Thursday, May 16, 2013

Websites Are Going Mobile !

Mobile Web

The Mobile Web refers to access to the world wide web, i.e. the use of browser-based Internet services, from a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone, a feature phone or a tablet computer, connected to a mobile network or other wireless network.

Traditionally, access to the Web has been via fixed-line services on large-screen laptops and desktop computers.  However, the Web is becoming more accessible by portable and wireless devices and according to ITU (International Telecommunication Union) with current growth rates, web access by people on the move — via laptops and smart mobile devices – is likely to exceed web access from desktop computers within the next five years.  The shift to mobile Web access has been accelerating with the rise since 2007 of larger multitouch smartphones, and of multitouch tablet computers since 2010.  Both platforms provide better Internet access and browser- or application-based user Web experiences than previous generations of mobile devices have done.  Companies around the world are creating mobile websites.

The distinction between mobile Web applications and native applications is anticipated to become increasingly blurred, as mobile browsers gain direct access to the hardware of mobile devices (including accelerometers and GPS chips), and the speed and abilities of browser-based applications improve.  Persistent storage and access to sophisticated user interface graphics functions may further reduce the need for the development of platform-specific native applications.

As of July 2012, approximately 10.5% of all Web traffic occurs through mobile devices (up from 4% in December 2010).     -- Wikipedia

The Mobile Revolution


5 years ago, there was no such thing.  Now, everything is going Mobile !  Beam me up, Scotty !

If it is on the Internet, you can look at it with a smart phone, iPad or tablet.  If your website is not "Mobile Friendly", you are missing out now, on opportunities, period.  And this will become more evident as time passes.

2B or not 2B Mobile Friendly ?  That is not a question !

Every website needs to become mobile friendly, some way, some how -- right now !

What does this entail ?

Mobile Websites

Many companies are building a separate, new, mobile website, in addition to their existing, regular website.  Mobile is all about speed and easy use.  Most existing websites are just too cumbersome for mobile devices -- so -- 2 websites.  One traditional and one for mobile devices.  With very large companies and large websites, this may be the appropriate plan of attack.

Mobile Friendly and/or Responsive, Web Templates

ResponsiveHere is a new definition for you.

Responsive web design (often abbreviated to RWD) is an approach to web design in which a site is crafted to provide an optimal viewing experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones).     -- Wikipedia

These words were first coined in 2010.  This is a single website that is designed to look and run great, no matter what device is used to access it.  There are numerous Web Templates that have built in, mobile friendly and / or responsive features.  Depending upon what device is accessing the website, the website is designed and pre-programmed to adjust itself automatically, in what it shows to the end user.

CMS Extensions towards Mobile Devices

There are several extensions available that can be added into your CMS that can allow your existing website to effectively function, more mobile friendly.  If you have had your website for 5 years, mobile wasn't even around when you designed it.  An extension can take what you have, and take it mobile, as best as it can.  But, this is just a patchwork solution.  As technologies evolve, eventually companies will need to incorporate mobile friendliness into their thinking, and redesign their websites with mobile in the forefront.

Joomla! 3.0

Yet another reason RE: loves Joomla!.  In September 2012, Joomla! released it's latest iteration, 3.0, to be mobile friendly / responsive, top to bottom, front to back.  The first major CMS to do so, Joomla! 3.0 is ahead of the curve with it's thoughts about the mobile revolution.  Head over to Joomla! 3.0 for more information on this exciting new direction in the CMS world.  As of April of 2013, Joomla! has rolled out it's latest iteration of the 3.x versions, 3.1, and we are now up to 3.1.1Joomla! is totally committed to the mobile revolution and are progressing it forward through their software and thinking.


The RE: website is mobile friendly by utilizing a mobile friendly web template, JSN Tendo PRO Unlimited.  $59 well spent, for this, and it's many other features.

Ask us how we can get your website better suited to handle this mobile revolution.  We are happy to assist you with this process and can help you stay up to date and on top of future happenings and directions.  Give us a shout !

About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

Our Blogs can also be seen on our Website .
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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I Quit Smoking -- Off Topic -- Updated

I Quit Smoking ! -- UpdatedHaloCigs


And I never intended to quit.  It just happened.


I was a pack a day or more, smoker for 38 years.

I got curious about E-Cigarettes and started doing some research.  At the very least -- I would see if I could like e-cigs, I could maybe cut down on my smoking a bit and maybe I could save some bucks in the process.  I never intended to quit smoking.  Let's just try this out and see what happens.

So .... I researched, found and gave Halo a shot.  I ordered a Basic Starter Kit and a selection of Smoke Juices.  $ 77.96.  I got the total up over $ 75 so I could get free shipping.  15 July 2012.

By the 25th of August 2012, I smoked the last cigarette from my carton while watching Seth Meyers on SNL Weekend Update that Saturday night.

OK.  I've lied.  But, I have "all but quit".  I've bummed a few from friends from time to time ( maybe a few packs worth ) and I have bought 2 packs, for what I justified as, occasions.  But I went right back to Halo.  Maybe I will never truly quit smoking but, I have for the most part, quit buying cigarettes and quit smoking.

Maybe you can have the same success that I have had !

Why Halo ?


What I like about Halo are several things ....

Made in the USA is first and foremost.  Hopefully, their products are of better quality because of this.  I have had few glitches so far.  Are they perfect ?  No.  But, I am happy with their stuff and continue to order from them.

Their pricing seems resonable for what you get in return.  Their packaging of their products is very nice.

I like their varried selection of smoke juices.  I've tried most of them except the menthol genres.  I never did menthol.  I like Belgian Cocoa, Tribeca and Captain Jack the best so far.

The free shipping is great and once the order is placed, you can receive it within a week, straight to your doorstep.

And Halo is always running some sort of special, usually on a month to month basis.  You can sign up to their newsletter to keep informed of these specials.  They gave 20% off over the Holidays.  They give away free samples of their new smoke juices if your order is large enough.

What's the cost ?


Save 50 % or more by switching to Halo E-Cigarettes !

I used to drive a 15 mile round-trip to the nearest indian reservation, about once a month, to buy 3 cartons of the cheapest cigarettes I could buy.  $ 34.95 / carton.  $ 104.85 total per trip.  These 3 cartons would hopefully last me the month, usually 25 to 30 days, depending on what I had going on in my life at the time.  So, I was a pack a day, plus a few, smoker.  So, let's estimate that I spent $ 110 a month or $ 1320 per year.  And that isn't counting the gasoline costs.  I was smoking about as cheaply as I could.

HaloHere is my order history with Halo so far ...

 Date  Cost  Quantity
 15 July 2012  $ 77.96  35 ml
 17 September 2012  $ 79.96  102 ml
 21 November 2012  $ 76.47  45 ml
 24 December 2012  $ 83.95  90 ml
 21 February 2013  $ 79.85  100 ml
 8 April 2013  $ 79.93  60 ml

I will update this table as I make further orders, so you can judge for yourself.

Notice that every order has been over $ 75, so I could get free shipping.  The quantity column is the amount of smoke juice included in each order, both what I purchased and what was promotional.  Maybe you can determine the quanity you will use from this.  At the end of a year, I will total this all up and figure out an average for all of this.

Obviously, I am saving money, and I was smoking cheaply to start with.  $ 478.12 spent so far as opposed to around $ 990 for three quarters of a year.  That is over 50 % in savings.

What have I bought ?


I initially purchased a G6 Starter Pack which has everything you need to kick off your own e-cig experiment.

Rechargeable Batteries.  I have bought about 8 of them now in various colors.  I have needed 3 - 4 going for a typical day.  You don't want to run out of power.  I like the automatic type, but you can also buy manual ones.  The batteries can be used for several hours and seem to last from 3 - 6 months.

Chargers.  Wall chargers, car chargers, USB chargers.  You need batteries and chargers.

I like the USB battery that can be plugged into the laptop.  Very handy and I personally use it a ton.  It can also be plugged into the car charger for use during road trips or for your commute to work and back.  If you drive or work at a computer a lot, this is a must have.

Cartomisers.  These are refillable and do wear out.  They last around 1 - 2 weeks each depending on their usage.  You don't want to run out of these.  They come 5 in a pack and I've gotten 5 - 6 packs over this time.

And Smoke Juices.  I started with a Sample Pack and have since have tried most of the other varieties except for the menthol types.  I now buy the 30ml size for $ 20 each which will last me around 3 weeks.  Halo has a wide choice here and these are a real experiment in that eventually you will find the tastes that you like.  They have 7ml sizes that you can try out and find your favorites.  I haven't found any that have been repulsive, and have found some that I don't care for and others that I love.  I have had fun with this quest and have settled on 4 - 5 that I switch around with.

And here is the deal with the juices.  They come in different strengths.  24, 18, 12, 6 & 0 mg of nicotine.  I started with 18 and am now down to 12.  One can slowly ween themselves off of the nicotine addition over time.  I've been thinking about going to 6 very soon.

Eventually, I would like not to buy E-cigarettes also !

What do you have to lose ?


For 10 % Off of your order with Halo, try this coupon code -- ECFTEN .  Hopefully it still works, as it did in May for me !  Good Luck.

Give Halo a try.  Just click on banner images and place an order.  Can you quit smoking ?  Maybe.  Will you save money ?  Probably.

If you click on these banner advertisements here, Halo will give me an affiliate commision.  Do I want to make a buck ?  Sure.  I'll get 20% on your order.  BUT, I would rather see anyone basically quit smoking.  I've always preached against cigarettes.  A stupid habit indeed.  So give it a shot like I did.  Really, what do you have to lose, but a nasty habit !  Good luck to you.

Click here .... HaloCigs



About the Author

Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

Our Blogs can also be seen on our Website .
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Black Friday = Website Deals

Black Friday = Website Deals


Do you want a deal for a cheap simple website ?


Currently, our www.rinehartenterprises.com website has fixed costs of just $ 37.87 per year ! And you may actually be able to find a better deal.

How is this possible ?  Buy on Black Friday !

From the comfort of your easy chair, with your laptop, while eating left over turkey -- you can begin the simple website that you have always wanted, inexpensively.

Requirements


Every website has 3 requirements.

1. Domain Name
2. Web Hosting
3. Contents, and management systems for them.

We are going to cover the first two here, and how to get these services for as little cost as possible.

Domain Names


If you don't know what a domain name is, redirect here for more information, What's In A ( Domain ) Name ?

Here is where you can begin with an inexpensive domain name. Head over to Register.com and start one for a first year cost of $ 0.99.

From this link, you may do this on any day of the year, not just on Black Friday.

Take Notice. Register is going to want you get other services from them, like signing up for email accounts, SSL certificates, etc., but all you want is the domain name for $ 0.99 for one year. Don't add anything else to your cart and un-check any extras that they try to add on.

Web Hosting


If you don't know what web hosting is, redirect here for more information, Find A Great ( Web ) Host !

Most reputable Web Hosting Services companies will be offering some sort of Black Friday Deal, you just need to go find the one that fits your needs, on that day.

Following are links to some of the largest and best Web Hosts for you to begin your search. We have affiliations with all of these companies as we think they are the best that you can do business with ....

Bluehost - $3.95 / mo + free Domain Name
Black Friday Deals: $1.99 .COM from GoDaddy.com!GoDaddy
HostGator
Inmotion
Network Solutions
Register
SiteGround - Thanksgiving Month Sale - $3.95 / mo + free Domain Name

Any deal offered under $ 3.00 per month is very, very good and one should contract for as long a term as possible. It is unlikely that you will ever find a better deal once this term is completed.



Package Deals


Some of these Web Hosts will offer Domain Names for free if you contract with them for both ! You just have search and see what is offered at that time.

About An Hour And Under $ 40


In an hours time, you should be able to find yourself a good deal and begin the website that you have always wanted, for under $ 40 per year.

If you have any problems just give us a shout. RE: will be searching also, curious about our marketplace and keeping up to date on the latest and greatest.

Good Luck !


We hope this blog has helped you !

HostGator Coupon Code -- Type in RE25DISCOUNT for 25% off of your final package price at HostGator.
Please add your comments to this blog below, if you wish.

About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Find A Great ( Web ) Host !

Find A Great (Web) Host !

web hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web.  Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server owned or leased for use by clients, as well as providing Internet connectivity, typically in a data center.  Web hosts can also provide data center space and connectivity to the Internet for other servers located in their data center, called colocation, also known as Housing in Latin America or France.
The scope of web hosting services varies greatly.  The most basic is web page and small-scale file hosting, where files can be uploaded viaFile Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a Web interface.  The files are usually delivered to the Web "as is" or with minimal processing.  Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer this service free to subscribers.  Individuals and organizations may also obtain Web page hosting from alternative service providers.  Personal web site hosting is typically free, advertisement-sponsored, or inexpensive.  Business web site hosting often has a higher expense.
Single page hosting is generally sufficient for personal web pages.  A complex site calls for a more comprehensive package that provides database support and application development platforms (e.g. PHPJavaRuby on RailsColdFusion, or ASP.NET).  These facilities allow customers to write or install scripts for applications like forums and content management.  Also, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is typically used for e-commerce.
The host may also provide an interface or control panel for managing the Web server and installing scripts, as well as other modules and service applications like e-mail.  Some hosts specialize in certain software or services (e.g. e-commerce), which are commonly used by larger companies that outsource network infrastructure.     -- Wikipedia.

Web Hosting Explained


Every website has it's contents, the things that you are trying to say and display to your local market or the general public.  Those contents have to be stored and organized on a hard drive somewhere, that is accessible to everyone that is trying to find and use it, anytime, night or day.  24 / 7 / 365.

Web Hosting PhotoWeb Hosting Companies provide those services.  They make the hard drive storage space available, provide and place organizing systems for your content in that space and make your content accessible via the WWW to whomever wants to utilize it, anywhere, anytime.  This space and contents are organized using your domain name so that your community can find what they need, when they need it.

To the left is a typical arrangement of racks upon racks of servers, which are the storage hard drives and their systems, that help them interact and communicate with the WWW.  These rooms are kept very clean and also cold, like a cave, as there is a bunch of electricity running round and round, making everything hot.  Lots of hard drive space, wires, power & A/C.

That isn't the floor that you are looking at.  That is a raised access floor over the top of the real concrete floor.  Wires come in from the top & bottom.  What looks like a walking aisle surfacing of some sort is actually perforated panels in the  raised floor.  A/C is coming up out of the floor.  Think, Marilyn Monroe.

Web hosting packages range widely in cost depending upon your website size, security needs and the potential traffic that your website needs to service.  Simple websites with minimal traffic would cost around $ 5 and under per month.  A decent sized business website, maybe $ 10 to $ 30 per month.  And even larger, obviously more cost.  Payment periods and contract lengths also vary between companies.  Packages can also be upgraded or expanded as your business grows.
Most Web Hosting Services Companies are also Domain Name Registrars that offer solutions in a package for complete website publishing onto the Internet.

Important Considerations

Hosting Types


There are many different types of hosting services that can be offered.  Wikipedia has great definitions of these different types at Website Hosting Services, about half way down the page.  One can then follow each item into a further detailed explanation of them.  The website owner must have this general knowledge in order to make an informed decision on what they are going to be contracting for with their web hosting services company.  A simple website needs a simple shared hosting type which will cost them little per month.  A more complex situation may require dedicated hosting which will cost more.

UptimeUptime for Rinehart Enterprises: Last 30 days


If your website can not be accessed by your community, it is not worth much.  But nothing is perfect.  Most web hosting services companies advertise 99.9 % Uptime Guaranteed.  What does this mean ?  Basically, outside of periodic scheduled maintenance on your server ( which your web host should be informing you about ), your website will only be "down", 9 hours per year.  I believe that most folks can live with that website situation.

To the right is the current uptime for the Rinehart Enterprises website on HostGator.

Money Back Guarantee


Most reputable web hosts offer money back guarantees that range from 30 to 90 days.  If there is no money back guarantee, caveat emptor !

Domain Name Package


This can be an important pricing item for some.  Some web hosts offer free domain name registration within their package for web hosting services.  As long as you continue hosting with them, your yearly domain name registration is gratis.

Customer Service


This is the most important consideration.  Quality customer service is a must.  Previously said, nothing is perfect.  When things go wrong, and they will occasionally go wrong, can you get answers to your questions ?  Is there a 24/7/365 customer support system in place ?  Can you call a toll free number or get an online chat going ?  They are defined as web hosting SERVICES companies, after all.  So I will say it one more time -- Quality customer service is a must !

The Top US Web Hosting Services Companies



Web Host

Host URL

HQ Location

Domains
( in Millions )

*Wild West Domains is a part of Go Daddy Operating Co.
Source -- as of 5/15/2013 -- http://www.webhosting.info/webhosts/tophosts/global/

Wild West Domains*

wildwestdomains.com

Scottsdale, Arizona

34.6

eNom

enom.com

Redmond, Washington

3.1

Network Solutions

networksolutions.com

Herndon, Virginia

3.0

1&1

oneandone.com

Chesterbrook, PA

2.8

HostGator

hostgator.com

Houston, Texas

2.1

Bluehost

bluehost.com

Provo, Utah

1.8

Register

register.com

New York, New York

1.6

These are just the top US web hosts who service over 1.5 million domains.  They are also the top 7 web hosts in the world.  But, there are literally thousands of companies that provide these services, all over the world.  Please feel free to ask around and / or do your own research into these services businesses.



Most Important !


The boss needs to contract for these services !  Jefe Grande.  When it comes time to renew these services in the future, you want the email notice coming to you.  If you delegate this to someone else, and they drop the ball, your domain name could be lost to someone else and your website is gone.  If you want something done right, do it yourself !  Nuf said.

Conclusion


Get quality customer service, 24/7/365.  Only pay for the type of service that you require.  Get on it Boss !

We hope this blog has helped you !

HostGator Coupon Code -- Type in RE25DISCOUNT for 25% off of your final package price at HostGator.
Please add your comments to this blog below, if you wish.


About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

Our Blogs can also be seen on our Website .

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

What's In A ( Domain ) Name ?

What's In A ( Domain ) Name ?

A domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority or control in the Internet.  Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System ( DNS ).

Domain names are used in various networking contexts and application-specific naming and addressing purposes.  In general, a domain name represents an Internet Protocol ( IP ) resource, such as a personal computer used to access the Internet, a server computer hosting a website, or the website itself or any other service communicated via the Internet.

The registration of these domain names is usually administered by domain name registrars who sell their services to the public.     -- Wikipedia

Domain Names Explained


Get a 99 cent Domain Name.
Ask RE: about how to get your domain name registered for as little as $ 0.99 for the first year or follow this link to Register.com !

In the easiest of terms, a domain name acts similarly like the address on your residence.  Every dwelling, business or building that wants postal mail to be able to be delivered to it, requires a unique postal address that is generated by the USPS and / or local government.  The postal service and ultimately, your local letter carrier understands that addressing system and delivers your mail straight to your doorstep.

Domain names are addresses for specific areas of the Internet.  If you require a website, you must have a domain name, so your marketplace can find you and come to your doorstep.
Domain Names Image
More specifically, domain names are word strings that are easily recognized and remembered by humans, that are then transformed into IP ( Internet Protocol ) addresses that are easily recognized by computers.  IP addresses are a basic collection of binary digits, ones and zeros, in a long string.  Ones & Zeros.  They are the only two things that computers actually understand -- ones and zeros -- representing on and off.  That is it !

Domain Name System ( DNS )


Domain names are controlled by the Domain Name System ( DNS ) and are serviced through thousands of Domain Name Registrars who charge a fee for their services of registering and providing the usage of a unique domain name by an entity.

Domain names are usually contracted and renewed on a yearly basis and costs range from around $ 15.00 to absolutely nothing, depending on the package that you contract into with your Domain Name Registrar.  Most registrars also provide web hosting as a part of their services and package the domain name registration, some for free, into your contract with them.

It is not necessary that the Domain Name Registrar and the Web Hosting Services Company be the same entity.  But, RE: strongly suggests that any one use a single company for both their Domain Name Registrar and Web Hosting because if problems arise, and their can be problems, only one customer service department need be contacted for a solution.

Domain Names Governance


The control of the Domain Name System is by the not-for-profit, public-benefit corporation ICANN, which is short for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.  You can be redirected to ICANN here, for more information.

WhoIs Domain Lookup Service


To conduct a search for your own unique domain name, you can be redirected to the WhoIs services at InterNIC.netWhoIs services provide public access to data on currently registered domain names.  If your search on InterNIC returns no resultant information, then that domain name is available to be registered for your use.

The Top US Domain Name Registrars



Registrar

Registrar URL

HQ Location

Domains
( in Millions )

Wild West Domains is a part of Go Daddy

Source -- as of 5/15/2013 -- http://www.webhosting.info/registrars/top-registrars/global/

Go Daddy

godaddy.com

Scottsdale, Arizona

26.8

eNom

enom.com

Redmond, Washington

6.7

Network Solutions

networksolutions.com

Herndon, Virginia

5.2

Wild West Domains

wildwestdomains.com

Scottsdale, Arizona

2.3

Register

register.com

New York, New York

1.7

Moniker

moniker.com

Pompano Beach, Florida

1.3

Fastdomain

fastdomain.com

Provo, Utah

1.1

These are just the top US registrars who service over a million domains.  There are literally thousands of companies that provide these services, all over the world.  Please feel free to ask around and / or do your own research into these services businesses.

.com , .org , .net -- ohhhh -- .why ?


It is said that a business entity must have a domain name ending with dot-com.  Consider this.  According to www.webhosting.info, of the 80.3 million registered domain names in the US, almost 75 % of them are .com's.   That's 60.7 million.  What do you think ?  Obviously, all of the good names are taken, right ?  Tell that to Google !  Get creative folks.

7.8 million dot-net's, 6.2 million dot-org's, 3.6 million dot-info's and 1.1 million dot-biz's.  Can your marketplace still find you if you are a .net ?  Yes, but only if they remember that you are.  The default when most people look for a website, is always going to be .com !  Get yours while you can.

domain-name4u


Getting creative ?  Here are the rules and some recommendations.

Domain names can be made up of letters, numbers and the hyphen character.  That's it.  They can't begin or end with the hyphen.  Domain names are interpreted as case-independent.  e.g. ZooYou.com and zooyou.com are the same.

Domain names should be as short as possible.  63 characters is all that is allowed.  Remember that your customers are going to have to remember and type this domain name into their browser -- and you are also, many more times than you would like.

Avoid using the hyphen if possible.  It is much easier to type zooandyou.com than it is zoo-you.com, wouldn't you agree ?  The hyphen character is above the "p" on your keyboard, and we believe the letter "p" is already difficult enough to type.

Available, easy and common .com domain names are getting more scarce every day.  Is the end of the world to register a .net or .biz ?  No.  Over time, these other TLD's ( top-level domains ) are becoming more commonplace.



Conclusion


Short and memorable.  .com   And get creative.  We hope this blog has helped you !


HostGator Coupon Code -- Type in RE25DISCOUNT for 25% off of your final package price at HostGator.
Please add your comments to this blog below, if you wish.


About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

Our Blogs can also be seen on our Website .
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, May 13, 2012

The 12 Steps of Website Development

The 12 Steps of Website Development


These 12 steps are all "must-halves" to create a successful business website !

We have all probably known someone who has gone through and been ultimately helped by a "12 Step Program" for some addictive malady that they've needed, or possibly have been required, to shake.  They are basically about creating better habits, seeing the "Program" through to the end and then repeating some of those ever improving lessons, again and again.gleason

A similar process will work quite well with Website Development.  It's now time for a catch phrase --
Mr. Gleason
says, "and away we go."

#1 -- Domain Name


Your domain name may be as important as your company's name !

Arguably, in this day and age, one should form your company name from the availability of it's similar domain name.  Did it matter what Google called themselves ?  But they definitely needed google.com.  Hopefully, you will be able to choose an appropriate, unique, memorable and easy to type domain name that ends with .com.  If you're a not-for-profit, use .org.  Keep the domain name as short as possible and don't infringe on anyone's copyrights.  Visit copyright.gov to avoid a future lawsuit.  Remember, this domain name will be an important part of your entities presence into your marketplace.  There are many Domain Name Registrars in existence.  An inexpensive price is what is needed here.

#2 -- Web Hosting


A totally reliable Web Hosting Services Company with excellent customer service !

HostGator Discount Coupon Code -- Type in RE25DISCOUNT for 25% off of your final package price at HostGator.

Don't mess, and wind up in a mess, with the little guys when it comes to web hosting.  You will want a heavy hitter here.  Years of experience, lots of customers, 99.9% up time, excellent customer service ratings and an appropriately sized plan that fits your business needs.  The more features they provide, the higher the cost.  You get what you pay for.  Did I mention excellent customer service ?  I can't stress this enough, because you will be chatting with them from time to time.  Even the big boys encounter problems and you will be interacting with them when it happens.  Notice, that I said "when", and not "if" it happens.  Let's just leave this as -- phenomenal customer service is a must-have.

cautionImportant !  It is strongly advised that these first two steps be taken care of by the business owner.  The business needs to form a contract with the Domain Name Registrar / Web Hosting Services Company.  Why ?  Because all contracts expire, and when yours does, you must know about it so you may renew it.  If the above is left to someone else, or hired out, maybe it gets lost in the shuffle.  Then your domain name possibly gets taken over by someone else and you're up the creek without a paddle.  Consult with a professional if you need assistance, but do this yourself.  Enough said.
The following steps could be hired out to the professionals -- and most businesses do just that.  It all gets technical and time consuming from here on to the end.  Although, the business owner needs to have the background knowledge of what these items are, so that they may know what is happening and what they are paying for.

#3 -- WCMS


A comprehensive WCMS, Website Content Management System, that is well documented, extensible, easy to learn, use and teach !

The WCMS is the brains of the website, running behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly.  The WCMS either does or handles everything, like the director does for a film.  Everything goes through it.  If you build your own website, you have to learn your WCMS.  If you hire a website developer, they will probably have to teach some parts of the WCMS to you, so you may make periodic modifications, yourself.  If you'll need to make regular changes to your website, you will have to learn how to use the parts of the WCMS that accomplish these changes.  Also, you may then need to teach others in your company.  The WCMS runs in the back end, out of sight -- but it better not be ever, out of mind.  Make sure it's a good one.

#4 -- Extensions


A plethora of Extensions, Components, Modules, Templates, Languages & Plug-Ins !

Above we tossed out the word, extensible.  For the things that your already comprehensive, base WCMS doesn't already have included in it -- your WCMS should have the ability for other features, outside of the base WCMS, to be added into or onto it.  For example, does your website need to handle eCommerce ?  Most WCMS need extensions.  Tons of them.  For what ever function you dream up, and now you'll need your website to handle that dream, someone has already designed an extension to be able to accomplish that task.  Why reinvent the wheel ?  The extension gets added to the WCMS and off you go.  Done.  Entities are like the leaves on a tree, all are different.  You will want your website to accomplish exactly what you want it to accomplish.

#5 -- Web Template System


A comprehensive Web Template System that is well documented, fully featured and layout flexible !

The above reads a bit like Step #3 doesn't it ?  If the WCMS is the brains, the extensions are the central nervous system and muscles, then the Web Template System is the skin, face and hair.  Templates are simply large extensions that are basically all about the "looks", and obviously, that is very important to your website.  Where does all of your stuff go ? -- why ? -- and how does it look once it gets to where it is going ?  Templates can be simple or not.  We would recommend "not".  A comprehensive, well designed Web Template System will handle all of the eventual beauty, even when things go wrong.  Can you say, "404 Not Found" ?  Don't go casual when it comes to your company's exterior appearance.

404-not-found-error
Are you tired of reading all of this ?  Bored ?  Do you want to skip to the end ?  Please go right ahead.  You have my permission.

But, you are going to wind up right back here.

The remaining steps can be done in any particular order, all jumbled up, or could even be done all at the same time -- but they must be done, over and over -- and hopefully, always better.  However, we do believe that the steps have been placed in order of their importance to the small business website.

#6 -- Website Content


"Content is King !" -- Bill Gates, 1996

Your website can run flawlessly and it can look awesome, but if it has poor contents, all of the effort is for naught.  In Texas they would say, "that cowboy is all hat and no cattle."  The content of your website is the heart.  A heart will keep beating even if one is brain dead with all of their skin burned.  Content was mentioned in the above step -- we called it "your stuff".  All of "your stuff" is important.  "It", is quite simply, your entire website to your onlookers.  If they don't find what they want, read what they want to read or like what they see and hear -- they will go elsewhere.  Period.  Your content can be read, seen, watched or heard.  But, you'll need it to be remembered, trusted and forwarded on, in order for your website to be effective.  That is no small task that will need to be consistently tended, like a prize winning garden.

The following 3 steps all involve what is called in the website development arena, SEO -- Search Engine Optimization.  Being seen on the Internet is all about the search engines.

#7 -- Indexing


Get your website indexed into all of the major search engines !

Like above, you have a flawless, beautiful, content rich website -- that no one knows is even out there, except you.  Spread the news.  Get the word out.  In website terms it is called indexing.  The major Internet search engines have to be informed of your existence or it may be a long time before they find out you are out there.  Indexing costs nothing except your time.  The biggest search engine is Google, but there are many others.  Bing, Yahoo, Alexa, Ask, etc.  Start with Google and work your way through others also.  The more search engines know about your website, the more their search users will eventually know about your website.  Search users are potential customers that you didn't know that you had, until they found out about you.  Help them to know that you exist.

#8 -- Listing


Get your website listed in website directories !

Listing is the Internet version of the old yellow pages.  Pure marketing and basic advertising.  Back in the day, you were no where, with out a yellow pages listing.  There are numerous good website directories out there.  The Open Directory Project, Manta, a small business directory, and many more.  The advantage of these Internet directories over the old yellow, is that many of them are free.  Don't get me wrong, by all means, pay for the yellow pages also.  All effective business marketing is a good thing.  Search for a directory that is specific to your business focus.  There is probably one out there somewhere.  Again, the more information that you dish out about your website, the more the folks will hopefully, eat it all up.  We have always loved a full, and then later, finished, plate.  That's a good thing.

#9 -- Tweaking


Meta data, Keywords, Crawling & Redirects !

geekspeak
OK. What would a blog about this topic be without some real "geek speak" ?  If you don't understand this tweaking stuff, hire a professional SEO firm to assist you with this step.  The search engines still use meta data, meta descriptions and meta keywords, to various degrees.  Your website should still be paying attention to that fact.  Search engines will send out "bots" or "spiders" to "crawl", obtain and verify your website indexing.  What if there are pages in your website that you don't want the search engines to let everyone know about ?  Maybe you have parts that are for your internal business interests or employees only ?  You will have to block those pages from the search engines.  That is basic website security.  Finally 301 redirects.  www.whoever.com and whoever.com ( non-www. ) are two separate entities to a search engine, and you shouldn't want them that way.  Your search engine rankings will be higher if you inform the search engines that they are to be treated as the same entity.  That is a 301.  Enough of the geek speak -- we have a headache.

#10 -- Socialize


Increase your website exposure with Social Media !

Basic word of mouth marketing, for free.  Just like handing out your business card to everyone on the planet that you bump into.  Your business website needs a link to your business social media sites, and vice versa.  If you don't use social media with your business, start.  Begin with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and continue on from there.  Get social about your website.  Who better to help you market your website, than your friends and acquaintances.  They know you, and they maybe know about your website.  Make sure that they do know about it.  And, they have friends that you don't know -- yet.  The more exposure that you generate for your business website , the more potential success your website may have.

#11 -- Blogging


Begin a website relevant blog about your business !

Hopefully you are excited, knowledgeable and willing to share your insights about your business.  Find something that you want to preach about and step onto the soapbox.  You don't have anything to say ?  Bull. I'm sorry ... but there are folks out there in the world that will be interested to hear what you have to say.  Believe me, 7 billion people want to know how to build a better mouse trap.  Most of us hunger for information and more knowledge.  Wikipedia is a prime example, as a top 10 most visited web entity.  If you don't learn something new everyday, you will die, stupid.  Have you heard of the Darwin Awards ?  Start blogging and be surprised from the results.  If you are bad at the start, you will get better with practice.  Keep going.  Blog inside your website or link it back to your website, to generate more website traffic.

gotojail#12 -- Repeat


Go Directly to Jail !

No, not really.  Go back to Step #4 and keep going, over and over.  Make everything better.  Double check things.  Is everything updated ?  Refine.  Think of something new to add.  Increase your content.  Trash what isn't working.  Maybe something that you do will "go viral", in a good way.  Better, faster, higher, stronger.  There is really no end to a successful business website.  Keep going, over and over.  Enjoy !


"And away we -- went ?" and here you are.  The 12 Steps that turned into the Spanish Steps.  We are sorry, but a website, like any pure design, is never truly ever completed -- as it can always be made better with more effort and time.  And why not make it more effective if you can ?  Your business is worth it, isn't it ?
Please add your comments to this blog below, if you wish.


About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

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