I wanted to let you consumers know that if you have a website created in Flash it will not be visible to Ipad users. That alone is a huge demographic you are missing out on. I have had many calls for redesign of websites containing Flash.
Some of the same features can be accomplished using other resources that work on all platforms.
A while back we wrote an article “Just Because it’s Expensive – Doesn’t make it Good”
I just want to clarify some things that our customers and future customers do not understand.
In recent months I have been involved with an existing customer wishing to make their website better than it was. I gave a quote for a content managed website using WordPress totaling my hourly rate to build and set up a better SEO (Search Engine Optimization) website that would include more functionality than they already had and increase traffic to their website. Since WordPress is an Open Source software I do not feel right charging what some companies charge for a custom Content Managed Website when they are using templates they purchased at a low price to reach a high profit.
Without my knowledge my customer went to a less expensive web designer that changed the DNS (Domain Name Servers) on the website that re-directed it to another host rendering it unavailable to the internet costing them their internet rank to go down as it was not being acknowledged by any search engines.
My client then fired that person to go to someone else that doubled the quote I gave them to begin with. Results: Website is still down and stuck in limbo because the person they first hired was new in the business and didn’t know what they were doing when they transferred the DNS to a new host.
I recently was contacted by a company that paid a high dollar amount for a WordPress site that they thought was custom built to their needs. The result: The web designer paid less than $30.00 dollars for a WordPress template and added some free plugins to the website to increase functionality.
This company thought they were getting a website compatible across all platforms only to find out it didn’t work with certain browsers. They contacted their web designer and have yet to hear back from them. They called me for damage control on their existing website. When using an Open Source product such as WordPress I strictly charge by the hour and not for the technology since I did not create it.
WordPress is a great tool that many fortune 500 companies use. I highly recommend using WordPress as it is very easy to use and highly customizable to suit your needs. It takes some set up on the back end that people not in the business do not understand.
My problem is the lower end web designers that use WordPress to take advantage of customers as a Content Management solution when there are many web designers out there that will be up front with the service they are providing and not claim templates as their own creation.
If you are thinking about having a website built DO NOT go to your lowest bidder. It may end up costing you more in the long run to get it running the way you want it.
Make sure your web designer knows how to update your server to the latest versions of software available. If they have never transferred a website or MYSQL database to another server, move on.
As I have said, this is a content manage system. Your web designer should take the time to show you how to manage it so you are self sufficient.
Their are plenty of WordPress templates to choose from that may fit your companies needs and work across all browsers. Your web designer should be able to do this research and present it to you so you know exactly what you are getting.
As you can tell I’m A LOT disappointed in these new web design companies that claim these templates as their own.
On January 2, 2011 it will be a Delaware State requirement to use a “Hands Free” device for cell phone use while driving a motor vehicle.
Motorist must use a hands-free device to talk while driving and also prohibits text messaging, sending or reading e-mails or browsing websites while the vehicle is in motion.
Delaware is also the 30th state to prohibit texting while driving.
The bill allows a driver to use a headset, speakerphone or other hands-free device to talk on a cell phone while driving. It also permits a driver to punch in a number or activate the hands-free device, but the driver must then put the phone down while talking. Rep. Scott said that the new law takes the phone out of the driver’s hands, eliminating a major distraction.
Click this link to read the full story http://governor.delaware.gov/news/2010/1007july/20100706-cellphoneuse.shtml
Bad Dog Web Design is promoting a starting price of $300.00 for a basic website design, 5
pages, including hosting for one year. Offer ends June 30, 2010.
Steve Jobs has said he has a big announcement at the Apple WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2010 is scheduled for June 7-11.
Some have said one of the announcements could be the introduction of an iPhone for Verizon.
Verizon customers have clearly indicated they won’t leave their network for the iPhone offered at AT&T. Since Verizon is the largest provider of cellular services, Apple could make gobs of money by offering the iPhone there, too.
“The benefits of selling the iPhone at Verizon so completely outweigh every single hurdle that there is simply no way Apple can continue its AT&T exclusive for much longer.”
Keep your fingers crossed and mark the date June 7th for the announcement.
The new Droid Incredible with Google by HTC: YOU want a phone with attitude Super sleek on the outside, 8–megapixel camera on the inside.
Slick form factor: YOU look marvelous. With its sports–car–inspired body design and 3.7″ HD screen, the HTC Incredible™ is always dressed to impress.
Superior camera: YOU are a shutterbug. What will you do with the 8–megapixel camera with auto focus and 2x power LED flash? Capture all of your favorite moments in super–crisp detail with a variety of effects options from sepia to posterize, crop them and post directly to your favorite social networking sites. People may think you’re paparazzi.
Undeniable speed: YOU better buckle up. The Droid Incredible by HTC uses its 1 Ghz Snapdragon processor and 8GB internal flash memory to provide you with a super–fast performance.
Navigation: YOU know the way. Feeling a bit lost? Use Google Maps to steer you clear of trouble and keep the party rolling.
Contacts closer: YOU like things tidy. HTC Sense automatically organizes all of your incoming emails, texts, Facebook messages and tweets by sender so all of your latest communications remain in their proper order.
Customizable: YOU scored! Your Droid Incredible by HTC comes preloaded with many helpful tools including the Footprints, Friend Stream and Weather widgets. Make it yours.
DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.
All Windows Mobile, Palm, BlackBerry and Android Smartphones require a data feature of $29.99 or higher or a data plan.
BLUETOOTH v2.1+ EDR
CAMERA/VIDEO/MUSIC
FEATURES
Specifications
You have less than two seconds to create an impression on your visitor when they visit your website. Be very selective when it comes time to choose a web design company for your website design. Here are ten guidelines and pointers to help you choose the right designers:
1. Do they have a portfolio?
Make sure they have some experience. Take a look at their list of customers and designs.
2. Can they cater to any type of business?
Look through the portfolio for variety. Do their client’s websites all look similar in format and structure? Make sure you are paying for a custom web design service, not a cheap template.
3. How is their response time?
This is vital to the success of your website. Take note of their choice of response (e-mail, phone, txt, instant messenger) and how quickly they can respond to your inquiries. If you prefer to do business over the phone and the designer doesn’t, then it’s probably best to move on to your next choice.
4. Do they have a contract?
If it’s not written – it’s not true. Everything should always be put down in writing. Before you sign anything, make sure you read the entire contract, including all the fine print. If you have any questions on anything: ASK! Don’t sign a contract unless you understand everything in it. If the company’s representative makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable with your “bothersome” questions, then end discussions and find another designer.
5. How reasonable are their prices?
Make sure you get what you pay for and if you are on a budget, tell the designer you choose you cannot exceed it. (This is usually a question I ask a potential customer. Not to find out how fat their wallet is. It’s so I can visualize the project and give and accurate quote of the website I’m going to deliver.
Make sure you have a plan to continually invest into the website’s construction. Your website is going to be the link between you and your customers, so make sure it is the best it can be. These days you can find web design for $199.00 and up.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to put everything you want into your website you might want to settle for a smaller website and create it in stages. Don’t settle for a cheaper designer. You get what you pay for.
6. Can they help you market your website?
Online marketing is key to your website’s success, It is best to find a designer that knows how to promote the sites they work on whether it be through search engine optimization, pay-per-click marketing, or another method. Ask your design firm what they feel is best for your company. When talking to your web designer make sure you give them information of how you would like your website to be represented on the internet. This isn’t content this is your market, who do you want to reach? You should feel comfortable in their explanation and reasoning; otherwise ask some other firms what they’d recommend.
7. Are their clients satisfied?
Don’t hesitate to contact their clients to ask for opinions and get their feedback on how their service with that company went. It’s your money after all. It’s better to spend 15 minutes on the phone than months of hassle and pain with the wrong developer.
8. Are they able to meet all your needs?
Do you want an e-commerce store, Flash elements or a custom web application? Can they do everything you want? The last thing you want is different companies meddling with your website’s design. Choose a firm that has the full corporate solution for your needs – whether it’s Flash intros or database-driven websites.
9. Can they deliver on time?
Are they willing to meet reasonable deadlines? If you need your site done by a certain date, can the designer you choose get it done by then? Be sure to ask about delivery times if you talk to their customers.
10. Do they take a personal and friendly approach?
Is the designer willing to help and suggest his/her own ideas, or do they robotically go along hoping they got everything you want? It’s always best to find a designer that has some ideas of their own, with fresh ideas and that knows their limits and won’t insist something be done a certain way if that’s not what you want.
We hope this information was helpful for those that read this article. We hope after reading this information you contact us via email, phone 302-540-8073 or even on Facebook if you have any questions.
Regards,
Bad Dog Web Design
Working on website for our newest customer Breslin Contracting, Inc.
The base design is started at http://baddogwebdesign.com/breslin
They’re tag line is “The Path to Safety”. The tag line says it all for me, a company focused on safety is also a company that does good dependable work.
They are a local General Contractor that specializes in General Contracting – Industrial & Commercial – Concrete – Excavation – Core Drilling – Saw Cutting
They are located at:
18 King Court
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Phone 302.322.0320
Fax 302.322.8907
Many Flash websites look really cool but if you’re browsing a web page it can get annoying. When you visit a website built in flash you might get a message like the ones shown below.
To most people this would a no brainer but for some other people it might be enough for them to leave your website.
When someone visits your website they don’t want to be told what their settings should be or what software they need loaded to browse your site.
It usually takes people less than a second to know if they want to stay on your website. Giving them instructions on how to view your website is almost like telling them “it looks really cool but you have to download some stuff to make it work”.
I’m not trying to talk you out of a flash website, we have few that we’ve built. I’m just letting you know the cons of having a flash website.
Have you ever heard your friends say “I use Mozilla, Opera or Safari” and known what they were talking about?
There is more to browsing the World Wide Web than just Internet Explorer. Faster browsers with more functional options and best of all………THEY ARE FREE!
If you have a website our you’re having one built. Make sure you ask your web designer if the website they are building is compatible with the browsers listed below.  Most designers build with Internet Explorer in mind. If you don’t ask, chances are your web designer won’t ensure your website is compatible with Mozilla, Safari or Opera.
www.mozilla.com (Be sure to check out their email add on Thunderbird as an alternative to Outlook)
www.apple.com/safari (If you’re a Windows user that want a taste of MAC try out this browser)
www.opera.com (Fast,lightweight and a lot of very user friendly free products)
