Dec 10
30
Choosing a Web Design Company
A company’s website speaks volumes about who they are. When a consumer lands on a website, they form an impression within seconds. This impression can affect their willingness to work with a company, purchase a product, or form any sort of relationship. This is why it is important to choose the right web design company to build your website.
When choosing a web designer, there are seven main factors that need to be carefully considered. These factors include:
1. The designer’s portfolio.
The first thing that should be considered is a designer’s past work. Carefully browse a designer’s portfolio to ensure that you like their overall sense of design. It is important that the designer’s past work matches the results you are looking for. While many designers are able to cater to different tastes, their personal style should closely match yours. If you do not want your website to look like any of the samples in a designer’s portfolio, you may want to keep looking for a designer. Additionally, it is important to avoid basing your opinion on a web designer’s website. Some designers prefer to keep their personal website very minimalistic, even if their work does not match this style.
2. The company’s ability to meet your long term needs.
Before looking for a web design company, you need to determine your long term needs. Will your website remain the same over a long period, or will new products and/or features be added frequently? If you are planning to expand your site, you will need a designer that will maintain the website for you. However, if the site will not be updated frequently, you will probably be able to handle the maintenance yourself. It is important to choose a designer that offers the kind of service that will fit your long term goals.
3. The different services a web design company offers.
You also need to make sure that a design company has experience creating websites similar to yours. If a web design company usually creates informational websites, they may not be equipped to design your online store. Make sure that a company will be able to create your entire website. If you choose to deal with multiple companies, you are sure to regret this decision, as this quickly becomes confusing and time consuming. Many web design companies are experienced in flash, web design, and will even help you market your website when it is completed.
4. A web design company’s reputation and references.
Before selecting a web design company, ask for references. A reputable company will be happy to provide these references, as they will help, instead of hurt, their chances of being hired. Contact a few of the company’s references and ask if they were pleasant to work with, met deadlines, and were easy to contact in case of a problem. If past customers had a bad experience, there is a good chance that you will as well. After contacting references, conduct an internet search to ensure that there are not a great deal of complaints made about the company on various websites.
5. The price you are willing to spend.
When planning your budget, consider the cost of the initial set-up, as well as maintenance. Explain your budget with your chosen designer, to ensure that your budget will not be exceeded. You will not want to be stuck with a bill that is significantly more than what you were willing to spend. While a few extra expenses may arise, a good web design company will consult with you when this happens. However, don’t be tempted to purchase the cheapest design package you can find. If your vision is too expensive initially, you can design a website around your budget and create the rest of your site as soon as you have the funds available. As far as web design is concerned, you generally get what you pay for. If you cut corners, you will inevitably regret it in the future.
6. A designer’s turn around times, response times, and customer service.
Before hiring a web design company, make sure that they will be able to meet your deadlines. If you want your website created within a specific amount of time, make sure this is stated in your contract. It is also important that the design company is easy to get in touch with. When you have a question or concern, you will not want to wait days or even weeks to hear a response. Make sure that a company is committed to your satisfaction, before giving them your service.
7. Consider future needs.
When choosing a web design company, determine how long the company has been in business. You will not want to choose a design company that won’t be in business in a matter of months. Instead, select a company that is well established and will be able to handle problems or answer questions in the future. Also, while this is not always the case, well established companies also tend to be more dependable. If a company has lasted longer than the hundreds of web design companies that have closed in the past, there is a good chance this is because the company provides excellent products and service.
Choosing a web design company is an important decision that will impact your future success. If you choose to work with a questionable company, you may be forced to suffer through a frustrating situation for months. Fortunately, when you take the time to choose an experienced and reputable company, you will enjoy a smooth design process that delivers a great end result.
Posted in Web Page Design by .
People that are in business on the internet often under-appreciate how important good web design can be to their website’s overall profitability. Even people that run established offline businesses that have been sustainably profitable for years are often surprised at how tricky it can be to reflect that same success when they try to extend their business presence online. There are a lot of factors that mesh together to create a successful web page, and striking the right balance between them all can be trickier than most people think.
Even for pages on a site that are pure content, with no promotional material whatsoever, constructing a page layout with the traffic’s best interests in mind is always the surest way to gaining their trust. Trust can go a long way towards helping to establish your site as an authority in your field in your readers’ minds. A properly implemented site can turn guests that don’t make a purchase on their first time through into repeat visitors, especially if your site is regularly updated with solid information.
By establishing this sense of trust, you’re doing much more than making a positive impression on your first-time traffic; you’re building a true audience, and vastly improving the odds that they’ll want to make a purchase from you at some point in the future. Good web design is about more than showing a public face to your visitors. You’re trying to broadcast a message while simultaneously answering questions or concerns your potential customers might have.
A lot of web designers are under the impression that pages should be not only filled with good content, but also plenty of links to related content elsewhere on the site. They also see fit to include a healthy dose of advertisements from completely different companies, in an effort to fill out the page. It becomes easy to take this a bit too far, and end up with a site that looks far too busy, and makes it difficult for the site’s visitors to find what they were looking for in the first place. If the viewer can’t quickly pick up on whatever they read in the search engine results page that made them click on your site’s listing, they’ll quickly become frustrated and give up.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetics of building a page, but if the purpose of your website is to sell a product to your visitor, then professional website design would dictate that you actually have them spend as little time as possible on your content pages. While this may seem counter-intuitive, it’s important to understand that people that are searching for solutions to their life’s problems are not liable to be extraordinarily patient. They want answers, and if they can’t quickly find them on your page, they’ll simply click away.
Because of this, it’s wise to aim for simplicity. Providing too many elements on a single page, especially if they lead away from the ultimate goal of your visitors making a purchase from you, can drastically take away from the overall money-making potential of your endeavors. It’s not uncommon for web pages that are bland and unattractive to convert visitors into customers more easily than ones built with visual appeal in mind, simply because the flow of the page helped the satisfy the reader’s need for information.
The amount of raw information that you impart on your guests will depend on the nature of the products your business specializes in. If the products and services offered by your business are technical in nature, it might be prudent to educate your customers about the benefits of what you’re offering them before you go in for the hard sale. On the other hand, a lot of your visitors may already have an understanding of what it is they’re after, and are simply looking for a place to purchase what they’re looking for at the best price. These types of readers are in “buying mode.” Professional website design should seek to provide outlets for both types of information, depending on the site’s traffic sources, and it should do so in a format that’s as easy for people to digest as possible.
These are a few of the reasons why individuals and businesses alike can benefit from professional website design. Building consistently successful web pages is more of an art form than a science, and can require extensive testing in order to get quite right. Sometimes, even the smallest changes in the layout, or in the textual content can make dramatic differences, especially when your pages are seeing large volumes of traffic on a monthly basis.
This is one of the reasons why people that specialize in professional website design have to possess a wide variety of skills. Most of the time, they will have experience not only in the field of graphic design, but also in being able to write effective marketing material. This is especially useful when you’re trying to make the on-page transition from informing your readers to compelling them to buy without making the page feel too heavy-handed. Being able to put oneself into the mind of the site’s target audience, and subsequently write sales letter for web pages that are compelling enough to drive people to want to know more is absolutely essential. Having a website designer that can write excellent copy, as well as create clean web pages to match is a recipe for success online.
If you are in the market to have your site designed by professionals then we definitely recommend using HostOtter.com Dream Design Services. There staff is very professional and above all go the extra mile needed to ensure your site is exactly what you want. We have used them on three different occasions and will continue to use them because their level of quality simply can not be matched.
So, you want to build your own website, and you’re ready to pick out which website builder software you’ll use? Most website builder software packages available today are offered through a website that sells web hosting services — check the list at the bottom. We’ll ignore the web hosting side for now, and just take a look at the website builder software they offer.
Pay attention to the functions:
- Is there a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor?
- Is the user interface intuitive, or do you get lost in the menus and controls?
- Does it seem like it will be easy to learn, or will you have to devote days to learn how to do anything?
Try out the free trial version on the website, but don’t count on the free result being the first step in building your own website — at this point, all you are doing is evaluating features and functions.
Check the User’s Guide and the Support section of the website.
- Is documentation available online?
- How does the company offer support for problems, questions, or issues?
- Are there online forums for users of this software?
- Are there tutorials on the website?
Go into the details that you know you definitely want for your own new website:
- Is there support for the graphics formats that you want to use?
- Does the website builder offer creation of interactive features like membership signups, polls, and message boards?
- Can I use my own domain?
Most of these websites make their money from hosting websites, and the free or low-cost website building software is a way to bring in the customers. But, each and every one of these web hosting sites has its own rules, fees, and restrictions on what you can and cannot do for free and for fees. So, create a multi-column table, and fill it up with all the details for each web hosting company, and compare, compare, compare.
We highly recommend using Website Tonight from HostOtter.com. This website builder software is very easy to use and publish. It has a ton of website templates to choose from so making your site look like it was built by a professional is no problem.
Posted in Website Basics by .
Dec 10
14
How to Publish a Website
For anyone who wants to learn how to publish a website, you must have some creative ideas brewing. If there is a certain audience for this website, make sure that anything you would like to say is directed towards that demographic. If you want to really impress someone with you skills at website making, then it would be a good plan to buy a web design and development software to help you. If not, simply look for free templates online. This will save you a lot of money, and you will still have something to show.
The first thing you need to do is make an outline for your desired website. Figure out each detail that you want to be a part of it. This will help you to focus on each page that will be published. You might want to put down a list of goals that you want your site to convey. This will provide a blueprint that will push you in the right direction. Now, you can start looking for a service that will publish your website for free. If you find a site that has an interesting template layout or good customer support, you may put them at the top of the list.
Once the choose the service that you will use to learn how to publish a website, you can sign up for a free account. During this process, you will need to create a name for the site. While choosing the name, make sure it is relevant to the audience, company, or content that it will be used for. After this, you can choose your template. If you plan on having a large amount of text, pick a layout that has less graphics. It might be smart to get one that has more columns. If you want to show off all of your pictures, choose one with more creativeness behind it. Just in case you decide to change everything around, most services make it possible to change the template later.
At this point, you can begin to add multiple pages to your site. Each page should have some sort of a title or title paragraph. If you make a page and decide that you do not need it anymore, you can simply go back and delete it. Do not forget to keep your guide or outline with you during the process. Start off with the pages with broad topics and then branch down to the smaller sections. You can use hyperlinks to connect each page to the one prior.
Pictures can be added once the text is placed where you want it. Do not forget to look at the different options for color and font. You can continue changing things for as long as you would like, without publishing it until you are ready. This gives you the ability to try out an option available. Check over the draft of your site to make sure everything is clear and ready. Then, just press Publish.
Posted in Website Basics by .
Dec 10
11
Designing My Own Web Page
Are you interested in learning how to design your own unique web page? With new updated software, designing my own web page was very simple and took little effort. Creating your own web page is an exciting way to let the world know who you are. No need to use public services such as Facebook and MySpace when you can quickly design a unique page that is all about you and created by you. Other people design web pages for as a fan page for certain entertainers or teams that they want to support. Furthermore, business owners and salesmen may create their own page in order to sell products or promote their business.
In order to start a web page on your own, you must know what you are looking for. Browse many different websites and decide what you like and dislike about the sites. Look for the different color and text options, as well as the different designs. Jot down which ones impress you. It is a good idea to get a pad of paper and a pen and plan out exactly how you would like your page to be. Do you want historical looking old time font, or do you prefer something cursive and classy? Or is your page a fun page about yourself and you would like to use casual font? In addition, decide what colors are best for you. If you are promoting a child day care you may choose bright and fun colors such as orange, green, and yellow. The options are numerous; make this an exciting and fun activity.
Now you will need to determine what photos or images that you will be using on your personal web page. Include these on your pad of paper in order to design your page. Keep in mind however, that too many large images may drastically slow down a viewer’s computer to the point that they will not want to view your page. If it takes too long they will get bored and tired of waiting and decide to close out of the page. This is not an ideal situation in order to attract viewers.
Keep photos exciting and relevant, as well as at a minimum. Viewers want to see images that stand out and catch their attention. For example, if you are promoting a baseball team, have your page designed with bats, balls, and gloves. You can find many free clip art pictures that are available for use by visiting outside online sources. When you visit one of these sights you will be able to save the selected photos to your computer for use when you are ready. Explore your options and make sure your page is astonishing.
The next step that you will take is to decide what information you will use on your page. Once again, take out your pad of paper and jot down all of the desired information. It is important to plan this entire process out before you open your software, in order to create your paper in a timely manner. It is vital that you do not make your paragraphs long and boring. If the paragraphs are too lengthy it turn the customer away from the page and they will not want to take the time to read it.
If you must use lengthy paragraphs it is important that you break them up into smaller paragraphs to make them easier for the visitor to read. Another idea is to add links onto your page that a person can click on if they desire to read that particular piece of information. This information includes basically anything that you prefer the visitor to know about you. There are so many options available for creating your own page. Make the information exciting and interesting to spark the attention of viewers who are simply browsing the internet.
The next thing you need to do in order to create your page is obtain web space. Depending on the situation and why you are creating the page, you may be able to use free web space from your employer or school. Some businesses also offer low cost web space to assist you. If you do not mind internet ads on the sides of your page, you should consider using Yahoo or GeoCities, among other commercial companies. These companies will offer you free service for your web page if you agree to have their advertising banners on your page. This situation is taken advantage of very often, and you will notice many pages the same as you browse the internet.
There is a lot of software available for you to purchase if you are unfamiliar with HTML and codes. Software made designing my web page a blast. When you use the software it will assist you with every possible option to create your page. Software for designing your web page takes you through a step by step process of exactly what you need to enter and where it should be entered. This way is far more popular and easy than designing an HTML page from scratch. Software is affordable, reliable, and will fit into anyone’s budget. After obtaining space, you will need to insert your software disc to proceed.
The other option for creating a page is to use HTML codes. This way takes a lot longer than simply putting in a disc and being guided. You have to follow a specific set of rules and codes in order for this procedure to work. In order to prepare your HTML document you should first create a fold to place on the desktop to hold all relevant information. This is where you will store related documents, information, images, and photos.
Next, open up one of the word processors on your computer. Most computers come equipped with some sort of word processor or text editor. After opening the document, you need to name and save it. This is a recommended procedure so that you can always find your information when you are ready to use or edit it. Also, every time that you close your document after making changes, it is important that you remember to hit save again in order to save the new and updated information.
The way to save your document is to click on "File" and then select the option "Save As." Now enter the name that you wish for your file to be called. Never enter any spaces, and only pick numbers and letters. The letters should all run together even if it is actually two separate words. Many people choose to simply enter their names or something easy that they will not forget. Also, for an HTML document you must ensure that HTML is added to the end of the name if the file. This enables your computer to understand what type of file it is working with.
Basic Steps For Creating an HTML page:
• Begin by creating an HTML tag such as this; < HTML>.
• Now create a tag for the header which will look like this; < HEAD>.
• Next, create the title that will be inside your header. You will do this by writing < TITLE> Your Actual Title Here < /TITLE>. Not that anytime you are closing a section out, it will be the same way you started the section, however you will add a slash.
• Now you will need to close the header that you have created by using this tag; .
• Now that you have created your header, it is time to add a body to your web page. The body is where you will add all of your text, information, photos, and images. You will start off your body using this tag; , and end the body like this; .
• Now you will close out the HTML document that you have created by using the following tag; .
When your document is complete, it will look like this:
< HTML>
< HEAD>
< TITLE> Your Title Here < /TITLE>
< /HEAD>
< BODY> (Information, Images, Photos, and Text)
< /HTML>
Be sure not to include any spaces when typing the above information.
Now you should add additional paragraphs to your page by using this tag; < P>. This lets your computer know that you are entering a paragraph. It is a good idea to enter welcome information in your first paragraph. This is a way to introduce yourself and your page to visitors. Furthermore, to enter subheadings you will need to open and close your subheadings like this; < H2> Your Subheading < /H2>. You can continue to add as many paragraphs and additional headings that you prefer to make your page unique.
Next, you need to go back and select where you would like to enter photos and images. Photos must first be saved to your computer in a .gif format. Then you can choose where you are placing them and add them to your page in this form < img SRC = "yourpicturehere .gif" >. Use as many pictures as you prefer in the body of your web page. When your page loads properly the image will be loaded in your browser. Please be sure to not use any copyrighted material and to always ask permission from the owner of the photo or image before using.
Now you are ready to view your new page and see how it looks on your browser. Using Mozilla Firefox, you will need to determine which browser option is best for you. There are three possible ways that your browser may work depending on your programs.
• First of all, you should go to the "File" tab and find the name of the document you created. Click "Ok", and you will be able to view your page in the form of a web page.
• If this option does not work, go to your tools tab and select the "Internet Options" button. Now find the "General" tab on the "Home Page" box. From there you will select "Use Blank."
• Finally if that option does not work for your computer, you will need to find your "Tools" menu again, however, from "Tools" you will go to "Options”. You will select the Main tab in your Start Up options and choose "Show a Blank Page".
One of these options should work to view your new web page using Firefox. Look over the page good and check for errors. Make sure that everything is the way you prefer and then save any changes that you make.
Now it is time to publish your page to the web using a method called FTP. FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol" which is a free program included on many computers. If your computer is not equipped with this program you can go to a share site such as shareware.com and upload FTP.
Now you need to run WS_FTP. A window called Sessions Profile should appear. If by chance it does not load you should click "Connect", then "New", and name the profile. When asked to enter your user ID, it will be the prefix of your email which is everything before the symbol @. Next, you will be asked to enter information on the second line. Your information will look like this: C:WINDOWSDesktopDirectoryName. Now in order to upload you will need to save the files and then click the "OK" option. Two windows will appear and you will need to select which files that you wish to transfer. After each file you will be given the option to change the name. You will either select yes or no and then your file will start transferring afterwards. When all files are transferred, you will then be able to look at your page on the internet. It will be available to everyone just as you intended.
Whether you choose to make your own page using HTML codes or buy a software program for your computer, designing your web page is an exciting process. Create a page that stands out to the world. By following the above steps, your page will be ready for the world to view right away.
Posted in Web Page Design by .
