The internet is a haven for creativity, and the ingenuity of designers will no doubt constantly evolve and continue to impress. Nevertheless, when it comes to usability and function, there is a strong case for adhering to a “standard of design” when developing websites. In fact, many designers, in spite of their creativity, have migrated to a set of similarities, whether by imitation or accident, it is hard to say. Nevertheless, this “standard” now impacts users since they grow accustomed to certain things, then grow to expect them.
For example, it has become customary to place the logo in the top left corner of the header of a website, and then link that logo to the home page from any other page that displays the header. Many web shoppers and surfers grow to expect that functionality at every site they visit. But, if it isn't there, or if other functionality they expect is missing, they get annoyed, impatient, and then leave. Jakob Nielson observed, “In my recent research into Web-wide user behavior, users left websites after 1 minute and 49 seconds on average, concluding in that time that the website didn't fulfill their needs.” (See his research.) Thus, to insure the success of your website, there is strong case for making sure your website follows acceptable standards of design and function.
At HIT Web Design, emphasis is placed on adhering to a design standard known as W3C, which stands for the World Wide Web Consortium. Since 1994, this organization has advocated certain standards, and by adhering to them, websites benefit in many ways. For instance, W3C compliant websites can be viewed successfully on any browser, they can be viewed from any devices such as a cell phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA), and they are easily accessible by the handicapped. (See W3C Compliance.)
Perhaps most important, however, W3C compliance is critical to search engine optimization (SEO) as well. By following W3C guidelines, designer can insure “that not only is the copy marked up in a semantic fashion which search engines can interpret and weigh without confusion, it also skews the content-to-code ratio in the direction where it needs to be while forcing all of the information in the page to be made accessible, thus favoring the content.” (See W3C Compliance.) Thus, as the current trend in search engines is to give high marks for original, well-written content, the significance of a W3C compliant website is obvious.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Adding Keyword to Your Videos
When posting your videos on your own site or others, if you want people to find them in web searches, you must optimize them as you would optimize your text. In other words, the video needs key words and well-written summaries to maximize its chances of being found and cataloged by search engines.
To start, do a keyword search for your video. The word “video” is an important word to include in the filename, title, and summary of your video since many people will type that word into their searches, but think about other important or significant words to use as well. Then, include those words, along with “video,” in your video filename and title. Next, write a summary of your video. Again, include key words and important search phrases to enhance your search rankings. Be sure to pay attention to meta tags as well. (See Video Search Optimization.)
When posting on social sites such as YouTube or Facebook and others, you can maximize your efforts by incorporating your keywords, summaries, and meta tags on the pages supporting your video.
Once you have your video prepared for search engines, the next thing to consider is a “linking strategy.” As explained by marketing guru Michelle Bowles, “Video is judged by the same linking standards as all other forms of digital content. So building both internal and external links is crucial for video SEO. Ideas for a linking strategy include: cross-linking to other videos, linking to videos from relevant web pages, linking to videos in blog posts, Tweeting the video, linking to videos from social media pages, (and) bookmarking the video.” (See Tips for Video Optimization.)
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
To start, do a keyword search for your video. The word “video” is an important word to include in the filename, title, and summary of your video since many people will type that word into their searches, but think about other important or significant words to use as well. Then, include those words, along with “video,” in your video filename and title. Next, write a summary of your video. Again, include key words and important search phrases to enhance your search rankings. Be sure to pay attention to meta tags as well. (See Video Search Optimization.)
When posting on social sites such as YouTube or Facebook and others, you can maximize your efforts by incorporating your keywords, summaries, and meta tags on the pages supporting your video.
Once you have your video prepared for search engines, the next thing to consider is a “linking strategy.” As explained by marketing guru Michelle Bowles, “Video is judged by the same linking standards as all other forms of digital content. So building both internal and external links is crucial for video SEO. Ideas for a linking strategy include: cross-linking to other videos, linking to videos from relevant web pages, linking to videos in blog posts, Tweeting the video, linking to videos from social media pages, (and) bookmarking the video.” (See Tips for Video Optimization.)
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Getting the Most Out of Your Videos
One way to increase the reach of videos used on your own website is to post them on video sharing sites. By doing so, you can immediately boost the viewers who are exposed to your product, services, or important message. Also, you create links back to your website, and those links in turn boost your search engine ratings.
Posting on other sites is an easy way to leverage your video assets to the maximum. In addition to popular places like YouTube and Facebook, you may also want to consider using a “video distribution service like TubeMogul to deploy your videos to the top sharing sites,” suggests Michelle Bowles. (See Tips for Video Optimization.)
Posting on your own site requires special care and consideration as well.
“The impact created by the video not only depends on the quality of the created video, but the final quality of output that reaches the viewing audience...A good video backed up by a poor video player is often a let down and fails to create the impact that it would have...” (See TalkGold.)
Many wonder about whether to use Flash, Quicktime, or some other plug-in, or to employ a code-heavy embedded player to display video. The decision hinges on several factors. Quicktime is known for easy integration with the iPod; Flash is known for ease of use, good quality display, and excellent functionality. Sometimes web visitors don't have the proper plug ins loaded on their computers to see the content, but that is fixed easily enough once they take time to load them. The important challenge is that adding keywords or video summaries is not extensively supported with such plug ins. The way to compensate is to make text on the page key-word rich and SEO optimized. So, for a site with just a few videos, it is probably better to use a Flash player since its quality of play is comparatively better than other players. On the other hand, an embedded player or a custom video database is advisable for websites that will manage a lot of videos, or where videos are intended to be uploaded by visitors.
An embedded player is more accessible to search engine spiders than are plug-in players. The Video Conversion and Management Database offered by HIT Web Design can take any format of video that is uploaded and convert it behind the scenes to a manageable file for display on your site. It also allows you the ability to add keywords, titles, captions, and summaries to the video information, a critical step to making the videos show up in search engines.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Posting on other sites is an easy way to leverage your video assets to the maximum. In addition to popular places like YouTube and Facebook, you may also want to consider using a “video distribution service like TubeMogul to deploy your videos to the top sharing sites,” suggests Michelle Bowles. (See Tips for Video Optimization.)
Posting on your own site requires special care and consideration as well.
“The impact created by the video not only depends on the quality of the created video, but the final quality of output that reaches the viewing audience...A good video backed up by a poor video player is often a let down and fails to create the impact that it would have...” (See TalkGold.)
Many wonder about whether to use Flash, Quicktime, or some other plug-in, or to employ a code-heavy embedded player to display video. The decision hinges on several factors. Quicktime is known for easy integration with the iPod; Flash is known for ease of use, good quality display, and excellent functionality. Sometimes web visitors don't have the proper plug ins loaded on their computers to see the content, but that is fixed easily enough once they take time to load them. The important challenge is that adding keywords or video summaries is not extensively supported with such plug ins. The way to compensate is to make text on the page key-word rich and SEO optimized. So, for a site with just a few videos, it is probably better to use a Flash player since its quality of play is comparatively better than other players. On the other hand, an embedded player or a custom video database is advisable for websites that will manage a lot of videos, or where videos are intended to be uploaded by visitors.
An embedded player is more accessible to search engine spiders than are plug-in players. The Video Conversion and Management Database offered by HIT Web Design can take any format of video that is uploaded and convert it behind the scenes to a manageable file for display on your site. It also allows you the ability to add keywords, titles, captions, and summaries to the video information, a critical step to making the videos show up in search engines.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Interesting Content is a Must for Successful Videos
Interesting video content stems from the quality of your message, and the professionalism of your delivery. Find the spark in what you have to say, the thing that makes your business unique, or the element that makes your organization important. Then, develop a script that says it with conviction and sincerity. Clever comparisons, humor, interesting facts, or personal testimonials are all good techniques to keep viewers interested.
Business-to-business expert Glen Bently suggests using a professional to shoot your videos because there are many things to consider that require a professional camera team and director. “Don't do-it-yourself. You get one chance to make a first impression, and a poor online video viewing experience can turn off viewers. You can't imagine the mistakes that are possible just from capturing sound and lighting issues alone...” He agrees the use of a good script is essential, too. Glen continues, “Talking heads can get really boring, really fast. Include a variety of graphic elements to keep the viewer interested. Think 3D, animation, special visual effects, scene changes, interesting backgrounds and above all an interesting script. Shoot some "B" roll footage that you can use between scenes. Keep dense text off the screen.” (See Getting the Most Out of Your Online Videos.)
If you have photogenic employees, use them for “real” shoots; if not, hire an actor. Good actors can convey the right emotion in a convincing way—that's what makes them actors. Finding good actors does not have to be expensive, either. Many young and talented actors would welcome the opportunity to work for free (or a minimal fee) in exchange for footage they can add to their personal video portfolios. An ad on www.craigslist.com (an actor's default agent) calling for actors to audition with head shots will weed out non-professionals and provide you with a wealth of talent to choose from. Remember, as a professional courtesy, you should supply a script for them in advance to prepare for the audition.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Business-to-business expert Glen Bently suggests using a professional to shoot your videos because there are many things to consider that require a professional camera team and director. “Don't do-it-yourself. You get one chance to make a first impression, and a poor online video viewing experience can turn off viewers. You can't imagine the mistakes that are possible just from capturing sound and lighting issues alone...” He agrees the use of a good script is essential, too. Glen continues, “Talking heads can get really boring, really fast. Include a variety of graphic elements to keep the viewer interested. Think 3D, animation, special visual effects, scene changes, interesting backgrounds and above all an interesting script. Shoot some "B" roll footage that you can use between scenes. Keep dense text off the screen.” (See Getting the Most Out of Your Online Videos.)
If you have photogenic employees, use them for “real” shoots; if not, hire an actor. Good actors can convey the right emotion in a convincing way—that's what makes them actors. Finding good actors does not have to be expensive, either. Many young and talented actors would welcome the opportunity to work for free (or a minimal fee) in exchange for footage they can add to their personal video portfolios. An ad on www.craigslist.com (an actor's default agent) calling for actors to audition with head shots will weed out non-professionals and provide you with a wealth of talent to choose from. Remember, as a professional courtesy, you should supply a script for them in advance to prepare for the audition.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Why You Should Add Videos to Your Website
Experience shows that a message conveyed visually will be retained or remembered significantly longer than a written word. (See Use Pictures to Improve Memory.) On a website, where your message must be conveyed quickly and convincingly to make a lasting impression, adding a video allows your viewers to receive your message via two ways—by written words, and by pictures—so you, in a sense, more than double your chances of being remembered.
Additionally, internet experts suggest using videos creatively as a prime tactic to encourage viewing, and ultimately, sharing. For instance, you can introduce a video to a blog post, or add it to an e-newsletter that links back to your site. The hope is that viewers will share it, thus increasing traffic to your site. But, the first thing to be concerned with is making your videos interesting. As Michelle Bowles puts it, “if you want users to share your videos, you must create content worth sharing. If your video isn’t interesting, relevant, entertaining, or informative, users aren’t likely to share it, let alone view it.” (See Encourage Viewers to Share.)
Giving consideration to the type of video you provide is important, as well. Are you providing information, encouraging sales, or displaying testimonials? Each has its place and purpose, and should be carefully weighed with respect to the overall design and purpose of your site. Online marketing guru Catie Foertsch shares some pointers about creating different video types. For instance, avoid “talking about your company—that would be a commercial, and viewers hate commercials. Talk instead about how visitors can solve their problems.” (See Three Kinds of Video.) If your purpose is to sell product, videos can help convert visits to sales. Business-to-business expert Glen Bently explains, “Use interactivity. The power of online video is twofold: 1) it is a highly engaging medium and 2) viewers can take immediate action on what they see. Give the viewer choice points during the programming. If you integrate calls to action like "send me more information" into the program, you will build relationships with viewers and increase vital viral opportunities.” (See Getting the Most Out of your Online Videos.)
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Additionally, internet experts suggest using videos creatively as a prime tactic to encourage viewing, and ultimately, sharing. For instance, you can introduce a video to a blog post, or add it to an e-newsletter that links back to your site. The hope is that viewers will share it, thus increasing traffic to your site. But, the first thing to be concerned with is making your videos interesting. As Michelle Bowles puts it, “if you want users to share your videos, you must create content worth sharing. If your video isn’t interesting, relevant, entertaining, or informative, users aren’t likely to share it, let alone view it.” (See Encourage Viewers to Share.)
Giving consideration to the type of video you provide is important, as well. Are you providing information, encouraging sales, or displaying testimonials? Each has its place and purpose, and should be carefully weighed with respect to the overall design and purpose of your site. Online marketing guru Catie Foertsch shares some pointers about creating different video types. For instance, avoid “talking about your company—that would be a commercial, and viewers hate commercials. Talk instead about how visitors can solve their problems.” (See Three Kinds of Video.) If your purpose is to sell product, videos can help convert visits to sales. Business-to-business expert Glen Bently explains, “Use interactivity. The power of online video is twofold: 1) it is a highly engaging medium and 2) viewers can take immediate action on what they see. Give the viewer choice points during the programming. If you integrate calls to action like "send me more information" into the program, you will build relationships with viewers and increase vital viral opportunities.” (See Getting the Most Out of your Online Videos.)
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Maximizing the Contact Us Page
Your Contact Us page can be one of the most important destinations on your site, so it's important critical that you ensure that the right information is included, and that the right method of contact is given. Having more or less than is necessary can hinder a visitor who wants to communicate with you.
Microsoft Office Live Small Business's Monte Enbynsk summarized several suggestions that website writing specialist Leslie O'Flahavan offered. The suggestions include:
Microsoft Office Live Small Business's Monte Enbynsk summarized several suggestions that website writing specialist Leslie O'Flahavan offered. The suggestions include:
- Check regularly for messages sent to the e-mail that you have listed on your Contact Us page. Make it as easy for visitors to find and click on your address or contact form (a contact form protects you from spam) as possible.
- Use a picture of your business if it has a physical address and list directions if you want customers to be able to visit you in person. Pictures, Enbynsk notes, should be relevant, such as a photo of your staff.
- List other places that you are online—like Facebook or other social media and networking sites—where someone can learn more about you and contact you.
- Let visitors know where you'll be holding events so they can come and participate.
- While including all of this information, Enbynsk says you still need to keep it simple. Include all information that is relevant to allow the visitor to get in touch with you—that's all.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Why You Need Good Product Descriptions
There is a lot of talk about SEO these days. Everyone is trying to get to the top of the search results on Google and other sites using targeted keywords. The idea behind this is that if certain keywords and phrases are entered in a search engine then, if you optimize around these keywords, you will have a higher search engine ranking. This works well for many companies, but what about an online retailer that offers many different, and possibly unique products? Optimizing for one or two keyword phrases may exclude the majority of your products.
There are a few things you can do that can actually help bring in more customers and help them find your products. If you are familiar with SEO, you may have heard of a term called “Long Tail.” This refers to longer search phrases, more than 3 or 4 words that people are searching for when they are searching for something very specific. For example, let's say someone is looking for a new pair of jeans. Your potential customer already knows the style, the color, the fit, the brand, and maybe they are looking for a sale or discount, so instead of typing in blue jeans, maybe they would type in “30 32 Levis 501 blue sale.” It would be silly to optimize your whole website around this one phrase, but by having well-written product descriptions for each of your products, your website will contain the phrases that people are searching for when they are looking for something very specific.
HIT Web Design can help you write product descriptions for you products. We also offer SEO URLs where each of your individual products has part of the product description right in the URL. With good product descriptions and SEO URLS, you will increase the chance that someone will find your site and buy your products.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
There are a few things you can do that can actually help bring in more customers and help them find your products. If you are familiar with SEO, you may have heard of a term called “Long Tail.” This refers to longer search phrases, more than 3 or 4 words that people are searching for when they are searching for something very specific. For example, let's say someone is looking for a new pair of jeans. Your potential customer already knows the style, the color, the fit, the brand, and maybe they are looking for a sale or discount, so instead of typing in blue jeans, maybe they would type in “30 32 Levis 501 blue sale.” It would be silly to optimize your whole website around this one phrase, but by having well-written product descriptions for each of your products, your website will contain the phrases that people are searching for when they are looking for something very specific.
HIT Web Design can help you write product descriptions for you products. We also offer SEO URLs where each of your individual products has part of the product description right in the URL. With good product descriptions and SEO URLS, you will increase the chance that someone will find your site and buy your products.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What is Meta Data?
You may have heard of meta data or you may have not—but it is one of the most important aspects of your site when it comes to how search engines find and rank your site. Meta data is information about your website, or more precisely each of the web pages on your site, that is not part of the main body of the text. Meta data works behind the scenes to tell web crawlers and the search engines what your site is about, and because of this it is important for it to contain keywords to help your sites Search Engine Optimization.
The three main elements of meta data are the Page Title, Page Description, and Keywords.
Page Title
This is the most important piece of meta data and should be keyword phrases that accurately describe what your site is about, and a phrase that people are searching for. The Page title appears at the top of each of your web pages.
Page Description
The page description tells in only a few sentences what your website is about. It is important to use keywords here as well, while accurately and concisely describing your website. This is the information that appears when you do a search on a search engine under the results.
Keywords
Due to abuse, the keywords meta data is not as important as it once was when determining a websites search engine ranking. However, it is still used and listing keywords here can be of some benefit to your site.
HIT Web Design writers can help you find the keywords and write content for your site that can help improve your sites search engine rankings.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
The three main elements of meta data are the Page Title, Page Description, and Keywords.
Page Title
This is the most important piece of meta data and should be keyword phrases that accurately describe what your site is about, and a phrase that people are searching for. The Page title appears at the top of each of your web pages.
Page Description
The page description tells in only a few sentences what your website is about. It is important to use keywords here as well, while accurately and concisely describing your website. This is the information that appears when you do a search on a search engine under the results.
Keywords
Due to abuse, the keywords meta data is not as important as it once was when determining a websites search engine ranking. However, it is still used and listing keywords here can be of some benefit to your site.
HIT Web Design writers can help you find the keywords and write content for your site that can help improve your sites search engine rankings.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Link Baiting
Links are a very important part to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). There are many ways you can get people to link to your site, but perhaps the best way is to provide compelling content that people will want to link to on their own. It takes a little work to get the initial interest in your site or blog, but once you have regular traffic on your website or blog the more compelling content you have the more likely you will be able to get others to link to you.
One thing you can do is create blog posts or have a page on your website that contains content like a how to article, or a “Top Ten” list such as “Ten Reasons to Not Buy a....” Content written from the point of view of an expert giving tips and advice is a great way to get people to want to link to your content.
Another thing you could write about would be a well-thought-out argument on a controversial topic. The idea is to get people talking about what you write about and make them want to share it with others. You want to create conversation about your blog post or website content so more and more people will link to it. The more people you get to link to your blog or your website, the more it helps your search engine ranking.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
One thing you can do is create blog posts or have a page on your website that contains content like a how to article, or a “Top Ten” list such as “Ten Reasons to Not Buy a....” Content written from the point of view of an expert giving tips and advice is a great way to get people to want to link to your content.
Another thing you could write about would be a well-thought-out argument on a controversial topic. The idea is to get people talking about what you write about and make them want to share it with others. You want to create conversation about your blog post or website content so more and more people will link to it. The more people you get to link to your blog or your website, the more it helps your search engine ranking.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Utilizing Internet Directories
So you have a new site and you want to help people to find it. Internet directories are a great way to help generate links to your site as well as help search engines find your site easier.
Good PR
There are two kinds of Internet directories, ones that are human-edited and ones that are automated. Human-edited directories have a higher Google Page Rank (PR) and create better quality links to your website which can help increase your own sites PR. Having a good PR will help increase your search engine ranking. Automated directories tend to not have as good a PR. When choosing what Internet directories to submit your site to, make sure they have good PR.
There are free Internet directories as well as paid directories. Make sure you check out each one carefully, and remember more is not always better. The directories you choose to submit your site to need to be able to create quality links to your site. Paid directories can range in price from $30 to more than $80. The links they create can increase your sites Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Good PR
There are two kinds of Internet directories, ones that are human-edited and ones that are automated. Human-edited directories have a higher Google Page Rank (PR) and create better quality links to your website which can help increase your own sites PR. Having a good PR will help increase your search engine ranking. Automated directories tend to not have as good a PR. When choosing what Internet directories to submit your site to, make sure they have good PR.
There are free Internet directories as well as paid directories. Make sure you check out each one carefully, and remember more is not always better. The directories you choose to submit your site to need to be able to create quality links to your site. Paid directories can range in price from $30 to more than $80. The links they create can increase your sites Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Copyright and the Internet
There seems to be a lot of confusions about copyright and the Internet. Copyright law itself is complicated, but with the Internet, where so many different me forms of media come together, the situation becomes even more complicated.
To help avoid problems with copyright, there are several things you should be aware of:
Just because a site does not have a copyright symbol (©) on the bottom of the page does not mean the information on the site is not copyrighted. In fact, just about everything on the Internet is copyrighted. Text, pictures, even the design of a site are considered copyrighted. Do not copy and paste text from other sites, or use pictures from other sites, because doing so can make you subject to a potential lawsuit and fines.
Make sure you have permission before you use anything from other sites or sources. Even Wikipedia has restrictions about using the text from their site.
The safest way to make sure you are protected is to create your own text and use your own pictures. This not only protects you from any copyright issues, it also gives you unique content for your site that can be targeted specifically to your customer base.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
To help avoid problems with copyright, there are several things you should be aware of:
Just because a site does not have a copyright symbol (©) on the bottom of the page does not mean the information on the site is not copyrighted. In fact, just about everything on the Internet is copyrighted. Text, pictures, even the design of a site are considered copyrighted. Do not copy and paste text from other sites, or use pictures from other sites, because doing so can make you subject to a potential lawsuit and fines.
Make sure you have permission before you use anything from other sites or sources. Even Wikipedia has restrictions about using the text from their site.
The safest way to make sure you are protected is to create your own text and use your own pictures. This not only protects you from any copyright issues, it also gives you unique content for your site that can be targeted specifically to your customer base.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Call-to-Action Buttons
The call to action may be the most important aspect of any website. It is important that your website tells your visitors what you want them to do. One great way of doing this is through call to action buttons. A call to action button is a button that states what you want your website visitors to do such as a “Sign Up” button, or “Get a Quote” button.
The larger the element on the site, the more important it is, so make sure your call to action buttons are large enough to catch someone's eye. Also, effective use of contrasting colors and whitespace, and placing it near the top of the page, are great ways to get your call to action button noticed.
Also, create a list of bullet points that highlight the benefits of your call to action and place it above or next to the button. For example, if you are trying to get some one to “Buy Now,” listing the features of the product or the benefits can help add the needed persuasion your customer may need to click on your call to action button.
If your call to action is not as effective as you would like, try improving it by adding a call to action button.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
The larger the element on the site, the more important it is, so make sure your call to action buttons are large enough to catch someone's eye. Also, effective use of contrasting colors and whitespace, and placing it near the top of the page, are great ways to get your call to action button noticed.
Also, create a list of bullet points that highlight the benefits of your call to action and place it above or next to the button. For example, if you are trying to get some one to “Buy Now,” listing the features of the product or the benefits can help add the needed persuasion your customer may need to click on your call to action button.
If your call to action is not as effective as you would like, try improving it by adding a call to action button.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Website Search Bar Navigation
Website navigation and usability are important aspects of web design. Traditionally, websites have buttons and links for navigation. This may require visitors to your site to read a lot of information on your site to find what they are looking for. Adding a search bar to help navigate your site will not only help people find what they are looking for more quickly, it will also help you know what they are looking for.
We all know that most people will not spend too much time on your site if they can not find what they are looking for. The search bar will allow them to do a quick search for the information they are looking for on your site, in the same way a search engines like Google may have brought them to your site in the first place. This means you will need to have well-written text on your site using keywords that accurately describe your services or products.
Also, by adding search bar navigation on your site through HIT Search, you will be able to gather information about what people are searching for on your site. If several people are searching for a product that you do not carry, maybe it is time to start carrying that product. If they are searching for an informational topic on your site, maybe it is time to update or add to the content on your site. Knowing what they are searching for can help you customize your sites content to your customers.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
We all know that most people will not spend too much time on your site if they can not find what they are looking for. The search bar will allow them to do a quick search for the information they are looking for on your site, in the same way a search engines like Google may have brought them to your site in the first place. This means you will need to have well-written text on your site using keywords that accurately describe your services or products.
Also, by adding search bar navigation on your site through HIT Search, you will be able to gather information about what people are searching for on your site. If several people are searching for a product that you do not carry, maybe it is time to start carrying that product. If they are searching for an informational topic on your site, maybe it is time to update or add to the content on your site. Knowing what they are searching for can help you customize your sites content to your customers.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time for a Workout: Trim Down Your Copy
Have you ever skipped a paragraph because it just looked to large? If you're like most people, the sight of a huge block of text is repelling more than inviting—especially in the blazing-fast pace of online navigation.
If you're worried that your site is text heavy, then it probably is. Here is an exercise that can help you trim your text while keeping all the essentials intact.
1) Take the text of the entire page and reduce it it to one (or two if you have to) paragraphs. If it was easy to do, then you probably didn't need so much in the first place. If it was difficult, it was definitely worth it because you just took the power of the whole page of text and packed into a single paragraph.
2) Here's the really hard part: reduce that entire paragraph into one sentence. This can be a painful process, forcing you to eliminate all but the most basic information your visitors should know.
3) Finished? You have just created the most important sentence of your page, possibly your website. This newly crafted, streamlined sentence should be the first thing visitors read on that page or on your website.
4) Use your power-packed paragraph to describe your products/services/purpose in more detail. If you need to go into further detail, direct visitors to the bottom of the page or to another page where they know they will be reading larger amounts of text.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
If you're worried that your site is text heavy, then it probably is. Here is an exercise that can help you trim your text while keeping all the essentials intact.
1) Take the text of the entire page and reduce it it to one (or two if you have to) paragraphs. If it was easy to do, then you probably didn't need so much in the first place. If it was difficult, it was definitely worth it because you just took the power of the whole page of text and packed into a single paragraph.
2) Here's the really hard part: reduce that entire paragraph into one sentence. This can be a painful process, forcing you to eliminate all but the most basic information your visitors should know.
3) Finished? You have just created the most important sentence of your page, possibly your website. This newly crafted, streamlined sentence should be the first thing visitors read on that page or on your website.
4) Use your power-packed paragraph to describe your products/services/purpose in more detail. If you need to go into further detail, direct visitors to the bottom of the page or to another page where they know they will be reading larger amounts of text.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Using Links for Better Online Rankings
They've been saying for years that links are essential to getting ranked higher online. But what do they mean? Yes, you know what a link is. But you're wondering, how to make them work for your website.
The Link Advantage
Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN (now Bing) are constantly crawling through the World Wide Web to find out what's out there. Their crawlers, called “spiders,” like to enter a website and explore everything—including where the links lead to. When you have more links on other websites that lead to yours, these spiders are winding up on your site more often. The more links they see leading to your site, the more they'll assume your site is relevant and the search engine will list yours higher when people search for things related to your business or industry.
How do I get people to link to my site?
There are several ways. One is to simply ask the administrators of other websites to include a link to your site. But, Michael Bluejay of Website Helpers.com lists some rules of thumb to remember when asking: Include a link to their site first. Then “tell the other webmaster that you linked to their site,” Bluejay writes, “what your site is about, and that you hope they'll link back if they think it will be of interest to their own visitors.”
Another way is to provide useful, quality information and services on your site. Bloggers might begin using you as a resource, linking to you in their blogs. Other sites might link to you as a resource to their own visitors.
All links are not created equal.
If you can convince a major or authoritative website to link to your site, this link will be especially valuable because, in a sense, you'll be piggybacking on that site's reputation. When a search engine associates you with a site that it already considers highly relevant, your site will be given more relevance.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
The Link Advantage
Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN (now Bing) are constantly crawling through the World Wide Web to find out what's out there. Their crawlers, called “spiders,” like to enter a website and explore everything—including where the links lead to. When you have more links on other websites that lead to yours, these spiders are winding up on your site more often. The more links they see leading to your site, the more they'll assume your site is relevant and the search engine will list yours higher when people search for things related to your business or industry.
How do I get people to link to my site?
There are several ways. One is to simply ask the administrators of other websites to include a link to your site. But, Michael Bluejay of Website Helpers.com lists some rules of thumb to remember when asking: Include a link to their site first. Then “tell the other webmaster that you linked to their site,” Bluejay writes, “what your site is about, and that you hope they'll link back if they think it will be of interest to their own visitors.”
Another way is to provide useful, quality information and services on your site. Bloggers might begin using you as a resource, linking to you in their blogs. Other sites might link to you as a resource to their own visitors.
All links are not created equal.
If you can convince a major or authoritative website to link to your site, this link will be especially valuable because, in a sense, you'll be piggybacking on that site's reputation. When a search engine associates you with a site that it already considers highly relevant, your site will be given more relevance.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Design Trends In Delivering Your Message
There are a few “hot spots” on a website that are important for a designer, and website owner to utilize to their full potential.
The upper left hand corner is perhaps the most important and most often where the logo is placed on a site. Right below this is often where the site navigation goes and is the second most important spot on the webpage. More and more sites however are beginning to use this area to place important text. This text may be short―only a sentence or two―or could even be a short paragraph.
Web site designers have begun using this space to summarize the purpose of the site or as a short introduction. One example of a site designed by HIT Web Design using this trend is http://pain511.com/. With people spending very little time on a site looking for what they need this is a great way to organize the content on your site.
This block of text should be separated from the main body, it needs to stand out―possibly use a larger font size or different background, and be very concise. This may be the most important piece of text on your site.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
The upper left hand corner is perhaps the most important and most often where the logo is placed on a site. Right below this is often where the site navigation goes and is the second most important spot on the webpage. More and more sites however are beginning to use this area to place important text. This text may be short―only a sentence or two―or could even be a short paragraph.
Web site designers have begun using this space to summarize the purpose of the site or as a short introduction. One example of a site designed by HIT Web Design using this trend is http://pain511.com/. With people spending very little time on a site looking for what they need this is a great way to organize the content on your site.
This block of text should be separated from the main body, it needs to stand out―possibly use a larger font size or different background, and be very concise. This may be the most important piece of text on your site.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Using Big Images On Your Website
You may have noticed an increased use of big pictures and images on websites lately. This trend has developed as a result of websites becoming more and more visual while text is becoming shorter and more focused on a specific call to action or message.
Using a large photograph or illustration will not only add visual appeal but, chosen wisely, will help market the products and services of your site more effectively. If you have a photography site using large pictures to showcase your work should be a given.
Here are a few sites designed by HIT Web Design that highlight the use of large pictures and images:
http://photosbyaw.com/
http://fenoffstonehomes.com/
http://phoenixbuildersnorcal.com/
Using large photos and images that relate to your business not only make what you do easily identifiable they a great way to showcase your work. Redesigning you site and adding large pictures and images can add visual appeal to your site and if your site is text heavy remember the old saying a “picture is worth a thousand words.”
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Using a large photograph or illustration will not only add visual appeal but, chosen wisely, will help market the products and services of your site more effectively. If you have a photography site using large pictures to showcase your work should be a given.
Here are a few sites designed by HIT Web Design that highlight the use of large pictures and images:
http://photosbyaw.com/
http://fenoffstonehomes.com/
http://phoenixbuildersnorcal.com/
Using large photos and images that relate to your business not only make what you do easily identifiable they a great way to showcase your work. Redesigning you site and adding large pictures and images can add visual appeal to your site and if your site is text heavy remember the old saying a “picture is worth a thousand words.”
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Improved Website Navigation
One trend that not only makes your site look better but makes it easier to use are innovations in how website navigation is currently being designed.
Dynamic buttons using flash make it easier for your visitors to know what they are clicking on. An example of site that was designed by HIT Web Design is http://expressionsphotography.com. This makes the site more interactive and helps the visitor know how to navigate the site.
There have been, and still are, many sites that are cluttered with pictures and information making it difficult to navigate. One thing that is being seen in more recently designed websites is a good use of whitespace which has made websites easier to navigate as well as it helps visitors find important information on the site.
Another useful trend is footer navigation which makes it easier on your sites visitors to navigate the site without having to scroll back to the top of the screen to click on a button.
Updating your sites navigation will not only improve the look of your website but will make it easier for your customers and site visitors as well.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Dynamic buttons using flash make it easier for your visitors to know what they are clicking on. An example of site that was designed by HIT Web Design is http://expressionsphotography.com. This makes the site more interactive and helps the visitor know how to navigate the site.
There have been, and still are, many sites that are cluttered with pictures and information making it difficult to navigate. One thing that is being seen in more recently designed websites is a good use of whitespace which has made websites easier to navigate as well as it helps visitors find important information on the site.
Another useful trend is footer navigation which makes it easier on your sites visitors to navigate the site without having to scroll back to the top of the screen to click on a button.
Updating your sites navigation will not only improve the look of your website but will make it easier for your customers and site visitors as well.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Personalizing Your Website
One trend in music, artist, and personal blog sites that is really exciting is adding personalized elements such as hand drawn illustrations to the site. The reason personalized elements have caught on with these types of sites seems obvious, it helps create more of a connection with visitors to your site while also showcasing your own creativity.
Hand drawn personalized elements are definitely not suitable for all industries, but used appropriately they can really add to the overall feel of a site and make it stand out. Daytrotter, a music site, has been using hand drawn pictures of their daily musical guests for years now, and uses many other hand drawn elements to give their site a relaxed feel.
Most of these sites that use these kind of elements are trying to portray a young, hip feel. If you are in an industry such as art, music, retail, or even if you are just trying to appeal to this demographic then maybe this is a design element you should explore for your site. These sites trend to be very focused on the actual design elements as a means to create and keep interest in the site.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Hand drawn personalized elements are definitely not suitable for all industries, but used appropriately they can really add to the overall feel of a site and make it stand out. Daytrotter, a music site, has been using hand drawn pictures of their daily musical guests for years now, and uses many other hand drawn elements to give their site a relaxed feel.
Most of these sites that use these kind of elements are trying to portray a young, hip feel. If you are in an industry such as art, music, retail, or even if you are just trying to appeal to this demographic then maybe this is a design element you should explore for your site. These sites trend to be very focused on the actual design elements as a means to create and keep interest in the site.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Font Trends In Web Design
Over the last few years we have started to see some interesting developments in how fonts are being used on todays websites.
For years web designers have been using primarily sans serif fonts because they tend to be easier to read on a computer screen. With increased monitor resolution this is no longer the case, and some serifed fonts are now beginning to be used more frequently by web designers in the body of the text . Serifed fonts are not just for headings anymore.
Probably the biggest change when it comes to fonts is big fonts. More and more sites are using large fonts to help call attention to important information on the site. One example of a site HIT Web Design has done using this large font trend is http://pumpkinpetals.com.
It is a well known fact that visitors will spend very little time on a site looking for what they want and using a large font that will catch a customers eye to convey an important message can help them find the information they are looking for and keep them on your site. Use large fonts effectively by using them sparingly and keep your message short and to the point.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
For years web designers have been using primarily sans serif fonts because they tend to be easier to read on a computer screen. With increased monitor resolution this is no longer the case, and some serifed fonts are now beginning to be used more frequently by web designers in the body of the text . Serifed fonts are not just for headings anymore.
Probably the biggest change when it comes to fonts is big fonts. More and more sites are using large fonts to help call attention to important information on the site. One example of a site HIT Web Design has done using this large font trend is http://pumpkinpetals.com.
It is a well known fact that visitors will spend very little time on a site looking for what they want and using a large font that will catch a customers eye to convey an important message can help them find the information they are looking for and keep them on your site. Use large fonts effectively by using them sparingly and keep your message short and to the point.
For more information, please visit http://www.hitwebdesign.com or call 1-866-211-0743.
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