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Do You Know What Content Marketing Is?

Written by Peter Beare on .

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Our company has traditionally worked closely with our client base to ensure that they fully utilize their content management system (Joomla). This maximizes their website results and their visitors experience on the website.  We have done this primarily by teaching classes – both formal classes and onsite training. Additionally, we have provided a “how to” support role to ensure that the client has a great looking and functioning website. As well as the content updated with fresh, up to date and relevant information.  This is not only great for website visitors and but also great for Google. The content on your website determines your search engine and keyword positioning. This determines how many prospects you are reaching (Google is all about the prospect!).

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Responsive Design

Written by Dana Bryson on .

Responsive-Web-Design-Bear-Web-Design.jpg

We do our best to help you  “Go Responsive … Responsibly.” When we build websites with responsive design at Bear Web Design we focus on what a mobile, tablet or desktop visitor is wanting to accomplish.  Working with our clients we try to create a user experience that is optimal in varying device sizes. 

Some Key Quotes from Article: 

What Makes a Responsive Website Design Successful?

It’s not just about resizing the site. Responsive design should serve the user’s needs clearly, quickly, and intuitively. The quote below summarizes one of the most overlooked principles:

“…viewing websites on mobile devices is generally quite slow, most people are reluctant to start tapping all over a page. This means that design must make it visually clear what elements on the site allow for user interactions. Buttons, links, form fields and other points of user interaction must be large enough to be clicked easily, and spaced far enough away from other page elements that users don’t risk clicking the wrong elements.”
— Website Magazine

Practical Mobile UX Tips

Here’s another takeaway from the article that speaks directly to menu usability:

“A safer approach for many sites will be to use a drop-down or ‘select’ menu. The user simply clicks the menu and scrolls to the selection (or category) of interest.”

In other words, design should guide interaction—especially on mobile. Clear labels, tappable elements, and thoughtful spacing aren’t just design choices; they’re usability essentials.

The Importance of Responsive Design

“… viewing websites on mobile devices is generally quite slow, most people are reluctant to start tapping all over a page. This means that design must make it visually clear what elements on the site allow for user interactions. Buttons, links, form fields and other points of user interaction must be large enough to be clicked easily, and spaced far enough away from other page elements that users don’t risk clicking the wrong elements.”

“A safer approach for many sites will be to use a drop-down or “select” menu. The user simply clicks the menu and scrolls to the selection (or category) of interest.”

Mobile Website Usage Continues To Grow!

Written by Peter Beare on .

Bear Web Design Ofers support for e-NEWS Design & Marketing,

If you are like me, in the last 24 months or so you most likely have started using your mobile phone more and more for browsing the Internet.  Larger mobile screens, voice recognition software, and better wi-fi access are just a few of the advances that have made this possible. Let’s explore how mobile website usage continues to grow!

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What is Google AdWords?

Written by Peter Beare on .

Google Adwords with Bear Web Design

Recently I had a prospect ask me to focus (almost exclusively) on improving their Google Search Engine positioning based on key words. The belief of the prospect was that you can manipulate results on Google easily and quickly. Regardless of your website (and its design), this methodology (known as Search Engine Optimization) could be implemented very easily. So, what is Google AdWords?

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Do You Know What Google+ Is?

Written by Peter Beare on .

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This week I presented Google+  to a lunch and learn session for the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. Google+ (pronounced and sometimes written as Google Plus or G+) is Google’s social media network. I spent quite a bit of time preparing for the presentation as I have only been using Google + for the last 3 months or so and I was curious about what level of interest there was going to be.  Based on the lively group with many questions, comments, and feedback from my presentation, it is apparent that people are definitely starting to focus on Google’s social media network. 

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What is a Plugin, a Module and a Component in Joomla?

Written by Dana Bryson on .

Joomla Web Content Management with Bear Web Design

Joomla Components, Modules and Plugins can have a great influence on your final website design. They can enhance your website design ranging from interesting content such as blogs to desired action items such as purchasing a product.  Some of you may already know what these additional pieces of Joomla are… But for those clients or future clients that are new to Bear Web Design and Joomla! lingo, here’s an introduction.

What Is a Component in Joomla?

A component in Joomla! is the most complex add-on. This usually adds a completely new, or different, function to your site. A component handles data input and storage into the database.

Some Examples:

  • An Online Store System
  • A Blogging System
  • A Business Directory
  • An Advertising System
  • A Slideshow or Photo Gallery

What Is a Module in Joomla?

A module in Joomla! is usually an add-on to the site that extends the functionality of another part of the system. It usually has fewer options and most of the time does not handle any storing of information into the database. A module usually supports a component by allowing more options on how to display data from the component.  Modules are the most commonly referred to in a design meeting environment at Bear Web Design.  Many modules can be customized to fit your color-scheme and style.

Some Examples:

  • A module that shows a visitor their account info, shopping cart, and or login/logout info. (Works with a store component.)
  • A recent blog area or featured blog listing. (Works with a blog component.)
  • An advertisement area that holds an advertising banner. (Works with an advertising system component.)
  • A mini calendar. (Works with an Events component.)
  • Customized Quick link buttons. (Works with Joomla! menus.)
  • A slideshow on the homepage. (Works with a slideshow component.)
  • Search Box (core Joomla!).

What Is a Plugin in Joomla?

A Plugin in Joomla! will manipulate output already generated by the system. It typically does not run as a stand-alone element but retrieves data from other sources like content on your site.

Some Examples:

  • Search Plug-in (works with components, to make some of their data able to be searched within the entire site)
  • Simple Image Gallery – pulls images from a folder in a database and displays those images when called into an article.
  • Article Editor Plug-ins – allow for embedding of special media such as iframes, videos, etc.

How Plugins, Modules, and Components Work Together

It is also good to know that modules and components are great ways to provide interaction with your website visitors.

These items are important to know when starting or redesigning a Joomla! website. In a design meeting these will help express how you would like your site to look and function.

Have questions?

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What is Responsive Website Design?

Written by Peter Beare on .

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2013 has been declared the year of Responsive Design in many web circles. If you haven’t heard of  Responsive Design yet, you will soon. The reason it was created and gaining popularity is because of the need to optimize websites on different devices. These include mobile, tablet,  laptop & desktop, with the growth of the mobile and tablet markets being the driving force for Responsive Design. 

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