Proper html with an external CSS style sheet allows Search Engines the freedom to focus on areas of importance without needing to sift through all kinds of meaningless code.
Maintenance and Update Ease - With CSS located in an external style sheet, updates and changes are easier and faster. If you choose to change the color of a link site-wide, you change ONE bit of CSS code in the external stylesheet. You no longer need to scan every html page to find every link.
Better Design Consistency - Because you have styled elements with CSS, you will not have any errors due to having forgotten or simply missed restyling something like a link. With consistency you have increased the chances of an enjoyable experience for the viewer. Also since all paragraphs look alike, all images are the same size, the visitors eye does not need to relearn how your website works thus delivering a very professional end product. Prior to using CSS, changing the styling of one element such as the color of a link required so much time and effort. I would have to search each page for links and hope I did not miss one.
Release all the Mysteries - Understanding html releases all the mysteries. Knowing how things work allows you to solve problems easier and also be more creative. You are no longer limited to square, blocky designs by tables restrictions.
File Size - Need another reason? The size of files should convince you.
Tables with all styling within the html: Page A = 8.8KB Page B = 10.7KB
HTML with external CSS: Page A = 6.33KB Page B = 6.33KB
HTML is the foundation and structure of a site. CSS is what gives the HTML style.
Knowing how to hand code versus using a WYSWYG program in design view gives you POWER and complete control of your website. Musicians begin by learning one note, one chord until they can play a song. To become a true hand coding designer and developer, learn one element, then another. Soon you will have a website that you can feel proud of because you did it yourself.
About the Author
Linda Chadbourne, an experienced web designer since 1998 specializing in artistic sites for small businesses. [http://www.maine-lyweb.com]Maine-ly Web Design
© 2007. This article may be reprinted freely as long as all links remain active.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Chadbourne http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-to-Hand-Coding-Your-Website&id=670063
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Productive Web Design for Your Business
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pankaj_M_Shah]Pankaj M Shah
Any business looking for a web designer will find there is a wide range of web development companies providing website development services. Simply go to your favourite search engine (Google) and type in “web design” and the results will show hundreds and thousands of website development providers. The web design industry is very competitive, so how do you find a web design company which not only offers good design but also provides a website which has a the ability to achieve good ranking on search engines?
Listed below are some important website design tips:
Meta Tag Data – There are three types of meta tag data:
Title Tag – The title tag is important for website design search engine optimisation. The title tag is used to form a part of a search engine result. It is important to keep your title tag short but also try to list the most common keywords in your web page title tag. Each web page on your website can contain a different title tag.
Keyword Tag – The keyword tag contains words or phrases that potential visitors will use in search engines to find your business website. The main text on your website should also contain these keywords. Each page on your website should focus on a specfic keyword and the text information on this page should reflect against this chosen keyword.
Description Tag – The description tag is normally placed under your title tag and should contain a short description about your business. This is an opportunity for you to sell your products and services to your potential clients. Search engines use the description tag to form a basic description of your business in search results. It is advisable to keep your description tag short and straight to the point. Get your message about your business within the first two lines of description text.
Some other useful tips:
Keep your website up to date. Old information contained on your website is OK but new information is always more informative. A good idea to is build an archive system so you can keep old information but also provide your visitors with up to date information.
Do not write an essay about your business. Try to get your text information concise and informative. Split your information in to pages if you need to have a lot of text information on your website about your business.
Make sure your website is visually appealing. In most cases what you like in terms of design and not be the same for your client base. Get you designer to create an example home page as a graphic file and have the file sent to via email. Send this file to at least 20 – 30 other people, some related to your business and people outside of your business and get some feedback. Based on the feedback you will be in a better position to direct your designer / developer.
Change the images on your website at least once a every three months. If you use images on your website try to update them with new images every three months. People who visit your website often will see that you are keeping your website up to date. Use the alt tag to add a text description of the image, the is an opportunity to add more keywords to the main body of your website.
Information about the author of this article
Pankaj Shah is the webmaster of Different Colour Productions Ltd ( http://www.dcpweb.co.uk), a UK (london) based website development business. Feel free to republish this article provided you keep this resource and the above url link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pankaj_M_Shah http://EzineArticles.com/?Productive-Web-Design-for-Your-Business&id=665768
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pankaj_M_Shah]Pankaj M Shah
Any business looking for a web designer will find there is a wide range of web development companies providing website development services. Simply go to your favourite search engine (Google) and type in “web design” and the results will show hundreds and thousands of website development providers. The web design industry is very competitive, so how do you find a web design company which not only offers good design but also provides a website which has a the ability to achieve good ranking on search engines?
Listed below are some important website design tips:
Meta Tag Data – There are three types of meta tag data:
Title Tag – The title tag is important for website design search engine optimisation. The title tag is used to form a part of a search engine result. It is important to keep your title tag short but also try to list the most common keywords in your web page title tag. Each web page on your website can contain a different title tag.
Keyword Tag – The keyword tag contains words or phrases that potential visitors will use in search engines to find your business website. The main text on your website should also contain these keywords. Each page on your website should focus on a specfic keyword and the text information on this page should reflect against this chosen keyword.
Description Tag – The description tag is normally placed under your title tag and should contain a short description about your business. This is an opportunity for you to sell your products and services to your potential clients. Search engines use the description tag to form a basic description of your business in search results. It is advisable to keep your description tag short and straight to the point. Get your message about your business within the first two lines of description text.
Some other useful tips:
Keep your website up to date. Old information contained on your website is OK but new information is always more informative. A good idea to is build an archive system so you can keep old information but also provide your visitors with up to date information.
Do not write an essay about your business. Try to get your text information concise and informative. Split your information in to pages if you need to have a lot of text information on your website about your business.
Make sure your website is visually appealing. In most cases what you like in terms of design and not be the same for your client base. Get you designer to create an example home page as a graphic file and have the file sent to via email. Send this file to at least 20 – 30 other people, some related to your business and people outside of your business and get some feedback. Based on the feedback you will be in a better position to direct your designer / developer.
Change the images on your website at least once a every three months. If you use images on your website try to update them with new images every three months. People who visit your website often will see that you are keeping your website up to date. Use the alt tag to add a text description of the image, the is an opportunity to add more keywords to the main body of your website.
Information about the author of this article
Pankaj Shah is the webmaster of Different Colour Productions Ltd ( http://www.dcpweb.co.uk), a UK (london) based website development business. Feel free to republish this article provided you keep this resource and the above url link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pankaj_M_Shah http://EzineArticles.com/?Productive-Web-Design-for-Your-Business&id=665768
Friday, August 17, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Website Development on Your Own Terms
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay]Scott Lindsay
The early days of web development saw a relatively small handful of ‘experts’ and had them seeking to find ways to make a website do what their client wanted them to do. There was very little standardized methods to make website development an easy process and each site may have been designed with customized programming that may have been totally incompatible with any other site.
When the number of programmers raised from a few hundred to more than 30,000 it became much clearer that there needed to be some cohesive way to simplify things. This process led to new partnerships and development applications that have become the standards of the day.
As new developments are unveiled they are field tested by programmers and implemented once it is clear that the methodology is workable.
In many cases these new development programs can be refined and repackaged into a form based method that allows non-tech customers to develop a website that is as functional as any other site and at a fraction of the cost.
Certainly this was not possible in 1995, but through the trial and error of more than ten years the best features have risen to the top and the have proven very useful to both programmers as well as online business.
With so many programs available to developers today it is becoming much easier to upgrade features and enhance website productivity.
Many programmers are very interested in making site developments self-directed by their customers. The reason is simply the sheer numbers of new sites that are being developed. If at least a portion of the site can be managed by the customer there are two benefits, 1) less need for one on one development for the programmer and, 2) more direct control by the website owner.
When the business owner has the capability of managing the functions of the website the faster the clarity of vision can be realized. This is largely viewed as one of the predominate features of self-directed programming on website developments.
The cost effective nature of self-directed site development has caused many to wonder why they didn’t look into this solution before. Many new start-up ecommerce sites have discovered this method to be the quickest way to provide their potential customers with the full benefit of their services.
The future of web development has a lot to do with the expectations of website owners and the demands of the consuming public. It is a safe assumption that as new technologies are required there will be programmers who can assist in its development and then work to refine the function so that ecommerce can implement the technology in a self-directed user-friendly format.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. No programming or design skill required. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay http://EzineArticles.com/?Website-Development-on-Your-Own-Terms&id=335947
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay]Scott Lindsay
The early days of web development saw a relatively small handful of ‘experts’ and had them seeking to find ways to make a website do what their client wanted them to do. There was very little standardized methods to make website development an easy process and each site may have been designed with customized programming that may have been totally incompatible with any other site.
When the number of programmers raised from a few hundred to more than 30,000 it became much clearer that there needed to be some cohesive way to simplify things. This process led to new partnerships and development applications that have become the standards of the day.
As new developments are unveiled they are field tested by programmers and implemented once it is clear that the methodology is workable.
In many cases these new development programs can be refined and repackaged into a form based method that allows non-tech customers to develop a website that is as functional as any other site and at a fraction of the cost.
Certainly this was not possible in 1995, but through the trial and error of more than ten years the best features have risen to the top and the have proven very useful to both programmers as well as online business.
With so many programs available to developers today it is becoming much easier to upgrade features and enhance website productivity.
Many programmers are very interested in making site developments self-directed by their customers. The reason is simply the sheer numbers of new sites that are being developed. If at least a portion of the site can be managed by the customer there are two benefits, 1) less need for one on one development for the programmer and, 2) more direct control by the website owner.
When the business owner has the capability of managing the functions of the website the faster the clarity of vision can be realized. This is largely viewed as one of the predominate features of self-directed programming on website developments.
The cost effective nature of self-directed site development has caused many to wonder why they didn’t look into this solution before. Many new start-up ecommerce sites have discovered this method to be the quickest way to provide their potential customers with the full benefit of their services.
The future of web development has a lot to do with the expectations of website owners and the demands of the consuming public. It is a safe assumption that as new technologies are required there will be programmers who can assist in its development and then work to refine the function so that ecommerce can implement the technology in a self-directed user-friendly format.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. HighPowerSites is the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. No programming or design skill required. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay http://EzineArticles.com/?Website-Development-on-Your-Own-Terms&id=335947
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Web Site Marketing Strategy Made Simple
By Vann Baker
Developing a web site without a Web Site Strategy is like
trying to run a business without a business plan. Having a web
site strategy and evaluating the results of your strategy will
make sure you are meeting or exceeding your goals and help
insure your web site's success.
A quick search with Google, Yahoo! or any of the search engines
will reveal millions of web sites, the majority of which were
created with a focus on publishing content about a business or
product, with little thought of how practical the web site
really is or what the site is supposed to do.
Wants vs. Needs
It's important to distinguish between wants and needs and to
focus on functionality necessary to reach specific business
goals with your web site. Developing a marketing strategy is not
just limited to your web site goals, but your overall marketing
plan and what advertising, marketing and customer service goals
are best suited for your web site.
More often than not, a web site is treated as an afterthought
without a specific purpose beyond offering basic company
information and an e- mail form. We view a web site as an
interactive extension of a company, with few limitations.
Setting Web Site Goals
The first step is to list all the specific tasks you want your
web site to accomplish. Besides offering a potential customer
information about your company, what should your web site "do?"
Should your web site help you to accomplish E-commerce? Serve as
a lead source? Distribute information to your customers? Offer
customer service? Should your web site be used as a recruitment
tool? A customer survey tool? Or for advertising and promotion?
Creating a list of priorities
As you list what you want your site to do, prioritize the list
into three categories: 1) Primary, "must do" goals, 2)
Secondary, "it would be nice if . . ." and 3) Back Burner, "if
we have to postpone this, it wouldn't hurt us."
When grouping your web site goals, keep in mind the one
overwhelming reason for having a web site in the first place and
compare it to each of the goals as you prioritize them.
After establishing clearly what a client's stated web site
goals should be, we compare these goals with a client's
expectations regarding their web site, current Internet
technology and their marketing and advertising plan.
Separating wants and needs. The final step in creating an
E-Strategy is to separate wants from needs. It's easy to want
capabilities you have seen elsewhere on the Internet, but hard
sometimes to determine if certain functionality will really help
your business.
Do you really need a chat room or a message board on your site?
Perhaps it would be more important to know who is using your web
site and how often they are coming back.
Ordering Web Site Priorities
Having your priorities outlined and your goals detailed will
help you to determine what you really need. Go through your
priority list and measure it against your web site goals. If a
web site feature you want will help you to accomplish a specific
task then include it as long as it utilizes Internet technology
or browser technology that is widely supported by today's
browsers.
If you have items on your list that don't match your web site
goals well, it's probably a good idea to hold off implementing
them. Finally, having a priority list will make it easier to
decide what to include or exclude in your web site when working
within a limited web site budget.
10 Tips for a Great Web Site
1) Making great first impressions is important and your web
site may be the first exposure to your company a potential
customer experiences. Strike a balance between content and
design.
2) Avoid focusing exclusively on graphic design rather than
making the web site useful. Give your web site visitors a reason
to visit your site often.
3) Create simple navigation. Design your site so your users can
go from one page to any other page. Avoid navigation schemes
that rely on the user having to search for a secondary
navigation menu or having to use their browser's "back" button
in order to navigate.
4) Distribute your web site information on several pages so the
user does not have to scroll often. By distributing your
photographs and graphics over several pages, your pages will
load faster.
5) Know who is coming to your site and how your site is being
used on a monthly or quarterly basis. This information will be
invaluable for updating or refocusing your site to better serve
your target market or customers.
6) Update your site frequently and create a reason for your web
site users to keep coming back. Repeat visits give you an
opportunity to repeat your marketing message.
7) Capture information with your web site. Use forms, offers,
surveys and promotions to get your web site users to tell you
who they are and what they are interested in. Not only will this
help you to design a more useful web site, collecting e-mail
addresses can allow you to notify customers and potential
customers about new products or services.
8) Avoid bells and whistles. With the web, today's fad is
tomorrow's eyesore. Invest in good graphic design and compelling
content. If you must use animations, have them stop after a few
cycles so they don't become obnoxious.
9) Review your web site goals quarterly. As the Internet
evolves and as new technology becomes mainstream, it is good to
review the purpose of your site and the usefulness of new tools
and implement these new tools when they make sense.
10) Avoid "do-it-yourself web site design." Yes, there are
programs that let you build your own web site. If you don't have
experience in graphic design or producing professional web
sites, hire a web development company with proven abilities to
help you.
About the Author: Vann Baker is the president of Design-First,
a marketing company specializing in corporate identity and
collateral development. Vann has been helping small businesses
and Fortune 500 companies to create brochures, newsletters,
catalogs, websites and more for over 20 years.
www.design-first.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Vann Baker
Developing a web site without a Web Site Strategy is like
trying to run a business without a business plan. Having a web
site strategy and evaluating the results of your strategy will
make sure you are meeting or exceeding your goals and help
insure your web site's success.
A quick search with Google, Yahoo! or any of the search engines
will reveal millions of web sites, the majority of which were
created with a focus on publishing content about a business or
product, with little thought of how practical the web site
really is or what the site is supposed to do.
Wants vs. Needs
It's important to distinguish between wants and needs and to
focus on functionality necessary to reach specific business
goals with your web site. Developing a marketing strategy is not
just limited to your web site goals, but your overall marketing
plan and what advertising, marketing and customer service goals
are best suited for your web site.
More often than not, a web site is treated as an afterthought
without a specific purpose beyond offering basic company
information and an e- mail form. We view a web site as an
interactive extension of a company, with few limitations.
Setting Web Site Goals
The first step is to list all the specific tasks you want your
web site to accomplish. Besides offering a potential customer
information about your company, what should your web site "do?"
Should your web site help you to accomplish E-commerce? Serve as
a lead source? Distribute information to your customers? Offer
customer service? Should your web site be used as a recruitment
tool? A customer survey tool? Or for advertising and promotion?
Creating a list of priorities
As you list what you want your site to do, prioritize the list
into three categories: 1) Primary, "must do" goals, 2)
Secondary, "it would be nice if . . ." and 3) Back Burner, "if
we have to postpone this, it wouldn't hurt us."
When grouping your web site goals, keep in mind the one
overwhelming reason for having a web site in the first place and
compare it to each of the goals as you prioritize them.
After establishing clearly what a client's stated web site
goals should be, we compare these goals with a client's
expectations regarding their web site, current Internet
technology and their marketing and advertising plan.
Separating wants and needs. The final step in creating an
E-Strategy is to separate wants from needs. It's easy to want
capabilities you have seen elsewhere on the Internet, but hard
sometimes to determine if certain functionality will really help
your business.
Do you really need a chat room or a message board on your site?
Perhaps it would be more important to know who is using your web
site and how often they are coming back.
Ordering Web Site Priorities
Having your priorities outlined and your goals detailed will
help you to determine what you really need. Go through your
priority list and measure it against your web site goals. If a
web site feature you want will help you to accomplish a specific
task then include it as long as it utilizes Internet technology
or browser technology that is widely supported by today's
browsers.
If you have items on your list that don't match your web site
goals well, it's probably a good idea to hold off implementing
them. Finally, having a priority list will make it easier to
decide what to include or exclude in your web site when working
within a limited web site budget.
10 Tips for a Great Web Site
1) Making great first impressions is important and your web
site may be the first exposure to your company a potential
customer experiences. Strike a balance between content and
design.
2) Avoid focusing exclusively on graphic design rather than
making the web site useful. Give your web site visitors a reason
to visit your site often.
3) Create simple navigation. Design your site so your users can
go from one page to any other page. Avoid navigation schemes
that rely on the user having to search for a secondary
navigation menu or having to use their browser's "back" button
in order to navigate.
4) Distribute your web site information on several pages so the
user does not have to scroll often. By distributing your
photographs and graphics over several pages, your pages will
load faster.
5) Know who is coming to your site and how your site is being
used on a monthly or quarterly basis. This information will be
invaluable for updating or refocusing your site to better serve
your target market or customers.
6) Update your site frequently and create a reason for your web
site users to keep coming back. Repeat visits give you an
opportunity to repeat your marketing message.
7) Capture information with your web site. Use forms, offers,
surveys and promotions to get your web site users to tell you
who they are and what they are interested in. Not only will this
help you to design a more useful web site, collecting e-mail
addresses can allow you to notify customers and potential
customers about new products or services.
8) Avoid bells and whistles. With the web, today's fad is
tomorrow's eyesore. Invest in good graphic design and compelling
content. If you must use animations, have them stop after a few
cycles so they don't become obnoxious.
9) Review your web site goals quarterly. As the Internet
evolves and as new technology becomes mainstream, it is good to
review the purpose of your site and the usefulness of new tools
and implement these new tools when they make sense.
10) Avoid "do-it-yourself web site design." Yes, there are
programs that let you build your own web site. If you don't have
experience in graphic design or producing professional web
sites, hire a web development company with proven abilities to
help you.
About the Author: Vann Baker is the president of Design-First,
a marketing company specializing in corporate identity and
collateral development. Vann has been helping small businesses
and Fortune 500 companies to create brochures, newsletters,
catalogs, websites and more for over 20 years.
www.design-first.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
10 Cool Ways To Attract People To Your Web Site
By Eugenijus Sakalauskas
1. Give people a free subscription to your e-zine. Almost
everyone is publishing a e-zine nowadays so it's important to
give something extra with the free subscription. You could offer
a free gift or advertising when people subscribe.
2. Provide your visitors with free content. Your content will
be more attractive to your visitors if it's up-to-date or
original. You could also offer people the option to reprint the
content in their e-zine or web site.
3. Offer a free online directory. The directory could be full
of interesting ebooks, e-zines, web sites etc. If people find
your directory to be a valuable resource they will visit it over
and over.
4. Give your visitors a free ebook. You could also include
your own ad in the ebook and allow other people to give it away.
If you don't want to take the time to write one, you could ask
other writers permission to use their articles.
5. Hold free online classes or seminars. They could be held in
your web site's chat room. The idea of "live" information will
definitely entice people to visit your web site. You will become
known as an expert on the topic.
6. Give visitors a free entry into your contest or
sweepstakes. The prizes should be something of interest or value
to your visitors. Most people who enter will continually revisit
your web site to get the results.
7. Let visitors download free software. It could be freeware,
shareware, demos etc. You could even turn part of your site into
a free software directory. If you created the software, include
your ad inside and let other people give it away.
8. Offer free online services or utilities from your web site.
They could be search engine submitting, copy writing
proofreading etc. The service or utility should be helpful to
your target audience.
9. Give free consulting to people who visit your web site. You
could offer your knowledge via e-mail or by telephone. People
will consider this a huge value because consulting fees can be
very expensive.
10. Give your visitors a free membership to your online club.
People want to belong to something, why not your online club.
You could also give away a free e-zine for club members only.
Quote of the Day:
"Forget the resolutions. Forget control and discipline...too
much work. Instead try experimenting. Go in search of something
to fall in love with...something about yourself, your career,
your spouse." -- Dale Dauten
About the Author: Eugenijus Sakalauskas is an established ezine
publisher and direct marketer who specializes in developing new
ideas and methods on Website Marketing & Home Business Secrets
Get FREE infomailto:pluginnetproefit@getresponse.com
Support:support@pluginnetproefit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Eugenijus Sakalauskas
1. Give people a free subscription to your e-zine. Almost
everyone is publishing a e-zine nowadays so it's important to
give something extra with the free subscription. You could offer
a free gift or advertising when people subscribe.
2. Provide your visitors with free content. Your content will
be more attractive to your visitors if it's up-to-date or
original. You could also offer people the option to reprint the
content in their e-zine or web site.
3. Offer a free online directory. The directory could be full
of interesting ebooks, e-zines, web sites etc. If people find
your directory to be a valuable resource they will visit it over
and over.
4. Give your visitors a free ebook. You could also include
your own ad in the ebook and allow other people to give it away.
If you don't want to take the time to write one, you could ask
other writers permission to use their articles.
5. Hold free online classes or seminars. They could be held in
your web site's chat room. The idea of "live" information will
definitely entice people to visit your web site. You will become
known as an expert on the topic.
6. Give visitors a free entry into your contest or
sweepstakes. The prizes should be something of interest or value
to your visitors. Most people who enter will continually revisit
your web site to get the results.
7. Let visitors download free software. It could be freeware,
shareware, demos etc. You could even turn part of your site into
a free software directory. If you created the software, include
your ad inside and let other people give it away.
8. Offer free online services or utilities from your web site.
They could be search engine submitting, copy writing
proofreading etc. The service or utility should be helpful to
your target audience.
9. Give free consulting to people who visit your web site. You
could offer your knowledge via e-mail or by telephone. People
will consider this a huge value because consulting fees can be
very expensive.
10. Give your visitors a free membership to your online club.
People want to belong to something, why not your online club.
You could also give away a free e-zine for club members only.
Quote of the Day:
"Forget the resolutions. Forget control and discipline...too
much work. Instead try experimenting. Go in search of something
to fall in love with...something about yourself, your career,
your spouse." -- Dale Dauten
About the Author: Eugenijus Sakalauskas is an established ezine
publisher and direct marketer who specializes in developing new
ideas and methods on Website Marketing & Home Business Secrets
Get FREE infomailto:pluginnetproefit@getresponse.com
Support:support@pluginnetproefit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Ten Unobvious Ideas To Pull Visitors To Your Real Estate Agent
Web Site
By Catherine Franz
The number one key to getting business in the real estate home
sales market is to be the people’s first contact. The National
Association of Realtor’s last three surveys between 1999 to 2003
said, 66% of buyers stayed with the first real estate agent they
contacted yet only 6% of this number came from web sites. This
number is rising as people become more comfortable finding their
information on the Internet. There are three ways to show your
uniqueness on the Internet: words, pictures, and interactive
activities.
What is pulling prospects to visit your web site? You have
the obvious -- strategic alliances with lenders, title reps,
home inspectors, appraisers and attorneys. Here are ten ideas
that aren't obvious.
1. Use balloons at the open house. Print an action slogan on
the balloon along with your URL -- web site address. An action
slogan is very important, otherwise people will not know what
the URL is for. When attending an outdoor event, like a fair,
carry them, place them on your children’s arm so you can find
them, and hand them out. Take the balloons to the kids baseball
games or other sports. If traveling with balloons is difficult,
call the show’s event office and find out if there is going to
be someone there with the equipment for balloon blowing. When
you get there, give them a few dollars to blow a few up for you.
You can order all sizes and balloon shapes:
http://www.gopromos.com/store/category.asp?CL=101A1276A1292
2. On brochures add an action request, such as "Search all
area homes for sale anytime." Or change "anytime" to "24/7".
If you don't have this on your brochures, go to an office supply
store and pick up some colorful Avery labels, or maybe you have
some hanging around the office, and create them yourself. Also
add your URL to that action request. Go ahead and use the
stickers for a lock box action request, "If this house doesn't
fit your needs, visit [URL] for a complete search of other homes
in this area".
3. Home-For-Sale Signage. Does your for sale front lawn or
directional signs for the open house have your web site address
on them? If not, add them with along with an action request for
all those not quite ready that are driving by, or for those that
don't have the time to stop at that particular time.
4. Community bulletin boards. Grocery stores, libraries,
community centers. Post your business cards at minimum. Create
tear off tabs small flyers that fit within their requirements
with an action request and your URL.
5. "Honk, if you want to sell your home" can be a bumper
sticker or a clear sign for the side or rear top portion of the
back window.
6. Glow in the dark banners, stickers and auto stickers. Home
signage like: Visit [URL] for complete information on this
property. Make it a glow in the dark for night time visual
effectiveness.
7. What about the times that you don't have office duty? What
about setting up a table for 3-4 hours outside the grocery
stores. Add a nice table cloth, the balloons, and a large sign,
"Ask me anything about buying a home." Or, "Ask us anything
about selling a home." Switch approaches every few hours to see
which one fits best. I don't suggest to place both out there
unless there are two of you. Create tee- shirts with the same
action request along with the URL. Use a table covering that is
the same color as the tee-shirt to help support your message and
attractiveness.
8. Transit ads. What type of transportation is available in
the areas you focus in? Is there massive transit like buses or
metro? Don't forget taxi cabs, inside and out, as well as the
taxi stands. Find out where their direct phone lines are.
Sometimes, yet rare, you can place an Avery sticker next to.
One sign works with well if you have this ability on your web
site: "Take a virtual tour of our latest properties [URL]."
9. This one is something I dreamed up and it really works.
Rig a button that people can press on the side of your car
window that gives off a recording of the latest houses you
available for sale. Then park in obvious places for people to
see the button. Add a sign on the inside of the window giving
them permission to press the button. Caution, this doesn't work
with some car alarm systems.
10. Merchants. Where do you get your dry cleaning done? Hair
cuts, massages, or other frequented stores. Do you have some
favorite restaurants? Can you stock a business card holder by
the cash register? As a previous owner of restaurants, the one
I like best is when the real estate agent paid for part of or
the whole cost of the menus. In exchange we allowed them to
create some marketing information on the menus.
Testing is always important when trying new things. In
selling real estate, uniqueness is the key. As said in the
latest National Association of Realtors 2003 survey, most people
perceive all real estate agents as being the same. But you know
you aren't. Yet, how are you showing it? Be comfortable with
being uncomfortable. Create play and fun and stretch with your
marketing. Let it be as unique as you are and then smile all
the way to the bank.
About the Author: Catherine Franz, business coach. Previously
a real estate agent and exec with National Association of
Realtors. Additional articles and ideas about marketing to
attract business: http://www.abundancecenter.com Blog:
http://abundance.blogs.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Web Site
By Catherine Franz
The number one key to getting business in the real estate home
sales market is to be the people’s first contact. The National
Association of Realtor’s last three surveys between 1999 to 2003
said, 66% of buyers stayed with the first real estate agent they
contacted yet only 6% of this number came from web sites. This
number is rising as people become more comfortable finding their
information on the Internet. There are three ways to show your
uniqueness on the Internet: words, pictures, and interactive
activities.
What is pulling prospects to visit your web site? You have
the obvious -- strategic alliances with lenders, title reps,
home inspectors, appraisers and attorneys. Here are ten ideas
that aren't obvious.
1. Use balloons at the open house. Print an action slogan on
the balloon along with your URL -- web site address. An action
slogan is very important, otherwise people will not know what
the URL is for. When attending an outdoor event, like a fair,
carry them, place them on your children’s arm so you can find
them, and hand them out. Take the balloons to the kids baseball
games or other sports. If traveling with balloons is difficult,
call the show’s event office and find out if there is going to
be someone there with the equipment for balloon blowing. When
you get there, give them a few dollars to blow a few up for you.
You can order all sizes and balloon shapes:
http://www.gopromos.com/store/category.asp?CL=101A1276A1292
2. On brochures add an action request, such as "Search all
area homes for sale anytime." Or change "anytime" to "24/7".
If you don't have this on your brochures, go to an office supply
store and pick up some colorful Avery labels, or maybe you have
some hanging around the office, and create them yourself. Also
add your URL to that action request. Go ahead and use the
stickers for a lock box action request, "If this house doesn't
fit your needs, visit [URL] for a complete search of other homes
in this area".
3. Home-For-Sale Signage. Does your for sale front lawn or
directional signs for the open house have your web site address
on them? If not, add them with along with an action request for
all those not quite ready that are driving by, or for those that
don't have the time to stop at that particular time.
4. Community bulletin boards. Grocery stores, libraries,
community centers. Post your business cards at minimum. Create
tear off tabs small flyers that fit within their requirements
with an action request and your URL.
5. "Honk, if you want to sell your home" can be a bumper
sticker or a clear sign for the side or rear top portion of the
back window.
6. Glow in the dark banners, stickers and auto stickers. Home
signage like: Visit [URL] for complete information on this
property. Make it a glow in the dark for night time visual
effectiveness.
7. What about the times that you don't have office duty? What
about setting up a table for 3-4 hours outside the grocery
stores. Add a nice table cloth, the balloons, and a large sign,
"Ask me anything about buying a home." Or, "Ask us anything
about selling a home." Switch approaches every few hours to see
which one fits best. I don't suggest to place both out there
unless there are two of you. Create tee- shirts with the same
action request along with the URL. Use a table covering that is
the same color as the tee-shirt to help support your message and
attractiveness.
8. Transit ads. What type of transportation is available in
the areas you focus in? Is there massive transit like buses or
metro? Don't forget taxi cabs, inside and out, as well as the
taxi stands. Find out where their direct phone lines are.
Sometimes, yet rare, you can place an Avery sticker next to.
One sign works with well if you have this ability on your web
site: "Take a virtual tour of our latest properties [URL]."
9. This one is something I dreamed up and it really works.
Rig a button that people can press on the side of your car
window that gives off a recording of the latest houses you
available for sale. Then park in obvious places for people to
see the button. Add a sign on the inside of the window giving
them permission to press the button. Caution, this doesn't work
with some car alarm systems.
10. Merchants. Where do you get your dry cleaning done? Hair
cuts, massages, or other frequented stores. Do you have some
favorite restaurants? Can you stock a business card holder by
the cash register? As a previous owner of restaurants, the one
I like best is when the real estate agent paid for part of or
the whole cost of the menus. In exchange we allowed them to
create some marketing information on the menus.
Testing is always important when trying new things. In
selling real estate, uniqueness is the key. As said in the
latest National Association of Realtors 2003 survey, most people
perceive all real estate agents as being the same. But you know
you aren't. Yet, how are you showing it? Be comfortable with
being uncomfortable. Create play and fun and stretch with your
marketing. Let it be as unique as you are and then smile all
the way to the bank.
About the Author: Catherine Franz, business coach. Previously
a real estate agent and exec with National Association of
Realtors. Additional articles and ideas about marketing to
attract business: http://www.abundancecenter.com Blog:
http://abundance.blogs.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Website Impressions - Be Positive Part 2
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Armen]Alex Armen
In Part One we reviewed several things to that we would avoid when creating a website. Here are some additional stand outs, that we would avoid.
Blank Space.
Many web designers try to fit in as much as possible onto a single page and in doing this the page becomes so cluttered with text boxes, images, ads, links, etc. that it becomes one big "mish-mosh" (how's that for good English?).
Give the page plenty of empty space. Make it easy to read, see and understand. Even if your writing lengthy articles group your content in order for the viewer to easily scan the page to get an overview. Of course we want the viewer to read everything, but it just doesn't work that way.
It has been shown that people like bite sized pieces and don't like very cluttered pages.
Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary.
Could it be more obvious that you should have correct spelling, proper grammar and a good vocabulary. You would be amazed at how many web sites that I look at where it looks like it was written by a "Fifth Grader". The question remains, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
Now don't misunderstand, we're not looking for a literary genius here. You don't have to be an F. Scott Fitzgerald, or an Ernest Hemingway, but you should be able to properly phrase a sentence and write so that you're not going to be laughed at.
I know that when I read the content of a web page I can quickly tell you whether this is a person or company that I would want to do business with.
And with "SPELL CHECKER' you have absolutely no excuse.
Oversized Pages.
A big "No, No" is an oversized page, in "Length" and most especially in "Width".
The length, and this is one of my faults, is not quite as big a problem, but should still be kept within reason. It has been shown that, unless there is considerable interest, most people will not scroll down to the the bottom of a very long page. Try categorizing your content and add more pages instead of going "on and on and on", on a single page.
Now the width is a whole different story. That is a definite violation of the rules. I don't know where the rules are written, but it's against the rules anyway. Having to scroll width is without question poor design and planning. People hate scrolling width.
Although computer monitors are ever changing their viewable area, my suggestion is to keep the width, at least for the moment, at around 900 pixels.
Interestingly enough, when I view my site on my older 19" monitor it takes up entire screen, however, when I look at it on my 15" laptop it takes up about 75 percent of the width.
Overall Poor Quality and Omissions.
Have you ever looked at a site with blurry pictures or graphics? Or, have you looked at a site that has so much left out and omitted that it leaves you with more questions than answers.
This is just plain sloppy work. There is absolutely no excuse for it. Yes on occasion we all make mistakes, but, if you continually see the poor quality throughout the website, as far as I'm concerned it tells me that this is a company that I'd prefer not to do business with.
Generally, the website is your first exposure to the company. If they can't put their best foot forward when they are trying to attract customers, what do you think that you're going to get once you are a customer. There is an awful lot more that we can discuss regarding negative impressions, but in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series ”Website Impressions – Be Positive” I tried to outline some of the more obvious, errors, mistakes, omissions, etc. See Part 1 - [http://www.armengraphic.com ]Website Impressions – Be Positive.
Alex Armen's background is in marketing and design. Armen Graphic Design’s foundation is based upon the premise of K.I.S.S., believing that simplicity in marketing effects the greatest returns. CONTACT US FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. For more information and an understanding of how we work go to our website. [http://www.armengraphic.com]ARMEN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Armen http://EzineArticles.com/?Website-Impressions---Be-Positive-Part-2&id=652860
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Armen]Alex Armen
In Part One we reviewed several things to that we would avoid when creating a website. Here are some additional stand outs, that we would avoid.
Blank Space.
Many web designers try to fit in as much as possible onto a single page and in doing this the page becomes so cluttered with text boxes, images, ads, links, etc. that it becomes one big "mish-mosh" (how's that for good English?).
Give the page plenty of empty space. Make it easy to read, see and understand. Even if your writing lengthy articles group your content in order for the viewer to easily scan the page to get an overview. Of course we want the viewer to read everything, but it just doesn't work that way.
It has been shown that people like bite sized pieces and don't like very cluttered pages.
Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary.
Could it be more obvious that you should have correct spelling, proper grammar and a good vocabulary. You would be amazed at how many web sites that I look at where it looks like it was written by a "Fifth Grader". The question remains, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
Now don't misunderstand, we're not looking for a literary genius here. You don't have to be an F. Scott Fitzgerald, or an Ernest Hemingway, but you should be able to properly phrase a sentence and write so that you're not going to be laughed at.
I know that when I read the content of a web page I can quickly tell you whether this is a person or company that I would want to do business with.
And with "SPELL CHECKER' you have absolutely no excuse.
Oversized Pages.
A big "No, No" is an oversized page, in "Length" and most especially in "Width".
The length, and this is one of my faults, is not quite as big a problem, but should still be kept within reason. It has been shown that, unless there is considerable interest, most people will not scroll down to the the bottom of a very long page. Try categorizing your content and add more pages instead of going "on and on and on", on a single page.
Now the width is a whole different story. That is a definite violation of the rules. I don't know where the rules are written, but it's against the rules anyway. Having to scroll width is without question poor design and planning. People hate scrolling width.
Although computer monitors are ever changing their viewable area, my suggestion is to keep the width, at least for the moment, at around 900 pixels.
Interestingly enough, when I view my site on my older 19" monitor it takes up entire screen, however, when I look at it on my 15" laptop it takes up about 75 percent of the width.
Overall Poor Quality and Omissions.
Have you ever looked at a site with blurry pictures or graphics? Or, have you looked at a site that has so much left out and omitted that it leaves you with more questions than answers.
This is just plain sloppy work. There is absolutely no excuse for it. Yes on occasion we all make mistakes, but, if you continually see the poor quality throughout the website, as far as I'm concerned it tells me that this is a company that I'd prefer not to do business with.
Generally, the website is your first exposure to the company. If they can't put their best foot forward when they are trying to attract customers, what do you think that you're going to get once you are a customer. There is an awful lot more that we can discuss regarding negative impressions, but in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series ”Website Impressions – Be Positive” I tried to outline some of the more obvious, errors, mistakes, omissions, etc. See Part 1 - [http://www.armengraphic.com ]Website Impressions – Be Positive.
Alex Armen's background is in marketing and design. Armen Graphic Design’s foundation is based upon the premise of K.I.S.S., believing that simplicity in marketing effects the greatest returns. CONTACT US FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. For more information and an understanding of how we work go to our website. [http://www.armengraphic.com]ARMEN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Armen http://EzineArticles.com/?Website-Impressions---Be-Positive-Part-2&id=652860
Friday, August 10, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Web Site Design - The Must Do's for a User Friendly Web Site Design
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize]Sean R Mize
There are large companies out there that hire graphic and web site designers to make sure that the design of their web site is the best. But not all companies can afford the fee of these designers. So if you have a business online and want to polish your web site design, here are some useful must do’s for you.
1. Flash animations are not search engine readable. So if you are using them, you are missing one important way of getting more traffic to your site. Additionally, they are usually in large files so they do not load fast. People may get bored waiting for the page to load. So get away with flash animations.
2. Also, there are times that your page may load slowly if there are a lot of texts or graphics on your web site. You can actually compress the images to make sure that your page will load even the customers are not yet done counting 1 to 5.
3. Check for broken links on your site. You know, you can lose a lot of clients if there are many links that are not working on your site. These broken links will drive away the clients from your site.
4. You can validate the HTML on your site with the use of validation services online. They can help you fix these code errors on your site. Once the HTML codes are right, you can make sure that the customers will have better experience.
5. You should also know if your site is compatible with other browsers. Of course, you would not want to lose other clients just because they are using other browsers. So have your site designed to be compatible with any browser the clients may use
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide‘
Download it free here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/ezwebdesign.html]Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize http://EzineArticles.com/?Web-Site-Design---The-Must-Dos-for-a-User-Friendly-Web-Site-Design&id=662627
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize]Sean R Mize
There are large companies out there that hire graphic and web site designers to make sure that the design of their web site is the best. But not all companies can afford the fee of these designers. So if you have a business online and want to polish your web site design, here are some useful must do’s for you.
1. Flash animations are not search engine readable. So if you are using them, you are missing one important way of getting more traffic to your site. Additionally, they are usually in large files so they do not load fast. People may get bored waiting for the page to load. So get away with flash animations.
2. Also, there are times that your page may load slowly if there are a lot of texts or graphics on your web site. You can actually compress the images to make sure that your page will load even the customers are not yet done counting 1 to 5.
3. Check for broken links on your site. You know, you can lose a lot of clients if there are many links that are not working on your site. These broken links will drive away the clients from your site.
4. You can validate the HTML on your site with the use of validation services online. They can help you fix these code errors on your site. Once the HTML codes are right, you can make sure that the customers will have better experience.
5. You should also know if your site is compatible with other browsers. Of course, you would not want to lose other clients just because they are using other browsers. So have your site designed to be compatible with any browser the clients may use
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide‘
Download it free here: [http://www.secrets-of-internet-success.com/ezwebdesign.html]Secrets of Article Promotion
Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published ebooks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize http://EzineArticles.com/?Web-Site-Design---The-Must-Dos-for-a-User-Friendly-Web-Site-Design&id=662627
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Develelopers
A Website Design Strategy That Works For Local Businesses
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons]G Michael Simmons
The number of poorly designed websites, from a business standpoint, continues to be a problem especially when a local business is the focal point of the site. The unfortunate thing is that design flaws that lead to eventual web failure are totally avoidable. The problem is that most web designers take the aesthetic approach to web design; that is design and “the professional look” takes presence over business principles.
I review a number of local business web sites for their owners, to find out why they draw little if any traffic and business. Through the years I have developed a strategy that if followed in the planning stages of a site will greatly increase the chances of that sites success. I call it InterWeb Success Strategy. It is based on a simple three step process:
1. Identify: This is the most often overlooked part of developing a website, yet it certainly is the most crucial one to guarantee success. You must be able to identify the terms and things that your potential customers are searching for that relates to your business or service. I have seen many sites that are built upon the “billboard” principle, which is “highlight what you do and hope enough people see it that the message will stick”. Sometimes that will work in the offline world, but the online world is a different animal. Online, your prospects are the hunters-you are the hunted. They know what they are looking for, what solutions they need. It is up to you to provide them the information they seek. Tools such as Wordtracker™ and Google’s Keyword Suggestion Tool are great resources to dig out your prospective customers online searches and incorporate them into your website design strategy.
2. Strategize: Now that you know what your prospects are looking for, you have to develop a plan to both bring them to your site and get them to use your services. There are a number of ways to build traffic to your site, the problem with most local businesses is that they have a misguided belief that websites are self containing cash machines. Put it up and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Like anything worthwhile, work is involved. You must plan to continually update your site, adding relative content that provides searchers with valuable information. The more you solve their immediate problem, the more inclined they will be to use you and your products/services.
3. Optimize: Once you have developed a plan in regards to your prospects needs and your products or services, you must be able to optimize your presence on the web so that your site is found. One analogy that I keep referring to with my customers is “you can build a Ritz Carlton in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and nobody will visit or know it is there”. You must think out a plan to get your site ranked as high as possible for the major keywords on your site. There are numerous ways to achieve and maintain high search engine rankings. My suggestion would be to visit your local library and check out a book on Search Engine Optimization and at least have a working knowledge on what would be the best strategy for your particular situation.
By following this simple outline you will avoid many of the pitfalls that de-rail many a local businesses sites. And your website will become a central point of your marketing efforts to grow your business, both online and offline.
The author, Michael Simmons, owned his own business for 27 years before going into web marketing. He now specializes in optimizing the web presence for local businesses through website development. You can visit his website at http://www.gmsimmons.com He also utilizes video, developing web video ads thru http://www.proweb-video.com He can be emailed at [mailto:mike@gmsimmons.com]mike@gmsimmons.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Website-Design-Strategy-That-Works-For-Local-Businesses&id=655973
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons]G Michael Simmons
The number of poorly designed websites, from a business standpoint, continues to be a problem especially when a local business is the focal point of the site. The unfortunate thing is that design flaws that lead to eventual web failure are totally avoidable. The problem is that most web designers take the aesthetic approach to web design; that is design and “the professional look” takes presence over business principles.
I review a number of local business web sites for their owners, to find out why they draw little if any traffic and business. Through the years I have developed a strategy that if followed in the planning stages of a site will greatly increase the chances of that sites success. I call it InterWeb Success Strategy. It is based on a simple three step process:
1. Identify: This is the most often overlooked part of developing a website, yet it certainly is the most crucial one to guarantee success. You must be able to identify the terms and things that your potential customers are searching for that relates to your business or service. I have seen many sites that are built upon the “billboard” principle, which is “highlight what you do and hope enough people see it that the message will stick”. Sometimes that will work in the offline world, but the online world is a different animal. Online, your prospects are the hunters-you are the hunted. They know what they are looking for, what solutions they need. It is up to you to provide them the information they seek. Tools such as Wordtracker™ and Google’s Keyword Suggestion Tool are great resources to dig out your prospective customers online searches and incorporate them into your website design strategy.
2. Strategize: Now that you know what your prospects are looking for, you have to develop a plan to both bring them to your site and get them to use your services. There are a number of ways to build traffic to your site, the problem with most local businesses is that they have a misguided belief that websites are self containing cash machines. Put it up and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Like anything worthwhile, work is involved. You must plan to continually update your site, adding relative content that provides searchers with valuable information. The more you solve their immediate problem, the more inclined they will be to use you and your products/services.
3. Optimize: Once you have developed a plan in regards to your prospects needs and your products or services, you must be able to optimize your presence on the web so that your site is found. One analogy that I keep referring to with my customers is “you can build a Ritz Carlton in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and nobody will visit or know it is there”. You must think out a plan to get your site ranked as high as possible for the major keywords on your site. There are numerous ways to achieve and maintain high search engine rankings. My suggestion would be to visit your local library and check out a book on Search Engine Optimization and at least have a working knowledge on what would be the best strategy for your particular situation.
By following this simple outline you will avoid many of the pitfalls that de-rail many a local businesses sites. And your website will become a central point of your marketing efforts to grow your business, both online and offline.
The author, Michael Simmons, owned his own business for 27 years before going into web marketing. He now specializes in optimizing the web presence for local businesses through website development. You can visit his website at http://www.gmsimmons.com He also utilizes video, developing web video ads thru http://www.proweb-video.com He can be emailed at [mailto:mike@gmsimmons.com]mike@gmsimmons.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Website-Design-Strategy-That-Works-For-Local-Businesses&id=655973
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
A Website Design Strategy That Works For Local Businesses
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons]G Michael Simmons
The number of poorly designed websites, from a business standpoint, continues to be a problem especially when a local business is the focal point of the site. The unfortunate thing is that design flaws that lead to eventual web failure are totally avoidable. The problem is that most web designers take the aesthetic approach to web design; that is design and “the professional look” takes presence over business principles.
I review a number of local business web sites for their owners, to find out why they draw little if any traffic and business. Through the years I have developed a strategy that if followed in the planning stages of a site will greatly increase the chances of that sites success. I call it InterWeb Success Strategy. It is based on a simple three step process:
1. Identify: This is the most often overlooked part of developing a website, yet it certainly is the most crucial one to guarantee success. You must be able to identify the terms and things that your potential customers are searching for that relates to your business or service. I have seen many sites that are built upon the “billboard” principle, which is “highlight what you do and hope enough people see it that the message will stick”. Sometimes that will work in the offline world, but the online world is a different animal. Online, your prospects are the hunters-you are the hunted. They know what they are looking for, what solutions they need. It is up to you to provide them the information they seek. Tools such as Wordtracker™ and Google’s Keyword Suggestion Tool are great resources to dig out your prospective customers online searches and incorporate them into your website design strategy.
2. Strategize: Now that you know what your prospects are looking for, you have to develop a plan to both bring them to your site and get them to use your services. There are a number of ways to build traffic to your site, the problem with most local businesses is that they have a misguided belief that websites are self containing cash machines. Put it up and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Like anything worthwhile, work is involved. You must plan to continually update your site, adding relative content that provides searchers with valuable information. The more you solve their immediate problem, the more inclined they will be to use you and your products/services.
3. Optimize: Once you have developed a plan in regards to your prospects needs and your products or services, you must be able to optimize your presence on the web so that your site is found. One analogy that I keep referring to with my customers is “you can build a Ritz Carlton in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and nobody will visit or know it is there”. You must think out a plan to get your site ranked as high as possible for the major keywords on your site. There are numerous ways to achieve and maintain high search engine rankings. My suggestion would be to visit your local library and check out a book on Search Engine Optimization and at least have a working knowledge on what would be the best strategy for your particular situation.
By following this simple outline you will avoid many of the pitfalls that de-rail many a local businesses sites. And your website will become a central point of your marketing efforts to grow your business, both online and offline.
The author, Michael Simmons, owned his own business for 27 years before going into web marketing. He now specializes in optimizing the web presence for local businesses through website development. You can visit his website at http://www.gmsimmons.com He also utilizes video, developing web video ads thru http://www.proweb-video.com He can be emailed at [mailto:mike@gmsimmons.com]mike@gmsimmons.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Website-Design-Strategy-That-Works-For-Local-Businesses&id=655973
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons]G Michael Simmons
The number of poorly designed websites, from a business standpoint, continues to be a problem especially when a local business is the focal point of the site. The unfortunate thing is that design flaws that lead to eventual web failure are totally avoidable. The problem is that most web designers take the aesthetic approach to web design; that is design and “the professional look” takes presence over business principles.
I review a number of local business web sites for their owners, to find out why they draw little if any traffic and business. Through the years I have developed a strategy that if followed in the planning stages of a site will greatly increase the chances of that sites success. I call it InterWeb Success Strategy. It is based on a simple three step process:
1. Identify: This is the most often overlooked part of developing a website, yet it certainly is the most crucial one to guarantee success. You must be able to identify the terms and things that your potential customers are searching for that relates to your business or service. I have seen many sites that are built upon the “billboard” principle, which is “highlight what you do and hope enough people see it that the message will stick”. Sometimes that will work in the offline world, but the online world is a different animal. Online, your prospects are the hunters-you are the hunted. They know what they are looking for, what solutions they need. It is up to you to provide them the information they seek. Tools such as Wordtracker™ and Google’s Keyword Suggestion Tool are great resources to dig out your prospective customers online searches and incorporate them into your website design strategy.
2. Strategize: Now that you know what your prospects are looking for, you have to develop a plan to both bring them to your site and get them to use your services. There are a number of ways to build traffic to your site, the problem with most local businesses is that they have a misguided belief that websites are self containing cash machines. Put it up and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Like anything worthwhile, work is involved. You must plan to continually update your site, adding relative content that provides searchers with valuable information. The more you solve their immediate problem, the more inclined they will be to use you and your products/services.
3. Optimize: Once you have developed a plan in regards to your prospects needs and your products or services, you must be able to optimize your presence on the web so that your site is found. One analogy that I keep referring to with my customers is “you can build a Ritz Carlton in the middle of the Mojave Desert, and nobody will visit or know it is there”. You must think out a plan to get your site ranked as high as possible for the major keywords on your site. There are numerous ways to achieve and maintain high search engine rankings. My suggestion would be to visit your local library and check out a book on Search Engine Optimization and at least have a working knowledge on what would be the best strategy for your particular situation.
By following this simple outline you will avoid many of the pitfalls that de-rail many a local businesses sites. And your website will become a central point of your marketing efforts to grow your business, both online and offline.
The author, Michael Simmons, owned his own business for 27 years before going into web marketing. He now specializes in optimizing the web presence for local businesses through website development. You can visit his website at http://www.gmsimmons.com He also utilizes video, developing web video ads thru http://www.proweb-video.com He can be emailed at [mailto:mike@gmsimmons.com]mike@gmsimmons.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G_Michael_Simmons http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Website-Design-Strategy-That-Works-For-Local-Businesses&id=655973
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