Web Design - Think About the Visitor

A website has become an integral part in the running of businesses of all types and sizes. A good website, though, must be visitor friendly. If the visitor cannot understand what the site is trying to say, and cannot navigate around the site, then it is not able to serve its purpose. Before designing a website you need to know your audience and what they will be looking for.

The average internet user looks at a website for 10 seconds before deciding whether to read on or leave. That means that your website needs to attract the visitor's attention very quickly. It can't be too bland. The general design and colour scheme can be very important in the success or lack of success of a website. The design needs to be easy on the eye so it is not difficult to read. An attractive design can attract the visitor and cause them to stay and read on.

Clarity can be one of the most important factors. If the site, and more specifically the text, is not clear then the visitor will soon give up and leave. How often have you looked at a website, seen a messy design and text you can't easily read, and left right away to look elsewhere. It doesn't matter how many visitors view you website if they all leave within the first 10 seconds, and visit a competitor instead. Lots of banner ads that get in the way of what the visitor is trying to find is something that will loose you visitors. People don't want to navigate around adverts and scroll past them to reach what they are looking for. Another thing that can frustrate visitors is big files, such as videos, that take a long time to load but will not benefit them. If you want videos on the site, it might be best if the visitor needs to click the play button to view them rather than them playing automatically. This will cause the page to load quicker, and is less likely to cause the visitor to loose patience and leave.

It is important that your website clearly presents the information on the site. If it is an information site, then the text needs to be easy to read so visitors can quickly find the information they want. If you provide a service it needs to be clear what service you offer. Concise text is always something you should look for. All the text on the site must be easy to read and understand. Links also need to be clear, and take visitors where they want to go. There is nothing more frustrating when viewing a website than clicking on a link that seems like it is going somewhere where it isn't.

The most important factor before designing a new website is that you know who your audience will be. If you know the audience then you can make sure that you give them what they want. When designing you site you need to always keep your audience in mind.

Andrew Marshall ©

Web Design London

Website Hosting For Your Web Site - Windows Or Linux Based - Which to Choose?

It's often very confusing to newcomers wishing to host a website or design a web site - which is a better hosting plan Linux or Windows? It's all so confusing. After all 90 % of people using computers are running Microsoft Windows as an operating system therefore you might well think that its best to choose a "windows based hosting system" or provider. After all you might think or reason - I know windows, I am either too old / lazy or have enough to do to learn a whole new system and computer operating system setup and language. Who needs this extra energy lost and heartache , that is especially when your time , energy or talents might well be spent on more productive areas - whether it is working developing your website , writing your blog , adding podcasts and the like and promoting your website , blog or enterprise with SEO that is Search Engine Optimization tools , tips and procedures.

The answer very simply is that in most cases it really does not matter. A very high percentage of the web - that is the internet as we know it - is run on Linux computer operating system based computers - and to you with your windows based computer it makes no difference at all. In most cases your browsing experience on your computer, when browsing the internet - be it at websites, blogs or whatever is totally independent of the operating system that the website involved or web host is using. It really does not matter to the computer user. They, he or she can be running a Windows based, an Apple Macintosh based or even a Linux based computer to browse the internet and it really does not matter to them in any manner.

Windows based hosting systems are required depending on the software that are running want to run or need to run. If you are doing database functions, or utilize other programs that require an ASP pr .Net application then your hosting will have to be Windows based. Its similar to the necessity of requiring windows based computer to run a Windows based version of Microsoft office. If you have a registered copy of Windows format Microsoft Office your Mac computer will not run it normally, a Linux based desktop computer will not run it as well. You will need a computer running the Microsoft Windows. Think of it as well as having a computer program that requires Windows XP or the newer Microsoft Vista and that will not run on your older Windows 98 computer. In these cases if you have programs on your server or on your website as you upgrade and develop your systems on your web site - then you will have to purchase and be running a windows based hosting system, as opposed to a Linux based one.

It's just like buying a new computer and realizing that a high percentage of your purchase price is not the hardware of your new computer - be it the computer case, motherboard, power supply, hard drives etc, but rather the cost of the Microsoft OS - that is the operating system. This cost is sometimes referred to jokingly in the computer trade as the "Microsoft tax". In addition when you purchase your new Microsoft Windows based computer - Vista currently being the OS flavor, most likely you will purchase software packages and software application systems as well. This would most likely be something like Microsoft office and perhaps various antivirus, anti-spyware and computer internet security programs.

Windows based hosting is generally more expensive than Linux based web hosting. Just as you have to purchase the Windows license for your new computer, the company providing the web hosting, must purchase a license from Microsoft. On top of that there may be additional costs and fees from Microsoft, additional support as well as other programs and Microsoft support services may have to be purchased and provided for as well. On top of that the licenses are often not a one shot deal as is provided when you purchase a new computer. Rather the licenses are rented or leased to some degree - with a yearly or time period payments being made.

Linux is "open source". What that means is that in most cases the cost is "free" to a great extent or at the worst low cost. On top of that Linux is generally considered faster and more reliable, not that windows based server software and web site hosting software is not catching up to a great degree. On top of that , for any of a number of technical reasons , Linux based web site hosting systems often run faster - that is they load faster and react faster for most internet users who will visit your site - be it website or blog or newer types of website - be it the newer web 2.0 variants or whatever.

In the end it can be said that when hosting a web site the choice of hosting platform is your choice. In most cases it really does not matter much. Linux based hosting is the run of the mill. It's reliable. It's well supported. The Linux cPanel is the standard of the industry - if you have worked with one, then the next cPanel that you encounter will be very similar and functional to you. Linux based hosting platform packages are generally less expensive than Windows based ones. However if you are running software that requires a Windows based platform then a Windows based web site hosting platform is your mandatory choice.

William Pearson sales@seocompany-services.com Internet Marketing
SEO Services Company Manitoba Canada Web Site Development Design Winnipeg Web Oxygen

Resell Websites Make it Easy For You to Expand Your Business Online

There are several ways you can grow your business and get online. The most common approach is to create your own website with all the need-to-know about your business and its products, and an online sales site, where potential buyers can pay for and order your wares directly. This cuts out the need to hire someone to do this for you, and give you full control over your own website.

The problem with this is that it can be quite expensive to build out a web presence that involves a full ecommerce solution. You will definitely want to position yourself online and you will want a site to get your message out and provide a community for interaction with your members. Your site is your opportunity to control your online message and with increasing numbers of customers using the Internet to find products you will need a presence.

Having a full ecommerce site might be overkill though for several reasons. You may not be an expert at selling direct and you are probably most certainly not an expert at handling an online sales pipe. If your traditional model is via resellers then you probably don?t want to get involved in the direct business. Running an ecommerce site will make this a requirement.

Many resell websites exist and they are often grouped by industry and product type. You will likely want to partner with one or more of such resell websites to provide your online channel for you. Similar to with real world distributors these partners can manage the order pipeline and deal with all the logistics for you. Best of all they are probably already a destination site for your potential customers.

If you try and build out your own website it can take some time before your traffic levels increase and you are able to generate a sizable revenue base. Relying on resell websites takes care of this for you, as they are often the destination for customers of your product. This will give you instant exposure to a large audience.

Just like every other decision regarding your business, you have to decide whether to be a sole proprietor or to join forces with other sites. Ecommerce sites entering into agreements with resell websites can be a smart move. The resell websites can take care of the logistics, leaving you to concentrate on the working areas at which you are adept.

Many exist and they are often grouped by industry and product type. You will likely want to partner with one or more of these type provide your online channel for you. Similar to with real world distributors these partners can manage the order pipeline and deal with all the logistics for you. Best of all they are probably already a destination site for your potential customers. Choosing your format already for you will free you up to do what you do best. Take charge of your business and create your online presence with help with good resell websites.

Website Format & Inspiration - No Technology Required

Web sites come in all forms, sizes, and individual presentations, unique as the invitation of their mission. With this ongoing quest to be original, unique, and productive, some basic website format and inspiration can accomplish your endeavors, with no technology required.

Pleasing format

A pleasing format, is not cluttered, abrasive, annoying or confusing. Navigation should be easy to follow, consistent, and in full view, preferably in the left column, or the top of the page. Content should be broken up into blocks of text, paragraphs at 3 to 4 sentences, as most people are going to scan text for bits of information they find informative, interesting or entertaining.

Content begins with inspiration

If content is king, and we all agree, then inspiration is the foundation to build content into your aspirations. Read, research, and be open to all avenues of ideas in conversations, forums, articles, and even movies. Build on an idea, test the response to your ideas, give them time to grow, but know when to revise your presentation.

No technology required

With ease of use site builders, basic point and click editors, with new innovative tweaks, making a website is more assessable than ever, with no technology required. Whether making your personal website, showcasing a project near and dear to your heart, incorporating your personal endeavor into your business, or your online presentation, technology based programing is no longer a barrier.

Make it personal

When applicable, include a personal experience with the matter, product, venture and presentation at hand. You don't want to vent, or expose your inner soul, but some first hand experience, commitment, and sincerity expresses your rapport with your visitors' concerns, problem, or manner of personal resolve. You may share a common goal, and sense of value.

Perfection is in interpretation

Format need not be elaborate, but direct and basic, where your visitors will feel comfortable, find value, and a commitment of presence. Ideas are made to test, and revise, as perfection in format and inspiration is in the interpretation of the beholder. Update your site often, keep it active, your links working and your content relevant to the links that lead to your website, and you will have made a gesture as close to perfection as anyone dare to seek.

For website format tips, and ideas for your own expression, visit http://www.websitetoptip.com which was made by this tech challenged content writer, of traditional expression, and truth. Dannie is a writer of website tips, on the basics of expression and introspection. She writes tips and ideas that inform, and deal more with inspiration, than technology.

For everything, there is a season. You were the season of childhood, great expectations, and dreams with no ceiling.

Build a Web Page and Create an Online Presence

In this digital age, building a webpage is an activity that is becoming easier to do almost every day. You can use a web page in order to help promote your business, including having an online shopping cart, or something more mundane, such as posting picture of your friends and family, or writing your thoughts about the events of today.

If you bang decided that you need to create a web attender, and hold a popular intent what you impoverishment it to be some, then the prototypical maneuver is to till a class phratry. Environment obloquy are the direct that fill type into their web application in tell to gain your position. You should knock your field sanction with want, as it is the premiere recite, and also web hosting so fill can admittance your parcel.

The next thing you need to do is create the website. There are many free programs that will help you so that the website almost writes itself. You no longer need to know HTML code in order to create a web page, it is now very similar to word processing and you just add pictures where appropriate for a basic web page.

If you need to build a web page that is a small author finished, then care for a issue website model. Many companies give free templates for exposure albums, or blogs, so you rightful select the visage you poorness from a name, and analyse the instructions on uploading photos or inputting matter for blogs. Blogs are a majuscule way to update your friends and pedigree with what is accomplishment on with you, or retributory to get your views on humankind events.

For a business website, you will want to build a web page that tells people about your business, and look for a provider that offers shopping cart templates as well. All you need to do is select one of the predefined layouts, and fill in the information about the products you are selling, preferably providing a picture so people can view your site. They can also provide you with a way for your customers to pay for the items that your purchase without going through the hassle of setting up a merchant account.

It's pleasant and entertaining to build your own website. Lots of online resources are available to give you assistance. Some of these resources even offer free templates, so that you can design your own pages with a minimum of fuss. When you're looking for a site host, try to register your domain name with a site that offers these templates, so that you can take advantage of them. There are templates available to help you with business sites or personal ones, so that you can branch out professionally or share information with friends and relatives.

You may build a web page to help to promote a business or for just something more mundane, like posting pictures of your family and pals. You no longer need to know HTML code in order to create a web page, it is now very similar to word processing and you just add pictures where appropriate for a basic web page. Building a website is fun and easy. There are many online tutorials that will help you, and you will want to look for a company where you register domain name, get web hosting, and offers free templates to help you get started.

Top Questions to Ask a Web Design Agency

Choosing a web design agency to create and develop your website is a massive decision which requires a lot of trust on your behalf. Unfortunately there are many disreputable companies out there who may try to take advantage of you particularly if you're new to promoting your business online. There also are many great companies out there who will be only too happy to create a stunning website tailored to your business requirements and online image. How can you ensure you make the right choice though? A good place to start is to ask them these questions below.

• What do you know about my business?
If you speak to a website design company who are already familiar with the industry you work in then this can be a huge advantage as they will be aware of your target audience. Some website companies do a lot of work in specific industries or specialise in certain types of websites such as the health industry or ecommerce websites. When you approach a design company they should ask you plenty of questions about your business so they can decide what they can offer you and if they can fulfil your requirements.

• Who will maintain the website?
Some design companies create content management systems which allow you to change content or images to keep your website fresh. Other designers will maintain the website for you and will usually charge for this service. Some people prefer to have their designers deal with the maintenance of the website but sometimes if you want to make a quick text change for example you could be waiting for your designer to be free to make the change for you for a while. If they do offer a content management system then check to see if this is included in the price of the design.

• What previous work have you done?
Ask to see examples of past websites they've completed - most designers have links to completed projects on their website. See how versatile and unique the designs are and if you like their style. Some designers will be more artistic than others so decide which style is right for your website. A good catalogue of previous work can also increase the trustworthiness of a website company as they'll be well established with plenty of satisfied customers.

• Can you work to my budget?
It's likely that you'll have a specific budget to create your website. When you've narrowed your search down to three or four agencies, let them know the size of your budget so you can see what you can get for your money. If you have a smaller budget then it might not stretch to hand drawn images or interactive features for example. Once you agree on a budget and a design then make sure you stick to it and don't be tempted to agree to extra features which could increase the total price of the website.

• Will we get on?
You don't necessarily have to ask a web design agency this directly but it's definitely something to consider as you narrow your search. See how they interact with you in emails, phone calls or in person if you meet them. Also note how available they are to speak to and if they return your messages. There's no point choosing a company who you don't feel comfortable with as you'll be unlikely to get the end result you desire.

Web Design Agency

If Your Website Was a Bridge, Would it Be the Golden Gate Bridge, Or Would People Fear to Cross?

I had the great pleasure the other day to undertake the Storey Bridge Climb in Brisbane, Australia with my father and a son. Whilst on the climb, and hearing about the tales of the bridge construction and maintenance, it occurred to me that building a website is alot like building a bridge. A bridge requires strong foundations, must be easily found, should give clear directions for travel, and must be clearly taking people to their intended destination. So, if your website was a bridge would it be a masterful construction like the Golden gate Bridge or the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

A bridge requires strong foundations. So does a website. What are the foundations of your website and how strong are they? The foundations of your website are the content that it is based around and the keywords that you build the content around. Do your keywords generate strong volumes of targeted traffic? Does your content support the keywords? Does your content tell your traffic that they are in the right location.

A bridge requires a strong network of roads that direct people onto the bridge. The road network should also be related to the intended travel destination of the people using the bridge. This road network also requires regular maintenance to ensure that the traffic will flow smoothly. These are the links to your website. Strong links that relate to the content and goals of your site will bring targeted traffic to your website. The links should be maintained on a regular basis. The aim of the links should be to bring targeted traffic to your website, not search engine rankings.

A bridge requires good signage to tell people where they are going to and what they are going to find when they get there. this is your on-site linking strategy and navigation. Does your on-site linking and navigation give people clear directions around your site. If your directions are poor you will lose people from your site who are unsure where to go or what they will find when they get there.

Finally a bridge has to go somewhere. There is a clear destination which is usually the other end of the bridge! And so must your website have a clear destination. What are people supposed to do when they are on your website. Are you building a list of contacts, do you want them to leave their details, are you selling a product, or are you just sharing information. When your website has a clear goal you will be able to track how effectively it performs and you will be able to test and improve the performance over time.

Finally a bridge needs ongoing maintenance and so does a website. You must maintain and build your content. Keep your site relevant to the changing marketplace. Grow your content. Grow your keyword list. Build more relevant links to your website. Test different onsite linking and navigation strategies. Measure how well your website achieves the goals you have for it. And then repeat the process.

If you build your website with strong foundations, give people clear directions and measure and maintain it on a regular basis your website will have a long and profitable lifetime. If you build your website and you neglect these essential elements or fail to maintain them your website will be a bridge to nowhere!

I am a freelance website designer providing professional website design services to small business. Have a look at my small business website design portfolio.

I design professional looking websites that fit with your business image. My website designs are both customer and search engine friendly. I will help you bring more traffic to your website and convert more of that traffic into loyal, happy clients.