Los Angeles Advertising and Design

Home-based businesses need a strong web presence to combat the inflated advertising and marketing budgets of their larger competitors, but establishing that presence through a professionally designed and developed web site may not be an affordable option. In many cases, the only cost-effective way to get the web site you want for your business is to do it yourself.

Even if you are not experienced in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), you can find helpful programs which will assist you in your design efforts. Trust me, it is not as difficult as it may seem to be.

Here are a few tips for finding software to meet your small or home-based business’s needs.

1) Know Your Options

When it comes to web site creation software, there are three types to choose from: text editors, HTML editors, and WYSIWYG editors.

Text editors, which are basically any word processing program such as Word or Notepad, require extensive HTML knowledge.

NoteTab Light (Freeware)
http://www.notetab.com/download.htm

HTML editors are much like text editors except they include additional features to aid inexperienced users, such as color-coded tags and pre-prepared CGI and Java scripts. If you have little or no experience with HTML, WYSIWYG editor is a better choice.

HTML Kit (Freeware)
http://www.chami.com/html-kit/download/

Web-O-Rama (Donationware)
http://www.kevingunn.com/weborama.htm

WYSIWYG, which stands for What You See is What You Get, programs like FrontPage or DreamWeaver allow you to design the pages’ appearance without writing code. You pick what
you want and the program automatically generates the code.

Macromedia Dreamweaver ($399) (Recommended)
http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/download/

NetObjects Fusion ($149.95)
http://www.netobjects.com/products/html/download.html

2) Look for the Features You Need

When you start browsing for web site software, you’ll want to look for a few key features, such as ready-made templates, wizards (they make many tasks easier and quicker), auto-backup, and pre-built code.

Remember to also keep in mind your own level of HTML experience. If you are inexperienced, then you will want plenty of templates and wizards to help you along. Likewise, if you feel comfortable working with code, then you may want to choose programs without all of the bells, whistles, and help since they will cost you less.

3) Do Some Research

Never buy a program, especially not one for business, without trying it out first. Most of these programs have demos or free trials available on their manufacturers’ web sites. You can also check with sites such as CNET.com or Epinions to get an idea of which programs are being recommended by users. Check with popular computer magazines for their experts’ input as well.

All of this research will give you a good idea of which programs to explore and which to avoid when you are making your final buying decision.

4) Keep in Mind Your Budget

Depending on which type of web design program you choose, your costs will vary dramatically. Text editors, for example, are often already on your computer. Notepad, a feature of Windows, makes a very usable text editor and will cost you nothing extra.

HTML editors, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 while WYSIWYGs are priced between $70 to $500 and up.

Well-known brands, such as Adobe and MacroMedia, will cost more but the quality of their programs and the stability of their company make them a better choice than the inexpensive software from unknown vendors.

Also, be sure to look for programs that offer free or reduced price upgrades so you continue to get the most from your software without paying full price again every two or three years.

With these tips, you should have no trouble finding an HTML program that fits your needs and your experience level so you can create your own professional-looking web site without draining your business’s budget.

—–SIDE BAR—–
No matter which software you use, a good knowledge of HTML
will always be helpful. Here are some links that have helped
me tremendously in building my HTML and web designing
skills:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/html.html
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/html/
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
—–SIDE BAR—–

———–
Vishal P. Rao is the owner of Work at Home Forum, an
online community of people who work from home.
———–

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Choosing a web designer can seem like a daunting task. They come in all shapes and sizes - from freelancers working at home to glossy new media agencies, and there is as much variation in prices and service as there is in size.

So how do you choose the right one for your business?

Select Your Marketplace

Firstly, decide what market your would like to select from: local , national or overseas.

If you would feel more comfortable meeting your designer, and running through your project face to face (maybe it’s the kind of project that needs to “evolve”) ,and your ethos is “quality of service” rather than “Pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap” then a local web designer is for you. They can usually provide better back up, and be able to meet face to face to discuss your project and iron out any problems should they occur.

If you are a bit more budget conscious, then it makes sense to select from a “wider pool”. Getting quotes from designers across your country will usually obtain a more competitive quote. What you lose in face-to-face service is made up for in cost savings, and all but the largest web projects can usually be sorted out via telephone and email these days.

For the extremely cost conscious and value for money orientated (some would even say “brave”!) there is the overseas market. If you know exactly what you are looking for and can explain your project thoroughly and clearly in writing, then there are huge savings to be made. But what you save in price is invariably countered by having to do a little more work on your side - particularly when it comes to communication!

Finding Web Designers

To find a list of local web designers consult your Yellow Pages (or equivalent) or do a web search for “web designer ” + “your area”. Looking further a field, you can do a web search or check out directories such as www.recommended-web-designers.co.uk . For overseas designers, go to web sites such as www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com, the latter offering the benefit of escrow and arbitration services.

Draw up a shortlist

Draw up a shortlist of 3 or 4 designers to speak to. You can do this by visiting their websites, getting a feel for the type and size of business they are and looking at their online portfolio. Then call them - ask them questions about the type of clients they work for, timeframes and any other technical questions you have. Get a feel for how they communicate - whether they are on the same wavelength as you.

If you opted to go overseas, the websites already mentioned have ratings systems which can help you decide, and you can also send and receive private messages to ask questions.

Get Quotes

Once you have your shortlist, you can get quotes. For a straightforward website this can be a simple fixed price - for a more complicated project that is likely to evolve, you may just want to get a budget price at this stage, and then pin down details and a fixed price with your preferred bidder later. Always specify your expected timeframe for completion when obtaining quotes as this can affect prices.

Get References

Once you have your preferred bidder, get references. Any established web designer will be able to provide details of satisfied clients. Email them and ask if they were happy with the service received, if the job was completed on time, how unforeseen problems were dealt with etc.

Remember to trust your instincts: If you are not entirely happy with the references you obtain, walk away and select another designer.

Appoint your web designer

You now have a fixed price, references, and confirmed timescale for your project. Now appoint your designer!

Most have standard agreements -read them carefully, and if in doubt get your legal adviser to look them over. Make sure timescales and project milestones are specified, as well as payment terms. Find out how alterations to your project are dealt with - in terms of cost and delays - and how disputes if they arise would be settled.

Finally, when you are completely happy, sign on the dotted line and look forward to a productive working relationship with your web designer!

© 2005 Robin Porter.

Robin Porter has been CEO of of London based web designer Arpey Internet for over six years.

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Greece has always been known as a place of architectural beauty and a country of historical evolution. But Greece is more than its beautiful sceneries. It has a lot more to offer. This European country has a stable economic environment over the years. It is one of the leading countries that have embarked in the outsourcing industry. To date, Greece has been offering its services to nearby European countries and in America.

Outsourcing your web-related projects to Greece is one thing you should be confident of. Greece has strengthened the skills of its programmers and web designers by providing them with a strong academic education. Technical schools and universities make sure that they are updated with the current trend in the Worldwide Web.

Greeks are not only technically knowledgeable, their creativity and talent in web design is also a prevalent skill. Their flair for art is evident in the beauty around them. Modern and ancient sculptures, famous monuments and magnificent architectural establishments influence its designers’ eye for detail and love for simple and elegant style.

Even if you are in the other end of the globe, communication will never be an issue. Greece has advanced telecommunication tools and broadband connections are everywhere. Greece is never left behind when in comes to modern means of communication. Mobile phones, e-mail and online messaging are only three of the most popular ways of contacting Greece.

Most people won’t outsource their project to outside countries mainly because of communication barrier. You might think that you would be greatly misunderstood and wouldn’t get what you exactly want. When you hire Greeks, you don’t have to worry about this. English is the second language in this country. Almost everybody understands and speaks English. Rest assured that communication would be smooth flowing and you would get what you want.

If you want quality work, then you don’t have to think twice on outsourcing your projects to Greece. There is a high standard of work etiquette amongst its people. Plus, even at such world-class efficiency, they have lower rates compared to other countries in Europe and in the United States. Rates are very competitive and would definitely fit right your budget.

Payment processing is hassle-free. Greece has various international banks available to be of service to its foreign clients. Credit card payments are also widely acceptable around the country. You don’t have to wait long weeks for your payment to reach Greece, wire transfer takes only 2-3 days to process.

Greek companies are required to be VAT registered. This way, you are assured of the legitimacy of any business transactions you may have. This means you are issued with official invoice that you can add to your company’s expense.

Partnering with the beautiful country of Greece may be the best decision you are yet to make for your company. And probably, the best thing about this partnership is it gives you the perfect reason to visit Greece! You can explore a country that speaks of cultural elegance and spectacular sceneries. To experience Greek hospitality is really something to look forward to. Try outsourcing your projects to Greece today, and they would surely get the job done for you, professionally and in a timely manner. What more could you ask for?

Vasilios Tsiavos is the owner of one of the most respected web design firms in Greece, nbh internet services which offers outsourcing opportunities to many businesses in Europe and the US.

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