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It’s web design that’s, well, responsive. That means content or image containers wiggle around in a predetermined manner depending on the screen size. Blocks of content and images re-size, stack and sometimes convert in order to give the best possible user experience for that screen size.
Here’s an example of how navigation can shift to become more userfriendly on a mobile device.
This post addresses the top 5 challenges of owning a website… and solutions, because that’s the part we love.
1. Technology changes and I can’t afford to keep up with it all.
True that. Major browsers such as Safari, FireFox, Chrome and Internet Explorer are constantly updating which can affect how your website displays. Plus, the way we use the Internet evolves, such as the drastic increase of mobile Web surfers.
So what’s the solution? First off, make sure your website is built with the latest coding languages, which currently is HTML5 and CSS3. Another way to make sure your website is built for tomorrow, is by implementing responsive design.
Responsive design makes viewing your website on any mobile device or screen size simple and beautiful. This means the design displays differently depending on the screen size it is being viewed on, instead of just shrinking. Here are some great samples of responsive design to visually understand how this works.
The back end of every WordPress website is a little different depending on customizations and when you last updated. However, there are a few evergreen items outlined below that can help you manage your WordPress website…
Copy (verbiage): You may type verbiage right into the editor or copy and paste from another source. When pasting verbiage, ALWAYS use the clipboard button with the T to copy in as plain text. This will eliminate any formatting issues on your website, although you will have to bold, italicize, hyperlink and possibly add spaces between paragraphs once pasted in. Once your copy is in place, you can further format using the buttons above the content box. If your bottom row of buttons mysteriously disappears, click on the button that looks like a little keyboard (it’s called the “Kitchen Sink” button) and your bottom row of buttons will appear again.
It may rock to you, but what are other people saying? You should ask them. The reason is, sometimes you can be too close to the website to see where it may be lacking.
Now, this advice does come with a disclaimer. There are always going to be people who pick things apart to a fault, but the general idea is to get a broad consensus that includes the opinions of people new to the website who could be potential customers. You could ask relevant friends and family or even take it one step further and ask for feedback on your Facebook page or other customer communication methods. In general, here are some questions you might pose:
1. Make your copy (verbiage) readable. Almost conversation-like at the level of your audience.
2. Use real photos. Not cheesy stock photos, real photos of you and your staff that are more than just smiling headshots. Show off your flair.
3. Show off your penmanship. For example, you can use images of your actual handwriting for things like your name on a bio or contact page.
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Okay so your sweet grandma should be able to use your website, but a teenager should want to read it. They way we talk, read and understand things has changed a lot… and rather quickly. People don’t want to take the time to understand verbiage, they want to skim it and be stimulated visually… especially the younger generation.
So how do you keep their eyes on the message? Here are a few tips: Read More
First things first. As a business you must understand your audience. Knowing crucial things about your audience-base has everything to do with the marketing strategies behind design.
Before you get started on your next promotional piece or website updates, take a moment to honestly ponder these questions: Read More
Finding relevant key phrases for website SEO purposes can seem a bit overwhelming, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. First, it starts with asking. Ask your customers for key words and phrases that describe your company. This is helpful because words you might use are not words the general public might use to find you so talking like your customer is the most important. Read More
You might not know where to start in this foreign world of Web and graphic design, but be assured you’re not alone! A good place to start is to first think about what you hope to get out of the project. What are your end goals for the project?
Then, make sure to ask potential designers these questions once they too are aware of your project goals to see who fits the bill: Read More
Does your nonprofit or cause need a new website? So far we’ve only got one entry for our A Cause to Design program and we need YOUR entry to make it interesting. Use your Flip, your webcam, your cellphone, whatever! Just tell us in under two minutes why your cause needs a new website and rally up the troops to vote for your video when it’s posted! For all the details check out the official A Cause to Design page. Let’s do this!
