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Tag: Bear Web Design

Google My Business (My Goodness): How Local Search Drives Customer Traffic

Written by Peter Beare on .

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 If you are reading this blog, you must recognize that Google “Rules The Waves” just like Britannia did once.  Unlike when Britannia ruled the waves and everyone got it so many folks simply do not understand or comprehend the control and influence Google has over your business and many of your prospects. Google is all powerful and frankly all confusing. We (Bear Web Design) made a commitment to be Google Centric Company approximately 5 years ago and it has been a good decision for our business and our customers – but man if you don’t like people “Moving Your Cheese” Google probably is not going to be your thing.

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Google Introducing “Mobile-Friendly” Tag Search Results

Written by Peter Beare on .

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While sitting in line last month to get my annual auto emission test, I was searching on my mobile. That was when I noticed a tag in results “Mobile-Friendly”.  I had never seen it before and recognized immediately what it meant. “Google is telling mobile users what sites are going to be a good experience to visit on your mobile”.  Google’s Search Engine’s aim is to lead you to the best search results but it is now drawing a line in the sand and basically saying if your website is not mobile friendly (no matter how much wonderful content you have on that site) – it is not going to get the all important “Mobile-Friendly” tag.  This tag in my opinion will help users decide whether they actually visit your website. And long term I suspect google may even consider listing Mobile-Friendly results first.

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Responsive Design

Written by Dana Bryson on .

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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.”

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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Responsive Design in 2013!

Written by Bear Web Design Webmaster on .

Bear Web Design-Effective Web Content Management, brunette woman wearing glasses contacting us.

As 2012 draws to an end, we have lots of new developments (“web developments,” that is) on the horizon for the coming year. Most important of these is that our new custom templates will feature Responsive Web Design, also known as RWD. Let’s review responsive design in 2013.

What Is Responsive Design in 2013?

In a nutshell, Responsive Web Design is a design approach that optimizes the web browsing experience. This is no matter what web device you happen to be using — desktop, laptop, iPad or other small-screen device, or mobile phone.

Why Responsive Design Matters More Than Ever

In 2013, the number of people browsing the internet on tablets and smartphones will surpass traditional desktop users. Responsive Design ensures your website adjusts seamlessly to any device. It should offer a smooth, professional experience no matter how visitors find you.

With mobile browsing trends skyrocketing, having a site built with Responsive Design in 2013 isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity for keeping your audience engaged and growing your online presence.

Finalizing New Templates for the New Year

We are in the process of finalizing the templates of our newest sites and will provide links, examples, and more information in early 2013. Stay tuned!

Vicki Beare (this is my new last name — as I mentioned, we had LOTS going on around here lately!)

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Analysis, Communication & Collaboration – A Key To Great Web Design!

Written by Peter Beare on .

Web Deign by Bear Web Design

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 great web design is the success of those meetings starts with analysis & research before the meeting, which can include reviewing the client’s business and marketing models , their current website, and industry leading websites for comparison and samples.  Key communication actually starts in the sales cycle and should be in full “voice” – during the design meeting.  Clients should be engaged in identifying their needs, aims and outcomes and the whole team (client and designer) should establish a collaborating process to ensure a successful outcome.

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Empower Yourself – Learn The Web Jargon

Written by Peter Beare on .

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.

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