So blog, blogger, blogging… What’s all the fuss about? Does social media really level the playing field for small business? As I am writing this post, there are 2,503,650,356,302,700 internet users. According to worldometers.info, that number is increasing at a rate of approximately 1 user per second. With that information, all I can say is, if you want access to the eyes and ears of millions of consumers, just blog!
As a designer, I refer to functionality on a daily basis. I truly believe in having a well-designed website. However, if it doesn’t have functionality, it is just a pretty image on a computer screen. But first, what is functionality?
As we enter a new year, and many of our clients are reviewing their websites and marketing plans for 2012, I have found myself repeating this line above in both client and prospect meetings: It is not “Intent” it is “Content” that Google Ranks your website on.
What Are the Key Factors When Selecting a Web Design Company? This seems like a very broad question. I don’t think it needs to be. Here are some things I would recommend looking for:
Teaching a Web Content Management class recently I included a “jargon” take home test that was handed to our attendees at the end of the class. I have always been very sensitive to computer jargon since my college days – where I studied computer science. I actually have always been uncomfortable with using it – in particular when you know the jargon to be confusing to the person that is not an actual computer geek. It is important to learn the web jargon to empower yourself.
Over the last year in particular I have really become aware of the important connection between a website owner and their website. The arrival of Content Management Systems have provided website owners with the opportunity to update their websites directly. In my opinion (and most important), allowing the website owner to be an active participant in the process. Great websites require great team work.
If you were asked today how did your website perform this year could you give an informed, statistical answer? Websites are now a key component of most business. Understanding how this area performed, and what changes or improvements might be needed should be at least an annual part of business planning.
In the domain world (the world that is constantly changing). There are some handy domain tools that can help you keep ahead of the game. In particular, there is a website called “Snapnames.com” that provides several domain services. However, none greater than being able to place a backorder on an existing (and taken) domain name…
Analysis & Communication – A Key Ingredient in Designing A Great Website. Of all the areas of web design and development that I enjoy the most – our Web Design meetings really rank highly for the part they play in ensuring a great website result for the client. The key to those meetings is analysis before hand (usually the sales process and preparation for the design meeting). Then, great open communication with your client during the design meeting.
Have you ever visited a website that, the minute it opened, you said “Wow!” or “I like this site!”? I actually do this every time I visit a great looking website.