Archive for December, 2008
Template Customization And The Art Of User Optimization (Part 1 of 2)
Posted on 31. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
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Did you know the clock is ticking? The time to impress website visitor is decreasing. Previously, most developers worked by a rule that you had about eight seconds to get the users attention once they accessed your site.
Today, new research suggests that this figure is now reduced to four seconds.
This is a really big deal, and something you should definitely take into consideration, especially if you just launched, or if you’re seriously considering launching an online business. In this article I’m going to tell you how to take this idea, the four-second rule, and apply it, so that you’ll have a pretty good idea as to how to target your sites objective right from the very beginning.
If this article strikes a chord with you, feel free to leave us your comments, as always you have a open forum, we appreciate all feedback, so by all means, feel free to take advantage of this by commenting.
Some of the techniques I’ll be talking about are really strait forward, very simple template customization and user optimization practices that I have been using with some of my clients and also right here on my own website, and we’ve been having some decent results, so I just thought I’d share them with you.
So what is user optimization
At this point, I think you are all familiar with importance of having a professional design, and the fact that people are influenced by the aesthetic characteristics of your design, and how a quality web design lends trust to your brand etc, etc, etc
User optimization and website customization are really one in the same, whereas good design establishes the fact that your company and brand are trustworthy and of the highest quality, providing valuable textual content, ensures not only good SEO (search engine optimization), but also good user optimization. Why? Because the creation of good quality content, in other words, having up to date, relevant information, is the key to keeping your visitors interested and coming back for more.
The key question is, are you creative enough to write, or do you even have time to write your own content? That is to say, assuming that you have a real job, a primary source of income, you are probably not going to want to work 10-hour days on nothing but writing content, after all that’s the whole reason you went with template customization verses a do it yourself website, correct?
Needless to say, many of us have families or other frivolous pursuits that keep us from working 7-day weeks. Besides, as a small business owner, you should be spending most of your time running your operation, not coming up with the idea the research, draft writing, checking etc – that doesn’t make any sense.
Nevertheless, having just a simple digital brochure (e.g. an online bulletin board of your services, contact page etc) simply doesn’t work anymore.
Remember that your users as well as Google want viable, well-written content. If you don’t know where to start, or simply do not have the time, we can help!
Chat with a template customization specialist, the consultation is free, the quote is free, no pressure no hype none of that!
Also order customizations today and I’ll even through in the template FREE. All you need to do is choose a template. Once your selection is made, contact us with some general information (e.g. some suggested color schemes, colors to avoid, styles or websites that you likes etc), a template customization specialist will work with you, one on one, to answer all of your pre-sales question.
Ok, now that you know how important having the right content can be, and where to go for good content, the other thing is when you outsource your site’s copy, for example if you have us or someone else write it for you, you’ll need a descriptive brief of what it is you’d like our copywriters to write.
In part two, with the help of copywriter, author and speaker Nick Usborne, we will show you how to write a good creative brief, going over the five most critical principals in a good creative brief.
So, that’s just one of the ways our template customization services can improve your website’s user optimization, if you have any questions or anything else to add feel free to comment.
Also to be sure you don’t miss a thing, sign up for my newsletters now and also get a crazy 20% discount on our entire stock of website templates, (plus, a “secret” discount), and stay up to date on all the latest web design trends including SEO tips, tutorials and all our latest template arrivals!
Talk to you soon…
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Sneak A Peek at the Makeover – Handyman Site Before And After
Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
Previously we were discussing handyman extraordinaire Tom’s old hadyman website, so if you haven’ t had a chance to read that post, and see what the site actually looked like before the makeover, you should check it out.
Basically the site was suffering from a real bad case of the oldies, the design was totally outdated, the code was just terrible, with dozens of redundant and misused tags, and nowhere was there a clear marketing call to action within the site copy itself.
And so, as promised, here is a sneak peek at Tom’s new website!
The site is highly optimized for search, with specific keywords relevant to his location and the type of handyman work Tom prefers to attract – which ranges from drywall repairs and finishing to plumbing repairs, electrical repairs and a number of other small projects around the house.
The main aim was to keep everything nice and simple, so that customers can easily browse his most recent projects and read his information about the handyman services that he offers.
And of course, the main objective of the design is to entice people to pick up the phone and call for more information, and the way we made sure of that, was by placing a clear and definite marketing call to action on every page.
Also, Lokesh Dhakar’s Lightbox JS plug-in was added, to showcase Tom’s most recent work, while ensuring that everything blended smoothly, function properly and was aesthetically pleasing …
We’re exceedingly proud of the effort put in, and want to wish Tom the very best. Also we would like you all to tell us what you think about the makeover by leaving a comment bellow, give us your honest opinion, where you see improvements, or what you feel we should improve, take advantage of our open forum.
Are You Ready for a Makeover?
If you order customizations today we will include a FREE handyman template, plus another 25 percent off the customization of your handyman website.
Through our template customization process we will quickly set up your very own, highly optimized, handyman website, and display your own text and information about the handyman services you offer.
Here’s the deal!
You can have a beautiful, accessible website just like Tom’s for only $380, plus another 25 percent off, on top of the FREE bonus handyman website template.
So you get the FREE bonus handyman template (a $99 dollar value), typically anywhere you’d go for premium handyman website template you would have to pay extra for the template.
Right now, the template is yours for FREE!
Plus 25 percent off the original customization price, that’s $95 off the original price.
Total price you pay for a new handyman website $285.
Click here to order your FREE consultation today!
This offer is only valid from now till January 1st, so hurry up and take advantage of our best deal yet!
Even if you don’t know everything about the Internet, don’t worry! The consultation is free, the quote is free, no pressure, no hype, none of that.
For years we have been striving to give our customers the best quality service possible, premium website templates, professional template customization and excellent customer care.
If you’re seriously considering making your own handyman website, do not let inexperience tarnish your company’s image, let us help you transform your website into a tool that works for you…and one you can be proud of.
Click here to order your FREE consultation today!
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This Month’s Site Makeover – Handyman Website
Posted on 22. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
One of our most recent projects is topcathomerepairs.com, I usually don’t blog about each new template we customize, and specially I never blog about the templates that are not even live yet, but since I have been talking about search engine optimization, and the importance of getting off on the right foot, I thought today I’d make an exception.
This handyman website is a makeover I designed for a great guy named Tom. The design was inspired by template No. 15132, designed by author Cotton.
I’ll be showing you Tom’s new handyman websites in just 2 days, but before we look at the makeover, lets see what’s wrong with Tom’s old site
1- Dated design: To say the design is somewhat dated is putting it lightly. If Tom hadn’t told me otherwise, I’d have guessed this site was a relic from the Clinton administration, due to the way it been put together. The poor design and other elements, such as the droopy wallpaper and bad contrast, make the site feel homemade, rather than the front for a professional business.
2- Odd Copywriting: Tom needs to sort his site’s copy out. The introduction text asks questions about home improvements, but it doesn’t offer answers or an immediate number to call. This kind of site is all about marketing and trying to encourage someone to pick up the phone and talk to the company that owns the website. To that end, the website needs a clear marketing “call to action”.
Quick Tip!
Here are a few examples of common and effective “call to action” phrases.
1) Call now!
2) Using your credit card? Click the “Buy It Now!” button to purchase this product
3) For a short time only
4) Act now – offer expires August 31st
5) Get a free e-book by joining our newsletter NOW. Click here!
3- Very bad Code: Tom used Yahoo Sitebuilder to put the website together, so it’s really no surprise that the code is terribly bloated, with dozens of redundant and misused tags. These make the site take longer to download, and may also reduce his chances of being indexed with Google.
In my opinion, free website builders can be a bit misleading and hurt more often than help. This goes back to that big misconception, that if you build it they will come –
This is not True!
You must have at least a rudimentary understanding of how search engines work, Yahoo Sitebuilder, FrontPage and the like, are not suited to help you with that, nor can you trust the code being generated to provide you with optimal search results, whereas with a template customization specialist you’ll always have someone who can ensure that Google can crawl and index your site.
Those are the bare bones basic 3 I wanted to pinpoint, but I know there is a lot of other stuff too, so fell free to use the comment box below to make your own list, and tell us what do you think the biggest problems are with Tom’s website, or better yet, let me ask you this, does your site need a makeover? Does your handyman business need a website?
We can help you build your own killer handyman and home repairs businesses website in just a few easy steps!
Don’t let inexperience tarnish your company’s image.
We provide professional template customization, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve the highest return on their investment, and that involves performing an in depth analysis of your online business as well as its competition before providing you with a proper SEO strategy.
Here’s the deal!
For a short time only, order template customization and Save 25% PLUS, We will even through in the Template FREE!
The consultation is free, the quote is free, no pressure, no hype, none of that. We’re here to take care of you the way we like to be treated. Premium website templates, professional template customization and excellent customer care.
Remember if you don’t know anything about HTML or, if you simply just aren’t sure that you will be able to make your handyman website fully functional and capable of being indexed by all the major search engines, then let a template customization specialist do it for you!
Contact us, and get your quote today!
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The Holy Grail Of Internet Marketing
Posted on 19. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
A well optimized website with ranking on prominent search engines (Google, yahoo and the like) is the holy grail of Internet marketing.
According to the Census Bureau, revenues from online sales have grown by nearly fivefold from $7.4 billion in the third quarter of 2000 to $34.7 billion in the third quarter of 2007.
And, in July 2008 alone, there were almost 12 Billion U.S. searches conducted on the top search engines, according to Search Engine Watch.
Nevertheless, many small companies are going online without a clear niche marketing strategy, while other think that if they simply built it, they will come.
Are you one of them?
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sometimes what you do wrong is every bit as important as what you do right. Make sure your search engine optimization gets off on the right foot.
Search engine optimization should be your main priority – it is the major determining factor in the success of your online business
But how do you go about the process of search engine optimization (SEO)?
When you purchase template customization – what you get is a unique blend of search engine optimization along with the customization. Working the two together provides you with a highly targeted and cohesive website.
Planning your SEO strategy.
Phase 1.
Choose any template – once the selection is made, your template customization specialist goes off to turn the template into an actual website
Phase 2.
The second aspect of customizing your template that should not be forgotten – search engine optimization (SEO) optimizing is the process your template undergoes in order to help it achieve the best possible ranking.
Throughout the whole project we consult with you, one on one, to help you develop your strategy, set short-term objectives and offer you tips and tools to monitor progress.
Quick Tip!
Title and meta description tags.
The title tag is located at the top of your html page, and it tells the search engine what your page is about. Despite its simplicity, the title tag is crucial to on page optimization, and it should include your main keywords.
The meta description tag shows up in all search engine and contains the description of your web page shows.
This should contain your keywords, without spamming, written preciously and objectably, after all, this will serve as the first line of contact between you and the prospective buyer
Yes friends, today’s web design techniques have evolved with the internet and the demands for search engine friendly technical web coding. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!
What is more, if you order customization right now, we will through in the Template FREE! PLUS another 25% off on all template customization, from now until December 31st!
Chat with a template customization specialist, get a free template and save an extra 25% off customization, a $100 savings.
The consultation is free, the quote is free, no pressure, no hype, none of that.
This is a limited time offer so don’t delay!
We’re here to take care of you the way we like to be treated. Premium website templates, professional template customization and excellent customer care.
Order Customizations Today and Save 25% PLUS We will even through in the Template FREE!
If you’re seriously considering taking your business online, do not let inexperience tarnish your companies’ image.
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FREE Website Template With Any Customization Order!
Posted on 16. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
Today we start something bigger than an ordinary discount – it’s the tremendous discount! For a limited time, order customization and pay NOTHING for the template, PLUS another 25% off on all template customization, from now until December 31st! Yes, you read correctly. From now till December 31st we have an unbeatable offer on our entire stock of premium website templates, and template customization services.
All you need to do is choose a template. Once your selection is made, contact us with some general information (e.g. some suggested color schemes, colors to avoid, styles or websites that you likes etc), a template customization specialist will work with you, one on one, to answer all of your pre-sales question.
The consultation is free, the quote is free, no pressure, no hype, none of that. This is a limited time offer so don’t delay! Chat with a template customization specialist, get a free template and save an extra 25% off customization, a $150 savings. We’re here to take care of you the way we like to be treated. Premium website templates, professional template customization and excellent customer care.
And if all you need is the template, during this special offer there will be a crazy 15% discount on our entire stock of website templates. That’s every category imaginable 15% off, everything from – Website Templates, CRE Loaded and Zen Cart templates, Joomla and WordPress themes and other types. This Is The Opportunity You’ve Been Waiting For!
And remember that if you don’t know anything about HTML or, if you simply just aren’t sure that you will be able to make your website fully functional and capable of being index by all the major search engines, don’t let inexperience tarnish your companies’ image. Hire a template customize specialist, and take advantage of this fantastic offer!
Free template offer processed after payment for template customization is received; 25 percent off customization offer also valid on pre-purchased templates or templates purchased elsewhere.
If you’d like to discuss a template or if you need a quote, or anything else, drop us a line. Be as specific as possible it will help us to understand your needs better so we would be able to give you our accurate price.
Contact us, and get your quote today!
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Are Flash Intros Making A Comeback?
Posted on 09. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
TemplateMonster unveiled today their latest invention – the Flash CMS Intros. If you don’t know what a Flash Intro is just think of it as like an informative mini movie trailer made to give your clients a little glimpse of your company services and activities.
Personally, I don’t see these Flash CMS intros as being all that convenient, from a design point a view there is really not that much leg room, the only thing it lets you do really, is edit the color scheme. Changing the logo through the admin panel is no real step above just replacing the original logo in the images folder with your own logo, which is the fastest and easiest way to replace your logo still.
The other features are you can edit the texts, set the redirect URLs and the intro tools (skip, replay, sound on/off links etc.) Price wise they range between $119 for really nauseating , to $92 for just as annoying but not quite as prolonged.
Overall they’re kinda neat, I guess, I just don’t know what real website uses Flash intros anyway. I mean their just irritating, nobody watches it more than once and you spend half the time looking for the skip button so you can get the hell out of there – users don’t just want to watch they want to participate, interact and be well informed. I can see this being useful if it were more like an interactive video narrative or some sort of informative Flash presentations otherwise, who cares?
Then again, I dont know, you tell me, are Flash intros making a comeback?
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Find Out What Clients Really Want
Posted on 04. Dec, 2008 by Dave.
It seems like yesterday when I could just fire up Notepad, write a couple of lines of HTML and that’s all there was to it. In today fast-paced, new media centric word however, all that’s changed. Now we’re exposed to so much that clients naturally want and expect to receive a lot more. But are web designers keeping up with the flow?
Then again that’s just the nature of the beast, I think. I mean, bottom line, understanding how clients think and knowing how to talk to them can help you meet expectations and win new business. Similarly mismatched expectations are one of the biggest causes of customer dissatisfaction and you should try to avoid it, but how?
Clients come in as many varieties are there are small businesses. Some know exactly what they want, some have a relative idea and yet others honestly wont understand a word you say. In every case, its your responsibility to become all things to all men, so to speak.
And so to the lunatics I became as a lunatic so that I might win a lunatic. To those who were aesthetically incorrect I became as one who is aesthetically incorrect, although I am not aesthetically incorrect, that I might by all means save some.
And as for mismatched expectation, one, always keep an open line of communication and two, to avoid disillusion later on why not start with a ready-made web design template.
The main template advantage is that the client can preview the appearance of the future website before you start to work. A template is just a pre-made web page “without the text”, very similar to templates in Microsoft Word, or any other where what you see is what you get.
Ultimately the sites that matter are those that have something interesting to say and not the ones with all the fluff, void of any significant content, but that’s another discourse…
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