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Ideas & Inspiration for web design and web development

Static web design pros and cons

Posted by weblinkindia on March 9, 2010

Websites are the representation of a trade online; they are a compilation of web pages having detailed information of the business and its workings. Websites are designed in two major formats: static and dynamic. Static web design is the traditional format being extensively used to create websites.

What is static web design or static web pages?

Static web page, once created cannot be altered or updated unless specialized editors are used. As their name states, they are static in nature. They are widely used to create brochures and classic websites. Dynamic websites are the new fad in the field of web designing and most of the sites are designed as dynamic.

It is very essential to choose the right type for your websites in accordance with your requirements and budget. If you want to know what advantages and disadvantages a static website has over dynamic, then our write up shall guide you through.

Pros

  • Easier to create than others
  • Cost of creating is much less than the dynamic
  • ‘Hard coded’ static pages can be created with much ease
  • They are easily crawled over by the search engine spiders and thus attract more visitors
  • Almost all designers have the knowledge about static websites
  • AlIdeal for those businesses who require a simple website

Cons

  • It proves to be highly expensive when updated: a hard-coded website is updated in accordance with the website’s size.
  • It is less interactive and attractive
  • A site owner cannot update the content on his own unless he is well-versed with CSS, HTML, etc.

Thus by now you must have acquired a fair idea of benefits and disadvantages of using a static web design. So, carefully estimate your needs and select the right kind of website for your business.

Posted in Static Web Design | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

10 Ways to Save Time While Building a Website

Posted by weblinkindia on March 3, 2010

For a website developer time is money, but they should not rush to complete a website because money is time. The more you work, the better will be your income, but the question is how to increase your productivity without hampering the quality of your work. Here, we are making an attempt to provide you some tips that will not only reduce the time you spend on developing an attractive website but also yield fruitful financial outcomes.

1) Drop Down Menus - Adding a drop down menu in a website is a complicated task as it takes lot of time in typing a text. For designing a detailed menus in less time you can directly search the internet for various programs and websites that designs complex multi level drop down menus in a rather less time. This not only saves time but also gives you an idea about new styles of drop down menus.

2) Firebug -  Add-on offered by Fbrowser.irefox containing various improved functions, Firebug. This utility comes with an inspect element function that allows you to remind the names of particular CSS class or IDs. You can also test changes made in CSS/HTML in a

3) Templating Engines - It’s better to start working on a website with a standard base that already has preconfigured header and footer. A lot of time can be saved if you add links, meta data, robots.txt etc to your CSS file. A good templating engine can be easily searched on net for reference.

4) MeasureIt -  MeasureIt is another Firefox add-on that helps in measuring pixels on the screen, especially when you want to develop an image at a specific point. The task is as simple as dragging and clicking but make sure that the size of the web page, padding and margins are correct.

5) Reusing your CSS - Create a base CSS document with margins, body tags; IE6/7 hacks etc. because the basic content remains the same for every website. Having some preconfigured CSS base documents as a sample saves time of rewriting the basic things while you design a website.

6 ) Color Scheme Tools - A number of color scheme tools are available on the Internet, which can be used for creating a color scheme or picking colors for your website. Getting a HEX or RGB value for any color on the web page is just a click away with the help of color scheme tools.

7) PHP Include - Use of ‘PHP includes’ for header and footer will automatically show the changes while designing a site. The time saved by following this tip can be huge, but it largely depends on the size of the website you are designing.

8) Make Optimum Use of Open Source - While working on a rather complicated form or function, it is always better to sample some pre-developed forms. Many web developers make their work available on internet as a sample, which can be referred for help. There are various secure PHP forms available on the internet that will help you in designing a secure contact form, supported with image attachments.

9) Work on SEO from the Beginning - Working for SEO on your completed website is actually more tedious then doing it while designing. It is better to follow basic SEO strategy right from the beginning. Basic SEO guidelines or factors can be searched on internet as they didn’t take much of your valuable time.

10) Multiple Browser Testing -  There are certain websites that allow you to see how your website will look on different browsers. What you need to do is to just find your preferred choice and paste the URL of your website and choose the browser on which you want to test your web page. You can also take a screen shot of your website on different web browsers and show them to your clients.

Even though, there is no alternative to good web designing skills but these tips can make your work easy and will also save a lot of time. If you want to prove your caliber and stand as a successful website developer follow these simple steps and make your life smooth as a professional web developer.

Posted in Web Design | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Best Ecommerce Solution

Posted by weblinkindia on March 1, 2010

What is an Ecommerce solution?

It is the complete solution to your online needs: buying and selling of products and services. Whatever you require to conduct an online business, you will get it. Various packages or ecommerce deals are available catering to different needs of the businesses. It encompasses setting of the business online, payment gateways, shopping cart, promotion, etc.

What are the ideal features of the best ecommerce solution?

Cost effectiveness :-  This is the first parameter on which an Ecommerce Solution is selected. Every business, whether small or big, searches for cost effective ecommerce solutions. ‘Maximum benefit at minimum cost’ is the mantra for every business.

Swiftness :-  In the world where speed is the need of the hour, an ecommerce solution that offers speedy solution is most preferred.

Security :-  The customers first ensure that the deal they are getting into is safe and completely secure. As the process of purchasing requires the customer’s credit card details it becomes very essential to assure the safety measures. Having proper security measures enables you to earn the trust of your customers.

Offers various options to the customers :-  Ensure that your customers are offered with numerous payment options. The purchase should take place without any hassles. Debit Cards, PayPal payments, Digital Cash and Online Checks should also be provided. Also, there should be different mode of orders like through mail, fax, telephone, etc.

Choosing the perfect Ecommerce solution for yourself is an imperative thing for any business. The success of the company that is achieved through online presence depends on the Ecommerce solution you opt for. Thus carefully select your Ecommerce solution keeping in mind the aforementioned features.

Posted in Ecommerce Solution, Ecommerce Web design | Leave a Comment »

How to convert static website into Dynamic website

Posted by weblinkindia on February 26, 2010

Promotion of a business through Internet has become a common affair nowadays. Numerous tools have been devised to advertise a business online but the most common and widely used is the promotional website. The websites are of two types: dynamic and static each with their different features. In this write up you will find ways to convert a static website into a dynamic one.

But first let us know why there is a need to convert a static website into a dynamic one.

What is a dynamic website?
The term ‘dynamic’ says all; these types of websites can be regularly updated. These websites are invested with various advanced features and are interactive in nature. E.g. Shopping Carts.

What is a Static Website?
‘Static’ means motionless, these websites once created, remain unchanged. They can only be edited with the help of template based and text editors.

Why a dynamic website is considered better than a static one?
Dynamic website is preferred over the static ones for their interactive nature and ability to associate with the customers. A dynamic website offers the Website owner the facility to update as well as add content on their respective sites. Some of the special features of a dynamic website are:

  • E-commerce system
  • Intranet or Extranet facilities
  • Content management system
  • Can upload documents

A static website can be converted into a dynamic one, you want to know how? If you are a web developer just follow the steps provided by us.

The steps to follow are:

Ø  Required J2EE modules have to be imported
Ø  Static project to be converted into a dynamic Web project
Ø  A new server has to be created
Ø  Mail Servlet has to be created
Ø  Ensure to have a J2EE security
Ø  Use special page templates
Ø  Run code review in order to assure that the security rules are not violated

Note :- The security code is essential as it will ensure that the site is secure and can be used by authorized people only.

So, now you must have got a clear idea of how a dynamic website is converted to a dynamic one using our aforementioned simple steps.

Posted in Web Design | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Redesign your website according to Web Standards

Posted by weblinkindia on February 23, 2010

Why is a website made? Almost every one accessing the Internet must have an answer to this. A website is a marketing tool designed and uploaded online for the sheer purpose of promotion. A website is the first step of any business entering the web space. It gives a boost to a company’s identity only if it is designed accurately as per the Web standards.

So, maintaining a website that is in-line with the Web standards is the need of the hour. If your site is a static one without any recent upgradation then it might prove to be a disadvantage for your business, redesigning of the website should immediately be considered.

When is the time to redesign your site  ?
If your site has age old designs like old format tables, frames, fonts, backgrounds, etc.
It has content that is irrelevant to the present scenario.
If it is not made in accordance with the web standards

What are Web standards ?
They are the guidelines provided by the W3C, following which makes the websites more accessible to the users. To create a site in compliance with these standards will earn benefits for then business.

Benefits of redesigning a site according to the Web standards

Easy to Maintain :-  The structure and the presentation of the websites can be easily separated so any changes that have to be made can be done with ease.

Accessibility Increases :-  The new redesigned websites will be compatible with all the browsers that assure wider accessibility.

Quality is improved :-  Websites designed in obedience to the Web standards has finer quality: Excellent graphics and various functional advantages.

Ideals are better reflected :- Your website is the reflection of your business. Your growth should be highlighted in your website. So, redesigning it with advance features and new content will provide you an edge.

Compatibility with Search Engines :-  Without the higher search engine rankings, a site cannot be successful. So, SEO techniques should be strictly followed.

Without the higher search engine rankings, a site cannot be successful. So, SEO techniques should be strictly followed.

Posted in Web Design | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Your website copy could be letting you down!

Posted by weblinkindia on February 20, 2010

As internet is considered to be the most effective medium of business promotion it has almost become a mandatory thing to have your company’s website online. A website carries your business details, your achievements, your product range and the contact details. If a website is suitably made then it can ensure the constant flow of visitors that can in turn transform into clients. Any flaw or wrong details on your website can pose a threat to the authenticity and credibility of your business. You must be thinking what are the mistakes that could hamper your site? people believe if the graphics are correct the website is perfect but this is an absolutely wrong notion. A website copy is a conglomeration of graphics and content so the content of the website should be duly checked.

We provide you some common mistakes that shall be avoided by the web designers before uploading a site on the web space.

Avoid Inconsistency : Consistency should be duly maintained, inconsistency in the content like using a same word with two different spelling should be avoided. This may result in dissuading the potential customers from availing your services as they might think that the company is not serious about their promotion.

Avoid spelling errors : If a visitor encounters a lot of spelling errors in the content he might lose interest and leave the website. Spelling mistakes gives a poor impression to the visitors and force them to believe that the owners do not care about the site.

Avoid grammatical errors : Beside spell errors special attention shall be laid on checking the correct usage of grammar and punctuations. Any mistake in the content might serve as a failure for a website.

Avoid adding irrelevant information :  The visitor that has come to your site is there with a purpose. Providing him/her with information that has no relation with your company or product range might turn him/her off. So, ensure that your content is to the point and informative.

Note:-  Do not let the web design companies publish their advertisement on your site as it lessens the impact of your site.

If these mistakes are not avoided your web presence will not help in the company’s growth. In such cases even the flashy graphics fail to create an impact. So, spend some time as well as money to get your content proofread before it is uploaded on the Internet.

Posted in Content Management | Leave a Comment »

What Type of Web Hosting Do You Need

Posted by weblinkindia on February 17, 2010

Every business that longs to promote itself online has to associate itself with some or the other web hosting company. What is a web hosting company and what does it do? This is a frequent question that comes in the mind of people.

Web hosting service allows a person as well as a company to make its site accessible to the people world over through www i.e world wide web. The web hosting companies provide a space on the Internet servers for the promotion of the website and charge some amount for the same. In simple world they are the advertisers or promoters of your business. Earlier there were very few hosting services but as the world has progressed, the types of web hosting have increased. A user get confused among the different types and finds it difficult to choose one that will best suit him or his company. Before selecting an apt web hosting, one must have knowledge about all of them. You must be wondering where you will find such information. We provide you with brief introduction about some of the most used and effective types of web hosting that will enable you to choose the best.

Shared hosting or virtual hosting :-  This type of hosting involves sharing your server with many other clients of the web hosting company. The whole of the server is controlled and managed by the host. The charges for this type of hosting is very less as the server is shared. Although it is a cost-effective measure yet there are certain drawbacks attached to it like you are unable to install specific software programs and also the traffic on the server will be heavy that might slow down the rate of your promotion.

Co-located hosting :- In this type of hosting a complete server is bought from a known and reliable hardware vendor, like HP, HCL, etc. and is provided to the web hosting company to manage and maintain it. The company offers you a packages or contracts.

Unmanaged dedicated hosting :-  This is almost similar to that of co-location hosting but the only difference is that the server is not owned by you rather it is taken on lease from the web hosting companies. The role played by the Web Hosting Company is minimal in this and it depends upon the different packages. You must discuss the type of support that will be provided by the company before getting into a deal.

Managed dedicated hosting :- In this the server is on lease but at the same time unlike unmanaged dedicated hosting, complete support is provided by the web hosting company. Also, you are provided with different quality guarantees.
The maintenance of the server basically involves :

>> Server uptime monitoring
>> Security patch updates
>> Hardware warranty

Above mentioned are the most commonly used and effectual web hosting services. Besides these there are some other web hosting services like Free web hosting service, Clustered hosting, Grid hosting , Cloud Hosting, etc. that can be availed as per the requirements.

At the end there are some very important points to be ensured before signing up with a web hosting company:

  • Details of the services that a web hosting company will provide shall be discussed in detail
  • Amount to be charged by a web hosting company shall be settled before hand
  • Jot down your requirements and budgets and then choose your web hosting type

Posted in Web Hosting | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

How Ecommerce Website can benefit your business

Posted by weblinkindia on February 13, 2010

As the world is heading its way towards new advancements, it is becoming more tech savvy. Internet is being used on a large scale and by an enormous number of people. Computer has become an integral part of almost all households and offices. Computer has dominated all spheres and fields, it has outpaced manpower. Trade has been influenced the most by web and its services. Promotion and buying & selling of the products are conducted on the Internet with the help of : 

1 ) Ecommerce Websites
2 ) Banner advertisement
3 ) Social networking sites
4 ) Blogging, etc

Be it a brick and mortar business, a consultant agency, a travel agency, an institute, a sports academy, etc. all have their Websites online.

What is an ecommerce website?
Any website that is meant for the purpose of business is an ecommerce website. It is mainly related to buying and selling of services and products through Internet. The website carries:

  • Business details- type, infrastructural details, etc.
  • Products images and their description
  • Contact information

    • Why an ecommerce website?
    A Business cannot be successful unless it is promoted in a systematic manner. In the present scenario, Internet has emerged to be one of the strong and effective medium of endorsing a business. It has many benefits over other mediums like electronic and print.

    Benefits of an ecommerce website: It helps a business earn a huge amount of sales revenue because of the following benefits:

    Mass Reach :-  Your online store is open 24×7. There are no time constraints, no holidays, etc. Visitors can purchase the required products or services at any hour of the day. This adds to the convenience of the buyers.
    Also, as the products are properly categorized on the websites, it saves time of the customer.

    Time and convenience :-  Your online store is open 24×7. There are no time constraints, no holidays, etc. Visitors can purchase the required products or services at any hour of the day. This adds to the convenience of the buyers.
    Also, as the products are properly categorized on the websites, it saves time of the customer.

    Cost effective :-  Maintenance of the online store is negligible; you just have to pay the web hosts some amount of money to upgrade and renew your site. The money spent on the staff and general maintenance of a store is saved.

    As the time is charting forward, the scope and market of the ecommerce business will reach its apex. So, it is very important to advertize your website using various online marketing strategies in order to reap the benefits of the ecommerce business. Thus a well-designed and duly promoted ecommerce Website can be a key to a successful and prosperous business.

    Posted in Ecommerce Web design | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

    Create RSS feed for your website

    Posted by weblinkindia on February 9, 2010

     What is a RSS feed?
    RSS is expanded as Really Simple Syndication. Any new entry on a website that needs to shared with the users is presented through a RSS feed. We visit a favorite site in order to check what’s new on it but by subscribing a RSS feed of that site, the updates will be automatically provided to us. The feed could be a blog, news, video or an audio presented in a standardized format. The format includes metadata and complete or summarized text.

    How RSS feed helpful for a website?
    Having a RSS feed on your website helps you to connect to your visitors in a more interactive way. Any new development in your business can be conveyed to your visitors or clients. It helps in enhancing as well as promoting your business. It saves your time. You must be thinking how this RSS feed option added to your Website? We present you with 7 simple steps of creating RSS feed for your site.

    Step 1 :-  Either create your website or make your own webpage with www.blogger.com.

    Step 2 :- If you create a site for yourself you have to acquire RSS feed for it but if you have made a webpage with blogger.com or any other such site, RSS feed is automatically generated. You have to publicize about your RSS feed on your site.

    Step 3 :- If You can check out sites like Dapper and Google’s Feedburner for burning of your feeds. These sites help you track the movement of the visitors and information about what is popular among them.

    Step 4 :- You can make your RSS feeds yourself. Divide your feed into three parts Title Description (carrying information of your site, new entries like articles, etc. and contact details or images) and a link.

    Step 5 :-  The RSS information shall be enclosed with either the XML or RSS versions used by you. Also, these must be followed by item tags.

    Step 6 :- After the feed is created the most important thing is to promote it. Submit your feed on RSS submission sites available on net.

    Step 7 :- This will help the search engines to pick up your feeds and the visitors can reach your site through these feeds.

    Thus by following these 7 easy steps you can create RSS feed for website. The RSS feed will help in drawing more traffic to your site and will make your website a successful one.

    Posted in RSS, Socail Media | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

    Market your Ecommerce website

    Posted by weblinkindia on February 7, 2010

    Businesses whether brick or mortar or online needs appropriate marketing strategies. Advertisement of a business can be done  through various means but in the present world the most effective and prominent marketing tool is having an Ecommerce site. Various web designing companies offer competent website designing services. Once your website is created, the foremost step to be taken is to promote it. Until and unless you do not market your site, customers will not know about you.

    Following are the marketing strategies that you can employ in order to promote your site efficiently 

    List yourself with various search engines :-  This is the most important and the primary step that has to be taken after the display of the website on the Internet. Search Engines like Yahoo, MSN, DMOZ, etc.

    Add Product Feeds :-  This is a must for all websites. It should be ensured that your product feeds are active (have not expired).

    Add RSS Feeds :-  these feeds are necessary for your site and have to be submitted to different sites.

    Write Blogs :-  Blogs containing the link of your website shall be uploaded on the net. As search engine spiders crawl over the blog content easily, it will help in your website promotion.

    Newsletters :-  Newsletters are one of the most effective online marketing tools. If a customer sign up for your newsletter you can send him updates. Also, details about your new products can be conveyed through them.

    Email Lists :-  If you have arranged an Email list containing the email IDs of your past customers then drop them a mail containing the details of your business. This email must carry your website link.

    Join Forums :-  Join forums that are related to your field. Discussions that take place on them help people know about your work and might be interested in visiting your site.

    Subscribe to Free classified ads :-  Advertise your site on various free classifieds.

    Articles :-  Articles related to your products or work should be written and uploaded on various directories.

    Refined Content :-  Your site must have description of the products along with the specifications and images. This will assure more potential clients on your website.

    Add and exchange Links :-  Exchange link of your website with various other sites. This will help divert more traffic towards your website.

    Thus properly marketed ecommerce site can draw maximum benefits and thus reap large profits. So, grow and prosper using our useful marketing tips.

    Posted in Ecommerce Web design | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

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