In a few weeks, I’ll be presenting “Web 101 for Business,” an overview of Web sites specifically for small business. Thursday, February 23, 2006 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sherman Oaks Public Library, Community Room 14245 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (Moorpark at Beverly Glen/Tyrone Ave) Cost: Free! The presentation will start with...
Giving Away the Farm
I was speaking with a potential client this week who said, “I can be pretty particular about things, so I’ll want to make sure the Web site is exactly right.” Fine with me — you should be particular about things. It’s your Web site, representing you and your business. Hire some help, sure —...
Buy Something From "Wild About Music"
I made a lot of online purchases this Christmas season — getting things gift wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient instead of having to stand in line at the post office was a powerful motivator. And most of my online shopping experiences went without a hitch — some better than others, I suppose....
How The Web Changes Your Business
If you’ve been running a traditional brick-and-mortar business and you’re adding a Web site, get ready for some changes. Open 24 Hours, 365 Days a Year: The Web site doesn’t close. It’s great that people can browse your stock at 3 a.m. while you’re sleeping, but if they send an e-mail question, they’ll want...
If You Can't Keep Up With Amazon, Don't Even Try
Let’s not forget the kitsch factor in Web site design: some people like sites that are quirky and obviously homegrown. So if you don’t have the budget for cutting-edge design, try going in a different direction. Add personality: Give your site a voice. So you’re a small company — be that. One of my...
Pay No Attention to That Man Behind the Curtain — The Great and Powerful Oz Has Spoken!
Okay, geeky types, here’s a shot across the bow: you all need to do better at communicating technology to your clients in terms they can understand. There’s a long history in Information Technology of the “Wizard of Oz” mentality — you know, make ’em think this stuff is incredibly complex and that only I,...
Face to Face Still Matters
Hangin’ out in cyberspace as I do, a lot of my communications with clients and partners are via e-mail, phone and IM. And while that works fairly well, I was reminded recently of the importance of face-to-face communication. Recently, I traveled to the Midwest to visit several of my clients there, one of whom...
Getting to Done… or, "The door's open, Spot — just go outside already!"
I’ve got a client who decided to start small, with a very basic site (something I often recommend for small businesses — get your feet wet, find out what works, limit your investment risk). But now that it’s time to launch, they’re balking. We’re still speaking, and the relationship is solid enough, but for...
Quality vs. Quantity
There’s a lot of talk about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) lately. It’s like it’s the second coming of Jello Pudding Pops — everybody’s just gotta have one. And as with most Internet things, where the buzz is, businesses have sprung up to meet the “need.” All these businesses need clients, so they set about...
Your Site Reviewed — Cheap and Fast!
Now you can get expert feedback on your Web site or a portion of a site (such as proposed redesigns). I launched my Rapid Review service because, frankly, I wished someone else was doing it for the sites I’ve designed. Here’s the deal: It’s fast. You’ll get a report back in under three business...