WebMastersLoom

Give Your Web Site The Verbal Advantage

Have you ever sat down to create that winning ad, publicity release or newsletter and couldn’t come up with the right words or phrases? You will never make your fortune until you cure this dialog dilemma. You must enlarge your powers of expression, acquire precision and persuasion. You need a powerhouse of color, flavor and tone to highlight your message. This applies to personal conversations, writing promotional material or creating a productive web site.

The Internet Is A Money Maker

In many ways the Web is the ultimate medium, but only for those who can deliver their message persuasively and convincingly. In the end it will be your site’s ability to create desire and compel action that will bring real wealth. Those not possessing the necessary verbal skills will experience perpetual disappointment. They can not create the success they desire, socially or financially.

Winning Words

How do you make your web site dazzle, charm and seduce? For your site to be truly distinctive and compelling it will rely on successful semantics. Words and phrases carefully selected, then orchestrated to create feeling, then desire, and finally “action.” In the end, the success of your site rests entirely on your visitor’s decision to purchase and do it “now.” Great graphics can’t get that decision. Dazzling colors will not. Only moving and inspiring words can accomplish that mission.

You may have magical powers when you are there in person…Think you can charm a dog off a meat wagon in person…Then on the other hand, perhaps not. In either case, your words and phrases must carry your message without benefit of your presence. You can’t rely on your great smile or your winning body language. Only the site’s words will tell the world who you are, what you do and what you stand for.

So, expand your inventory of words and phrases, and then choose them with precision. You will be amazed at the difference it will make.

There is a buzz in the online community about a technology that empowers the average computer user with the ability to create and maintain their very own web presence. In the past, individuals who took interest in having and operating their own websites were burdened with the task of learning HTML, DHTML, and other web-based technologies such as JavaScript and CSS. The only alternative to this was, unfortunately, to pocket the expenses and costs required to pay a web developer to build and maintain it for them.

This dilemma is one of the primary reasons that small to medium-sized businesses did not begin to emerge on the worldwide web for several years following the corporate dot-com rush. Many business owners were terrified at the thought of having to learn complicated programming languages and server languages in order to create ‘do it yourself’ websites. Fortunately, that was then and this is now!

Due to the evolving demand for businesses to have a presence on the web, a new application has emerged in order to help business owners and employees create and sustain a professional-looking site without the worries of coding and technical applications.

What do we call this innovative technology that lessens the gap between the IT professionals and ourselves? Content Management Systems (otherwise known as CMS). Simply put, Content Management Systems are applications that implement easy-to-use web-based tools in combination with a database and web templates in order to effortlessly construct, and update a website’s content. Hence the name, Content Management System. Content Management System applications are ideal for businesses and sites that require ongoing updates and additions.

The simplicity lies in the fact that through the utilization of the web-based tools, Content Management Systems completely separate the updating and creation of the site’s actual content from the site’s design and layout. Therefore allowing a person with no knowledge of HTML to go in and alter/add content to the site’s pages without making structural changes to the site’s design.

What are a few of the benefits associated with using a Content Management System over traditional web-design?

Well, to begin with, Content Management Systems are developed in a way so that even a novice user has the power to maintain and update the site. The content input/update areas are designed to offer a very user-friendly interface, appearing much like a common word processing application that so many of us are familiar with. This makes it possible for any person or staff involved in document creation to easily and efficiently maintain the content on the company’s website.

This brings us to yet another factor that makes Content Management Systems so helpful. Because more people have access to updating and maintaining the website, the information is generally much more accurate and recent. Updating older pages manually in order to keep them relevant to changing information cannot only be frustrating, but also repetitive and time consuming. In today’s competitive online market, up-to-date information is crucial to your business’s credibility and success.

Content Management System un-complicates this task by making global (site-wide) changes through the alteration of a single file. Because all of the site’s information is stored in a central location, when that information is altered, every page on that site which contains that specific info is updated immediately. Just like that! This allows the editors or the website’s author to write, edit, and publish information to the website without having to submit all of the material to the Webmaster. No inconsistencies, less proofreading—less work altogether.

Another tremendous advantage to using a Content Management System is link maintenance. Many times, even Webmasters make the mistake of deleting or moving content that is linked to multiple areas within a site. When this occurs, the links that are not removed then become broken links because the file to which they refer is either deleted or in another location and the reference is invalid. When a person using a Content Management System deletes or updates the location of a file, each of the links relative to that file are automatically updated, therefore eliminating any risk of orphaned links and that nasty little ‘page not found’ experience for the site’s visitors.

Overall, it is quite obvious that the implementation of a Content Management System is ideal for a wide variety of websites. From news sites to corporate sites— all the way to small business sites and personal web pages, using a Content Management System combines the convenience of ease of use along with the professionalism of clean web design and up-to-date material.

There are millions and millions of websites on the Internet. You NEED to be different in some way from all of them! If you could get a visitor to your website, that means nothing. Only returning visitors must be counted. When they return the second time, “branding” starts to occur. Huge companies advertise not because they want to provide you with information about their product. They do that because they’re trying to “brand” its name and image. Actually, it is the brand you are paying the money for when you buy something from “Adidas”, “Nike” or “Coca-cola”. People will actually be willing to pay for the brand they know, so make it as bright and memorable as possible. However, it is useful to remember that too complex logo will definitely slip out of peoples’ minds.

Have you seen small companies with the better products then the leaders in their industry and with the lower prices? When you actually pay the money to a big company for some service or product, be sure that 30% or even more from the price of the product will be the “branding” expenses. But why would you waste 30% on company branding? The thing is that branded companies make people feel safer, especially when they purchase through internet. Think for yourself - when you would feel safer if you give your credit card number to an unknown company but with the attractive prices or to a company everyone knows and trusts, even if their price is a bit more expensive? The answer is simple, right? If you want to be a recognizable company, be ready to spend even more than 30% when you start your website.

“Branding” plays the same role in online business as in the regular one. If people see your banners, links, adds, etc. all over the related websites, they begin to recognize your company. First, they do that unconsciously, than after running into your website several times they will recognize your logo, website, etc.

Let’s think how we can brand our website online.

1) Before you start branding I would recommend studying the methods your competitors used. That may be very useful as you may borrow some of their techniques.

2) Think of a good company name, logo, website domain name and company slogan (e.g. company name: Metamorphosis Design, domain: http://www.metamorphozis.com)

3) Advertisement is the key to success in online branding. Links, text ads, graphic banners and any other means you can think of. Your logo, company name or business slogan should be everywhere on the business related websites.

4) Web design companies very often offer free redesign services and discounts on web design for the companies that provide a link back to their website on their pages. That is another way of branding.

5) Offer affiliate percentage from sales if they agree to place a banner or a link to your website. (You should have affiliate program up and running in this case)

There are many other ways to brand your company. Different companies use different methods and techniques. When you start your own business you will have to study them and select which one is better for your needs and your pocket. If you would be able to brand your company, it may bring you millions and millions of dollars.

This article may be reprinted and distributed with no charge until the credit line (links) below remains without changes.

Thanks for reading.

Article source: http://www.metamorphozis.com/tutorials/make_your_own_brand.shtml

Nowadays, sites are getting better. With minimal design and highly maintained archives they continue to offer comprehensive services. However, prominent mistakes on several websites are still apparent.

Here is a list of the website mistakes that scares visitors away and ruins the business reputation.

1. The under construction sign. Putting an “under construction” sign on your website marks you as a struggling beginner. Websites are supposed to grow in time. If your site is not yet ready to be shown in public, then don’t publish it.

2. Visitor counters. Visitors generally are not bothered by the fact that many other people have visited your site. However, if the visitor counter shows a low number, that can be a psychological turn-off to people, if it’s too high, people might think that it’s fictitious. The best way to do is not to include in your website. If you really want to know how many visitors you have had, check your statistics.

3. Lack of copyright statements. Everything you write and create on the including your website is copyright-able. Make certain that you include copyright statements on every page, and appropriately update the copyright year.

4. Overuse of technology. There are some really great and cool new technologies available today but they can tend to distract the visitors. In times that you have to choose between new technology and simplicity. Choose the latter for it is anchored on the website’s functionality.

5. Passive verbs. Use active verbs and active sentences when writing your site’s copy. Active verbs are powerful and lend energy to your site. The more conversational the website is the better.

6. Long sentences. Long sentences are tedious to read. Better keep it short and simple so that it can easily be retained.

7. Lengthy pages. Keep your pages brief and concise. People are easily bored of reading, so you have to adjust to their attention span. If you have a lot to say, you can create a series of pages with good navigation to explain your topics.

8. Not identifying the benefits of your products or services. There are two reasons why people make purchases. First is to get rid of pain and second is to get pleasure. They want to discern how your products and services will help them with their definite pain/pleasure situation.

9. Neglecting to ask the visitor to do something. In marketing, this is known as a Call To Action. There should be a space designated to tell your visitors what you want them to do next. Sign up for my newsletter. Order now.

10. Accepting as true the maxim build it and they will come. Once you’ve built your website you have to let people know about it. If you don’t deliver them to people, then your website is not worth the money you spent to create them!

People ask too many things about websites. They ask about the key points to remember in order for their website to conquer the Web as well as to boost their sales. They ask about the right colors to use, layout, content and the likes. So many queries but it all sums up to one thing – a profitable website.

To boot, in order for your website to be lucrative, it must exude total equilibrium with all its elements. What do I mean with total equilibrium? Well, it’s simple. It involves six crucial rudiments – organization, focus, design, navigation, technology and marketing. Short of one rudiment means your website is incomplete and lacking. One by one lets us discuss their essence.

Organization

A design must be detail-oriented. Just like a piece of art, each detail must contribute to the overall projection of the whole. Nevertheless, it must only have what it needs and nothing more. It is with semblance to the maxim in clothing that it is better to be underdressed than overdressed. This is because it can tend to lead the visitors astray. They may not be aware of where to go or where to look at. This is the reason why it is always safe to keep it simple and in order yet not tedious. Follow the basic rules and your readership will surely soar.

Focus

All sites have goals. In order to achieve that goal focus is necessary. Objectives must be met in a way that the target audience can relate and look forward to working hand in hand with you.

Design

Design must be simple with web safe colors. Design is something that will not punish the eyes of the readers, something that will not look shameful but a memorable and professional epitome of both art and function. It is advisable to use toolbars on homepages however, it must not be more than ten. Another thing that you should consider is its size. Ordinary home page has a standard 17” size without any scrolling involved.

Navigation

Easy navigation means quick routing. That way visitor can transfer from one page to another without any difficulty. Giving burdens to visitor may mean annoyance and will most likely result to poor cooperation and realization of your goal.

Technology

It is noteworthy that a website should use accurate technology in order to meet its objectives and dynamics. It must be recent and up to date so that your target readers may not find it passé and rotten. You can utilize all possible resources so long as it will redound to the benefit and efficacy of your website.

Marketing

Lastly, the domain name must be easy to recall. It can bear the company/business name or something that will easily be connected to your products or services. It must have a one-to-one marketing practice – an abode that will make clients comfortable and at ease. It must also be something that will make visitors come back for more!

The Macromedia Dreamweaver MX have these powerful new addition to its toolset – introducing, Snippets! Do you often use blocks of code? Well, snippets make it easy to save it or put it over the same conversion on a block already written on your page. It also allows you to save and reuse chunks of code over and over. Snippets save you time and effort in maintaining a large Web site. You can use snippets to store things like:

• Headers and footers
• Logos
• Scripts
• …

In this tutorial, you will get to know how to create snippets and use them to your heart’s content! Creating snippets are not that difficult and would take only at least 5 minutes of your time to do…

Of course, you need to have the Macromedia Dreamweaver MX downloaded and ready on your PC and then, let’s start creating snippets! Here’s how…

Upon opening Dreamweaver MX, click “Snippets” in the Window menu. You can also access it by holding down the shift key and press F9 (Shift-F9). A number of useful snippets are already pre-installed in Dreamweaver. Then, highlight the text or code you wish to turn into a snippet and click on the New Snippet icon below the snippets window. This icon looks like a file with a plus sign. Assign a title to your chosen snippet, plus, provide it with a concise description.

Depending on what you prefer, if the snippet is to wrap around text on the page, choose “Wrap selection” and if you want a single block, choose “Insert Block”. Then, add the code for the snippet, if you did not have any code highlighted. Whether you prefer it, you could also choose how you want the preview in the snippet pane to display – either as code or design. Lastly, click OK and you’re all done.

It would be very useful for you to check out the pre-installed snippets. There may be one or two there that can help you in managing your site!

Then, if you’re wondering how to use your newly created snippet, here’s a guide on how to use it: 1. Open the snippets tab through the same procedure given above, then click in the page where you want the snippet to be placed, in whatever view you prefer it: code or design; 2. Navigate to the snippet you want in the folders and double-click on the snippet to add it to your page.

It’s as simple as you’ve read it…So start creating your snippets now, and put them to good use! -30-

Macromedia announced their release of Coldfusion’s latest version on February 7, 2005. This latest version is ColdFusion MX 7.0 clearly offers several important new features and useful improvements on its existing ones. A major focus of this release is to target new ColdFusion developers and get them up to speed even faster than before.

Before we go on about the solid and massive set of new capabilities that’s imparted in the latest version of ColdFusion, let’s get a grip on what this application program really is and its significance in the Web development technology today.

Although full details on ColdFusion are available from Macromedia, we give you a piece of important knowledge about it. Thus, if you haven’t heard enough of ColdFusion, it is a very powerful and easy-to-use application server. It is actually a J2EE application that interprets a simple, tag-based language called the ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML). The CFML is compiled to Java byte code and executed on a Java application server such as JRun (included), WebSphere, WebLogic, or virtually any other J2EE server.

Here’s a general preview of the new features and improvements that CFMX 7.0 offers:

• Speed enhancements - targets new ColdFusion developers and get them up to speed even faster than before. While simplicity is already one of CF’s chief benefits, enhancements are provided by having the “Getting Started” resources. Two fully functional sample applications are available, that does a great job of showing off the new features along with demonstrating coding best practices.
• New and powerful presentation options - Flash-based forms and generating PDF files are now possible with stunning ease and give developers very powerful presentation options. Existing presentation elements like charts and graphs have had their capabilities expanded.
• Sophisticated enterprise applications – Although CF is favorable and simple enough for new developers, Macromedia didn’t ignore the more advanced ColdFusion developers. Through its new version it can also scale to extremely sophisticated enterprise applications. CFMX 7.0 brings some impressive new capabilities, like ability to interact with SMS text messaging and development of non-HTTP event gateways. This is to satisfy the list of large customers using ColdFusion which now includes JP Morgan, NEC, Reebok, Victoria’s Secret, and Bank of America among many others.

You also have to know that CFMX 7.0 uses the core code from the very mature 6.1 release. Most of the existing code was not changed; the focus was on adding new features. Thus, version 7.0 promises to be stable and backwards compatible.

Overall, this new release of ColdFusion is quite a reliable tool that brings with it a huge amount of capacity that will take Web application to wider possibilities. -30-

With the Macromedia’s release of the new version of Dreamweaver, the Dreamweaver MX 2004, creating data – driven pages have several requirements before you can begin making them. Unlike Dreamweaver 4, a previous version of Dreamweaver, wherein you can just dive in and everything you need are there in the application already, Dreamweaver MX requires some bits and bobs that should be in order and set up your environment.

There are three things you need. Here are they:

1. A Web Server – now, don’t panic with this! You can run some free web server software in your computer, for development purposes. Yes, when we say it’s free, you won’t have to spend a dime on any more equipment and you won’t even have to learn much about it.

You need the a web server because Dreamweaver MX creates sites using five main technologies – these are the ASP, ASP.NET, JSP, PHP and ColdFusion. All these systems require processing of the pages which have to be done using a server. This is the main feature that makes Dreamweaver MX different from previous versions. For you to see your pages working, a server is needed to do the processing for you.

If you are a beginner, you might find it best to start working with ASP, since it’s the most common choice. There are also lots of people around who’ll know how to help you out once you get stuck. For ASP, the web server you need comes free with Windows but it’s not installed by default. If you have NT (with latest Service Packs), Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro, then you’ll have IIS (Internet Information Server) on your Windows CD. To add it, go to Add and Remove Programs.

Apache web server is on your machine if you’re running OS X. And if you’re on Mac, things can be more complicated but reachable still. You can use PHP as an advisable option in order to keep your costs low. But if you have plenty of budget to spare then, ColdFusion is best. Chili!Soft makes ASP servers for many different platforms, including Linux, in addition to the Microsoft servers.

Its good news if you already have a web server on your network. Still, if you want to run using JSP or ColdFusion, then you’ll need to set up the appropriate servers for those. Once you have a web server running, we have a method of viewing dynamic pages. Now we need to pay attention to the source of our data.

2: A Database – it’s very basic for you to need a database with information to put into your pages. A database can be a very simple CSV file, or a complex SQL Server database. But to generate a small database, it’s alright to use Microsoft Access. Remember that whatever system you use, you’ll need to know at least something about it. Lots of good books can help you with this.

3: A System Connection to Your Database – you need to set up a kind of ‘connection’ to your system so that the web server on your machine can relate with the database. This is just a definition of where the database is and a few simple rules on how it should be treated.

There are different ways of making connection but the easiest might be through defining a system DSN (Data Source Name). Make sure, though that you have a latest version of MDAC from Microsoft’s site. To get Dreamweaver MX working correctly with your system, you might need this.

That’s it folks! Prepare these things and make lots of Data-driven pages on Dreamweaver MX! -30-

After planning the design and content of your website, it’s time to actually physically set up your website. This is the step where you put all your designs and plans into action, creating a website that will attract visitors and earn income.

a) WEBHOSTING

A webhost is a company that stores the pages and pictures and other files of your website. When a person visits your website, they will request these files from your webhost’s server so they can view the website. When choosing a webhost, be careful to choose one that is reliable. After all, if your webhost has problems for any reason, people won’t be able to visit your website, and you won’t be earning any money.

In addition, different webhosts have varying services and tools that they offer. Some of the more important points to consider when choosing a webhost are as follows:

• SPACE AND BANDWIDTH - Space refers to how much file storage space is available for your website. For a standard website with about 20 pages with graphics, 30MB is plenty. Online stores might require more space depending on how many products and pictures you have. Bandwidth refers to how many files can be downloaded and viewed by visitors per month. A normal website with reasonable traffic (200 visitors a day) will need about 2GB bandwidth. Again, if you own a business with lots of products and webpages, you might need more bandwidth.
• DOMAINS AND SUBDOMAINS - Usually, webhosting accounts are charged per domain, with $10 per domain being a reasonable price. However, you can buy larger hosting packages that allow you to host multiple domains and websites on the same account. Subdomains are just different sections of your website’s domain, with 5 subdomains the rough standard. You will need to make sure how many domains your account entitles you for, in order to calculate which is the better webhosting package.
• EMAILS AND AUTORESPONDERS - Emails are the various email addresses that visitors can write to you. Most websites will use about 2 or 3 emails (maybe a webmaster email and a support email). Autoresponders are email addresses that will reply someone with an automatic email. You will only need autoresponders if you are on vacation and wish to leave an automated reply in case anybody emails you.
• SCRIPTS - If you want to add extra functionality (such as forums or polls), you will need to be able to run scripts. Make sure your webhost allows you to run scripts for your website. The more common scripts are Java, PHP, Perl and CGI.

There are a number of companies out there that offer free webhosting, but they usually have severe limitations, and might place their own ads on your website. If you are serious in building your internet business, it is recommended to sign up for a proper webhosting service. We recommend HostGator, which provides different levels of webhosting depending on your requirements and budget, with various useful tools as well. In any case, you shouldn’t be paying more than $10 a month per domain for basic webhosting services.

b) PROGRAMMING

Some people with sufficient HTML knowledge use word processing programs to directly code the HTML for their websites. For the rest of us who don’t have such skill, we recommend one of the popular graphical programs like Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft Frontpage. These programs allow you to create your webpages with mouse clicks with little need for knowledge in HTML.

If you want to make your website look like another website, you can “copy” their HTML and modify it to fit your website. In Internet Explorer, click the “View” menu, then click the “Source” option. This will show you the HTML code for the website. You will need some HTML knowledge to make sense of this and use it on your website.

If you need more information and examples on the many things that HTML can do, you can visit the online tutorial at W3Schools.

c) FILE ORGANIZATION AND TRANSFER

Once you have your webhosting set up and your webpages completed, you need to transfer the completed pages to your webhosting server. If you are using a graphical program like Dreamweaver to work on your webpages, you can configure Dreamweaver to transfer the files for you.

If you are doing it manually, you need to transfer the files via FTP. Your webhost will provide you with an FTP server, with a user id and password for you to access your account on the webhost. Once you connect to the account via FTP, you will be able to upload (transfer files from your computer to the server) or download (transfer files from the server to your computer) or modify files as required.

You can FTP to the server using your computer’s Windows Explorer, by entering the FTP server’s address in your explorer’s Address Toolbar. Or you can use specialized FTP programs such as AceFTP.

d) ADDITIONAL SCRIPTS

If you want to add extra functionality to your website, such as polls, newsletter subscription forms and other interactive programs, you will need to install scripts onto your website.

If you are looking for scripts to create a newsletter mailing list, do note that some webhosting services also provide mailing list scripts. If your webhost doesn’t provide it, BigNoseBird has a good email list management software.

For other scripts and functionality, you can check out the popular scripts at websites such as BigNoseBird and HotScripts.

When you’ve finished setting up your website and getting it launched, the next step will be to start looking at the various means to attract visitors at:
http://www.onlinebiz-help.com/step4.html

Many businesses want a simple website where they tell people what their business is about, some information on the products they offer and a means of contacting them.

However, content is vital in the growth of your Internet presence. Information is your asset and all you need to produce it is the knowledge you attain over time.

For some, they simply don’t know where to start. Here are some things to consider that could lead you to providing great content and a value-adding website.

1. Write what you know

Knowledge is power. Post articles to your website that show that you are well informed in your industry. If you can position yourself as an expert in your industry you can boost perceived credibility of your business on the whole.

2. Entertain

Everyone likes to be entertained.

For example, if you are marketing African tours, you might publish photo galleries or post stories on the African people, travel tips, the climate, etc.

3. About Your Business

Are people interested in the current happenings in your business? Post news items on your website. Eg. “New branch in Gauteng”

4. About Your Product

What do your customers often ask you about? What are their uncertainties? If you offer a “complex” product, which requires much learning on the part of the consumer, a website is a great place to teach them! This in mind, you might not want to be too technical in your copy – tell them about the benefits, not the features.

A great way to clarify uncertainties is to publish a “Frequently Asked Questions” or a “Q&A” section.

5. Back to the Plan

Take a look at your marketing and / or business plan – what goals are you trying to achieve and how are you trying to position yourself in the market place?

6. Watch your competition

6.1. What are competitors offering through their website that you are not?

6.1.1. Determine why they publish this content, then think of ways that you can improve it and use it on your website. Don’t copy – enhance.

6.2. What are you offering on your website that competitors are not

This raises two questions:

6.2.1. Is the information you offer really satisfying? Does it need to be there?

6.2.2. And, if the information does give you a kind of competitive advantage, how can you capitalize on that?

7. User Behaviour

Consider your Internet market – what do they do on the Internet.

7.1. Do they like to communicate with other Internet users about your industry? Consider having a forum on your website where you can allow website visitors to do this