Web design & Internet Marketing

Web design, Internet Marketing & SO Discussion

Web Design Tip – Always use a content management system

A content management system allows you to update and change your website content when you want without having to wait for your Web Design Company or developer to do it for you.

A content management system (CMS) refers to a system that allows you to manage and update the content on their website. Content management systems are database driven websites with a built-in facility to update the web-page content. The need for static websites is fairly limited.

The web publishing needs of a company have changed significantly with time. Today businesses need the ability to update the website frequently. In addition to offering up to date information to your customers, updating your website is also vital for Google ranking.

If your website has been built by a web design company or a professional web designer then it most likely includes a content management system. If your website has been developed in the last 5 years then this is most likely to be the case. A professional web design company will design all its websites as a content management system.

Content management system - Top options

There are many options for providing a content management system on a website today. The main options are discussed below:

Open source content management system

There are many free open source software that are freely available. Most popular systems are rich with many powerful and advanced features. Leading CMS platforms offer standard features including ability to update the content and images on pages, ability to provide private areas on the website, user registration and login, blog and search feature on the website. Open source systems have special significance for a web design company or professional designer as it allows them to customise the system to meet specific needs of a business. Open source CMS can also be extended easily with a variety of add-on features if required.

Content management system is a widely used term that includes database driven websites in general. In addition to general web publishing needs, there are many specialist CMS platforms that focus on specific areas such as e-commerce. OS commerce and Magento are two popular open source shopping cart software.

Bespoke Option

If your needs are complex which cannot be met by available content management systems, then you can commission a web design company or professional designer to develop a fully bespoke software for your website. This option can be expensive and time consuming.

Combination of Open source and bespoke features

A combined approach of using an open source CMS platform together with custom features is cost effective approach to developing websites and is widely used by many small to medium sized businesses. A web design company with the right skills and experience is able to adapt and extend an existing open source system to meet the specific needs of your business. Popular open source platforms offer a powerful framework for developing web applications of any scale. Leading open source software offers a well defined methodology and a powerful API for expanding the system. Today it can be relatively easy to find a web design company that specialises in developing bespoke add-ons for leading open source software such as Joomla, Wordpress or Drupal.

Hosted CMS/Blogging platforms

Hosted CMS platforms are online publishing systems that help you build a personal or business website. Most hosted CMS platforms offer a range of free website building tools that can allow you to create a website within minutes.

Online CMS/ Blog platforms also provide a viable option for smaller sites. Many portals allow users to create their own database driven micro-site or blog using their website. The hosted model has proved popular as it is quick, free and offers a collection of build-in tools to build your site quickly and without prior web design or software development experience. Blogger or Blogspot and the hosted version of wordpress (yorusite.wordpress.com) are two of the leading hosted CMS platforms and feature in ‘Technorati’s top 10 used CMS’ list. Some hosted platforms also allow you to create and host your own e-commerce store using one of the available templates. Hosted platforms offer a quick and cost effective method to build a CMS driven site for business or personal use. The functionality and design are however limited as you can only choose from the options available to you. In most cases, bespoke options are not available on the hosted versions.

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Top Web design Resource Websites

A web design company or a professional web designer often relies on online resources to assist with developing websites professionally and within budget. Resource websites that target the web design industry also provides web developers and graphic designers with a platform to share their knowledge and experience with one another. The web design resources are often released as open source under a creative commons license so web designers and developers are free to modify and adapt the tools to meet specific needs. The websites on this list have been selected on a number of criteria and offer a range of resources including code snippets, scripts, graphic elements, software applications and other tools useful for building or managing a professional website.

Top Web design Resource Websites on the internet:

1) Hotscripts. com

Web Designers and developers around the world use hot scripts as an important source for finding scripts or code to use in web design. It has one of the largest collections of scripts on the internet. Any web design company or designer can download and use it freely for personal as well as commercial purposes.
Hot Scripts is a comprehensive Web directory of approximately 50,000 scripts and tools to assist in web design and development. Designers can share their resources with others or download and use one of the tools on their next web design project.

Main Categories:

• Ajax, PHP, Javascript, Flash, Ruby, XML, ASP, CGI, Python, Java
• Features:
• Scripts, Templates

Community features:
Blog and Forum

2) Flashkit.com

Flash Kit is the world’s largest Flash resource site. Flash Kit is completely free and contains thousands of open source flash movies, tutorials, and graphic files. Web and graphic designers get full access to source code. Access to source (.fla) files enables designers to easily edit or change the files to suit the specific needs of a website.

Main Categories:

• Movies, Graphics, Gallery
• Sound FX, , Sound Loops
• Tutorials

Community features:

Forum, The Lounge, Feedback, Reviews

3. Javascriptkit.com

JavaScriptkit.Com has been around for many years. As the name suggests the website offers a vast collection of Cut-n-Paste JavaScript files and source code. Web developer and designers find it useful and often use it to download pre-written scripts for use in web design. Most commonly used JavaScript code can be found here. It can be a useful resource for web designers as the use of professionally written and tested scripts allows them to save time that can be used to focus on core areas of the project.

Main Categories:

• Free JavaScripts
• JavaScript Tutorials
• DHTML Tutorials
• Web Design Tutorials
• JavaScript Reference
• Free Java Applets

4. Dynamic drive.com

Dynamic Drive prides itself to be the number 1 place on the internet for free, innovative dynamic HTML & Java scripts for their website. The scripts found here allows a designer to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of a web site. Most of the code found here is based on DHTML, JavaScript or VBscipt.

Main Categories:

• Calendars, Dynamic Content, Games,
• Galleries/Slideshows,
• Menus & Navigation,
• Scrollers, Text Animations,
• XML and RSS

Community features:
Forum

5. Webmaster-Toolkit. com

Webmaster Toolkit offers a collection of tools helpful for webmasters. The website specialises in utilities and tools to better manage or analyse different areas of the website. The primary focus is on tools that assist with the day to day management of a website. The website offers resources for beginners as well as advanced users. The primary focus is on online tools as opposed to code that can be downloaded and used on a website. The website offers a selection of online tools including keyword research tool and back link analyser among others.

Main Categories:

• Search Engine Optimisation Tools
• Utilities For Webmasters
• Domain Name Tools

6. Flickr

Although image sites should be targeted by an independent list of its own, I have decided to include Flicker in my list due to the high potential and value it offers for web designers and developers. Flickr is arguably one of the best online photo management and sharing application on the internet. Its main goals are twofold; to provide new ways of organizing photos and videos, and to provide a method to share them with others. In addition to personal use, Flickr can be an excellent resource for a Web Design Company or professional web developer.

Web designers across the world use Flickr as a free source for images and graphics for web design. You are free to download and use the pictures on a website as long as the artist is mentioned in accordance with their terms and conditions.

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Web Design Directory– Top 14 directories for Web Designers

Web design directories can be a useful resource to improve the profile of your company and the rank of your website on search engines. There are many general directories as well as specialised directories that exclusively target web design and related services. These niche directories there are a number of specialized directories catering exclusively for web designer.

This is a list of some of the specialist directories beneficial for web design. A Web Design Company or professional web designer will find the list useful to promote their services to potential customers. Listing your web design business on these specialist directories will also allow you to build back-links from topical sites which will in-turn will improve your websites authority.

Top 14 directories for Web Designers

1. Designfirms.org

Design Firms claims to be the largest and most respected design community and marketplace. It offers many features including Directory, marketplace, reviews, Jobs, Design awards, portfolios and articles. Design Firms has grown consistently over the years and receives thousands of unique visitors per day.

Year Site Created: 2003
Indexed Pages in Google: 140,000
Backlinks in Yahoo: 42,558
PageRank: 4
Alexa Traffic Rank: 23,700

Submission Policy:
Link Status: Dofollow
No Recirpocal link required
Many ways to get listed i.e articles, profiles, reviews, portfolios

Community Features:
Blog, Portfolio, Reviews

2. Web-designers-directory.org

This is an international directory that targets all countries. The site is a useful resource for a web design company or provider of related services such as internet marketing, web hosting, programming, software development or search engine optimisation. The website also offers an in-depth article section with well written articles managed fully by its editors.

Year Site Created: 2004
Indexed Pages in Google: 642
Backlinks in Yahoo: 382,325
PageRank: 6
Alexa Traffic Rank: 68,360

Submission Policy:
Link Status: Dofollow

3. Webdesigners-directory.com

Webdesigners directory specifically targts web design companis and designers from US. Website also offers a project leads system for designers and an online quote feature for web design customers.

Year Site Created: 2005
Indexed Pages in Google: 18,700
Backlinks in Yahoo: 228,016
PageRank: 6
Alexa Traffic Rank: 63,245

Submission Policy:
Link Status: Dofollow

4. DesignDir.net

An international web design directory that covers web design and related industries including hosting, SEO and domain name registration. The website also offers an industry news section managed by editors.

Year Site Created: 2003
Indexed Pages in Google: 3,080
Backlinks in Yahoo: 14,567
PageRank: 4
Alexa Traffic Rank: 339,227

Submission Policy:
Reciprocal link required for free listing
Link Status: Dofollow

5. Web-design-directory.org.uk

This directory is ideal for a UK based web design company or graphic design professional. The listings are organised by major UK cities and regions. This is one of the few directories on org.uk TLD (Top level domain). And SEO professionals often advise on obtaining link coverage from a range of top level domains. This will add to the diversity of the link profile and popularity of your website. Website also features an online quote feature for prospective web design customers.

Year Site Created: N/a
Indexed Pages in Google: 535
Back-links in Yahoo: 4,316
PageRank: 4
Alexa Traffic Rank: 802,752

Community futures:
Blog with no follow comments

Submission Policy:
Reciprocal link required for free listing
Link Status: Dofollow

6. Website-design-directory.co.uk

The directory allows a web design company or related service provider to promote their services. According to the website, Website owners and administrators are Guaranteed Submission.

Year Site Created: N/a
Indexed Pages in Google: 2,200
Backlinks in Yahoo: 5,306
PageRank: 4
Alexa Traffic Rank: 229,798

Submission Policy:
Free but a reciprocal is required.
Link Status: Dofollow

7. Web-design-directory-uk.co.uk

Web Design Directory UK is primarily aimed at web designers and website design firms from UK. The site hopes to grow and establish itself as a useful resource for customers who are looking for web design services across UK. The website has also launched a jobs section which is seldom used.

Year Site Created: 2002
Indexed Pages in Google: 117
Backlinks in Yahoo: 8,368
PageRank: 5
Alexa Traffic Rank: 173,039

Submission Policy:
Free but a reciprocal is required.
Link Status: Dofollow

8. Webdesignstuff.com

A professionally designed website with a clan cut and modern layout. The directory offers a range of features including web design resources, Web design showcase for inspiration and event calendar. Although categories favour US designers it also accepts international submissions.

Year Site Created: N/a
Indexed Pages in Google: 4,380
Backlinks in Yahoo: 63,184
PageRank: 4
Alexa Traffic Rank: 151,279

Community features:
Blog, Top rated, Power sites

Submission Policy:

Free to submit
Link Status: Dofollow
All submission subject to strict approval

9. Web-Development.com

The directory has separate sections for UK, US and International web design providers. A web design company can benefit from back link and exposure via 100% free submissions. The site is categorised both by location and specialisation. Most major countries are represented by their individual sections. At the time of writing this article, the site would only accept entry for a web design company. It plans to add additional categories such as Web hosting and domain name registrars.

Year Site Created:1997
Indexed Pages in Google: 10,300
Backlinks in Yahoo: 12,162
PageRank: 5
Alexa Traffic Rank: 217,453

Submission Policy:
Free but a reciprocal is required.
Link Status: Dofollow

10. Design2go.co.uk

Design to go is a new directory for web design and related services. It markets itself as an SEO Friendly Web Design Directory. The site mainly targets UK websites and has categories for all major UK cities.

Year Site Created: N/a
Indexed Pages in Google: 207
Backlinks in Yahoo: 400
PageRank: 3
Alexa Traffic Rank: 560,235

Submission Policy:
No reciprocal link required
DO follow links

11. Thewebsitedesigndirectory.co.uk

The site offers supplier matching service for web design customers. The website is very easy to use. You can add multiple websites with a single account. Another directory whose main target is a UK based Web Design Company or related service provider as the categories represent UK cities.

Year Site Created: N/a
Indexed Pages in Google: 897
Backlinks in Yahoo: 582
PageRank: 3
Alexa Traffic Rank: 1,528,610

Submission Policy:
No reciprocal link required
DO follow links

12. Designers-network.com

An international directory that offers listings plus a jobs section that is used frequently for web design or web development related job openings. Although directory listings are free, Job postings cost £10. The website enables potential clients to find an appropriate designer or design agency in their local area.

Year Site Created: 1999
Indexed Pages in Google: 2,190
Backlinks in Yahoo: 1,100
PageRank: 5
Alexa Traffic Rank: 232,392

Submission Policy:
No reciprocal link required
DO follow links

13. Einternetdirectory.co.uk

E Internet directory is a place to find web designers and web design companies in any local area in UK. The website targets UK based companies that offer web design and related services. The site offers a UK map search as well as a quote system for customers looking for web design services.

Year Site Created: 2003
Indexed Pages in Google: 4,750
Backlinks in Yahoo: 2,041
PageRank: 5
Alexa Traffic Rank: 640,719

Submission Policy:
No reciprocal link required
Link Status: Dofollow

Community Fatures:
Blog

14. Theukwebdesigncompany.com

The UK Web Design Company has been around for over 7 years and has served thousands of clients. The website matches clients with web designers from across UK and overseas. The site offers a detailed quotation form that customers complete in order to be matched with relevant web design service providers. The website also includes an article section. A web design company or designer can also purchase leads from the website at a cost.

Year Site Created: 2003
Indexed Pages in Google: 10,500
Backlinks in Yahoo: 4,912
PageRank: 5
Alexa Traffic Rank: 50,993

Submission Policy:
Link Status: Dofollow but no anchor text

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Website Authority - Top Benefits

Website authority is important in web design and website promotion. Your Web design company Internet marketing consultant will often advise you on the importance of building website authority. In order to understand why is it important for a company to focus on building website authority, it is important to first understand what it means.

What is website authority?

Website authority is a term used to describe the trust worthiness of the information offered by websites. Websites with authority are trusted more by users. The reasons for building the authority of your company’s website should hence be obvious.

The main benefits of Website authority

Establishing your website authority within your niche has many advantages.

1) Authority websites are trusted more by users

There is a lot of information on the internet however there is no standard method to validate the information found on a site. Users tend to trust the information found on authority websites and often turn to them in order to find information on specific topics.

2) Authority websites are also trusted more by search engines

One of the biggest benefits of establishing website authority is because search engines like Google favour authority sites in search results. Search engine trust the information and consider it to be of high value. As a result authority websites tend to rank favourably on search engines above other results.

3) Branding

If your company’s website establishes itself as an authority within its field, it will have a positive impact on how your company’s brand is perceived by other users and businesses. On of the main reasons why it is common for company websites to also offer a range of information and resources on topics related to the industry it operates in. Quality content covering topics related to your industry is the foundation for establishing website authority.

4) Stability

Although search engine ranking can fluctuate, search engine traffic is more stable than traffic from other sources such as banner marketing, pay per click or even social media. Websites with high authority will continue to receive traffic from search engines for many years to come as they are considered trustworthy sources of information by search engines.

5) Viral effect on link building and promotion

Authority websites are often quoted and referenced by others. Although it can take time to establish website authority, there is a viral effect on promotion of your business and back links further. Authority websites attract more and more inbound links from other topical or industry related sites. As long as content is added on a regular basis, the website will continue to maintain its authority.

6) Increase in Customer loyalty

Visitor loyalty is key to the long term success of your company. Authority websites provide users with valuable information. Users tend to revisit the site again in future as opposed to searching again for sites that offer information on a particular topic.

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Social News Websites – Top Submission benefits

Submitting news to social news websites has many benefits. It offers exposure for your company and provides quality back-links to your website. As a web design company, we rely heavily on the internet to acquire new customers and promote our web design services in general. Publishing links to content on our company’s website on social news websites is an important part of our internet marketing strategy.

There are many social websites that allow users to publish their news. Social News websites are community websites that offer user generated content among other features or resources. They allow users to share news stories, articles and resources with others.

Top Benefits of submtting to Social News Websites

1. Exposure for your company or website

Social news websites are popular and have a large user-base. By submitting your news or links on these websites provides massive exposure for your company or website. If your submission proves popular and receives votes from other users, you can benefit from additional publicity by getting features on the homepage or as featured news items.

2. Build back links quickly:

Social news websites work differently to traditional article directories or other content sharing websites. Instead of submitting complete articles, you are only required to submit a link to your content together with a title and description. Although submissions are subject to approval, a majority of the submissions are accepted. We have a web design blog on our company website where we regularly publish articles related to web design and internet marketing. As most of the titles are related to web design, submitting titles and links provides us with quality back links due to the presence of keyword in the anchor links of items published on other news websites.

3. Powerful medium for viral marketing:

Social news serves as a powerful medium for viral marketing. If the information you are submitting offers real value for readers, then your message can spread easily across the internet. Interesting items are often resubmitted by readers to other leading sites and portals. I often find my submission tweeted to Twitter or posted to other sites like Facebook.

4. Target general as well as topical communities:

Although most the larger social news websites tend to target general topics and address a wide range of topics, there are many niche sites that focus on specific industries or topics. You thus have the option to target general users or a specific audience.

5. Build Authority in your niche:

As discussed above it is possible to implement a highly targeted campaign by focusing only on social news websites related to your niche. For example we mainly target social news websites that are related web design or internet marketing. By publishing news on social news sites related to web design, we are able to focus on a highly targeted audience rather than the entire internet population in general. By targeting websites related to your market, you can build your website authority in time.

6. Benefit from immediate traffic to your website or blog

Social news websites are an excellent way to get traffic. Popular social news websites have millions of users and you can receive significant traffic as result of posting your news or links. When I first started using social news to promote the web design company I work with, I was surprised with the immediate increase in website traffic as a direct result. I was able to receive over a thousand visits a month from a single website. It can take time for your website to rank on the first page of Google. As such driving traffic can only be achieved in the long run without resorting to pay pr click or other forms of paid advertising. With social news websites however, your new web pages or blogs posts can receive thousands of visits per month.

7. Complement other methods of promotion:

Some internet marketers argue that the link quality from social news sites is of less value than others. In addition, old or less popular news items can easily get buried behind fresh current submissions. Despite these arguments, search engines like Google and Yahoo are looking increasingly at social media content when calculating the authority of a website. It is thus a valuable method that complements other methods for promoting your company or website.

8. Participate and share your views:

Social news websites also offers a platform for communication and discussions. If you like to participate and share your thoughts and opinions with others you can comment on articles or vote on stories.
Discussed above are some ways in which social news websites can add value for your business or website. It plays a different role for different websites. It is an integral part of my Web Design Company’s marketing strategy. Our company focuses mainly on social news websites that primarily targets web design and internet marketing. Almost 20% out total monthly traffic comes from these websites,

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