Resnodesigns

Recently, we decided to make some upgrades to our current theme.  As the process progress, I have found lots of wonderful online resources to aid in theme creation.  One particular help was:

Blank Theme

This next theme, is very helpful, it actually comes configured with several different column styles and configurations.  It allows a user to adjust the css file: @import url(’sandbox-layouts/3c-b.css’); By modifying this line with other css files found in the sandbox-layouts, folder a designer can easily manipulate its layout.

Second Blank Theme, which allows easy switching column styles and numbers

There are several ways to drive traffic to your site. The newest and most popular technique is using a blog.

A blog implemented blog can drive visitors to your website. For instance, my blog brought you here, hopefully you joined the RSS feed avaliable. The RSS feed informs you of the next post I make. RSS feeds are a relatviely new concept in internet marketing.

RSS Feeds

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, which allows people to create dynamic links to a blog or other news source. For instance, when I submit this post your RSS reader would updated to include information about this post. Its like a news bulletin and that can be useful in bringing visitors to your website.

Blogging Software

Currently there are hundreds of different blogging applications avaliable on the market, most are free.

This blog uses WordPress, which is one of the most popular blogging softwares to date. Google, is full of different blogging softwares, each one has its pros and cons. Select the one the that fits your needs.

Post on related forums

The last method for generating a traffic for your site is posting on related forums. Find a few forums that are related to your topic and talk about your knowledge. People who see your posts, will follow them to your sites.

Word of mouth has always been a very effective way to drive traffic. When people talk about your business or website, you can reap the benefit of continued visitors.

Many of you maybe wondering what those icons below each post are. Well, they are using “social bookmarking”. I found this video created by commoncraft show, which clearly explains how they work, using an example from one of the popular bookmarking websites. These techniques can help to increase the visibility of your website and gain your returns and thats the purpose of your website, right?

Splash pages are used to welcome people to a site. They are generally flashy animations. After the animation is completed, you are allowed to enter the site and see the content you really wanted. Generally, they showcase something pertaining to the site you are about to enter.

Do you really want annoying things on your page?

Although, they hurt your chances of having all your pages listed in search engines.

Search engines do not understand what a splash page is and will abandon trying search for more pages. Search engines only see one big image, or flash animation. Search engines love text, because that is all they can see.

Everyday I find more sites that are using splash screens. Why do web designers insist on creating extra steps for their customers.

In short, stay away from splash pages. They waste everyone’s time. And do not help your site.

Can your business afford to be not be on the internet?

That is the single biggest question a business owner must make. Everyone has a website in this day and age. The most unlikely businesses are getting websites, because the potential is limitless for company growth.

Once, you have decided you need representation on the internet there a few other things to consider.

1. What do you want your site to do?
   1. Online store?
   2. Source of information?
2. Will you design your website, or hire someone to do?
   1. If you hire someone:
      1. What is your budget?
      2. Are their designs attractive and how can help you?
      3. Do they know how to market your site?
   2. If you design it:
      1. Are you confident in web design practices or will you use a program?
      2. Will you market your website?
         1. How?
         2. Frontpage creates websites that are unappealing in design and navigation. How will you make a professional site?

Next, you begin to answer these questions.

Building a website can be one of the most important things you do for your business. If you do not put the time and energy required to promote it, you risk getting less than what you planned for.

Everyone is getting a website. Families, are bringing their photo galleries online to show to their families.

Websites like Facebook and Myspace has become the center of attention. Simply posting your website on the net will not guarantee your returns, its the first step to building your business.

When people began researching a business they follow a very easy hierarchy of tasks.

1. Google It!

   The most common way to research a company is to simply Google it. If your company is not visble by searching on the internet, you have already lost 50% of your audience.

2. Ask friends and family

   Word of mouth has become more important because people trust the experince of others. If you have a wonderful experince, you will tell others and those people will inturn return to that experince. Using proper controls for your business will help control customer disatifaction and create a long lasting positeve image for your business.

3. Yellow Pages

   As the internet gains steam and becomes more important, the yellow pages and other static soucres are becoming less used. The problem with the Yellow Pages is, information on it can become outdated.

   For example, technology is ever-changing, how often do you get a magazine which presents old and outdated information. You knowingly perceieve this information as relevant and up-to date. Resulting in you being 1 step behind everyone else.