Web Development Articles

If there’s one thing that people love it is a web site that has plenty of automated features. Sites that are highly interactive tend to get the most traffic and generate the most business for the companies that run them. Automated features can also play a "behind the scenes" role, making your site easier to use, run smoothly and allow for things like online sales and password protection.

There are many ways to get this type of automation into your site, but all involve either client side or server side scripting. Scripts are written in programming languages specially designed for the web, and there are several languages that are commonly used. Most client side scripts are written in Java which is still one of the best web programming languages around. Some functions of a web site must be completed via server side scripting, however, and the most commonly used languages for server side scripting are PHP, PERL, and CGI. PHP and PERL are newer languages and are gaining a lot of popularity, but there are still plenty of features that can be scripted in the granddaddy of web scripting languages, CGI.

Shopping Carts

Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is a daunting for any business entrepreneur. Remember that you’re the important part of a design process. It is your decision makes the final outcome or success of a website. Your website is a one which works better and sells your products and have good feel for the visitors.

Why hire a designer or a programmer?

You might ask this question yourself when there are 100’s of easy to build software on the internet. But building a website yourself and a professional designer makes a lot of difference. The designer put in years of expertise in building your website. He knows all the web standards as well as a professional look after it is done. Apart from that business owners don’t find time and patience in maintaining and promoting the site. Since the business person is occupied with this own business needs. What are the important aspects while choosing a website designer/programmer?

1) Check the credentials of the designer, is he reliable or will the designer will leave half way of your project. Check with the designer previous employer or clients. They could give you a good feedback on it.

Get Linked - Part Two
 by: Mark Steadman

SWAP

In last week’s article: “The Secret Behind the Internet” (http://www.msomedia.com/results/gr00006.htm) I discussed the vital role that linking has to play in your Internet marketing campaign. This week I’m continuing the linkage theme, concentrating on outbound links and reciprocation.

THE STORY SO FAR

We already know that the text that people click on to get to a site (the “anchor text”) has a vast impact on the way Google ranks sites. We also know that more links equals a better PageRank, but there’s more to it than that.

NO FREE LUNCHES HERE

I’m sure you know that you can’t get anything for free these days, without someone wanting to sell you something or get something in return. This mindset forms the ethos behind reciprocal linking. Very simply, I link to your site, you link to mine.

Unfortunately however, it’s no longer that simple. As we discussed last week, Google’s getting cleverer. It used to be the case that any old bunch of inbound links would improve a site’s ranking. This is no longer the case. Now, links have to be relevant. This is the watchword for search engine optimisation when it comes to Google.

Domain names are the hottest net-real-estate on the internet. It’s no wonder services like: “Domain Name Backordering” is available to the public. Can someone really backorder your domain right from underneath you? Guess again… So what is Domain Name Backordering?

This is a service that allows anybody on the internet to reserve a domain name if and when it goes up for sale! This doesn’t seem harmful does it? Guess again…

Companies all over the internet are ordering this service for website url’s that seem to be popular! What if by chance you just happen to forget to re-order your domain name? Let’s say that you go on vacation and neglect to check your emails that are now telling you to renew your domain name? In this case, another company on the other side of the planet sees the fact that your domain name is soon up for grabs, so they order a backorder on your domain name and simply wait to see what you do with it.

So here you are coming back from a very long vacation and what is this? Someone else now owns your domain name because you simply neglected your duty to keep your net-real-estate up-to-date!

Keep it up with Microsoft Publisher
 by: Karen Nodalo

There are a lot of applications and software that most printing companies use even for those who print at home. This software makes designing and editing easier and faster. One of those applications is the Microsoft Publisher which is widely used by computer users. This makes it easy to customize, create and come up with effective design in postcards, brochures, flyers and even design in websites.

Microsoft Publisher provides you with the right tools you need for editing and layout designs. This helps you to come up with the most elegant style in designs that will surely help you go the extra mile in designs. You can even do it at home yourself. You just need dedication and concentration and you are on your first step. If you do not know how to use Microsoft Publisher, that is not really a problem. You can learn it by all means.

Learning Microsoft Publisher will not eat up all your time since this program has already some ready to use choices ad ready application since you can make use of the publication wizard which guides you all through out the design process.

If you’re running a website or online business, your number one goal should be to build traffic. The following are ten ways to drive traffic away from your site. Make sure you aren’t making these mistakes.

1. Links Open in the Same Window: If links to other sites don’t open in a new window, then you are giving your traffic away. Don’t expect site visitors to use the "Back" button or remember where they started. Once they’re gone, they are most likely gone for good.

2. No Free Content: Sites that are pure sales pitches are missing the boat. You need to establish credibility with your site visitors and give them a reason to come back. Simply displaying the internet equivalent of an informercial gives your visitors little chance to get to know you-and many people will need to be exposed to your site a number of times before buying. Offer articles, links, statistics, and other useful information.

3. Poor Design: You don’t have to be a professional web designer to have a quality site. You can purchase an inexpensive template to give your site a uniform and professional appearance.

Keeping it Wise with 4 Color Printing
 by: Karen Nodalo

I’m pretty sure that once in your life you have seen a brochure or a postcard. Well correct me if I’m wrong but these things are not new today and they are all over the place. Business talks so much and they are considered the best means for a clear promotion. Some brochures and other printed stuffs may appear to be deceiving. Just one glance at it and you’ll know it is expensively made and processed. You might be wrong with your thoughts because printing nowadays is offered in the most affordable prices if you have knowledge of how and where to find it.

4 color printing is in the hype today. You might not be aware of the term they have been using but you never noticed you were not until you have seen one right before your naked eye. Just looking at great posters and colorful brochures will prove that it is made and applied with the 4 color printing process. Once you are handed down with that kind of quality, what do you often do or react. Of course the though that is expensively made, turning the pages lightly and carefully might be the response.

Online shopping is convenient, but many companies whose web sites do brisk sales often leave consumers wanting. That’s according to ForeSee Results, a research company that studied customer satisfaction among Internet shoppers. One way to improve the experience is gift cards, according to Merchant Commerce (http://merchantcommerce.net), an e-commerce services provider. Gift cards can be used to reward loyal customers and to attract new clients. "People love to tell their friends about new shops or products they have found," said Rebecca Campbell, Manager of Merchant Commerce. "Gift cards get shoppers in the door, whether it’s a Web store or a physical outlet."

Even though online sales number in the tens of billions of dollars each year, they still total less than 10% of the overall retail market. At the same time, electronic sales are increasing at a much faster rate than traditional retail, and consumer confidence and comfort with e-commerce are not really issues anymore. Customer satisfaction, however, is a concern. Price is usually a secondary factor online, and a dual study by shop.org and Forrester Research confirms that. That report listed health and beauty supplies, and sporting goods ? typically not low-cost merchandise ? as the categories with the biggest jumps in sales. "Consumers put a premium on service, even more so than on convenience," says Clarence Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of AIT, the parent company for Merchant Commerce. "The Web puts so many choices in front of the buying public; online merchants need a means of hooking shoppers in."

Business Cards Design Tips
 by: Karen Nodalo

Business cards are an advantage to your business company. Business card printing may sound expensive to your ears but there are just so many ways on how to keep your budget short which is just enough for the printing allowance.

Design is the essence of business cards. If you want to have your business cards captivating, your designs should bear it all. Getting a designer will surely eat up your budget because designer fees as we all know is expensive. Coming up with your own designs will be the best remedy. It takes a little touch of creativity and patience and you’re on with your enormous designs. Creating your own designs definitely helps. Think of the thousands of money you will be saving. Your monthly designer bills will have to sum up a large amount of money. Why will you risk your budget when there’s a way to save it?

Using effects in your business cards is very effective. It does not only make it look catchy and attractive but it gives an elegant look which is best for the business cards printing standard. Use the shadow effect so that the text is easier to read.

When I purchase something from a web site I first check who is behind this site. If there is no contact information or anything about the owner of the site or his/her company I move on.

Unfortunately the Internet attracts some people who are dishonest and prey upon unsuspecting people to make quick money for themselves.

Therefore your web site must put your visitor immediately at ease and convey honesty and integrity about it.

Here are 7 essential ways of building customers’ trust:

1. Provide contact information ? visitors will easily become frustrated if they have a question to resolve but can’t contact you. At least place an email address or contact form on your web site. Some people prefer to talk to a real person rather than use electronic communication so provide a telephone number and even a real address not a P.O. Box number. Answering one or 2 customer questions may be enough to win his or her trust before purchasing from your site.

2. Create an "About Us" page ? here you can tell a little about yourself and/or your company. Another nice touch is to include a photo of yourself. The more you can establish a personal bond with your potential buyer, the greater your chances of success.