Web tools

Web tools : Part I

History of Web Design

History is the replica of the present. Thus, we have to press our flashback imaginary buttons in order to
have a sojourn in the times of yore.

We have to know the beginning in order to relate it to the present and the future. In the case of web
design, history is conclusive and clear and it is interesting to dwell a tad in a world of imagination, art
and craftsmanship. Together we go back…

In the late 1960’s, internet was used to transfer data between computers through the telephone
network system. The transfer was made possible by transmission control protocol/internet protocol
(TCP/IP). It was developed by Advanced Research and Projects Agency. It was primarily developed for US
military needs however, it was later used by some universities.

In 1969, aside from the creation of ARPANET, Generalized Markup Language (GML) was also created.
This was made possible by the brilliant minds of Charles Goldfarb, Edward Mosher, and Raymond Lorie.
GML was then used to facilitate text management in large information systems.

It was in 1980 when American National Standards Institute (ANSI) committee built on GML and
published a working draft of Standard GML, or SGML. This was later on adopted as the standard system
by government agencies, research companies and schools. Few years after, a scientist working at CERN,
the Nuclear Particle Physics Laboratory in Switzerland, by the name of Tim Berners-Lee, invented the
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) to define the structure of Web pages. It is a standard hypertext
language protocol and browser program that interrupts the html version and converts it into text. HTML
was used in a lot of contents and multi-media images or anything that uses tables, graphics, audio,
video, and mathematics symbols.

Berners-Lee is also responsible for the early developments in the web’s ability to link academic papers
like books researches and studies electronically. Another contribution was the inception of the concept
of internet to answer the intellectual and emotional queries of people around the world.

It was also in 1980’s when the web experienced a rapid evolution. The changes are now used by
business, education, government and other companies and entities. This is the ear when the World
Wide Web was developed by a scientist who has explored communication methods through computer
network.

Early on, browser programs were only capable of viewing texts, but nowadays, they have already
developed into a wide range of computer platforms. Aside from that, there is also lots of authoring
software available these days. In fact, it has turned very user-friendly that children can very well
understand and use it!

Hiring a web designer to come up with the custom solution that you need can set you back a few
thousand bucks. But you can do the whole thing yourself and make it drag and drop simple for mere
pennies with a tool like Breezy Websites. See http://breezywebsites.com for details!

Web tools : End of Part I

Homepage Sweet Homepage

The Internet has been around a few years, so naturally, everyone should know how to create an
effective Web site by now, right? Of course not! The storefront has been around for centuries, yet not
every business is successful. How can this be?

The consumer is a finicky breed. It is impossible to please everyone who happens by your Web site, but
there are some standard components you must present. Just as every retail outlet isn’t going to sell the
same product; it will understand the consumer’s general expectations of it. Each will probably express
the product it offers prominently, provide examples of its product for consumers to see, display its
contact information, and have someone on site who can attend to customers. The same formula applies
to creating an effective Web site.

Here are some Web site MUST haves:

• A welcoming home page that contains key words to attract search engines;

• An “about us” page that demonstrates your credibility;

• Success stories and testimonials from satisfied customers or members;

• A “call to action” or pricing page that clearly expresses your product or service’s terms;

• A prominent “contact us” page; and

• An online press kit that provides the media with all the tools it needs to write or report on your
business or organization, as well as links or copies of media coverage you’ve already enjoyed (check for
reprint permissions before offering copies of printed material).

Here are some details on each of these Web site components.

The Home Page: Do I belong here?

The very word “home” evokes comfort for most people. Home is warm, inviting, and comfortable, and
so should your Web site’s home page. You have seconds to impress upon a Web visitor to stay in your
site – don’t scare people off with flashy graphics that take forever to load, or require them to give you
any personal information whatsoever simply to enter your site.

Imagine having someone dance around in your storefront’s doorway, blocking customers from getting in
– or requiring them to hand over their name and phone number before opening the door. No customer
will tolerate that kind of treatment.

The instant someone reaches your Web site, they will ask themselves “do I belong here?” They may not
realize they’re asking that, but they are. A person seeking pet supplies who visits dogstuff.com is going
to expect to find dog stuff – not the personal Web site of someone whose nickname is “Dogstuff.” Make
sure your product or service is featured prominently on your home page. People need to know if they
are in the right place as quickly as possible.

Opinions vary in terms of content on the home page, but all Web designers agree that if your home page
is going to feature any words, make sure they are words related to site’s business or organization. This is
how search engines find Web sites – through web toolss used on the home page. If Dogstuff.com
actually sells pet supplies, then words like “pet supplies,” “dog food,” “dog collars,” and “flea
medication,” would be effective key words. “Dogstuff.com: the place to find dog stuff” would not be.

Also, if you offer any sort of subscription, such as an eNewsletter, you must hit visitors over the head
with it immediately.

Section Two: Do I trust these people?

People are pretty cautious when it comes to purchasing products or services online. Your Web site must
provide evidence of your business or organization’s credibility. Who are you? What are you all about?
Use testimonials and refer to high-profile clients.

If your business or organization is relatively new, don’t mention it. The only time you should probably
throw around “years in business” is when you hit ten. If you have been covered in the media, mention it
here. Better yet, provide them a link to your online press kit in this area. People generally tend to trust
businesses and organizations more if they’ve been covered by the media.

Section Three: What’s in it for me?

If your Web visitor has moved past your home page and finds you to be legit, he or she will now want to
know if you can really give them what they want. What is unique about your business or organization
compared to your competitors? This is where you differentiate yourself. Are you budget-friendly? Do
you guarantee your work? Are there any special deals available? Even though they’ve ventured beyond
your site’s front door, you still need to convince your visitors that they are in the right place. Reinforce
this by providing examples.

Section Four: How much?

The reason most people use Web sites to learn about a business, organization, or product is because
they aren’t ready to pick up the phone and talk to someone. They want to explore things on their own
and make their decisions without dealing with any kind of sales pressure. They may not even be ready to
subscribe, sign up or buy and are simply in search of tangible information. When you refuse to display
the costs of your products or services on your Web site, it hampers the visitor’s experience.

Be up front about pricing and terms. If the cost of something depends on the customer’s particular
needs, explain that. For instance, a wall paper outlet may not be able to give a customer an exact cost of

wallpapering a certain room without that room’s dimensions. In most cases, the customer will
understand that. Simply saying “call for prices,” is a turn off.

Section Five: How can I contact you?

Believe it or not, your Web site is not going to answer every customer’s question. The general
expectation of most Web visitors is to find the “Contact Us” link in the main menu or along the footer. If
possible, try to offer your e-mail address as opposed to automatically opening the visitor’s e-mail
program. Not everyone uses the e-mail program on their computer as their sole method of
communication. It’s usually best to set aside a page of your Web site that contains your physical
address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address.

If certain questions should go to certain people, provide that information as well. People like to think
they are getting to the right person when they complete a “contact us” form, or e-mail a question.

Other General Rules

Web site design does not begin and end with these five sections. Providing additional resources and
links to customers, eNewsletters, and message boards are also ways to keep people coming back to your
site. In general, you should be sure that your site is easy to navigate and kept up to date. Have friends or
colleagues test it out as you’re designing or having it designed. Remember, your Web site is your virtual
store front. Take the steps to attract and keep customers the first time you build, because there’s
nothing more frustrating (or costly) than having to shut down for repairs.


Web tools : End of Part II

How a Dallas Flash Designing Service Can Add Value to Online Marketing Strategy

Online marketing is all about branding through internet. Online marketing is very similar to the
traditional marketing mechanism because it requires a very good understanding of the underlying
business strategy. Many of the website owners are unsuccessful in hitting the jackpot because they lack
in understanding the underlying business strategy and consequently struggle to market their products
and services efficiently. Simply owning a website is not the only necessity to strike gold in internet
jargon. In the circumstances when the online businesses fail to impact the viewers the role of Dallas
Flash design services become more prominent.

Interactivity is the web tools to strike a chord with the website visitors. If the website fails to strike that
chord then it becomes difficult for them to conduct the smooth online business. The Flash has become
ultimate answer to bail you out from all your online marketing worries. Flash design can simply
transform your non selling website to one which bypasses maximum traffic.

Dallas flash designing services are one step ahead of other flash designing services around because they
are successful in exploiting the benefits of the flash to the maximum. The flash designs by the Dallas
flash designing services have often helped the clients to capitalize their other wise dull sites very wisely.
Flash designs can aptly divert the focus to your website when they are incorporated into your e-
commerce website. Many of the webmasters discard the flash design as non user friendly elements, but
the reality is that these designs can very effectively alter your sales statistics. Some simple flash
elements designed by Dallas flash designing firms which can work in your favor are:

1. Animated online presentations: Presentations are the first step to lure the customer to believe
in your products and services. An effective animated flash presentation design can be beneficial in
boosting your brand image and create first impact on the mind of the online or offline visitor who is
seriously considering of employing your services. People love interactivity so adding a animated online
presentation or introduction can be a novel way of approaching them.

2. Animate flyers: Animated flyers designed by the Dallas graphic designers can add face value to
your online marketing initiative. An animated flyer can be used to portray the ideologies of any online
business. Animated Flyer design is one of the most challenging tasks undertaken by Dallas graphic
designers because the marketing trick will only work if the flyer is capable of leaving a strong impact on
the mind of a web visitor.

3. Animated banners: Banners are still considered to be the strong marketing element used to
market the products. Online banners are no different. But gone are the days when static banners had

the power to lure the web visitor. Animated banners are loved by the web visitors because they have
the capacity to interact with the customers. These banners can lure the customer to click and place the
order.

4. Animated logos: logos are the first step towards building a brand name. A logo is an ultimate
residual statement which every customer carries with them. An animated logo will be the novel
approach towards crafting your brand image. An animated logo design has the capability of making or
breaking your brand image before a customer actually tries out your services or products.

Now you don't have to deal with the problems of having ineffective website. Start implementing the
interactive tricks to gain maximum from your online marketing business.


Web tools : End of Part III

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