Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Planning your website


Many people get frustrated when they try to create a web page simply because they don’t do any planning. If you jump in and start writing HTML with no plan you may find yourself lost and so will your visitors. Before you start up your computer get out a pencil and some paper. Create a diagram that illustrates how your website will be layed out.


Build your website one page at a time focusing on one topic per page. As you add new content expand your website diagram adding new pages in a logical order. This will make it much easier for you to build your site and for visitors to find their way around. If you follow a plan you will avoid leading viewers to blank pages, dead links or having them run in circles trying to navigate your website.


http://www.websitedesignbasics.com


Don’t worry if you think your website is not perfect. No website is ever totally finished. You should always be fine-tuning and updating your content. You should continue to learn web site design from books and other websites. Website construction is an ongoing process. Build – review – add new content – repeat.



Planning your website

Test Post from iPixel Creative | Singapore Web Design & CMS Development Company Blog

Test Post from iPixel Creative | Singapore Web Design & CMS Development Company Blog http://www.ipixel.com.sg/blog

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Cross Browser Compatibility


There are literally hundreds of web browsers in use around the world. All of them implement the W3C document standards a little differently. Web design company must wrestle with these differences to make a web site work. This article discusses the effect those different implementations has on design.




What is Cross Browser Compatibility?




If a web page is completely cross-browser compatible, it will look more or less the same in all of the existing web browsers. The most commonly used browsers are Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Firefox and Opera. The table below shows their usage as of November 2005.




















































































Browser
% Of Users


Internet Explorer 668
Internet Explorer 56
Firefox 117.5
Firefox 1.51.5
Netscape3
Opera1.5
Other Browsers2.5





Each one of these browser implements HTML, JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) a little differently. Some difference only create cosmetic difference others can break the webpage. The situation gets worse because each browser is free to implement “enhancements” to the W3C standard version of each of these formats.




Then to compound matters even more the underlying operating systems also creates difference in how the computer displays graphical elements and text differently. When you add the fact that people are also using multiple versions of each of the browsers, no wonder web designers get headaches.




So what is a web designer to do?




Obviously, 100% compatibility with all potential browsers is impossible. But it is possible to design your web page so it will work in the most popularly used browsers.




To accomplish that, a web designer must write squeaky-clean code that conforms to the W3C standards to get consistent results across all browser platforms. The whole idea behind the standards is that if each browser adheres to the same set of rules, you will get more or less consistent results in all of the existing browsers.




Conforming can be a real challenge. It will limit some of the neater effects available in specific browsers. There are online code validators available. You can validate HTML code at http://validator.w3.org , the validator can also validate your CSS and links. The service is free.




The validator checks your code based on the DOCTYPE you specify on the webpage. The DOCTYPE tells the browser which version of HTML or CSS the web page is using.




HTML Editors




There are some compatibility issues associated with anything other than hand coding for HTML (and for that matter, even with hand coding.)



Best Choice – The best choice for compatibility is Dreamweaver but you cannot use layers. Layers must be converted to tables to be used.



Worst Choice – The worst choice is FrontPage. FrontPage is loaded with problems because it uses Microsoft and therefore internet explored specific code. Items that will not work in other browsers include:




  • Marquees – you can use a JavaScript scroller to create a similar effect that will work in the most common browsers.


  • bgsound tag – this is IE specific.


  • Page Transitions – this is IE specific.


  • Front Page generated Style sheets – this is IE specific and can have unexpected results or crash other browsers.


  • Front Page generated DHTML – it is better to use JavaScript to create the effects you want since it is more likely to be cross browser compatible.


  • Hover Buttons – this is IE specific and has been know to crash browsers including older versions of IE. You can use JavaScript, flash or CSS to get similar effects.




Other HTML Editors – the rest of the HTML editors will fall somewhere between Dreamweaver and FrontPage in cross browser compatibility. You just have to test the code your HTML editor generates.




CSS Style Sheets




Not all of your style sheets will work correctly in all of the browsers. However, style sheets rarely crash a web browser, but sometimes the pages will be downright ugly if not completely unreadable. One of the major CSS problems is absolute positioning since most browsers do not support it and it will cause different block to overlap others and create a jumbled mess.




Flash




Flash is great for adding style to a webpage and Macromedia provides flash plug-ins for all of the major web browsers. But don’t build the entire site with flash. Browser for the blind, most handheld devices do not support flash.




A small but significant number of users don’t like it and don’t install the plug-in so they won’t be able to access a flash site. Also, search engines spyders can’t follow the links on a flash site and won’t index it.




Graphic Links




While these are attractive, they have the same problems as flash with browsers for the blind and hand-held devices. Always use the alt tag with graphics.



Bottom Line – even code that is validated may not work correctly in all the major browsers. The best way a web designer can create cross browser compatibility is to test all of their web pages in the most popular browsers to see what happens. Personally, I find that a combination of style sheets and tables works best to ensure my pages look good in all of the browsers.



Cross Browser Compatibility

Free Download: Dashboard Elements PSD


Today we have a free PSD file available for download. It includes a few creative dashboard elements that can be used in your own designs. The PSD file is layered to allow for easy editing and customizations. View it in full size to see the detail.


Free Download: Dashboard Elements PSD


This PSD was designed by Grzegorz Grzelak and donated to our blog readers. The resources can be used for personal or commercial projects. No attribution is required.


Download the file (1.5 MB zip file)







Free Download: Dashboard Elements PSD

Thursday, October 25, 2012

7 Tips for Closing the Sale


If you’re like most freelance web design Singapore ers one of your least favorite parts of the job is sales. While it’s not like a lot of other types of sales, landing projects from new clients does require some sales effort to communicate what you can offer and to convince them that you are the best person for the job.


Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to increase your effectiveness at closing the deal and securing the work. It’s really all about communication, which is a much more pleasant way of thinking about it as opposed to sales. In this article we’ll take a look at a few tips for improving communication throughout the process that will help you to land a higher percentage of your potential clients.


1. Pay Attention to the Real Issues


One of the keys to closing a sale with a potential client is to find out what they really want and to offer it. Each client and each project is unique, and if you fall into the trap of thinking that each Singapore web design web design Singapore client will want the same things you will wind up not offering enough of a personalized service. The key is to offer a customized solution to their problems or to the issues that they want to address.


This sounds pretty simple, and it doesn’t have to be complicated, but many freelancers overlook it. In the past I’ve hired freelancers for a number of projects and I’m always amazed at how many people just send a canned response without even addressing the project’s details. I’ll have a description of the project on a job board and many of the responses are obviously just a generic email template stating the person’s qualifications and sometimes with a link to a portfolio. In many cases the services they are listing in the email don’t even fit with the particular project. I delete those emails very quickly, and I’m sure most other clients would do the same.


On the other hand, what stands out in a positive way is someone who responds (whether through email, a phone call, or face-to-face) in a way that shows they have taken the time to learn about the specific project. They understand the basics of what is needed and they can offer services and expertise that will help to solve the problems and address the issues associated with the specific project.


2. Respond Promptly


When a potential client is looking to get information from you about your services, chances are they are also reaching out to other web designers. If they emailed you or filled out the contact form on your Singapore web developmentsite, they may have done the same thing at the sites of a few other web design Singapore ers. If you’re responding to a job listing or placing a bid on a site like Odesk or Elance, you know others are going to be responding as well.


Prompt responses are always appreciated by clients. They send a positive message about your responsiveness and the type of customer service that you will provide, and it also gives you the chance to make a strong impression before others beat you to it. If the clients has already been in communication with a few other qualified web design Singapore ers before they hear from you, your odds of landing the project will be drastically reduced.


3. Communicate Personally, but Professionally


Professional communication is important, but most clients also prefer to work with people that they like. That means you need to be yourself and connect with potential clients rather than being allSingapore web design company all the time. It’s possible to be personable and to show your personality without being unprofessional.


The Singapore web design web design Singapore process involves a lot of communication between the web design Singapore er and the client, and many clients can be intimidated by the process. If the client enjoys the initial conversations with you and if you can put him or her at ease, you’ll be in a much better position to secure the project.


4. Demonstrate Your Expertise


In the first point I talked about the importance of offering a personalized, customized solution based in the client’s unique situation. Taking that a step further, you’ll also want to demonstrate or sell your own experience and expertise. It could be on a general level, but to be even more successful you should show examples of similar projects. Show specifically how you were able to help a client in a similar situation and explain that you’re confident you can be a great asset for this project as well.


Case studies from past projects can be especially helpful if you’re able to show how the client benefited from your work, or if you can show measurable results of the project (such as an x% increase in online sales after a re-web design Singapore ). Some web design Singapore ers include detailed case studies on their portfolio Singapore web developmentsites, and another option is a printed case study booklet.


5. Ask for the Singapore business directory


This is a simple point, but one that many freelancers miss out on. Be sure to ask for the Singapore business directory and make sure the client knows that you want the project. If you’ve talked to the potential client about their project and provided a quote, take the next step and ask them to move forward by signing the contract and getting started.


Asking for the Singapore business directory also gives you a chance to get to the root of any potential objections that the client might have. If they like what you are proposing but they are hesitant to move forward when you ask for the Singapore business directory, there is something holding them back. It may or may not be something that is within your control, but if you ask them about their hesitations or what would convince them to move forward, you may be able address issues or concerns that you didn’t even know existed.


6. Follow Up


Another mistake that many freelancers make is simply not following up. How long you wait before following up will depend on the situation and where things were left during your last communication with the client. In many situations you may want to send an email or make a follow up phone call if you haven’t heard anything in a few days.


From my experience, many clients that make initial contact with web design Singapore ers about a project will let it fall through the cracks for a while. So if you haven’t heard back from a client regarding your proposal, don’t just assume that they hired another web design Singapore er. There’s a good chance that they just haven’t yet made a decision to move forward. If you are proactive you’ll have a much better chance of getting the work.


7. Cut Ties When it Doesn’t Fit


Not every project will be a good fit for you. It could be the type of project, the industry, the budget, the time frame, or any number of other issues. If the project isn’t a good fit for you, explain that to the client and move on. Don’t waste your time. Instead, use your time to do a better job of communicating with other potential clients and you can focus on landing the projects that are the best fit for you.


If you’re like most freelance web design Singapore ers one of your least favorite parts of the job is sales. While it’s not like a lot of other types of sales, landing projects from new clients does require some sales effort to communicate what you can offer and to convince them that you are the best person for the job.


Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to increase your effectiveness at closing the deal and securing the work. It’s really all about communication, which is a much more pleasant way of thinking about it as opposed to sales. In this article we’ll take a look at a few tips for improving communication throughout the process that will help you to land a higher percentage of your potential clients.


1. Pay Attention to the Real Issues


One of the keys to closing a sale with a potential client is to find out what they really want and to offer it. Each client and each project is unique, and if you fall into the trap of thinking that each Singapore web design web design Singapore client will want the same things you will wind up not offering enough of a personalized service. The key is to offer a customized solution to their problems or to the issues that they want to address.


This sounds pretty simple, and it doesn’t have to be complicated, but many freelancers overlook it. In the past I’ve hired freelancers for a number of projects and I’m always amazed at how many people just send a canned response without even addressing the project’s details. I’ll have a description of the project on a job board and many of the responses are obviously just a generic email template stating the person’s qualifications and sometimes with a link to a portfolio. In many cases the services they are listing in the email don’t even fit with the particular project. I delete those emails very quickly, and I’m sure most other clients would do the same.


On the other hand, what stands out in a positive way is someone who responds (whether through email, a phone call, or face-to-face) in a way that shows they have taken the time to learn about the specific project. They understand the basics of what is needed and they can offer services and expertise that will help to solve the problems and address the issues associated with the specific project.


2. Respond Promptly


When a potential client is looking to get information from you about your services, chances are they are also reaching out to other web designers. If they emailed you or filled out the contact form on your Singapore web developmentsite, they may have done the same thing at the sites of a few other web design Singapore ers. If you’re responding to a job listing or placing a bid on a site like Odesk or Elance, you know others are going to be responding as well.


Prompt responses are always appreciated by clients. They send a positive message about your responsiveness and the type of customer service that you will provide, and it also gives you the chance to make a strong impression before others beat you to it. If the clients has already been in communication with a few other qualified web design Singapore ers before they hear from you, your odds of landing the project will be drastically reduced.


3. Communicate Personally, but Professionally


Professional communication is important, but most clients also prefer to work with people that they like. That means you need to be yourself and connect with potential clients rather than being allSingapore web design company all the time. It’s possible to be personable and to show your personality without being unprofessional.


The Singapore web design web design Singapore process involves a lot of communication between the web design Singapore er and the client, and many clients can be intimidated by the process. If the client enjoys the initial conversations with you and if you can put him or her at ease, you’ll be in a much better position to secure the project.


4. Demonstrate Your Expertise


In the first point I talked about the importance of offering a personalized, customized solution based in the client’s unique situation. Taking that a step further, you’ll also want to demonstrate or sell your own experience and expertise. It could be on a general level, but to be even more successful you should show examples of similar projects. Show specifically how you were able to help a client in a similar situation and explain that you’re confident you can be a great asset for this project as well.


Case studies from past projects can be especially helpful if you’re able to show how the client benefited from your work, or if you can show measurable results of the project (such as an x% increase in online sales after a re-web design Singapore ). Some web design Singapore ers include detailed case studies on their portfolio Singapore web developmentsites, and another option is a printed case study booklet.


5. Ask for the Singapore business directory


This is a simple point, but one that many freelancers miss out on. Be sure to ask for the Singapore business directory and make sure the client knows that you want the project. If you’ve talked to the potential client about their project and provided a quote, take the next step and ask them to move forward by signing the contract and getting started.


Asking for the Singapore business directory also gives you a chance to get to the root of any potential objections that the client might have. If they like what you are proposing but they are hesitant to move forward when you ask for the Singapore business directory, there is something holding them back. It may or may not be something that is within your control, but if you ask them about their hesitations or what would convince them to move forward, you may be able address issues or concerns that you didn’t even know existed.


6. Follow Up


Another mistake that many freelancers make is simply not following up. How long you wait before following up will depend on the situation and where things were left during your last communication with the client. In many situations you may want to send an email or make a follow up phone call if you haven’t heard anything in a few days.


From my experience, many clients that make initial contact with web design Singapore ers about a project will let it fall through the cracks for a while. So if you haven’t heard back from a client regarding your proposal, don’t just assume that they hired another web design Singapore er. There’s a good chance that they just haven’t yet made a decision to move forward. If you are proactive you’ll have a much better chance of getting the work.


7. Cut Ties When it Doesn’t Fit


Not every project will be a good fit for you. It could be the type of project, the industry, the budget, the time frame, or any number of other issues. If the project isn’t a good fit for you, explain that to the client and move on. Don’t waste your time. Instead, use your time to do a better job of communicating with other potential clients and you can focus on landing the projects that are the best fit for you.



7 Tips for Closing the Sale