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...
Free Web Site Advice
Dream Big, Start Small
Lately, I’ve been talking to a lot of dreamers. People with big ideas, and that’s great — but I find myself advocating for a just-get-started approach. Have big dreams? Keep ’em alive, and keep building on them. This country is built on people willing to dream. But start small. On the Web, you don’t...
Hit Counters and Other Bush League Giveaways
Let’s start out bluntly: Web stats, good — hit counters, bad. So there. You might have thought it was a great idea, but hit counters are among the things that make you look like an amateur. (Also in this category: anything that looks like a FrontPage template, and clip art….) Why? As a visitor,...
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...
Three Things That Matter
Long ago, I heard a profound quote about projects, which went something like this: There are three things that matter: quality, speed, and price. You can have any two of the three, but not all three. Which do you want? Quality and speed? OK. It’ll cost more… Quality and a low price? OK —...
Some People Think the Web is Like the Moon…
…It’s nice to look at on clear nights, but it doesn’t much affect life. Not long ago, co-workers separately came to me, amazed that an online form we posted was getting results. “We used to have to force people to fill out this form,” one gushed. “Already I’ve gotten some back — and we...
Less is More
Here’s a guideline for people designing a Web site (or anything else for that matter): if you’re looking at the draft design and thinking something’s not right, don’t add anything. Instead, take something away. Too often a decent start is marred by clutter. We should resist the urge to “fix” a design by adding...
New Look, Same Old Feel
This blog is relaunched today along with the shiny new Web site for Brian Wold Consulting. Yep, I’m out on my own now, providing full-service Web consulting. Browse the nav links at the top of these pages for details on the services. Whew! Merging the look and feel of this blog is a decent...
Homonyms, misspelllings and Domane Naming
Choosing a domain name sounds pretty simple, and in a way it is. The major registrars will even helpfully offer suggestions when your first choice is already taken by a monastery in Nova Scotia. But there’s more to it than just picking a name. Remember, people are going to type this name into their...
The Lights Are On, But No One's Home
Wifey pointed out a major problem with sites recently. “I sent e-mail to these idiots a week ago, and no one responded. Now I gotta go call them.” Who’s checking your e-mail? Do they respond within 24 hours? If they won’t be able to respond for a longer time, do they set autoreplies or...