3 Secrets to Designing Your Website

When designing your primary objective is to have the visitors to your site enjoy their visit enough to want to stay. You want them to have a great experience. In order for that to happen, there are three things you must do: make your website easy to navigate, have a great design, and make the loading time fast. No one will stay on a site that takes forever to load.

First, you must make your website easy to navigate. Keep in mind who your audience is and put yourself in their place. They shouldn't have to hunt for your toolbar. Keep it in this same place on each page. Never make them search for the information they're after. Make it easy to find. Keep hyperlinks to a minimum. No more than three. Your hyperlinks should open in a new page, so that they can easily go back to the previous page.

Second is your website design. Again, put yourself in your visitor's place and keep it simple. You want your audience to enjoy their experience. Keep loading time short. Some say that each web page should be different, but I don't agree. You don't want them wondering if they've somehow been sent to a different site. Keep the same look and feel to each page. Have your navigation bar in the same place, and use the same header on each page. Keep balance between text and images on the page. Play with the site while you're building it to make sure images are well placed and fit the text. Your text size and the type of fonts (Tahoma, Verdana and Georgia test well) you use should be relevant to the importance of the subject. Look at your page. Have others look at it and give you feedback.

Third, page loading time is important. You don't want your visitors leaving, because it takes too long for the page to load. Although many people are now using broadband, there are still those who use dial-up internet connections. We have to keep them in mind as well. We want to make everyone's experience a good one. Text loads quickly, but where you can make a difference is in the images that you use. Use an editing software (IrfanView is free and easy to use.) to reduce the image size without losing quality. Because we want to have enough images to attract our visitors and we don't want to slow down the loading time, using image editing software is going to be one of your favorite tools.

In designing your site, keep these three things in mind and you'll be on your way to a great site. For more frugal and free ways to build your business and your website go to: http://www.frugalebizproducts.com

Marilyn Parmelee is a published author, pastor and internet marketer. She helps author's, nonprofits, and small businesses develop a web presence. To find out more go to http://www.frugalebizproducts.com

Create Your First Web Page Today

There are two ways to a new web site project. You can either jump right in and get your hands dirty, or you can do some planning first.

You can start by creating a "test" web page, but not worrying too much on how it looks. Of course if you have marketed your name and a lot of people are going to be visiting your homepage, you want to first plan ahead.

The overall impression of your first website depends on many variables, like the text, font, graphic placement, headlines, colors, and other eye-catching elements. Everything needs to work together.

Most of the time it takes a professional to make a web site look really good. But a professional web developer is not needed to make your site look pretty good.

One of the key aspects to web design is simplicity. The human eye is trained to see and appreciate simple, unornamented designs. You should start by using the simplest design, that will accomplish your task, and then try to make it even simpler.

If you think about it simplicity has very specific advantages in the web design world. You should take in factors like download time constraints, compatibility issues of different browsers and screen resolutions. A simple design will take in all these factors.

Another factor is the ever-growing popular mobile devices. Everybody is using mobile device now a days so you need to make sure that your website is compatible with mobile. A simple website almost always displays perfect on most mobile devices.

Lionel has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years, not only does this author specialize in web development and design, you can also check out his latest website on his new Bisquick Cookbook which has some great recipes for your next meal using Bisquick.

What is the Definitive Custom Web Design?

You'll see this phrase all over the Internet when searching for Web site development, whether in Calgary or around the world, the term "custom" web design has itself become incredibly diluted in its meaning. While I don't like to be pedantic with words, advertising can quickly gloss over a true meaning of a word by hoping that its target audience doesn't fully understand the term's definition, or the context of the term. If you go to a popular search engine and type in "Custom Web Design" you will see paid ads on the side that say things like:

Free Web Design & Hosting

30 Day Free Trial! Custom Website

Design & Hosting For $6.99 a Month.

This sounds like a good deal, right? "Free Web Design & Hosting" - Of course, they actually contradict themselves on the third line when the "Design & Hosting" now suddenly cost $6.99 a month! Hmmm...Can a trial actually be seen as free if there is a cost associated with the actual product? So "Free" actually means "on loan" or perhaps they mean that you don't get charged extra for their website templates that you build your site with because they are included in the package price?

But I digress, my main point with this ad is the use of "Custom Website Design" in the ad copy and the question is, is this actually true? I would have to say no, that this is not a proper use of the term "Custom Web Design." Why? Because they are using design templates that you can "customize" - which is different than an actual custom design that is started from scratch. Sure, you can change pictures in pre-coded spots, maybe change colours and positions, but in the end the design is a prefab template - this is NOT custom design, it is customized design.

Now, customization in Web development is extremely useful, it allows for fast, semi-automatic development where the majority of code is reused across a wide platform of applications. It streamlines the process and also makes security updates and coding/database upgrades a lot easier since the sites share the same code and database structure. This is the major advantage and reason for the large variance in Web site prices online since, for those willing to use template designs, they can make the process user friendly and basically automatic for ANYONE to use...and provide this service at an extremely low price. However, be aware that there could be dozens or hundreds of other companies using the SAME template that you're using, which in the end, could well damage your image and not promote it.

For those who create a definitive custom design, their Web design process start with a blank page and a strong connection with their client's vision and needs. Sure there is overlap with how these needs are satisfied, as there is also need to keep to certain, proven conventions in design that ensure proper navigation, logo presentation and content layout and promotion. But the goal of the custom Web designer is to create a unique, one-off design that will stand out from template designs and designs that do not satisfy or adhere to the needs of design conventions, nor capture the client's perspective.

The best Web designer/developer will be able to balance between the customized world of coding and the custom world of design. This ensures a fast, manageable turnaround time in the development of the code and database (if necessary) and the integration of a design that is compliant with Web standards, is built for Search Engine Optimization and is unique in its graphic layout.

If you are looking for a custom Web site design in Calgary, Cochrane or anywhere else in the world, make sure you are getting a unique design by asking your Web designer if the design is based on a template or if they build from scratch. Take a look through their portfolio and see if their work shows variety, improvisation and innovation while simultaneously providing consideration for proper navigation, content flow and effective use of branding.

If you are looking for a proactive and multi-faceted design team in Calgary Alberta, please visit Calgary Web Design to see BlindDrop Design's full list of services to the Cochrane & Calgary Area. Lucas Arnatt has been a Calgary Web Designer producing custom Web designs since 1997.

Google Sites - A Free No-Hassle Option for Business Owners

If you own a business, you most likely want to bring in business from the Web. You also want or need a website. But the problem is most of your options take too much time or cost too much money. So you're still frustrated and still don't have a website.

An option is Google Sites. As the name suggests, it's a site made by Google. There are four reasons why Google Sites are great if you want a website right away but don't want to waste time or money. There's also one problem with them (which is actually not that hard to fix).

Here are the strong points:

1. It's free. That includes hosting, which usually costs about $70 a year and is tough to set up if you've never done it. Nor do you have to worry about buying the website design, so you're not getting whacked for a design that just looks nice to programmers.

2. Google Sites are quick and easy to set up. Usually, you have to do a ton of work just to get a site just up and running, or you have to know HTML. With Google Sites, you don't need to know any programming. You can put a functional site on the Web with just the brass tacks you need, and worry about changing it around later when you feel like it.

3. Your site isn't covered with ads. Many business owners get duped into buying pre-built sites for free or cheap. There's a catch: the outfits that sell these sites don't tell people ahead of time that they're covered with ads and logos. Google advertises in plenty of places, but not on Google Sites, which are clean and ad-free.

4. It's simple, clean, and Google-friendly. A lot of sites are littered with flashy trinkets that distract customers or irritate them until they leave. The layout is straightforward, which is good for when customers go to the site. The behind-the-scenes wiring (the coding) is efficient-which helps you on the rankings.

The only downside is you get a bad website name when you create your site. Google automatically gives you a name like "sites.google.com/site/yoursitename." That's too long and confusing. If your name is that difficult, potential customers won't remember how to get to your website, or they might not be able find it in the first place. There's a way to get a better, simpler name. It's kind of involved, but easy if you know how to go about it.

Especially if you get around the issue of the way-too-long name, getting a Google Site is the shortest, cheapest way I know to get a solid website up and running for your business.

Philip Rozek invites you to watch a free video at http://www.letsgetyoufound.com on how to get a Google Site for your business. He will also show you how to get a short, simple name for your Google Site, and more.

Website Building Software - Top Website Builders Reviewed

If you still think you need to pay some wizard programmer a couple grand to build you a professional looking website - I've got something else you might want to consider before signing that check. During this past decade technology took a giant leap in this area. You could build cleaner websites during your lunch break - than the overpriced web designers take a month to do.

Building your own website doesn't have to be a hassle

Some people may have you believe that in order to make a website you need to be a geek with ultra high IQ, have some expensive software and spend years learning some alien looking codes. Trust me, there are other options.

Here are a few top website builders to consider:

• Site Rubix Website Creator
• Xsite Pro Webdesigner Software
• Bluevoda Website Builder

A brief overview of some of the key features of each one:

Bluevoda Website Builder - If you're on a tight budget, this builder is definitely for you. It's free, so if you need something to hold you over before you're ready to invest some money into something better, this one is the way to go. It comes with an array of pre-designed templates and very easy to use. Drag and drop function is nice, no knowledge of any code required.

The downside is that you're tied up to their host and eventually could be a problem if you're trying to run a website which requires higher bandwidth. Hosts like that tend to run slow because of their popularity - there are currently about 3 million people who use Bluevoda.

Another big con is the fact that it can only run on Windows based platforms. So if you're on a Mac you're out of luck.

Xsite Pro Webdesigner Software - Regarded as one of the top builders out there for the price. This builder will set you back about $200. One of the biggest advantages of Xsite pro is that it's the first builder built with Internet marketer's needs in mind.

• The most regarded feature is instant SEO (Search Engine Optimization) checker. It automatically analyzes your website and suggests the best possible way for you to get listed in the search engines painlessly. This feature is what makes it unique.

• It also comes with hundreds of templates to choose from

• Automatic sitemap creation feature built-in. Another handy feature for Internet marketers

• Affiliate link wizard. A marketer's dream. You can store all your affiliate links and just pop them in into any page at a click of a button

• Full tech support 24 hours 7 days a week, plus a user forum is nice

Again the downside is it's only compatible with Windows systems and for the same price you could get a professional edition of Adobe Dreamweaver if you're planning on learning more advanced techniques in the future.

Site Rubix Website Creator - This builder is by far the most versatile and user friendly I've ever come across. Some of its key benefits:

• Extremely user-friendly and intuitive interface. It's also known as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). No HTML code knowledge on your part is required. You just drag and drop every component of your website into place.

• Multitude of pre-built templates to chose from

• Dynamic drag enabled menus

• Built in FTP program (most other ones don't have this)

• Instant screenshot tool

• Template and banner swapping

• Media Management Support (Video, Images, Screenshots)

• Flexible Operating System Support

Overall I'd say Site Rubix is the best of both worlds. You can run it on either Mac or Windows based systems. And it has every feature that all the other programs offer. What makes it stand out is the fact that it's tied into it's own forum where not only you can learn how to build websites - you could also become a top level Internet marketing professional with the 1-on-1 coaching program that's offered.

To see my review on it, visit Site Rubix Review at my website. To learn how you can take full advantage of the forum and the coaching program, see my Wealthy Affiliate Review

How Corporate Web Design Can Generate Leads For Your Business

If you own a business you know that your first priority is attracting customers. While this is usually done through basic advertising and marketing on a day to day basis, there is something to be said about a company that opens up a second stream of opportunities. Technology has made that infinitely more simple, and made it possible for the first time to create a real, viable customer target on a national and international front.

I am speaking, of course, about creating an ecommerce web site, that will be used in addition to your main company front. By establishing a website you will be able to widen your target net, reach more customers, and increase profits significantly. It is in this way that corporate web design consulting can improve your business in a very real way. Hiring someone to handle your website will allow you to implement one of the biggest benefits of the Internet in the business world, and put you in touch with an resource that is growing by the day.

Just imagine being able to reach customers across oceans, and to increase your client base within your own home country, all in a convenient, affordable way. By moving a portion of your company onto the World Wide Web, you will be establishing a revenue stream that can boost sales dramatically, and open up doors that were a mere pipe dream only a few decades ago.

The benefits of creating a presence online are enormous, and beyond just increasing your prospects. It is all about competing in an ever more competitive market, where small businesses are become the more popular choice for consumer needs. Even large corporations have seen the potential (and profit increases) possible with a website, and entire departments have been dedicated to that purpose. By utilizing the tools created with corporate web design consulting, you will be put on more even footing against those sellers who have outsold you in the past.

A survey was recently conducted among consumers who had moved from long-standing companies to new ones in recent years. When asked why they made the switch the consumer admitted that the availability of a website had made it easier for them to fit shopping into their busy lives. Likewise, one of the top reasons that consumers choose a company is now based on the existence of an ecommerce site. Not only does it bring new customers to a business because of easy access, but it increases customer confidence to know that there is a place online to check out a company or product before committing.

Corporate web design consulting has become a huge industry in the last decade. That in itself should be enough to show that the future is truly in ecommerce, and that failing to take advantage of this resource could be a serious disability in your profit potential. Don't decrease your marketability. Instead, increase it by implementing corporate web design consulting into your regular marketing strategies. It is the most important move you can make to securing the future of your company.

All web development Projects Require Corporate Web Design Consulting to achieve a Successful online Presence. If you need Corporate web Design Consulting feel free to visit Creative Web Design Consulting by [MN]interactive.com.

4 Tips For Making Your Personal Website - The Foundation For Your Web Presence

Enter into the web world of an eternal flow of interaction and insight. When making your website, you need look no further than your own experience, knowledge, and interest to build your site foundation. Some timely tips will ensure your endeavor is an easy and fun procedure.

The basics is format and inspiration

All unique ideas and novel touches of personal spark is the result of a seed of inspiration. Your web presence is the collection of your inspiration and the presentation of this insight. A basic site format will include clean form, concise blocks of text, bold subtitles, and avoid an over busy construction.

Your subject is your unique expertise

There is no limit on the potential theme of your site and is determined by the area of your personal knowledge, your experience in your field of work, hobby interest, or a special talent you are aptly qualified to expand upon. Showcase your talent, your specialized interest, your humorous creation or a spotlight on your beloved pet. Choose a theme you know well, that holds your focus.

A little on web dreams and realities

While your intent may be strictly a personal sight, often personal sites entwine with a business model. Caution is to be applied in recognizing the fallacies of web dreams and realities. If it appears too good to be true, then it probably requires more consideration. It is too easy when beginning to incur more expenditure, than you have income. Web expectations and the learning process of reality can be an expensive lesson.

Build your site with focus and intent

Start with a clear theme, a point of interest for your site, and a destination based on focus of your goal. Make your personal site easily adaptable for your business ventures, and aptly engaging your personal intent. Unique as your intention, so is the attention to detail and application. A niche theme of a broader source of relevance is required. You may bring to light a garden like paradise, but a garden is a broad term, and a more niche theme would be growing a garden attracting butterflies, or a garden of sweet purple violets, myrtle, heather and lilac. All purple, or all a similar combination of likeness.

The idea is make it your own, while embracing a basic original concept. Tweak it as you like. How to's always require clear vibrant photos, and an eye for detail. Personal themes are a mirror of your interest, cause, expertise, and commitment.

Dannie writes website tips more on the basis of site format and inspiration than technology. Visit http://www.websitetoptip.com for more timely web tips, and your own easy website free trial.