In a few weeks, I’ll be presenting “Web 101 for Business,” an overview of Web sites specifically for small business.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sherman Oaks Public Library, Community Room
14245 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(Moorpark at Beverly Glen/Tyrone Ave)
Cost: Free!
The presentation will start with the basics of Web sites (things I get […]

I was speaking with a potential client this week who said, “I can be pretty particular about things, so I’ll want to make sure the Web site is exactly right.” Fine with me — you should be particular about things. It’s your Web site, representing you and your business. Hire some help, sure — but […]

I made a lot of online purchases this Christmas season — getting things gift wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient instead of having to stand in line at the post office was a powerful motivator. And most of my online shopping experiences went without a hitch — some better than others, I suppose.
Yesterday, though, […]

If you’ve been running a traditional brick-and-mortar business and you’re adding a Web site, get ready for some changes.
Open 24 Hours, 365 Days a Year: The Web site doesn’t close. It’s great that people can browse your stock at 3 a.m. while you’re sleeping, but if they send an e-mail question, they’ll want a timely […]

Let’s not forget the kitsch factor in Web site design: some people like sites that are quirky and obviously homegrown. So if you don’t have the budget for cutting-edge design, try going in a different direction.
Add personality: Give your site a voice. So you’re a small company — be that. One of my business associates […]

Okay, geeky types, here’s a shot across the bow: you all need to do better at communicating technology to your clients in terms they can understand.
There’s a long history in Information Technology of the “Wizard of Oz” mentality — you know, make ‘em think this stuff is incredibly complex and that only I, the Great […]

Hangin’ out in cyberspace as I do, a lot of my communications with clients and partners are via e-mail, phone and IM. And while that works fairly well, I was reminded recently of the importance of face-to-face communication.
Recently, I traveled to the Midwest to visit several of my clients there, one of whom I had […]

I’ve got a client who decided to start small, with a very basic site (something I often recommend for small businesses — get your feet wet, find out what works, limit your investment risk). But now that it’s time to launch, they’re balking.
We’re still speaking, and the relationship is solid enough, but for whatever reason, […]

There’s a lot of talk about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) lately. It’s like it’s the second coming of Jello Pudding Pops — everybody’s just gotta have one. And as with most Internet things, where the buzz is, businesses have sprung up to meet the “need.” All these businesses need clients, so they set about creating […]

Now you can get expert feedback on your Web site or a portion of a site (such as proposed redesigns). I launched my Rapid Review service because, frankly, I wished someone else was doing it for the sites I’ve designed. Here’s the deal:

It’s fast. You’ll get a report back in under three business days.
It’s cheap. […]