Well, first of all it is important because there are so many browsers as well as different platforms.
Imagine, one used with a MAC using Firefox or Safari, and another using a PC that has Internet Explorer or Opera, all of these have their own potential benefits as well as pitfalls.
There is also the expectation of usability and accessibility.
Usability is the ease of use of the site in general, you should be able to find what you are looking for in 2 clicks, 3 at the most.
Accessibility is having users be able to access your site no matter what they are using, and that includes but is not limited to the blind, deaf and people with disabilities (yes, they are part of your audience whether you know it or not!).
Valid code, that is validated with the W3, is your first step to making sure that your site's visitors, experience the site the way it was intended. There are too many cases of web sites looking one way in one browser, and completely different in another - that is not good.
For an article that explains this in more detail, please take a look for yourself ...
http://www.webdesign.org/web/html-and-css/articles/why-is-validation-important.16126.html
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
So, how much should you pay for a web site?
In an article I just read, it is subjective.
Please, take a moment and read the same article, I would never hide anything from anyone:
Click here.
I know from experience after being in the web design business for over 10 years, that this pricing structure is really based on Web Firms, and mostly in the corporate industry - not really the one person operations as well as the smaller companies.
The pricing is always dependent on what the customer can or will pay, and there is no article that can change that, or alter its course.
I am not saying I do not agree with the article on a general scale, but there always has to be exceptions. I know that my company has built sites over the years that range from the small $500 site to well over $5000 - and it was always about the customer.
We as designers are providing a service. Just like the guy that sells you your lottery ticket, a service. And we have to price that service accordingly because of the market. Of course this is based on lots of criteria, some of which have to do with style, education, proof of performance as well as many other factors.
Bottom line is this, and of course these are just my opinions as clearly stated on this blog, Cost + Time = Total Bill, and if the client wants to pay for a service that they can not do themselves then it is up to a professional designer charge accordingly for the knowledge that they possess - just like a lawyer, doctor or your mechanic - its just the way it is, and always has been in every profession, and always will be as far as I can see.
Do yourself a favor, and do not skimp on something like your image in the internet.
It could be devastating for your business, and for a small investment you could easily repay your business with the amount of clients you will receive but also retain, its just smart business.
Please, take a moment and read the same article, I would never hide anything from anyone:
Click here.
I know from experience after being in the web design business for over 10 years, that this pricing structure is really based on Web Firms, and mostly in the corporate industry - not really the one person operations as well as the smaller companies.
The pricing is always dependent on what the customer can or will pay, and there is no article that can change that, or alter its course.
I am not saying I do not agree with the article on a general scale, but there always has to be exceptions. I know that my company has built sites over the years that range from the small $500 site to well over $5000 - and it was always about the customer.
We as designers are providing a service. Just like the guy that sells you your lottery ticket, a service. And we have to price that service accordingly because of the market. Of course this is based on lots of criteria, some of which have to do with style, education, proof of performance as well as many other factors.
Bottom line is this, and of course these are just my opinions as clearly stated on this blog, Cost + Time = Total Bill, and if the client wants to pay for a service that they can not do themselves then it is up to a professional designer charge accordingly for the knowledge that they possess - just like a lawyer, doctor or your mechanic - its just the way it is, and always has been in every profession, and always will be as far as I can see.
Do yourself a favor, and do not skimp on something like your image in the internet.
It could be devastating for your business, and for a small investment you could easily repay your business with the amount of clients you will receive but also retain, its just smart business.
Your web site has content, but is it good or bad?
Obviously, every web site has some kind of content, whether its just your list of services of your contact information, its all considered content.
So, if you have to spell it out for people, and you really want your site to shine over the competition, then you have to have compelling content to keep your visitor engaged. There are lots of articles written on the subject, and I am sure everyone has a favorite, here is one of mine:
Click here.
I know it is a long article, but worth every second if it helps you to attain one more client, or if it makes your web site that much better than any other the potential client could have gone to for information.
The web is filled with people that have no clue what good content is, and there are just as many that have no idea what your business "good content" would be and it is up to you to show them, otherwise, your content on your site could be the same as everyone else and if that is the case, its like taking 2 of the same cars, but different colors, which one do you want?
The basis of good content has no other purpose other than letting your visitors know that you are at the top of your game, and that will be all you need to keep their attention and get new business.
Remember the old adage, "Quality over Quantity"
Now, can you imagine the business that has boring, irrelevant and content that is not up to date and has no real value - how much business do you think they will get?
So, if you have to spell it out for people, and you really want your site to shine over the competition, then you have to have compelling content to keep your visitor engaged. There are lots of articles written on the subject, and I am sure everyone has a favorite, here is one of mine:
Click here.
I know it is a long article, but worth every second if it helps you to attain one more client, or if it makes your web site that much better than any other the potential client could have gone to for information.
The web is filled with people that have no clue what good content is, and there are just as many that have no idea what your business "good content" would be and it is up to you to show them, otherwise, your content on your site could be the same as everyone else and if that is the case, its like taking 2 of the same cars, but different colors, which one do you want?
The basis of good content has no other purpose other than letting your visitors know that you are at the top of your game, and that will be all you need to keep their attention and get new business.
Remember the old adage, "Quality over Quantity"
Now, can you imagine the business that has boring, irrelevant and content that is not up to date and has no real value - how much business do you think they will get?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Web, Print - Designing for your Business
Well, it seems as though many people who are in business think they know what good design is and they intend to make it known to the rest of us when we visit their web site or get a business card.
Its true that in one persons eye something may not look right, and to another it looks perfectly fine.
Problem is, that one of those people who do not think it looks right could have been a potential client!
That is where it can cost you, in the clients that you have lost.
Now, the best course of action is not always just go out and hire a designer. Although I would personally love to help, and of course I would like to get new business, but more important than that, you should get your own information about what good and bad design is and how it works for you and not against you and your company.
First things first, know what is good and not good, and how to tell the difference too.
Our suggestion would be to go to a site and see what we are talking about for yourself, do not be fooled, this is serious!
Click here to see this incredible web site - http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com
I know, the name is a little funny, but this is a real and very serious subject if you want to survive in this business against your competition.
Once you know what good and not good design is, then you can take another look at what you have, or what you want, and start a real, clean, well laid out plan that will make you and your company shine like no other.
If you have any questions, or need any help - Please, do not hesitate to ask.
Have a great day :)
StraightFocus
Its true that in one persons eye something may not look right, and to another it looks perfectly fine.
Problem is, that one of those people who do not think it looks right could have been a potential client!
That is where it can cost you, in the clients that you have lost.
Now, the best course of action is not always just go out and hire a designer. Although I would personally love to help, and of course I would like to get new business, but more important than that, you should get your own information about what good and bad design is and how it works for you and not against you and your company.
First things first, know what is good and not good, and how to tell the difference too.
Our suggestion would be to go to a site and see what we are talking about for yourself, do not be fooled, this is serious!
Click here to see this incredible web site - http://www.webpagesthatsuck.com
I know, the name is a little funny, but this is a real and very serious subject if you want to survive in this business against your competition.
Once you know what good and not good design is, then you can take another look at what you have, or what you want, and start a real, clean, well laid out plan that will make you and your company shine like no other.
If you have any questions, or need any help - Please, do not hesitate to ask.
Have a great day :)
StraightFocus
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Straightfocus.com Re-Launched!
Well, it happened, we decided to re-launch our web site. We are officially open for business now after a well deserved break!
Please, take a moment and check it out. Let us know your thoughts or suggestions.
You should know the address Straightfocus.com
Our goal is to help you and your business with the highest level of design for your corporate image. The value speaks for itself when you see the results.
Business is not easy, but can be worthwhile with the right partners. We expect to be that partner to help your business on the World Wide Web as well as your corporate identity and branding.
Thanks for reading today!
StraightFocus Design
Please, take a moment and check it out. Let us know your thoughts or suggestions.
You should know the address Straightfocus.com
Our goal is to help you and your business with the highest level of design for your corporate image. The value speaks for itself when you see the results.
Business is not easy, but can be worthwhile with the right partners. We expect to be that partner to help your business on the World Wide Web as well as your corporate identity and branding.
Thanks for reading today!
StraightFocus Design
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Like a lot of people, Its TIME for a Change ....
I have decided after lots of thinking, talking with the wifey, and pondering what the outcome could be, I am selling everything!
Well, maybe not everything, but just about all of it has to go.
We will obviously keep our bed, a couple of TV's, a computer or 2, and some clothes and food, but just about everything else, has to be sold.
We are attempting to simplify our life. Its not going to be an easy task, and we are not all that concerned with how much money we will get from all the sales, but to be able to have a cleaner house would be worth it all if we can get it done by spring.
We are also thinking of moving south, really far south too, DFW, Tx. in specific. Nothing is done until we even sell the house, and get new jobs, but this is the ultimate goal eventually.
http://picasaweb.google.com/UneekTT/ItemsForSale#
I know all this may be a shock, but it has been coming on for quite sometime, and its about time for a Change - so, we are goin' for it, now while we still can.
Thanks for reading, and come on, buy my stuff!
Well, maybe not everything, but just about all of it has to go.
We will obviously keep our bed, a couple of TV's, a computer or 2, and some clothes and food, but just about everything else, has to be sold.
We are attempting to simplify our life. Its not going to be an easy task, and we are not all that concerned with how much money we will get from all the sales, but to be able to have a cleaner house would be worth it all if we can get it done by spring.
We are also thinking of moving south, really far south too, DFW, Tx. in specific. Nothing is done until we even sell the house, and get new jobs, but this is the ultimate goal eventually.
http://picasaweb.google.com/UneekTT/ItemsForSale#
I know all this may be a shock, but it has been coming on for quite sometime, and its about time for a Change - so, we are goin' for it, now while we still can.
Thanks for reading, and come on, buy my stuff!
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