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How to Get a Google API Key

To fully take advantage of Google maps and to integrate it into a blog or website, you’ll have to sign up to receive a Google API Key. This allows you to insert Google maps into your own web pages on your own domains. The only requirement is that you must have a Google account, as your API key will be connected to your account. Even though there are many plugins and scripts that require an API Key to work, developers often overlook explaining just exactly how to sign up for a Google API Key.... 

5 More Places to Buy Joomla Templates

Last week we posted an article about where to find joomla templates. After being roundly smacked about by our readers for leaving out some of the larger (and popular) Joomla template design websites, we’ve decided to try and redeem ourselves with yet another article about finding quality Joomla Templates. Like we said earlier, a well-made template is the foundation for a good website. If the template doesn’t include the right code for proper SEO, then it’s going to make life difficult... 

How To Create a Custom Myspace 2.0 Page

Last time I discussed how to make a professional looking Myspace page — 1.0.  Customizing social media pages is an important for skill for designers, musicians and others. The ability to create custom backgrounds and designs for myspace, twitter, etc. can become a lucrative business model for savvy designers.  Compared to many other social networking sites, Myspace offers the most flexibility in the layout and design of a profile page. Last time I discussed how to create a professional-looking... 

Create an Online Magazine With WordPress

Many of us have dreamed of writing for a magazine or even being a magazine editor. However, now with WordPress you can be the writer, editor and owner of your very own magazine. With a few steps you can have the magazine designed, laid out and have writers who are writing articles for your own online publication. Below I’m going to go through the steps of starting your own Magazine with WordPress. The first thing you’ll have to do is find the right them.  Read More →

Plug into Smartphones and Use Google Analytics to Track Your Traffic

The growing popularity of smartphones, and of mobile computing in general, is already starting to change the way visitors interact with your site. It’s not too soon to start laying out the blueprint for a version of your site designed expressly for pocket-sized screens. Times may be tough, but the smartphone market isn’t hurting because of it. According to market researcher, NPD Group, 23 percent of cellphones sold in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2008 were smartphones. That’s... 

Use Infographics to Help Readers Visualize Data

I‘m a fan of GOOD, a site that is “a collaboration of individuals, businesses and nonprofits…who have been making a magazine, videos and events for people who give a damn.” One of the things I like about the site is its use of infographics to explain complex ideas. If you’ve ever looked at an issue of USA Today, you’ll know what infographics are about. Back in December, GOOD decided to sponsor a contest for the best global finance infographic as determined by an... 

WordPress Plugins Everyone Should Try at Least Once

Is there anyone who has tried WordPress and not liked it? I’m fond of WordPress because it’s relatively easy to use and highly customizable with themes and plugins. There are something like 4,200  plugins in the wild! I figured I’d give you a list of plugins I like to use. First things first, make sure you’re running WP 2.7 (the latest version). TinyMCE Advanced–This plugin enhances WP’s editor in several ways: switch to full screen mode, insert media, search... 

If You Use WordPress, Put a Premium on Your Themes

When I launched my first blog about 3 years ago, I used a free WordPress theme called “Cutline,” designed by Chris Pearson. At the time, it was among the most-downloaded free themes available for Wordpress. It’s a terrific-looking theme and it was designed with the reader in mind. Cutline uses plenty of white space, which makes pages more accessible; it’s easily customizable; the typography is just right for reading online; and it puts usability and clarity ahead of frou-frous.... 

Eye-Tracking Measures the Sight Unseen

I read on Google’s Offical Blog about an eye-tracking study the company recently conducted and that got me thinking about eye-tracking in general and about how to use that information to create more effective Web pages and enhanced usability. First, let me tell you a bit about eye-tracking, how it’s performed, and how it’s used to analyze a Web page’s usability. I’ll get back to why Google’s results are so interesting after that. When I first read about eye-tracking... 

Why You Should Focus on Widgets, Gadgets and Social Nets in Tough Times

In these tough economic times, the smartest companies are using everything–including sticks and rocks–to get the attention of prospects and customers. The most potent weapons in their marketing arsenals include Web 2.0 tools and services, social networking, mobile apps, desktop widgets and gadgets, based on a recent Forrester Research study. Their main objectives are to improve customer service (73 percent) and acquire new customers (71 percent). Help your boss or client tighten their... 

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