4 Most Common Web Site Templates Mistakes
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Dow]John Dow
Using a web site template right out of the box is a very common mistake new web designer’s make. One of the cool things about the web is that it’s so visual. Using a web site design template can save any new web developer a lot of time and effort. But like any tool, you can get into trouble if you don’t pay attention.
Color combinations, layout, and graphics are the key design elements in any web site template. Each web site should be designed around the subject matter, ease of use, and accomplish any special goals or end result. A lot of new web site designers get lost in the visual effects, which can have negative effects on user friendliness and search engine optimization.
If you look at some of the most popular web sites, the common element is simplicity and ease of navigation. There are few dancing bears, flash intros, or exploding special effects. And almost everyone has text navigation for the most part. They may have some very well designed graphics, and a few design elements but keep it simple for the user.
User friendliness and easy navigation should adhere to the two-click rule. This is a simple rule that implies any user should be able to find what they want on any given web site in two clicks. With the short attention span and impatient attitude of most surfers, you need to give them what they want fast. You normally only have about 5 seconds to grab their attention.
I use templates a lot to save time and effort on a new design. Some I’ve developed myself, some I’ve bought that give me at least a 70% solution. They may have some graphics that go with my subject matter and/or some colors and layout that suit my purpose for the web site. But they also may be missing some key elements.
Most web site templates have great visual effects and good color combinations. But many lack several important elements for both users and our friends the search engines. Here’s a list of common mistakes I see all the time when a web designer uses a web site template.
1. Navigation – Menu issues
2. No Sitemap
3. Ignoring the fold position
4. No H1 or H2 designated headline and sub headlines
Graphic, pull down, popup or other methods of displaying menus can look good but sometimes confuse the user and are invisible to the search engine bots. These are two good reasons to use a text menu somewhere that show all necessary navigation links.
Sitemaps are important for the same reason as above. Both users and search engines can see a snapshot of everything on your web site and get to it quickly. This improves your chances to get indexed quickly and gives the user that two click ability.
The fold position is where the bottom of the monitor breaks off the view of the page. All important information should be displayed above that line if at all possible. Don’t make the user scroll if it’s not necessary. Any navigation, special links, attention getters, or critical information should always display above the fold line.
H1 and H2 designate important info to the search engine bot. A common good search engine optimization is to put your keywords in the first headline that the user sees. Of course the headline should also induce the reader to continue to read the web page.
It’s pretty easy to fix all these issues during the initial design stage. Even though I’ve created 100’s of web sites I still use a checklist. The devils in the details and everything you can do to make it easy for the user and the search engines, the more successful your web site will be.
A web site template can be a big time saver but you need to insure that the end result has all the necessary features both users and the search engines. Make your web site both user and search engine friendly by making these small changes or additions.
John Dow owns [http://www.FPTemplates.net/]http://www.FPTemplates.net/, a website that sells a great set of FrontPage web site templates and tools package. Don’t pay $30-$150 for just one template when you can get 125 for $29.95. Click here to learn more: [http://www.fptemplates.net ]Web Site Templates Package.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dow http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Most-Common-Web-Site-Templates-Mistakes&id=355348
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Basics of a Great Website Design
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Grace_Alexa]Grace Alexa
Building a good looking website can involve a lot of time
and energy. There are quite a few website design and
website development articles that can make it easy to design
a creative and functional website.
There are quite a few techniques we use to create a good
looking websites. A great looking web design (or website
design) required attention to details, careful consideration of
your business and also what your competitors have been
doing.
Some of the techniques we use while creating a website
design are:
1. Website Development and Branding: Every
website design requires new logo and branding. When a
visitor comes to your website they first thing they look at is
your branding. You have to ensure that the logo you choose
highlights your company branding, essence and ethics. A
website design without the right logo is like a body without a
soul. If you look at some of the most successful websites,
you will notice that their logo has become their brand and
everyone recognise their logo.
2. Select the right images for your Website Design:
We all know that a photo is worth a thousand words. A
good photography can make an ordinary website design
into a creative looking web design. You can easily use a
photo to highlight your business, services and other sections
of your website.
3. Learn about website design: It is worthwhile to
do some research about website design and web
development across the web. Try and learn about web
development from experts and successful organisations.
Visit some websites you like and try and analyze the
concepts in their website design that attracts you to those
websites. The next thing to consider is how you can use
those concepts to suits your business and implement them in
website design and web development for your website.
4. Website Development and Cool colours: Make
sure that the colours you use in your website design are nice
and attractive. Use colours that are easy on eyes and
colours that are nice and attractive. Also make sure that the
colours you use don’t repel your customers. For example, a
website that targets visitors from South Asia should not
have red colours as red colour might offend visitors from
some South Asian countries. Thus you will avoid using
colours in your website design or website development that
might offend your users.
The above mentioned ideas just a few of many that you
have to consider when working on a website. Make sure
that the website designer you use understands these issues
and implement them in your web design and website
development.
Author’s Bio: - Grace is an associate editor to the website
http://www.sigmainfotech.com.au/. Sigma InfoTech is an
Australian based Website Development firm for small and
medium business, specialising in Website Developer,
Application Development, and Web Development.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Alexa
http://EzineArticles.com/?Basics-of-a-Great-Website-Design&id=712526
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Grace_Alexa]Grace Alexa
Building a good looking website can involve a lot of time
and energy. There are quite a few website design and
website development articles that can make it easy to design
a creative and functional website.
There are quite a few techniques we use to create a good
looking websites. A great looking web design (or website
design) required attention to details, careful consideration of
your business and also what your competitors have been
doing.
Some of the techniques we use while creating a website
design are:
1. Website Development and Branding: Every
website design requires new logo and branding. When a
visitor comes to your website they first thing they look at is
your branding. You have to ensure that the logo you choose
highlights your company branding, essence and ethics. A
website design without the right logo is like a body without a
soul. If you look at some of the most successful websites,
you will notice that their logo has become their brand and
everyone recognise their logo.
2. Select the right images for your Website Design:
We all know that a photo is worth a thousand words. A
good photography can make an ordinary website design
into a creative looking web design. You can easily use a
photo to highlight your business, services and other sections
of your website.
3. Learn about website design: It is worthwhile to
do some research about website design and web
development across the web. Try and learn about web
development from experts and successful organisations.
Visit some websites you like and try and analyze the
concepts in their website design that attracts you to those
websites. The next thing to consider is how you can use
those concepts to suits your business and implement them in
website design and web development for your website.
4. Website Development and Cool colours: Make
sure that the colours you use in your website design are nice
and attractive. Use colours that are easy on eyes and
colours that are nice and attractive. Also make sure that the
colours you use don’t repel your customers. For example, a
website that targets visitors from South Asia should not
have red colours as red colour might offend visitors from
some South Asian countries. Thus you will avoid using
colours in your website design or website development that
might offend your users.
The above mentioned ideas just a few of many that you
have to consider when working on a website. Make sure
that the website designer you use understands these issues
and implement them in your web design and website
development.
Author’s Bio: - Grace is an associate editor to the website
http://www.sigmainfotech.com.au/. Sigma InfoTech is an
Australian based Website Development firm for small and
medium business, specialising in Website Developer,
Application Development, and Web Development.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_Alexa
http://EzineArticles.com/?Basics-of-a-Great-Website-Design&id=712526
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Scope and Features of Website Design and Application Development in India
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Varun_Saxena]Varun Saxena
Nowadays, most of the web application development projects fizzle or remain unsuccessful in fulfilling user's requirements. If somehow projects are completed, then they go beyond the set budgets and time lines.
Scope of the Web Application
Prior to start developing a web application, scope of the application should be thoroughly analyzed and documented, considering the users of the product, it's benefits to them, etc..
Competitor Analysis
Review competitor's websites, figure out the goods and bads in the other website. This will help you to know the dos and don'ts which can lead your application overtake your competitors. Additionally you can consider other functionalities that you can add in your web application.
Practical Solutions
Don't rush towards web application development process, before starting the process, thoroughly estimate the time in man- hours, resources needed, etc.. Document everything you discuss, allot and your micro parts of the applications and all complexities involved. This will surely help in making your project a success.
Don't Push your schedule
It is suggested not to push the development process or prepone the schedule for marketing reasons. Modifications in the schedule may lead to several bugs, which may cost even more than the estimated. Hurrying your programmer to complete the modules before the time specified for that, can not help the application development a success. If you are managing the project keep the original estimated time and the development plan and not the exigency.
Quality Testing
Test your application with different possible and impossible parameters as many times as you can. Intensive testing is needed in this competitive product world. Use effective testing tools and methods that most appropriately works with your applications.
Besides product or module testing, everybody involved in the process should follow the standards and procedures of the company. If your team does not have a good stand on Quality you can not achieve quality web application.
Be a little more careful and particular, I am sure your application will be a success. [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/WebDesign/WebsiteDesign.html]Web Design India and [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/WebDesign/ApplicationDevelopment.html]Web Application Development India are the main solutions which are provided by Dimension India Seo Company.
This Article is published by Varun Saxena, SEM Consultant for Dimensioni [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/]SEO Company India
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Varun_Saxena http://EzineArticles.com/?Scope-and-Features-of-Website-Design-and-Application-Development-in-India&id=680969
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Varun_Saxena]Varun Saxena
Nowadays, most of the web application development projects fizzle or remain unsuccessful in fulfilling user's requirements. If somehow projects are completed, then they go beyond the set budgets and time lines.
Scope of the Web Application
Prior to start developing a web application, scope of the application should be thoroughly analyzed and documented, considering the users of the product, it's benefits to them, etc..
Competitor Analysis
Review competitor's websites, figure out the goods and bads in the other website. This will help you to know the dos and don'ts which can lead your application overtake your competitors. Additionally you can consider other functionalities that you can add in your web application.
Practical Solutions
Don't rush towards web application development process, before starting the process, thoroughly estimate the time in man- hours, resources needed, etc.. Document everything you discuss, allot and your micro parts of the applications and all complexities involved. This will surely help in making your project a success.
Don't Push your schedule
It is suggested not to push the development process or prepone the schedule for marketing reasons. Modifications in the schedule may lead to several bugs, which may cost even more than the estimated. Hurrying your programmer to complete the modules before the time specified for that, can not help the application development a success. If you are managing the project keep the original estimated time and the development plan and not the exigency.
Quality Testing
Test your application with different possible and impossible parameters as many times as you can. Intensive testing is needed in this competitive product world. Use effective testing tools and methods that most appropriately works with your applications.
Besides product or module testing, everybody involved in the process should follow the standards and procedures of the company. If your team does not have a good stand on Quality you can not achieve quality web application.
Be a little more careful and particular, I am sure your application will be a success. [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/WebDesign/WebsiteDesign.html]Web Design India and [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/WebDesign/ApplicationDevelopment.html]Web Application Development India are the main solutions which are provided by Dimension India Seo Company.
This Article is published by Varun Saxena, SEM Consultant for Dimensioni [http://www.dimensioniseo.com/]SEO Company India
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Varun_Saxena http://EzineArticles.com/?Scope-and-Features-of-Website-Design-and-Application-Development-in-India&id=680969
Monday, September 3, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
Using an Agency to Design Your Website
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Judith_Sternson]Judith Sternson
Hiring an agency to create a custom web site design can be a huge benefit for your business. Most people will not return to your web site without having an agency designed web site. In order to achieve ideal results, it would work to your benefit to hire a web design agency because the best possible outcome for the company's profits will be produced.
In order to broaden the increasing amount of customers, web agency designs will benefit and increase the marketing horizons. On top of reaching more people, having a web design agency create your web site will give your business a more professional and credible reputation. First impressions are sometimes the only impressions so a web design agency will work to your benefit if you wish to compete with other companies with similarities and services.
If you want your web site to be more unique and creative it may be beneficial to have a custom web design as opposed to a business web design. Custom web designs will benefit your business and will stick out in the minds of the potential customers. You will be able to focus your web design on a clear objective.
There are numerous web design software programs that are on the market but none of them will produce a unique design because of the common templates used. A design agency will take your individual and professional preferences and show it on your web site. To get an edge in such a competitive business world, a web design agency is a must.
The agency will benefit your web site by allowing you to have a great deal of input and creativity to your design. This uniqueness will stand out to potential customers and give you an advantage over your competitors and benefit your bottom line.
Written by Judith Sternson Amerson. Find the latest [http://www.dolphinpromotions.co.uk/]Web Design Agency or find out more information on [http://www.dolphinpromotions.co.uk/webdesign.asp]Web Design Manchester.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judith_Sternson http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-an-Agency-to-Design-Your-Website&id=709984
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Judith_Sternson]Judith Sternson
Hiring an agency to create a custom web site design can be a huge benefit for your business. Most people will not return to your web site without having an agency designed web site. In order to achieve ideal results, it would work to your benefit to hire a web design agency because the best possible outcome for the company's profits will be produced.
In order to broaden the increasing amount of customers, web agency designs will benefit and increase the marketing horizons. On top of reaching more people, having a web design agency create your web site will give your business a more professional and credible reputation. First impressions are sometimes the only impressions so a web design agency will work to your benefit if you wish to compete with other companies with similarities and services.
If you want your web site to be more unique and creative it may be beneficial to have a custom web design as opposed to a business web design. Custom web designs will benefit your business and will stick out in the minds of the potential customers. You will be able to focus your web design on a clear objective.
There are numerous web design software programs that are on the market but none of them will produce a unique design because of the common templates used. A design agency will take your individual and professional preferences and show it on your web site. To get an edge in such a competitive business world, a web design agency is a must.
The agency will benefit your web site by allowing you to have a great deal of input and creativity to your design. This uniqueness will stand out to potential customers and give you an advantage over your competitors and benefit your bottom line.
Written by Judith Sternson Amerson. Find the latest [http://www.dolphinpromotions.co.uk/]Web Design Agency or find out more information on [http://www.dolphinpromotions.co.uk/webdesign.asp]Web Design Manchester.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judith_Sternson http://EzineArticles.com/?Using-an-Agency-to-Design-Your-Website&id=709984
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Illusion Technologies: Web Site Developers
5 Web Site Development Tips to Turn the Tide In Your Favor
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Cahill]Theresa Cahill
It always pays to be on the alert for sage advice from others, and recently I found something that got me thinking... and now sharing... with you.
In a nutshell, say you want to put together a website of any type - affiliate, shopping, books, clothing, retail, wholesale, etc.
Before you start ask yourself this most important question, "Who will be my competition?"
The answer is simple. Online you are up against the Barnes & Noble's, the Amazon's, the Wal-Mart's... the list is endless.
Will your little website scarf the business away from these biggies? Of course not. Don't even dream.
So what can you do? Here are five ideas to get your web site designed in the right direction:
1. Develop a website designed to draw your visitors in. Since you can't be the best in terms of traffic and pricing (not up against the giants of your industry) you need to come at your business from the opposite direction. For every customer you draw to your site, give them a reason to stick around and then come back for more. Free stuff works like a charm. But make sure it is quality free stuff or you're missing the point.
2. Pick a niche. Versus trying for a conglomerate of everything do your homework and research specifics! Be the only one on your block that provides CDE (not ABC) widgets. If they can only get them from you, or you have the best source, they must come to you. The narrower you focus your site, on keywords and terms people are searching for, the greater you up your odds of being successful online.
3. Speaking of keywords, pick the right ones. If you go to great lengths to design and develop the prettiest, best, etc., website all about XYZ widgets, but no one is looking for them, what good will that do you? Not a darn lick of good. So do your homework first, then set to the task of developing your website around searched-for terms.
4. Maybe you're coming at making money online from the wrong direction. Versus products and stuff, where once again people can go to Barnes & Noble or Wal-Mart, what the internet provides is the perfect arena for savvy marketers to develop informational websites. Think about it... students, teachers, your mother and aunts and uncles all get online to LOOK THINGS UP right? Why not develop first a site that supplies that searched for information and then, on the side, suggests products and services to further that cause? It's easier to get someone to first come read then to come buy - especially if you're an unknown starting out.
5. Have a plan and set aside a budget. Most people love the idea of having their own spot on the web, but if it can't be found among the billions (yes billions) of other web pages, what good is it? Marketing and advertising takes money, patience, and persistence - in that order! - to develop website recognition. Think about these costs before you pour your heart into your design. To "break even" online means covering your hosting, your design (time or hired help), product inclusion, research (again time which is money) and marketing and advertising. Too often hundreds if not thousands of dollars are spent up front only to leave the proud but now poor website owner without the means to market and advertise. A website gathering dust is no website at all.
Having your own spot online - and making money from that spot for some - is the goal and dream of many internet users. The reality is yes your dream can go from rambling around inside your brain to a "physically virtual" place online. Just be sure to do your homework up front to develop that website you've been dreaming about!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Theresa Cahill and her partner Jeff Greer invite you to make wise decisions when planning your next online move. [http://www.moltenmarketing.com]Marketing strategy is a skill not luck. Come visit us at [http://www.moltenmarketing.com]Molten Marketing for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Cahill
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Web-Site-Development-Tips-to-Turn-the-Tide-In-Your-Favor&id=648300
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Cahill]Theresa Cahill
It always pays to be on the alert for sage advice from others, and recently I found something that got me thinking... and now sharing... with you.
In a nutshell, say you want to put together a website of any type - affiliate, shopping, books, clothing, retail, wholesale, etc.
Before you start ask yourself this most important question, "Who will be my competition?"
The answer is simple. Online you are up against the Barnes & Noble's, the Amazon's, the Wal-Mart's... the list is endless.
Will your little website scarf the business away from these biggies? Of course not. Don't even dream.
So what can you do? Here are five ideas to get your web site designed in the right direction:
1. Develop a website designed to draw your visitors in. Since you can't be the best in terms of traffic and pricing (not up against the giants of your industry) you need to come at your business from the opposite direction. For every customer you draw to your site, give them a reason to stick around and then come back for more. Free stuff works like a charm. But make sure it is quality free stuff or you're missing the point.
2. Pick a niche. Versus trying for a conglomerate of everything do your homework and research specifics! Be the only one on your block that provides CDE (not ABC) widgets. If they can only get them from you, or you have the best source, they must come to you. The narrower you focus your site, on keywords and terms people are searching for, the greater you up your odds of being successful online.
3. Speaking of keywords, pick the right ones. If you go to great lengths to design and develop the prettiest, best, etc., website all about XYZ widgets, but no one is looking for them, what good will that do you? Not a darn lick of good. So do your homework first, then set to the task of developing your website around searched-for terms.
4. Maybe you're coming at making money online from the wrong direction. Versus products and stuff, where once again people can go to Barnes & Noble or Wal-Mart, what the internet provides is the perfect arena for savvy marketers to develop informational websites. Think about it... students, teachers, your mother and aunts and uncles all get online to LOOK THINGS UP right? Why not develop first a site that supplies that searched for information and then, on the side, suggests products and services to further that cause? It's easier to get someone to first come read then to come buy - especially if you're an unknown starting out.
5. Have a plan and set aside a budget. Most people love the idea of having their own spot on the web, but if it can't be found among the billions (yes billions) of other web pages, what good is it? Marketing and advertising takes money, patience, and persistence - in that order! - to develop website recognition. Think about these costs before you pour your heart into your design. To "break even" online means covering your hosting, your design (time or hired help), product inclusion, research (again time which is money) and marketing and advertising. Too often hundreds if not thousands of dollars are spent up front only to leave the proud but now poor website owner without the means to market and advertise. A website gathering dust is no website at all.
Having your own spot online - and making money from that spot for some - is the goal and dream of many internet users. The reality is yes your dream can go from rambling around inside your brain to a "physically virtual" place online. Just be sure to do your homework up front to develop that website you've been dreaming about!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Theresa Cahill and her partner Jeff Greer invite you to make wise decisions when planning your next online move. [http://www.moltenmarketing.com]Marketing strategy is a skill not luck. Come visit us at [http://www.moltenmarketing.com]Molten Marketing for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Cahill
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Web-Site-Development-Tips-to-Turn-the-Tide-In-Your-Favor&id=648300
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