With Google Image Search at your fingertips, it can be easy to forget how and why to be responsible when using images from the web for your own purposes. As a blogger as well as a photographer, I understand both sides of this situation and the need for clarification. This post will outline some basic rules and regulations for using others’ images online, as well as some legal alternatives to paying for photos.
I’ve talked before about browsers and the best ways to make sure your site is being displayed properly, and today’s post is along those same lines. I recently discovered a new tool for cross-browser compatibility checking: Adobe’s BrowserLab. This great tool is a part of Adobe CS Live, a set of online services meant to enhance the use of CS5. Even without CS5 (I use CS4), these tools are still helpful and easily accessible. Signing up is simple and includes multiple benefits.
I recently attended a Synergy Sessions workshop about Social Media at the Business Development Center here in Lynchburg. While the information presented at these sessions is great, there is another aspect of them that I find valuable as well: the people. While talking and learning with other business owners, the subject of websites invariably comes up fairly often. One business owner doesn’t have a site, while another can’t figure out how to manage theirs. Or one company’s site looks great, but it doesn’t actually do anything, and yet another company exists solely on their Facebook page. It is a great experience to hear what business owners are struggling with and what their needs are in terms of the web.
A comment that stood out in my mind after leaving the meeting was that of a frustrated business owner who didn’t see the purpose in even having a website, since he couldn’t see any direct impact on his sales. From what I can see there are two approaches to this ‘problem’: business owners need a clear understanding of what a website can do for you, and what you need to do for your website.
This post is inspired by my talented friend Fleming, who is curious about the process of choosing a business name. Arguably one of the most important decisions when starting a business, she is right to seek advice. There are a couple of different approaches to choosing a name for your business, and a lot of factors to consider. Your industry, your target market and the future potential of your business should all be considered, as well as things like branding, a domain name and marketing possibilities. With these in mind, let’s take a look at some successful business naming methods.
I first blogged about the wonders of HTML5 back in May, and I think it is time for an update. There has been progress both in the available features and browser support for HTML5. With these new features there have also developed a number of tutorials and facts to aid in modern web development. Read on to for some of the best HTML5 resources that I have come across so far.
This week I have a quick source of inspiration for you: The Inspiration Blog. Created by the designers at Circlebox Creative, it is a collection of design round-ups and showcases. The site features a variety of motivating artwork, including “all things visually pleasing and inspirational.” No matter what creative industry you’re in (or if you’re not a creative but are needing some visual stimulation anyway), the site features graphic design, illustration, photography, interior design, architecture and of course, web design related posts. It’s a great resource when you’re feeling stuck and need a quick jump-start to get going again at work.
While it is always the goal that your viewers never get an error page from your website, it is best to be prepared. A 404 Error indicates that the file or page requested cannot be found. Unlike a server error, a 404 or Not Found error occurs when access to the site is granted, but the address called for is missing. This type of error can occur for a number of reasons; sometimes it is simply a matter of the viewer spelling your URL wrong, and other times it is due to either external or internal broken links. A broken link is usually the result of updating and/or moving pages and files around on your website. Read on for tips on creating and executing a unique and helpful 404 page.
A valuable aspect of your website is how well people respond to the site and remember it later. One of the best ways to distinguish how well your site accomplishes these important attributes and more is a critique. While it is great to have your mom, significant other and BFF take a look at your site and provide feedback, it is unlikely that any of your favorite people will be as honest and free with their critique as a total stranger. Not to mention, it is likely that those closest to you have inside knowledge about your company and/or website and will view the site with a well-intentioned but unavoidably biased eye. Lucky for us, there are a number of websites that offer solutions to this dilemma.
Today’s find was created for web designers, but is a great tool for anyone involved in launching a new website. Launchlist is a simple one-page website made up of a comprehensive checklist to be completed before a website is published. The site was “born out of frustration” by two Australian designers in need of a solution for formerly inefficient methods of preparing websites for publication. In addition to the practicality of the site, the design is whimsical and well done.
CMS is short for Content Management System, a type of program that when used on the web allows designated website content to be edited without the need for writing or editing HTML code. This means that anyone who can operate a word processing program can edit the contents of a website if it is set up with a CMS.
