Website design Tutorials
Plug into Smartphones and Use Google Analytics to Track Your Traffic
March 9, 2009 by Michael Alexander · 2 Comments
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... learn more
WordPress Plugins Everyone Should Try at Least Once
March 6, 2009 by Michael Alexander · 2 Comments
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 an up-to-date version of WordPress. learn more Read More →
If You Use WordPress, Put a Premium on Your Themes
February 19, 2009 by Michael Alexander · 6 Comments

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.... learn more
Eye-Tracking Measures the Sight Unseen
February 10, 2009 by Michael Alexander · 2 Comments
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... learn more
Why You Should Focus on Widgets, Gadgets and Social Nets in Tough Times
January 20, 2009 by Michael Alexander · Leave a Comment
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... learn more
Web Monitors Uncover Top 100 Blogs and Platforms
January 19, 2009 by Michael Alexander · Leave a Comment

Pingdom, a service that monitors Web sites and servers on the Internet, looked at the top 100 blogs on Technorati to find out which blogging platform is used most often. Pingdom distinguishes between blogs that are self-hosted and blogging-service hosted. learn more Read More →
Roundup: Even More Sites Where You can Find Images Free and Clear
January 14, 2009 by Michael Alexander · Leave a Comment

I wrote about using Flickr a while ago as a good source of images that you can use free and with few or no copyright limitations. Lately, I’ve been organizing my database of places to find free and unrestricted images. Keep in mind that “free” often requires your giving the source credit and a link back to the image provider’s site. No, this list does not include every site in the universe. If you have some favorites, please add them as a comment and I’ll add them... learn more
Use Flickr to Find Images Free and Easy
December 31, 2008 by Michael Alexander · 1 Comment

Photo by Sidelong Dozens of Web sites offer royalty- and copyright-free photographs and other images. I can’t imagine having to buy stock photos and art these days, although I have many times before. I use stock.xchng and Big Stock Photo often. The photos are generic, one-size-fits-all but they get the job done with no money up or down. Lately, I’ve been using photos posted on Flickr Creative Commons. There’s an astounding variety of photos to choose from–many of them are... learn more
Web Development – Tools Of The Trade
December 23, 2008 by Philip Beel · 5 Comments

With an ever growing number of browsers to make your code compatible with and higher demands placed on web designers and developers there is a requirement for more powerful tools to create and maintain your code. This tutorial will cover a number of methods and resources to help aid you in the escalating demands of your web projects. Many Developers and designers have their own personal favorite browser for developing and managing their websites. This tutorial will focus on the use of Firefox.... learn more
The Web Designers Guide To Success
December 22, 2008 by Philip Beel · 4 Comments
If you are a free lance web designer or developer you will know just how difficult it can be to earn a dime in the world of web design. I have learned a lot of lessons, most of them the hard way. Being great at web design and being great with clients, are two very different requirements. By setting yourself these basic rules, and sticking to them you will save yourself becoming victim to a number of pitfalls. That’s why I have put together this guide to help maximize your projects success.... learn more









