Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Shared Web Hosting - The Best Small Business Hosting Solu...

It is very important to for any one entering into the web business to choose the right web-partners. If you get the right solutions at the right time from your web partners, even a small-web business start-up of yours can fast grow up to become one of the most successful internet businesses offering you high ROI.The right web partners help you to get good footing on the net from the very start. . .

Tips to designing your own website

As the rate of information technology increases, many small business owners and individuals are now aiming to increase their communication and business with the use of the Internet. Some of the benefits of the Internet is that people can frequently improve their knowledge, be critical, and analyze new concepts and developments. Not only does the Internet provide an opportunity for people to acc. . .

Benefits of Website Design with Director 8.5

The software program of Director 8.5 has proven itself to be a very useful tool when it comes to designing WebPages. Many people would argue that interactive multimedia is distractive and does not allow the reader the opportunity to absorb the content on the website. However, in the contemporary society of marketing and capitalism, it is believed that the Internet has become an environment wher. . .

Quick, Effective Web Design: Templates?

We have all seen the websites online that sell template web designs for various business industries. Are these worth using? The answer may be different for everyone. When deciding on a web design it is important to know your competition. What do you like about there site? What could be done better? Are there certain aspects of the site that would appeal visually? Are there certain aspects of a . . .

Web Design Tips

Web Design is an art, yet following basic steps can help lead even a non-artist to a good design. For the novice or the expert, there is always more to learn with these web design tips.Web Design Tips 1. Graphic Design of the SiteThere is a saying “First impression is the last impression.” The design of the site is one of the most important aspects to be considered while creating a web page. If. . .

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 th. . .

Web Project Tips

Introduction The ultimate goal of this article is to understand the best practises to do processing in a web development/consultancy company. This is just a guideline and it may vary according to people and companies. BackgroundThere are few things to be aware about web project that I am sure most of you already know, at least the ones working on them.Budgeting and Scoping- Account Management a. . .

The Importance of a Well-Designed Logo

You have one chance to make a first impression. Potential customers will form an opinion of a business within seconds. A company’s logo is therefore extremely influential, as it is almost always the first thing a customer will see. In addition, once a customer becomes familiar with a business, the company’s logo will always be associated with that company name, and in turn, the company name wil. . .

The Importance Of Monitoring Your Website

Are you monitoring your website?You should be, especially if you are using itto make some extra cash, and definitely ifit is your only source of income.You need to monitor your website to protectit from so many nasties which could affect yourbottom line. Any of the following could bringyour site to a close.A hack attack. If your website is hacked, it could be used for any number of illegal acti. . .

New Developments at WebmastersLookup

Dear Webprofessional,In this newsletter we like to inform you about some developments on the WebmastersLookup.com website.First of all we would like to thank you who joined WebmastersLookup. Withoutthe Designers community this service would not have grown so fast. Themembership is still open and is stays free. In the past few weeks we've beenvery busy doing all sorts of wonderful that will BENE. . .

Know Your Audience

Designing a web site is hard enough. You spend countless hours working on how it is going to look and what cool specials effects it is going to have. You even spent hours picking out your site colors. So now what?Now you have to promote it. But how? There are many ways. You can submit them to search engines, join a pay per click advertising program and link exchanges. Of these link exchanges . . .

Form vs. Function (Which shall prevail?)

Form and function is both vital to a web design. Form is one base and function is another. Function without form is boring. Nonetheless, even if the form is impressive yet not functional it will be disappointing. Thus, there must be a symbiotic relationship between the two in order to give life to the site. If a site is more of a marketing tool, it must incorporate visual and multimedia images. . .

Is a Picture Really Worth A Thousand Words?

Are you amenable to the maxim – a picture is worth a thousand words. If you do, then you are presumed to use more colorful and arty images and not so much with texts. If you are on the contrary opinion, then you are presumed to believe that a word is worth a thousand pictures. Ergo, your principle is to use powerful words in order to convey ideas and actions. A word of caution to all designers . . .

Emotional Colors Of The Web

In many ways the web is the ultimate medium. It lets you communicate with anyone anywhere at anytime. We can really and safely say that the web can be the fourth medium after print, radio and television. It has since replaced the old ideas, challenge conventional wisdom, and deliver the most up-to-date, dynamic, helpful, extensive information right in your desktop literally.Before, I have just . . .

Business Can’t Live Without Websites

Websites can be your business lifeblood. In fact, they are considered a big deal not only to those starting small business but to the well-established business of all time.Why is it essential? Well, there are lots of reasons. Let us discuss them one by one.First, websites are controlling sales tools. It is an effective way of hooking probable purchasers in order to secure continuous and product. . .

Reinventing Your Homepage

Everyone struggles to make their sites appealing. Nonetheless, only a few has discovered the formula behind pretty and serviceable site. Some sites need little alterations but some need total overhauling. The latter, being the most taxing than the former, has to start off on the right foot. What does it take to have tempting and pleasurable sites?First, a site must have focus or concentration l. . .

7 Pointers about Web Design

In order to master the art of web design, designers must follow the subsequent pointers:1. Web designers are marketers per se. Web sites are all about advertising products, ideas and services. Thus, a web designer has to understand the mindset of marketers in order to create a design that sell. 2. Read, read and read. We do not experience everything. Thus, our tendency is to learn from others. . . .

Web Design’s Infallible Rules of Thumb

The essence of creating a website is not just launching it. Every detail on its own, must count!The fact is – details mater a lot. Hence, every site must be a product of careful planning, conceptualization and concentration to details. Effective website is all about stepping into the shoes of the visitors. Every designer must have the same mindset as the visitors so as to be intimately related . . .

Company Website Maintenance

As the internet grows in its popularity and your company in its reach, merging both successes become fruitful when the presence on the internet is firmly established. Your company's web site could have been launched as a first time experiment or as a fully blown e-commerce venture, both cases of presence need to be sustained over a long period of time. The need for your company web site mainten. . .

Web Application Development

Prototyping is one of the most important aspects of our development process. We consider the act of prototyping to be a risk mitigation strategy. If approached correctly, we believe that prototyping can reduce the risks in development. In addition, by reducing risks we are often able to reduce project costs.Prototyping may be done in a number of ways and it may actually employ more than one met. . .

Basic But Ignored Web Design Tips

You took the leap. You set up a website to display your important message. Bravo! As in life, first impressions are important on the web. Web researchers found that you have about 2 minutes to make that first impression a good one. Visitors will judge your site in those few seconds on its professionalism and appropriateness to what they are looking for.In fact, a website can lose about one-thir. . .

Making Your Visitors and Search Engines Happy

In the quest for the perfect website sometimes we overlook the obvious and forget about aspects of the web that make it enjoyable. We get caught up into what’s cool or what our competitor’s site has that we lose sight of usability and ultimate visitor happiness. Ultimately less is more on the web and by keeping it simple we can retain our visitors and give them the info and services they need. . .

Examples of Bad Webpage Graphic Design

There are two major problems inherent in most graphic design for the Internet. One of is ‘too much’ and the other is ‘no connection’. Designers tend to put ‘too much’ emphasis on the graphic elements which can take away from the actual site content, and they tend to have images and graphics which don’t really connect to their website’s purpose or theme. Remember that there is no magic formula. . .

Create a Google Sitemap

One of the hot new website promotion tips du jour is the Google Sitemap. This is a small XML file that sits on a website and provides information for Googlebot when it comes to visit. Is this file useful? What does it do? How do I create one? How do I get Google to find it? Well, let me tell you.Firstly, the general consensus on whether or not a Google Sitemap is useful is that, well, the jury . . .

On Demand Software As A Service With A Composite Twist

The ability to setup websites with content has been available and accepted for several years. There are also successful online CRM vendors. In addition, there are good solutions available for setting up store fronts and auctions. These types of solutions are software as a service, in many cases on demand, and in some cases they are composite to varying degrees. Some of the drivers for these. . .

When You Should Consider Using a Site Template or Wizard ...

I'm a web designer letting you know when it's important not to use a web designer. I feel this is very important to discuss, because many customers spend a lot of money when a much simpler solution is available for them. HTML and other web technologies are easy to learn, but very difficult to master. There are many automated template and site wizards which can walk you through developing a simp. . .

Keyword Research Guide -- How and Why!

Keyword marketing-the importance..In the Field of SEO-Search engine optimization choosing keywords is one of the most important tasks. You should choose keyword wisely. Choosing keyword is not a guessing Game but it is an art.Why to choose keywords? As you probably aware of search engine traffic. Search engine traffic is very very important for success of any website. It is estimated that appr. . .

Dedicated Servers – Backup and Recovery Strategies for We...

What kind of backup recovery strategy should a company have for its dedicated server? Web hosting companies have been debating this architecture since their existence began. It is really a question pondered by the whole IT community. There are many right solutions, dependent on your company’s ability to handle downtime. The correct solution for you will factor in the amount of redundant prote. . .

Usability For Older Web Users

According to the 2001 UK census (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2287650.stm), the UK now has more people aged over 60 than under 16. It also revealed that there are now 1.1 million people aged over 85.Webcredible recently analysed and compared the results of 16 usability testing sessions - 8 of these sessions were conducted with elderly users (i.e. over the age of 65), and 8 with younger users (. . .

Build Your Own Comparison Shopping Site

As shoppers reject the malls for merchandise found on their brightly lit computer screens, comparison-shopping Web sites have become white hot. With the ability to automatially compare the prices of items from thousands of online retailers web users are flocking to these new homes of the bargain for some easy savings.For the aspiring comparison shopping site owner there are few software options. . .

What's the Fastest Way to Ruin a New Web Site?

I’ve been asked, “How do I design a successful Web site?” I often respond, “Do you know the fastest way to ruin a new Web site design?” As you might suspect, the answer is, “Lack of proper planning beforehand.”Let's put it another way. In programming, there's an old axiom, which states: "The sooner you start your coding the longer it takes to finish."Planning out your Web site before you build. . .

Create Your Own Web Site for Information Purposes or Ecom...

Creating your own web site can be extremely quick, easy, and affordable. Today you can find plenty of tools that can help you create the perfect web site whether it is for pleasure or for commerce. If you are interested in creating your own web site, then here are some great tips that will have you up and running in no time.Many people that have never created a web site online are usually overw. . .

PHP, Internet Business Marketing, & Good Web Content Go H...

Everyone has heard that content is king when it comes to search engine optimization and just good old plain web site marketing smarts. But how you present that content on your site can also make a world of difference.PHP is a server-side, cross-platform, HTML embedded scripting language that lets you create dynamic web pages. PHP-enabled web pages are treated just like regular HTML pages and yo. . .

There’s No Reason To Fear When Making A Website

I’ve been writing about the Internet for a couple of years now so you’d probably assume that I am proficient with all aspects of the Web, from using search engines to building a website. Well, you’re wrong. Sadly, I fall into the category of those human beings that fear new experiences in life. You can tell me over and over how cool it is to have a website, I can search and visit other people’s. . .

SEO in a BOX?

Are profitable, top search ranks possible without the help of an experienced search engine optimization company? Can a software package or online miracle site touting testimonials and grandeur guarantees of success elevate your online presence enough to really increase sales? Unfortunately, unless the software or miracle website were able to research your market, find hidden niches within it. . .

10 Reasons Why Websites Fail - And How To Avoid The Norma...

Perhaps you have attempted (maybe more than once) to have a website. You may have signed up late at night on one of the countless web hosting plans that are on the web and for only $7.95 you were up and running. Or maybe you went all out and hired a web designer spending a thousand dollars or more having them build your site and shopping cart.You dreamed of that customer hundreds of miles aw. . .

Creating a Succesful Community

Once you've tried it, most of you will agree. Getting members that actually post in a community is hard. Making members stay is even harder. Of course it's a lot easier when the subject of your site is original, and if your site has actually something to offer. Today we're going to look how successful communities do it.First of all, a successful community didn't become a successful community by. . .

The Bread And Butter Of Website Accessibility

The main reason webmasters fail to make their websites accessible is because they don’t understand the concept of an "accessible website" in the first place.Lets admit it, when the buzzword accessibility flies about over the web most of us think "I know what accessibility is, its making my website usable by anyone with a disability" if that's you, I have bad news, you've fell at the first hurdl. . .

Italy: A land of low Birth Rate

Declining Birth Rates of ItalyItaly, as we all know, is the world center of theCatholic Church. Strangely, in spite of its deep-rootedCatholic culture and tradition, it has today changed intoa nation having the second lowest birth rates in Europe,next only to Spain. At 1.2 per woman that means onechild per woman, according to Global Agenda Magazine.It was brought out in an article in April 200. . .

Reseller Web Hosting Plan - Choosing A Right Reseller And...

Reseller web hosting plan is an easy business from web hosting bandwagon. It is but splitting up the drive space and bandwidth to give resellers resources so that they can provide the services that a major web hosting company provides even if they don’t know much technicalities of hosting.If you are going to subscribe space and bandwidth from giant web hosting companies - http://www.serverplex.. . .

Predicting Pagerank

This one has been making the rounds all week so it deserves a mention here. A couple of products have cropped up claiming to actively predict a websites future PR - before the update. Ludicrous? Isn't that like the holy grail of SEO? Good grief. As it turn out iWEBTOOL does not predect pagerank.The company has been debunked in several threads on the usual SEO forums, but basically it is re. . .

Best MovableType Plugins

My personal list of the Best Movabletype Plugins will be the first article to kick off a new category on ProfitPapers reflecting my love of everything development. The aptly named Dev category will serve as a receptacle of all things related to: Unix, Apache, PHP, SQL, Movabletype, and other geeky subjects. As always I will be paying special attention to SEO/OLM tactics throughout these piece. . .

The Real Reason Why Most Websites Fail

There are hundreds of articles on what makes a website bad. The most basic of these present detailed explanations of common sense, such as poor navigation; the most in depth talk about complicated conceptions of overall design philosophy. My approach is different and surprisingly simple: the problem with most websites stems from the misconceptions their creators have about how the graphics, co. . .

Why Website Templates Make Being A Webmaster More Efficient

The acceptance of website templates as an alternative to website designing can be attributed to the ability of templates in improving the work efficiency of the webmaster. Of course, they also reduce the costs involved in setting up a website. Website templates have evolved over the years from simple HTML web page templates to the Flash template designs that allow for dynamic and customized web. . .

The Advantages of Web Page Template Designs: Tips and Gui...

Building and creating a website is a nightmarish task especially if you don’t have the slightest idea on what you are suppose to do. Staring on an empty screen and waiting for some creative ideas to pop up can be quite frustrating and disappointing especially if nothing really comes to mind. But why over exert yourself, when you can simply download a web template that is available online that c. . .

What Is RSS And How Can It Benefit You?

RSS is short for Really Simple Syndication. It is part of the XML family that is used for syndicating information. Put simply RSS allows one web site to share information with another web site.As a web site publisher, RSS offers a way for them to publish their information on many web sites, which in turns increases their reach on the Internet and the amount of traffic they receive to their web . . .

How to Pick Your Domain Name

You have been thinking of starting your own website. You have done some preliminary research and you are ready to go, all you need to do now is pick your domain name. Pretty simple, right? Well, it is not as simple as most people think, including myself. I thought it would be the easiest part of starting my website but you really need to put some thought into it.You need a website name that. . .

Web Accessibility - The Law and The Opportunity

“What are my legal obligations in (the UK, Ireland, Australia, or the US) regarding web accessibility?” This or some variation of it is one of the most common questions heard in this business. If positive publicity and increased business together make “the carrot”, as it were, questions of legal responsibility or vulnerability to litigation make up “the stick”.It would be nice if companies woul. . .

MovableType SEO

Alright I touched on Movabletype and SEO this last week in my best movable type plugins article with the intent to come back and provide some specific details. I will tell you that Movabletype is optimized quite well out of the box, but there are a few quick tricks to easily providing the spiders with some dynamic content.For my main home page and category index pages I hardcode most of my met. . .

Finding The Best Host For Your Company’S Needs

So your business has decided that it is time to make its presence felt on the internet. You have your all your information ready, and you may even have created your website and it is ready to go live on the internet.The next step is to find a web hosting provider, but how do you evaluate web hosting, and then make a choice on which provider to pay your hard earned money too?Choosing the correct. . .