Okay, e-mail’s not really dead. It’s still the one thing people get about the Internet. Even with all the junk mail and viruses cramming into one’s mailbox, people still check their e-mail. So, a few weeks ago, I was speaking to a potential client about a project to help their organization understand that there...
Free Web Site Advice
Bad Host…
I just helped a client of mine switch from their old Web hosting company to a new one. Not that the old host was bad, but… for a lot less money, here’s what they gained: More everything: more bandwidth, more server space, and more e-mail accounts, more publishing options. Better metrics: The new Web...
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...
Reverse in Lists Your Making
Web space is crucial, and user tests continue to show that many users don’t scroll down to see content that falls below the screen bottom. So if you’ve got a date-oriented list, maybe it’s time to think in reverse — put the newest date at the top and the oldest at the bottom. This...
Got a backup plan? Does it work?
‘Way back in the day, we lost the City of Minneapolis Web site when a hard disk crashed. “Not to worry,” sez the IT guys. “We’ll drop in a new hard disk and restore from the latest backup.” New disk goes in, fine. Backup tapes are located… no data. Yep, the night crew had...
Shooting Photos for Web Use
Most people use stock photography, such as the stuff that comes with MS Office, and while there are some good images in those collections, sometimes you just need to shoot your own photos. And with digital cameras being so cheap these days, you can get a custom shot without too much trouble. First advice:...
Beyond Dreamweaver For Dummies
Here’s a secret: making basic Web sites ain’t exactly rocket science, and it’s getting easier. For a couple of hundred dollars, you can buy the editing software (or use free or cheap versions), get one or more of the “…for Dummies” books for background info, use a free or inexpensive design template, and voila!...