Web design is a constantly changing field that always seems to be growing. As technology advances, the means by which people access the Internet are constantly evolving. These new technologies need web pages built that are able to accommodate their own particular technology and existing web sites are constantly being redesigned, relaunched and reimagined. For those who love IT but find the networking and security world a bit too procedural and technical, web design is a great option.
Web design is generally done using a variety of WYSIWYG—What You See is What You Get—design programs. The vast majority of today's web designers, at least on the graphics end of the profession, do very little coding. While manually keying HTML code may once have constituted the majority of web design, today's sites are too complex and the task of coding too time-consuming to allow designers to rely on text editors to create their pages. If you decide to explore this career, you'll be working with some of the most advanced software on the market.
Training for this field generally involves taking classes in one of the most popular design suites. Adobe and Macromedia currently manufacture the two most widely-used suites, Go Live and Dreamweaver, respectively. These suites allow designers to create sites much as a traditional graphic designer creates print publications; by moving images and text around a page with their mouse and keyboard. Software such as these suites vastly streamlines the process of web design.
Web designers will also need to develop a basic knowledge of CSS, the most commonly used means of altering a sites basic color and font themes used in modern web design. This coding is usually done with the aid of a WYSIWYG, as well, though most designers find the code easier to manipulate manually. The language used is simple enough for a non-programmer to easily pick up.
Web design combines the best of two fields: programming and graphic design. Many individuals find web design a good way to learn the basics of coding pages and an excellent route toward moving into more advanced web technologies.
Web designers also work hand in hand with web security specialists, making sure the pages they design conform to current standards for security and safe inter-browser operability.
Because gifted web designers are so much in demand, there are an incredible number of classes available for anyone who wishes to learn. Even small companies generally have a use for a good designer. It can save the company thousands per year on redesigns and maintenance of their pages and allow those pages to be kept current by an individual who is intimately involved with the day to day operations of the company. If you've been looking for a way to make yourself more valuable to your employer and, possibly, to garner better wages in the process, web design is a good choice. The creative aspects of web design allow artistic-minded individuals to find a place in IT.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Real Estate Website Design Richardson - Real Estate Website Design That Converts Visitors To Customers
Real estate websites are one of the many types of websites on the Internet today. In fact, real estate business is currently witnessing a boom, where millions of transactions are taking place everyday. An effective real estate web design can quickly take your business to the next level.
A well designed real estate website can essentially become your personal virtual real estate marketer, providing useful consumer information and then convince them to be your eagerly purchasing customers.
Below are top proven real estate website designs that will transform your real estate website and catapult your sales conversion rate.
Aesthetic
Given the competitiveness of the real estate sales industry, your real estate web site needs to be eye-catching, inviting, highly interactive and functional.
Content
The more content you provide, the more they will linger. With a great content, your real estate website will eventually convert visitors to subscribers or customers.
Include Pictures
Pictures provide confidence and trust. If you provide a visible option, you can earn a real client. People want to see what they are buying and this is especially so with real estate.
Display Price
Pricing is one of the important factors in real estate world. People want to know about the price range so that they can determine if they can afford the home or not. By giving a rough idea about the price range, a seller can expect to get better hits.
Instant Information
In this technology era, people want to have instant information. They want everything on the website along with an asking price. Make sure that you also include a "submit a question" link on your website so that potential buyers can ask about your different properties.
Information by location
If you provide real estate information by locations, you are likely to gain a lot. You can also create your own classification by categorizing the needs into different sections and provide the most beneficial information. Or you could separate real estate by zip code.
Generate Leads
Besides being an excellent source of information for the internet surfer, your real estate website design must also be customized in such a way that it will generate potential leads for you:
- Make sure your contact information is easy to find.
- Have your visitors signup for a newsletter on how to sell their home or how to purchase your first home.
- Display an interesting statistic or promotion and allow your visitors to request for more info.
Author : Jim
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Real-Estate-Website-Design-Richardson-Real-Estate-Website-Design-That-Converts-Visitors-To-Customers/973523
A well designed real estate website can essentially become your personal virtual real estate marketer, providing useful consumer information and then convince them to be your eagerly purchasing customers.
Below are top proven real estate website designs that will transform your real estate website and catapult your sales conversion rate.
Aesthetic
Given the competitiveness of the real estate sales industry, your real estate web site needs to be eye-catching, inviting, highly interactive and functional.
Content
The more content you provide, the more they will linger. With a great content, your real estate website will eventually convert visitors to subscribers or customers.
Include Pictures
Pictures provide confidence and trust. If you provide a visible option, you can earn a real client. People want to see what they are buying and this is especially so with real estate.
Display Price
Pricing is one of the important factors in real estate world. People want to know about the price range so that they can determine if they can afford the home or not. By giving a rough idea about the price range, a seller can expect to get better hits.
Instant Information
In this technology era, people want to have instant information. They want everything on the website along with an asking price. Make sure that you also include a "submit a question" link on your website so that potential buyers can ask about your different properties.
Information by location
If you provide real estate information by locations, you are likely to gain a lot. You can also create your own classification by categorizing the needs into different sections and provide the most beneficial information. Or you could separate real estate by zip code.
Generate Leads
Besides being an excellent source of information for the internet surfer, your real estate website design must also be customized in such a way that it will generate potential leads for you:
- Make sure your contact information is easy to find.
- Have your visitors signup for a newsletter on how to sell their home or how to purchase your first home.
- Display an interesting statistic or promotion and allow your visitors to request for more info.
Author : Jim
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Real-Estate-Website-Design-Richardson-Real-Estate-Website-Design-That-Converts-Visitors-To-Customers/973523
Drupal Small Website Design or Blogs
Drupal small website design or blogs are making inroads with people that love to blog. And, yes, blogging and web publishing is popular. Even a cursory glance of the internet will reveal a cadre of people publishing websites and blogs on a multitude of subjects. People seemingly cannot get enough out of publishing their musings in an online format. But, what format do they seemingly prefer to use? Drupal small website design or blogs are among the top choices of those who wish to publish something online as part of a hobbyist pursuit. This is because Drupal small website design or blogs provide everything that an enthusiastic blogger or web publisher would want out of their content management provider.
If you are launching a small business website or a blog for personal enjoyment then you will want to get enjoyment out of it. If there was one thing that sucks the proverbial wind out of the sails of a hobby, it would be when the hobby starts to become overcomplicated. This is even more distressing when it does not have to be as there are always viable alternatives out there that can make things easier to do. Again, this is where Drupal small website design or blogs have much to offer. Drupal small website design or blogs utilize a software program that pride itself in offering solid, user friendly, and easy to operate content management. That makes Drupal small website design or blogs ripe for use by those novices looking to launch an online hobbyist pursuit. And, yes, there are a lot of people that do this. Many of them seem to have a tendency to select Drupal small website design or blogs.
Complexities have their place. However, there is no reason for content management to be more complex or require more steps than is necessary. When content management is weighted down by excess steps, the publisher must invest significant extra time reading about how to navigate their blog or website. Some platforms are loaded with multitudes of steps and commands that must be adhered to in order to publish a website. These sites take quite a time investment in order to get a handle on. Most hobbyists do not have this kind of time. Even if the platform is a good one, such a time commitment delays the ability to publish. It also delays the ability to quickly and efficiently update the blog or website. Again, this adds a number of hurdles that could best be avoided by Drupal small website design or blogs. Drupal small website design or blogs are user friendly and can be launched as soon as possible and without needless steps.
Also, if the hobbyist wishes to (or needs to) monetize a blog or website, such research can cause unnecessary delays. With Drupal small website design or blogs, this is not an issue. Blogs and websites are easy to operate. Even someone completely new to content management can navigate a system Drupal small website design or blogs. Again, for a novice or even someone with experience, this is an attractive commodity. Drupal small website design or blogs deliver in this regard and that is why they are so vastly popular.
Really, no matter what you skill level may be Drupal small website design or blogs have much to offer. They are easy to use and require little research time to get the hang of. In our busy world, this is a huge plus. So, there is no reason to delay publishing your web content. Drupal small website design or blogs are here now, and here to stay!
Author : Todd Herman
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Drupal-Small-Website-Design-or-Blogs/1179927
If you are launching a small business website or a blog for personal enjoyment then you will want to get enjoyment out of it. If there was one thing that sucks the proverbial wind out of the sails of a hobby, it would be when the hobby starts to become overcomplicated. This is even more distressing when it does not have to be as there are always viable alternatives out there that can make things easier to do. Again, this is where Drupal small website design or blogs have much to offer. Drupal small website design or blogs utilize a software program that pride itself in offering solid, user friendly, and easy to operate content management. That makes Drupal small website design or blogs ripe for use by those novices looking to launch an online hobbyist pursuit. And, yes, there are a lot of people that do this. Many of them seem to have a tendency to select Drupal small website design or blogs.
Complexities have their place. However, there is no reason for content management to be more complex or require more steps than is necessary. When content management is weighted down by excess steps, the publisher must invest significant extra time reading about how to navigate their blog or website. Some platforms are loaded with multitudes of steps and commands that must be adhered to in order to publish a website. These sites take quite a time investment in order to get a handle on. Most hobbyists do not have this kind of time. Even if the platform is a good one, such a time commitment delays the ability to publish. It also delays the ability to quickly and efficiently update the blog or website. Again, this adds a number of hurdles that could best be avoided by Drupal small website design or blogs. Drupal small website design or blogs are user friendly and can be launched as soon as possible and without needless steps.
Also, if the hobbyist wishes to (or needs to) monetize a blog or website, such research can cause unnecessary delays. With Drupal small website design or blogs, this is not an issue. Blogs and websites are easy to operate. Even someone completely new to content management can navigate a system Drupal small website design or blogs. Again, for a novice or even someone with experience, this is an attractive commodity. Drupal small website design or blogs deliver in this regard and that is why they are so vastly popular.
Really, no matter what you skill level may be Drupal small website design or blogs have much to offer. They are easy to use and require little research time to get the hang of. In our busy world, this is a huge plus. So, there is no reason to delay publishing your web content. Drupal small website design or blogs are here now, and here to stay!
Author : Todd Herman
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Drupal-Small-Website-Design-or-Blogs/1179927
Branding and Its Importance
When it comes to branding, a lot of fluffy jargon gets thrown around, there are a lot of do's and don't- but it's not often that we sit down and analyze branding in a real world perspective.
Do your research:
Simply put, branding is crucial because money is important. Money, or any form of exchange occurs mostly when the consumer perceives the good they get in exchange to be of equal or higher value than the purchase price. Branding is the creation of such value, both in terms of tangibles (quality, value) or intangibles (feeling, ambience)- the creation of which helps differentiate one brand from the other. It is the exact reason why a cup of Starbucks is $4 more expensive than your no name coffee brand or why a plain t-shirt at Benetton is pricier than a t-shirt of similar quality at another store. All things being equal, branding is the sole determining factor, which tips consumer perception one way or the other. Incidentally, favorable branding is also one of the hardest things to achieve.
Find your forte:
As mentioned earlier, there are several schools of thought that deal with the different ways to establish a brand. The usual formula goes something to the effect of: Let's start our product off its functional value (i.e. better quality, lower price, bigger, faster, better, long lasting etc) and then move on to an emotion-centric branding further down its product line. This approach makes sense- consumers view new market entrants with less trust than the established giants- the easiest way to make them believers is by actually giving them a tangible monetary or value added benefit over other brands.
Position yourself accurately:
In the last few years, there has been an increasing move from company centric branding (We are the best mentality) to consumer centric branding (We are the best because you have made us the best, thank you) i.e. dissecting our target audience's psychographic patterns and formulating a brand that would appeal to their sensibilities. It is also a more human form of branding and resonates louder than traditional corporate branding strategies that, basically, tout their own horns.
Take it personally:
Think of branding as a first interview- your first interview. How would you want the consumer to perceive YOU if they met you for the first time? The answer could be different for many people: some prefer a warm and friendly approach that leaves the user feeling good about themselves and the sale, others would prefer a more aloof stance where they aren't necessarily best friends with the consumer but pride themselves on superior workmanship and quality.
Another important aspect to keep in mind after self-analysis is your demographic. This becomes of greater importance when one starts to dive into brand identity formation and its mechanics- the demographic often (and rightfully so) dictates the company's stance towards them, the colors used, the ambience created and the overall holistic brand experience.
Once you have created your brand, follow a few simple steps mentioned below to let others know.
Get a logo design:
Contact a branding agency and get a great logo for your company.
Build a tagline:
Taglines/Punch lines are memorable. Build one that captures the essence of your brand.
Integrate your brand:
Make sure that everything from your logo & corporate identity to your office interiors and your people's approach is integrated together.
In conclusion, the advantages that a company gets over time from a good branding strategy may not always be immediately apparent - but over a period of time they grow into strong brand building blocks, on which the company can stand on for many years to come.
Talk to the experts that understand the importance of branding in today's fast paced world. Before long, your company name will be a well-known name and you will be reaping the benefits.
Author : Ben
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Branding-and-Its-Importance/1181259
Do your research:
Simply put, branding is crucial because money is important. Money, or any form of exchange occurs mostly when the consumer perceives the good they get in exchange to be of equal or higher value than the purchase price. Branding is the creation of such value, both in terms of tangibles (quality, value) or intangibles (feeling, ambience)- the creation of which helps differentiate one brand from the other. It is the exact reason why a cup of Starbucks is $4 more expensive than your no name coffee brand or why a plain t-shirt at Benetton is pricier than a t-shirt of similar quality at another store. All things being equal, branding is the sole determining factor, which tips consumer perception one way or the other. Incidentally, favorable branding is also one of the hardest things to achieve.
Find your forte:
As mentioned earlier, there are several schools of thought that deal with the different ways to establish a brand. The usual formula goes something to the effect of: Let's start our product off its functional value (i.e. better quality, lower price, bigger, faster, better, long lasting etc) and then move on to an emotion-centric branding further down its product line. This approach makes sense- consumers view new market entrants with less trust than the established giants- the easiest way to make them believers is by actually giving them a tangible monetary or value added benefit over other brands.
Position yourself accurately:
In the last few years, there has been an increasing move from company centric branding (We are the best mentality) to consumer centric branding (We are the best because you have made us the best, thank you) i.e. dissecting our target audience's psychographic patterns and formulating a brand that would appeal to their sensibilities. It is also a more human form of branding and resonates louder than traditional corporate branding strategies that, basically, tout their own horns.
Take it personally:
Think of branding as a first interview- your first interview. How would you want the consumer to perceive YOU if they met you for the first time? The answer could be different for many people: some prefer a warm and friendly approach that leaves the user feeling good about themselves and the sale, others would prefer a more aloof stance where they aren't necessarily best friends with the consumer but pride themselves on superior workmanship and quality.
Another important aspect to keep in mind after self-analysis is your demographic. This becomes of greater importance when one starts to dive into brand identity formation and its mechanics- the demographic often (and rightfully so) dictates the company's stance towards them, the colors used, the ambience created and the overall holistic brand experience.
Once you have created your brand, follow a few simple steps mentioned below to let others know.
Get a logo design:
Contact a branding agency and get a great logo for your company.
Build a tagline:
Taglines/Punch lines are memorable. Build one that captures the essence of your brand.
Integrate your brand:
Make sure that everything from your logo & corporate identity to your office interiors and your people's approach is integrated together.
In conclusion, the advantages that a company gets over time from a good branding strategy may not always be immediately apparent - but over a period of time they grow into strong brand building blocks, on which the company can stand on for many years to come.
Talk to the experts that understand the importance of branding in today's fast paced world. Before long, your company name will be a well-known name and you will be reaping the benefits.
Author : Ben
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Branding-and-Its-Importance/1181259
Designing Logos And Utilizing The Droid Font
Been hearing talk of Droid? The largest search engine on the World Wide Web is finally ready to present their newest innovation in font and logo design for the future.
Called simply Droid, this revolutionary font has been in the works for the past couple of years. During which the formation of the latest (and perhaps the greatest) rival of Apple's iPhone, Android. Working closely with Ascender (an Illinois-based company that specializes in digital type-facing) Google has developed this new font. Ascender isn't new to the scene of font and logo design development, though, they have created specific fonts for a number of big name companies, such as Microsoft and Motorola.
Aside from the portfolio that Ascender has created working with big-name companies, it belongs to the Open Handset Alliance. This group is comprised of 30 plus companies that are working on Android. Thus, the Ascender and Google team can utilize this knowledge about Android to make Droid work for them. Android is an operating system for mobile phones that has a basis in Linux. It works with many Java-like apps that can be created by the mobile user and is dubbed simply as Dream.
How The Droid Font Was Created
Google is well known for their contemporary fonts and the ease of their fonts adjusting to specific themes that users are utilizing. With the creation of Android, Google wanted something that would still be appealing without being overly tech-y looking. They wanted a font that could capture the attention of others and at the same time represent the personality of the product, but not be the main reason that the product is purchased. And above all, it should remain friendly looking and make the market fall in love with the mobile device.
When it came time to get down to work on the project, several proposals were submitted and two stood out from the rest. One was considered too bouncy and the other too tech-y. Because both proposals were at the opposite ends of the spectrum, it was quite easily to make the decision that something in the middle was what was needed. Finding that happy median and creating a font that retained the same basic characteristics of Google and still be totally separate was what was produced. This made it perfect for the Dream phone.
What The Droid Fonts Will Do For You
The Droid font design is only going to be available on the G1 or Android phones, making it a very rare thing to behold. However, it will quickly gain attraction because almost every feature of the mobile phone will be easily converted to the Droid font. And if the internet is accessed with the mobile device, the website fonts will be converted to one of the three complimentary fonts in Droid's possession: monospace, serif or sans serif.
You can also find a wide variety of international characters, especially those of Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. If you're thinking that there's going to be some mystery waiting to be solved in here, such as in Easter Eggs, you will be disappointed. The fonts will just be fonts—there are no hidden messages or codes that need to be deciphered.
Author : John
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Designing-Logos-And-Utilizing-The-Droid-Font/1048054
Called simply Droid, this revolutionary font has been in the works for the past couple of years. During which the formation of the latest (and perhaps the greatest) rival of Apple's iPhone, Android. Working closely with Ascender (an Illinois-based company that specializes in digital type-facing) Google has developed this new font. Ascender isn't new to the scene of font and logo design development, though, they have created specific fonts for a number of big name companies, such as Microsoft and Motorola.
Aside from the portfolio that Ascender has created working with big-name companies, it belongs to the Open Handset Alliance. This group is comprised of 30 plus companies that are working on Android. Thus, the Ascender and Google team can utilize this knowledge about Android to make Droid work for them. Android is an operating system for mobile phones that has a basis in Linux. It works with many Java-like apps that can be created by the mobile user and is dubbed simply as Dream.
How The Droid Font Was Created
Google is well known for their contemporary fonts and the ease of their fonts adjusting to specific themes that users are utilizing. With the creation of Android, Google wanted something that would still be appealing without being overly tech-y looking. They wanted a font that could capture the attention of others and at the same time represent the personality of the product, but not be the main reason that the product is purchased. And above all, it should remain friendly looking and make the market fall in love with the mobile device.
When it came time to get down to work on the project, several proposals were submitted and two stood out from the rest. One was considered too bouncy and the other too tech-y. Because both proposals were at the opposite ends of the spectrum, it was quite easily to make the decision that something in the middle was what was needed. Finding that happy median and creating a font that retained the same basic characteristics of Google and still be totally separate was what was produced. This made it perfect for the Dream phone.
What The Droid Fonts Will Do For You
The Droid font design is only going to be available on the G1 or Android phones, making it a very rare thing to behold. However, it will quickly gain attraction because almost every feature of the mobile phone will be easily converted to the Droid font. And if the internet is accessed with the mobile device, the website fonts will be converted to one of the three complimentary fonts in Droid's possession: monospace, serif or sans serif.
You can also find a wide variety of international characters, especially those of Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. If you're thinking that there's going to be some mystery waiting to be solved in here, such as in Easter Eggs, you will be disappointed. The fonts will just be fonts—there are no hidden messages or codes that need to be deciphered.
Author : John
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Designing-Logos-And-Utilizing-The-Droid-Font/1048054
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