If you are considering hiring someone to create a web site for you, be very aware of the following:
Web design and web development are two different skill sets. 

Web Design (also called Graphic Design) is the creative, artistic part of the process.  (Think artist, interior decorator, right brain thinking.)  Web Development and Programming, (also called coding) is the logical, technical part.  (Think architect, electrician, left brain thinking.)

Unfortunately, because of the many software programs that make it “easy” to create a website, some design professionals really believe that they know how to turn their design into an active website.  And because of the many ready-made designs available, many developers believe that they can legitimately offer design services along with the coding services.

So what can you do to determine if the person you are considering hiring has the skill level that you need for a successful and correctly coded website?  Consider asking them the following:

1. How many people will be working on my project and what is the specialty area of each? (Best answer: a minimum of 2 but preferably more.)
2. Does the designer intend to do original work or use templates for this project?  Ask for samples.
3. Does this person or firm conduct usability testing while creating your website to make sure that the design and function is user-friendly?  If so, how do they test the website, do they charge an additional fee for this service and will they share the results?
4. What “lead capture” components do they recommend building into the site design?

Ask for the website address (URL) of some of their most recent projects.  Then find at least two people with programming knowledge who will look at the code for that site (they’ll know how to find it) and give you feedback as to whether or not this person/firm is coding websites using current “best practices.”  Another option is to go online to the Markup Validation Service and enter the URL of a few of the websites they have done.  It will tell you the number of coding errors that exist on the home page of the website.   It’s not unusual for correctly coded websites to show some errors, but if you see an excessive number of errors, there may be cause for concern.

Taking the extra steps to make sure you’re selecting the right team to create your website will save you time and money in the long run.

I experienced first-hand the value of online business directories (such as Google Places) for businesses that target a local market.

It really hit-home the need to not only make sure your business is correctly listed (address, website, etc.) but also to list the products that you offer – in as much detail as possible.

Here’s an example of how a properly crafted directory listing could have helped me – and brought a new customer to a small business.

I was in New York City to see a play that my daughter was directing at her college.  (The play was fabulous, by the way.  I was such proud mom.  But I digress…)

I wanted to find some flowers to give her after the performance.  I was in Greenwich Village and it was 6 PM.  I knew it was useless to try to find a flower shop, as it was unlikely that one would be open.  But I figured some of the markets may sell flowers.

Using Google Maps on my smart phone, I tried to find markets close by.  Not only were very few markets listed, the ones that were had very little information about the kinds of things they carry.

I never found what I wanted.  But ironically, after the play, as I walked with my daughter to a restaurant, we passed at least 3 markets still open, selling bouquet of flowers right beneath their front windows.

So if you don’t want to miss opportunities for new customers who are searching for what you offer, make sure your business’ listing is filled out correctly on the many sites that offer you that option.   If you’d like this done for you, we can help.  Check out our “Search Engine Optimization” Service (Package#5) here.  Believe me – there are potential customers looking for you!

It’s 1929. George, a successful star of silent films, is sitting in his studio’s production office while his studio chief plays for him the reels from the “new” type of cinema:  film with sound.

“That’s the future,” his studio chief tells him. “If that’s the future,” George scoffs, “you can keep it.”

In the Academy Award-winning film, The Artist, George resists the transition to sound, but comes to realize what that means for his career.

We all know change is inevitable.  How we choose to respond to it can make the difference between failure and success.

Fast forward to today.  I’m sitting in the office of a client, discussing ways she can promote her business online.  The topic of Social Networking comes up. Her initial reaction is resistance.  ‘I’m not comfortable with social networking – I don’t understand it.”

I encounter it frequently with my clients: a desire to embrace new ways to promote their businesses, but a resistance because it’s such unfamiliar territory. Read the rest of this entry »

For years I’ve known: offering something unique is essential if a small business wants to enjoy success online.

And although I am easily able to help others define their niche, I struggled to find my own.

“Specialize.”  “Pick one aspect of online marketing and offer that service.”  That’s the advice I received from coaches, mentors, and friends. After 12 years of being a student of Internet Marketing, I had done it all. Should I specialize in website design, search engine optimization, online advertising or social networking?   The problem was,  I enjoyed them all.   But offering so many services made me a “Jill of all Trades” and a “Master of None”. Read the rest of this entry »

Finally!  You have a WordPress website and now you can edit and add new pages whenever you want.  Feels great not to be dependent upon a web designer to make changes and additions to your site doesn’t it?

Well before you dive in too deeply, read on.   There are a few important tips you should know as you begin creating new pages and managing your website.

Tip #1. Do Updates Carefully.

If you have WordPress site, you will see regular notices about updates for the latest version of WordPress.  The notice is right at the top of every page once you log in to your blog site.  I recommend that you do updates – many of them often have to do with added security – but you do need to be cautious.  The update could cause a change to your website, particularly if you have a customized WordPress site.  The wise thing to do is a “backup’ of your website prior to doing your update. (In fact it is wise to do a back-up every week or so just as a rule of thumb.)  Your hosting company should be able to walk you through how you do this or they may do it for you. Read the rest of this entry »