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	<title>letscounthedays &#187; Resource</title>
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	<description>The Online Portfolio of Creative Professional Shay Howe</description>
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		<title>Web Design Community News</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/web-design-community-news/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/web-design-community-news/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:42:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=1076</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Drive traffic to your website by submitting your content to websites featuring community news. Featured in this article are over 110 websites supporting community news.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-design-101-basics/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Web Design 101 &#8211; The Basics'>Web Design 101 &#8211; The Basics</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<h1><a href="/resource/web-design-community-news/" title="Where to Submit Your Web Design and Development News">Where to Submit Your Web Design and Development News</a></h1>

<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-design-community-news/web-design-community-news.jpg" alt="Where to Submit Your Web Design and Development News" />

<p>One of the most popular lines from the 1989 film Field of Dreams is <i>&#8220;If you build it, he will come.&#8221;</i> A great quote from an excellent movie. Sadly, this quote does not hold true to that of web design. Building a website will not get you visitors and writing in a blog will not get you readers. You must advertise and promote your website accordingly. Today, with the help of social media, gaining publicity has become increasingly easier. There are however many outlets that are often quickly overlooked. One of these outlets being user submitted community news.</p><span id="more-1076"></span>

<p>User submitted community news is one of the hidden gems within the web design and development community. Websites featuring community news allow users to submit their content and then have that content linked to if determined appropriate. In doing so, users are able to build links to their content and get it out in front of a larger audience that they would have not been able to reach otherwise. As a return, websites offering community news will continue to get traffic from users submitting their own content as well as from users looking for the latest and greatest articles.</p>

<p>Getting your content accepted on community news websites is neither easy nor guaranteed. Your content has to be original, of high quality, and beneficial to readers in order to be accepted. It is hard work and can take time before you see any results. When your content is accepted, however, the results can be significant. The exposure and boost in traffic will prove to be well worth the effort.</p>

<h4>Non-Account Based</h4>
<p>The following is a list of websites that offer web design and development user submitted community news without the need of an account. Simply enough, all you need to do to submit your content is complete a quick and easy contact form. The websites are listed in order of page rank (highest to lowest) as well as alphabetized.</p>

<table>
<thead><tr><td class="lt">Website</td><td width="20%">Alexa Rank</td><td width="22%">Compete Rank</td><td width="18%">Page Rank</td></tr></thead>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.cssdrive.com/index.php/main/submit/" title="CSS Drive Community News" rel="nofollow">CSS Drive</a></td><td align="right">8,920</td><td align="right">29,799</td><td align="right">9</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.cssleak.com/submit.php" title="CSS Leak Community News" rel="nofollow">CSS Leak</a></td><td>30,753</td><td>138,138</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designm.ag/submit-news/" title="DesignM.ag Community News" rel="nofollow">DesignM.ag</a></td><td>7,502</td><td>12,700</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designrfix.com/submitnews" title="Designrfix Community News" rel="nofollow">Designrfix</a></td><td>16,657</td><td>37,978</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.dezinerfolio.com/linksubmit" title="Dezinerfolio Community News" rel="nofollow">Dezinerfolio</a></td><td>13,869</td><td>39,250</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Creativity Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Creativity</a></td><td>25,887</td><td>43,214</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.instantshift.com/user-submitted-news/" title="InstantShift Community News" rel="nofollow">InstantShift</a></td><td>6,076</td><td>10,569</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.myinkblog.com/design-news/#submit" title="MyInkBlog Community News" rel="nofollow">MyInkBlog</a></td><td>24,032</td><td>53,307</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://10steps.sg/community-link/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="10Steps.SG Community News" rel="nofollow">10Steps.SG</a></td><td>18,284</td><td>53,672</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.brushking.eu/submit_news.php" title="Brush King Community News" rel="nofollow">Brush King</a></td><td>27,893</td><td>81,362</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://buildinternet.com/news/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="Build Internet! Community News" rel="nofollow">Build Internet!</a></td><td>10,076</td><td>22,483</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.chethstudios.net/2009/04/submit-design-news-on-chethstudios.html" title="Cheth Studios Community News" rel="nofollow">Cheth Studios</a></td><td>29,359</td><td>49,502</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://colorburned.com/link-feed#submit" title="Colorburned Creative Community News" rel="nofollow">Colorburned Creative</a></td><td>23,610</td><td>57,762</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.designdazzling.com/#submit" title="DesignDazzling Community News" rel="nofollow">DesignDazzling</a></td><td>54,648</td><td>498,143</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://thedesignmag.com/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="The Design Mag Community News" rel="nofollow">The Design Mag</a></td><td>80,041</td><td>125,853</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://desizntech.info/submit-link/" title="Desizn Tech Community News" rel="nofollow">Desizn Tech</a></td><td>30,542</td><td>75,691</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.knowtebook.com/community-link-feed-1112.htm#add" title="KnowTeBook Community News" rel="nofollow">KnowTeBook</a></td><td>43,522</td><td>94,043</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://psdfan.com/user-link-feed/" title="PSDFan Community News" rel="nofollow">PSDFan</a></td><td>21,140</td><td>51,816</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://psdvibe.com/#fvCommunityNewsName" title="PSDVibe Community News" rel="nofollow">PSDVibe</a></td><td>57,903</td><td>166,870</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.pvmgarage.com/en/submit-news/" title="PV.M Garage Community News" rel="nofollow">PV.M Garage</a></td><td>21,946</td><td>56,003</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.reencoded.com/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="Reencoded Community News" rel="nofollow">Reencoded</a></td><td>26,774</td><td>39,199</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://scriptandstyle.com/submit" title="Script &amp; Style Community News" rel="nofollow">Script &amp; Style</a></td><td>24,358</td><td>56,854</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/submit-user-link" title="Tripwire Magazine Community News" rel="nofollow">Tripwire Magazine</a></td><td>11,065</td><td>2,071</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://tutorialoutpost.com/submit" title="Tutorial Outpost Community News" rel="nofollow">Tutorial Outpost</a></td><td>55,780</td><td>78,747</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.uxbooth.com/new-resource/" title="UX Booth Community News" rel="nofollow">UX Booth</a></td><td>24,513</td><td>40,187</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://webtreats.mysitemyway.com/link-feed/#submit-link" title="WebTreats Etc. Community News" rel="nofollow">WebTreats Etc.</a></td><td>9,408</td><td>20,365</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.admixweb.com/communitynews/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="Admix Web Community News" rel="nofollow">Admix Web</a></td><td>56,440</td><td>431,119</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://cssbrigit.com/CNews/" title="CSS Brigit Community News" rel="nofollow">CSS Brigit</a></td><td>172,476</td><td>1,959,538</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.cssstyle.me/index.php?mode=memo&#038;submode=new" title="CSSStyle.Me Community News" rel="nofollow">CSSStyle.Me</a></td><td>75,390</td><td>0</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://design-newz.com/submit-newz/" title="Design Newz Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Newz</a></td><td>30,752</td><td>80,423</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.designyourway.net/blog/submit/" title="Design Your Way Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Your Way</a></td><td>36,103</td><td>51,833</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://divitodesign.com/community-news/#new-submission" title="DivitoDesign Community News" rel="nofollow">DivitoDesign</a></td><td>72,534</td><td>106,974</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://devsnippets.com/submit" title="DevSnippets Community News" rel="nofollow">DevSnippets</a></td><td>17,495</td><td>39,766</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourapps.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Apps Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Apps</a></td><td>410,546</td><td>684,145</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourblogging.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Blogging Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Blogging</a></td><td>105,471</td><td>140,785</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://fuelyourcoding.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Coding Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Coding</a></td><td>122,552</td><td>166,523</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourillustration.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Illustration Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Illustration</a></td><td>1,089,873</td><td>2,030,334</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourinterface.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Interface Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Interface</a></td><td>157,021</td><td>144,755</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourphotography.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Photography Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Photography</a></td><td>430,180</td><td>1,253,664</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourwriting.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Writing Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Writing</a></td><td>428,865</td><td>252,005</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.graphicrating.com/submit/" title="Graphic Rating Community News" rel="nofollow">Graphic Rating</a></td><td>111,414</td><td>226,851</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://kailoon.com/web-design-news/#reply" title="LoonDesign Community News" rel="nofollow">LoonDesign</a></td><td>40,696</td><td>143,277</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://theprodesigner.com/#community-news-form" title="The Pro Designer Community News" rel="nofollow">The Pro Designer</a></td><td>105,884</td><td>212,657</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://psdlearning.com/2008/07/user-links/#commentform" title="PSD Learning Community News" rel="nofollow">PSD Learning</a></td><td>66,391</td><td>178,973</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://sharebrain.info/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="Sharebrain Community News" rel="nofollow">Sharebrain</a></td><td>47,636</td><td>94,197</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.tutorialspalace.com/community-news/#submit" title="Tutorials Palace Community News" rel="nofollow">Tutorials Palace</a></td><td>115,889</td><td>804,563</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.vagrantradio.com/user-submitted" title="Vagrant Radio Community News" rel="nofollow">Vagrant Radio</a></td><td>176,761</td><td>294,320</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.visual-blast.com/#community-news-form" title="Visual Blast Community News" rel="nofollow">Visual Blast</a></td><td>18,966</td><td>42,048</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.webanddesigners.com/user-link-feed" title="Web and Designers Community News" rel="nofollow">Web and Designers</a></td><td>84,276</td><td>288,447</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.webdesign-ne.ws/submit/" title="Webdesign-ne.ws Community News" rel="nofollow">Webdesign-ne.ws</a></td><td>30,059</td><td>126,163</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://whofreelance.com/news-submission/" title="WhoFreelance Community News" rel="nofollow">WhoFreelance</a></td><td>102,444</td><td>520,848</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://wparena.com/community-news/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="WordPress Arena Community News" rel="nofollow">WordPress Arena</a></td><td>48,743</td><td>110,556</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://becreativemagazine.com/2009/12/community-link-feed/#commentform" title="BeCreative Magazine Community News" rel="nofollow">BeCreative Magazine</a></td><td>316,174</td><td>264,628</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.crazyleafdesign.com/blog/user-submitted-links/#add" title="CrazyLeaf Design Community News" rel="nofollow">CrazyLeaf Design</a></td><td>13,180</td><td>32,483</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designjojo.com/submit" title="Design Jojo Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Jojo</a></td><td>238,084</td><td>489,634</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.espreson.com/archive-index/community-news/#commentform" title="Espreson Community News" rel="nofollow">Espreson</a></td><td>164,201</td><td>347,109</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://favshare.net/favshare-your-article/" title="favSHARE Community News" rel="nofollow">favSHARE</a></td><td>98,872</td><td>372,816</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://freelancefolder.com/submit-link/" title="Freelance Folder Community News" rel="nofollow">Freelance Folder</a></td><td>21,121</td><td>18,747</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourbranding.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Branding Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Branding</a></td><td>532,595</td><td>638,561</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.fuelyourmotionography.com/user-link-feed/" title="Fuel Your Motionography Community News" rel="nofollow">Fuel Your Motionography</a></td><td>2,739,998</td><td>0</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.graphicmania.net/news-archive/" title="Graphic Mania Community News" rel="nofollow">Graphic Mania</a></td><td>16,431</td><td>15,769</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/submit-news-tips/" title="Hongkiat Community News" rel="nofollow">Hongkiat</a></td><td>2,393</td><td>3,308</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.online-photoshoptutorials.com/2008/10/user-link-feed.html#add" title="Online-Photoshop Tutorials Community News" rel="nofollow">Online-Photoshop Tutorials</a></td><td>186,291</td><td>303,042</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.psdeluxe.com/submit-link.html" title="Psdeluxe Community News" rel="nofollow">Psdeluxe</a></td><td>26,768</td><td>71,103</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.quandtnet.de/submit_your_news/" title="QNT Community News" rel="nofollow">QNT</a></td><td>110,214</td><td>493,379</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.readactor.com/submit-link/#respond" title="reADactor Community News" rel="nofollow">reADactor</a></td><td>143,388</td><td>221,570</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://scarletbits.com/user-news/#respond" title="Scarletbits Community News" rel="nofollow">Scarletbits</a></td><td>134,263</td><td>752,144</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://speckyboy.com/submit-or-recommend-a-design-resource/" title="Speckyboy Community News" rel="nofollow">Speckyboy</a></td><td>4,454</td><td>8,116</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://toproundups.com/submit/" title="Top Roundups Community News" rel="nofollow">Top Roundups</a></td><td>63,240</td><td>849,598</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.tutorio.com/info/submit" title="Tutorio Community News" rel="nofollow">Tutorio</a></td><td>27,104</td><td>30,591</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.bloground.ro/submit-post/" title="Bloground Community News" rel="nofollow">Bloground</a></td><td>266,078</td><td>342,714</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.thedesignbuzz.net/" title="The Design Buzz Community News" rel="nofollow">The Design Buzz</a></td><td>468,778</td><td>0</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designshards.com/submit-link/" title="Design Shards Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Shards</a></td><td>98,111</td><td>672,764</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.looks.gd/user-link-feed#respond" title="Looks Good Design Magazine Community News" rel="nofollow">Looks Good Design Magazine</a></td><td>183,757</td><td>1,362,826</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://pixelactic.com/community-news/#newsform" title="Pixelactic Community News" rel="nofollow">Pixelactic</a></td><td>218,742</td><td>975,720</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://creativeurbia.com/add-news/#fvCommunityNewsForm" title="Creative Urbia Community News" rel="nofollow">Creative Urbia</a></td><td>253,665</td><td>0</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://webdevcodex.com/community-links/" title="Web Development Codex Community News" rel="nofollow">Web Development Codex</a></td><td>222,595</td><td>2,085,833</td><td>1</td></tr>
</table>
<p class="last-updated">Last updated April 14, 2010</p>

<h4>Account Based</h4>
<p>The following is a list of websites that require an account in order to submit your content. Many of these websites also cover a large variety of topics rather than strictly web design and development related news. While the range of topics may be larger than you would prefer the out reach and pay off can often be larger as well. As with the non-account based list, these websites are listed in order of page rank (highest to lowest) as well as alphabetized.</p>

<table>
<thead><tr><td class="lt">Website</td><td width="20%">Alexa Rank</td><td width="22%">Compete Rank</td><td width="18%">Page Rank</td></tr></thead>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://delicious.com/" title="Delicious Community News" rel="nofollow">Delicious</a></td><td>342</td><td>1,396</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://digg.com/" title="Digg Community News" rel="nofollow">Digg</a></td><td>102</td><td>20</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.mixx.com/" title="Mixx Community News" rel="nofollow">Mixx</a></td><td>748</td><td>2,833</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.reddit.com/" title="Reddit Community News" rel="nofollow">Reddit</a></td><td>309</td><td>262</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" title="Stumble Upon Community News" rel="nofollow">Stumble Upon</a></td><td>204</td><td>287</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://technorati.com/" title="Technorati Community News" rel="nofollow">Technorati</a></td><td>900</td><td>1,186</td><td>8</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://news.ycombinator.com/" title="Hacker News Community News" rel="nofollow">Hacker News</a></td><td>3,472</td><td>8,166</td><td>7</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://csscreme.com/" title="CSS Creme Community News" rel="nofollow">CSS Creme</a></td><td>21,264</td><td>69,198</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designbump.com/" title="Design Bump Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Bump</a></td><td>10,121</td><td>15,955</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.dzone.com/" title="DZone Community News" rel="nofollow">DZone</a></td><td>2,497</td><td>6,575</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://sphinn.com/" title="Sphinn Community News" rel="nofollow">Sphinn</a></td><td>5,961</td><td>7,529</td><td>6</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.blogengage.com/" title="Blog Engage Community News" rel="nofollow">Blog Engage</a></td><td>12,141</td><td>56,575</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.cypherbox.net/" title="Cypher Box Community News" rel="nofollow">Cypher Box</a></td><td>67,360</td><td>394,375</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.designfloat.com/" title="Design Float Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Float</a></td><td>7,425</td><td>51,056</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.designrelated.com/" title="Design:Related Community News" rel="nofollow">Design:Related</a></td><td>44,086</td><td>58,330</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.faqpal.com/" title="FAQ Pal Community News" rel="nofollow">FAQ Pal</a></td><td>20,912</td><td>131,233</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://indeziner.com/" title="Indeziner Community News" rel="nofollow">Indeziner</a></td><td>73,253</td><td>186,073</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.tweako.com/" title="Tweako Community News" rel="nofollow">Tweako</a></td><td>29,580</td><td>137,323</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.undrln.com/" title="Undrln Community News" rel="nofollow">Undrln</a></td><td>236,375</td><td>388,221</td><td>5</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://abduzeedo.com/" title="Abduzeedo Community News" rel="nofollow">Abduzeedo</a></td><td>4,042</td><td>7,804</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.bloggerden.com/" title="Blogger Den Community News" rel="nofollow">Blogger Den</a></td><td>69,786</td><td>243,879</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://cssglobe.com/news.asp" title="CSS Globe Community News" rel="nofollow">CSS Globe</a></td><td>8,228</td><td>24,566</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://inspiredn.com/" title="Inspired News Community News" rel="nofollow">Inspired News</a></td><td>158,667</td><td>312,056</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.queness.com/" title="Queness Community News" rel="nofollow">Queness</a></td><td>7,393</td><td>24,739</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://thewebblend.com/" title="The Web Blend Community News" rel="nofollow">The Web Blend</a></td><td>19,514</td><td>35,632</td><td>4</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://designmess.com/" title="Design Mess Community News" rel="nofollow">Design Mess</a></td><td>143,895</td><td>203,686</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.developersniche.com/" title="Developersniche Community News" rel="nofollow">Developersniche</a></td><td>403,106</td><td>2,090,785</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://joyoge.com/" title="Joyoge Community News" rel="nofollow">Joyoge</a></td><td>114,865</td><td>932,901</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.kreativenews.com/" title="Kreative News Community News" rel="nofollow">Kreative News</a></td><td>159,508</td><td>339,182</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.pixelgroovy.com/" title="Pixel Groovy Community News" rel="nofollow">Pixel Groovy</a></td><td>172,648</td><td>299,582</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://servefault.com/" title="Serve Fault Community News" rel="nofollow">Serve Fault</a></td><td>401,729</td><td>0</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.talking-web.org/" title="Talking Web Community News" rel="nofollow">Talking Web</a></td><td>1,789,591</td><td>0</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://wordtaps.com/" title="WordTaps Community News" rel="nofollow">WordTaps</a></td><td>131,829</td><td>510,082</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.zabox.net/" title="zaBox Community News" rel="nofollow">zaBox</a></td><td>24,685</td><td>221,361</td><td>3</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://webdev5.com/" title="WebDev5 Community News" rel="nofollow">WebDev5</a></td><td>345,549</td><td>0</td><td>1</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://submit.designdazzling.com/" title="DesignDazzling News Community News" rel="nofollow">DesignDazzling News</a></td><td>54,648</td><td>498,143</td><td>Unranked</td></tr>
<tr><td class="lt"><a href="http://www.pixelelement.com/news/" title="Pixel Element Community News" rel="nofollow">Pixel Element</a></td><td>86,000</td><td>87,416</td><td>Unranked</td></tr>
</table>
<p class="last-updated">Last updated April 14, 2010</p>

<h4>Download Bookmarks</h4>
<p>Download all of the websites, both non-account and account based, listed above in one simple <abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">HTML</abbr> bookmark file. The bookmarks may then be imported into your web browser of choice.</p>

<a class="btn" href="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-design-community-news/community-news-bookmarks.html" title="Community News" rel="nofollow"><span>Download Community News Bookmarks</span></a>
<p class="last-updated">(Right/Control Click Save As)</p>

<h4>Was Any Website Missed?</h4>
<p>There are dozens upon dozens of websites featuring community news, did you notice any that were left out? Particularly, was any website specific to web design and development left out? Please leave your contributions in the comments below.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-design-101-basics/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Web Design 101 &#8211; The Basics'>Web Design 101 &#8211; The Basics</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>18</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Strategizing Web Content</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-content-strategy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-content-strategy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:33:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Usability]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=922</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Users do not commonly browse the internet looking for a good design or decent user experience. Users browse in search of good content. The more effort you put into your content the better the pay off.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Writing User Friendly Content'>Writing User Friendly Content</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/web-content-optimization-guidelines/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Content Optimization Guidelines'>Content Optimization Guidelines</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/web-content-strategy/">Writing for the Web: The Right Strategy</a></h1>

<p>When it comes to designing a website, content is often overlooked, but why? Very rarely do users browse the web looking for a good design or decent experience. Users come for the content. Not giving them what they want with poorly written content will frustrate users. Not only does it waste their time, but your time as well.</p>

<h3>Writing for the Web: The Right Strategy presented by Shay Howe</h3>
<p><em>Refresh Chicago, January 12th, 2010</em></p>

<div style="width:425px;margin:0 auto;padding-bottom:18px;" id="__ss_2891758"><object style="margin:0px" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=refresh-presentation-100111212541-phpapp02&#038;stripped_title=writing-for-the-web-the-right-strategy-2891758" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=refresh-presentation-100111212541-phpapp02&#038;stripped_title=writing-for-the-web-the-right-strategy-2891758" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div><span id="more-922"></span>

<h4>The Problem</h4>

<h3>Online content is bad. Real bad.</h3>
<p>Generally speaking, the Internet is lacking when it comes to quality content. People are not properly taking advantage of the opportunity in front of them and commonly fall short with insufficient content.</p>

<h3>Content is low priority.</h3>
<p>All too often we get caught up in the design and development of a website to pay attention to the content. We understand that the website will have a blog, about page, and contact page, but that is as far as we get. From the introduction of a project content takes a low priority.</p>

<h3>Content is last minute.</h3>
<p>Some people do not even think about content until the day that the website is completely designed, developed, and ready to be rolled out. The wireframe, site map, and graphics are all water under the bridge by now. The only thing missing at this point is the content. All too often the content has not even been assigned or allocated to anyone at this point.</p>

<h3>Users notice bad content.</h3>
<p>If your copy is updated, cheerful, and friendly users will not notice. If your content is sterile and resembling a textbook, users will notice and you will hear about it. The second your product description starts to drag users will jump ship.</p>

<a href="http://www.mint.com/" title="Mint" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/mint.png" alt="Mint" />
<p class="full"><strong>Mint</strong> &ndash; <em>Mint has welcoming copy that often goes unnoticed because it is good, friendly content.</em></p></a>

<h3>Make your content work.</h3>
<p>The only way to overcome this horrid content is to make your content work harder. Before you begin any wire frames or development sit down as a whole and put together a content strategy. Initiate a strategy that will outline the metrics needed to keep your content moving forward.</p>

<h4>Developing a Strategy</h4>

<p>Kristina Halvorson has written an amazing book, <a href="http://www.contentstrategy.com/" title="Content Strategy for the Web Book" rel="nofollow">&ldquo;Content Strategy for the Web&rdquo;</a>, which goes into great detail on how to create a content strategy for the web. The following section summarizes some of her most important points. Please support her and purchase her book for more information.</p>

<h3>Create, publish, and govern.</h3>
<p>When putting together a content strategy it is important to understand that your strategy needs to cover not only creating and publishing the content, but governing the content as well. Once a website is live and time passes by content will become obsolete and need to be updated. This includes images and videos as well as the text itself.</p>
 
<h3>Think &ldquo;lifecycle&rdquo; not &ldquo;launch&rdquo;.</h3>
<p>Typically a website is launched everyone involved moves on to bigger and better things. We need to break the &ldquo;launch&rdquo; mindset and focus on the &ldquo;lifecycle&rdquo; of a website rather than the initial lift off. Plan to have an individual or team in charge of occasionally updating and checking the content.</p>

<h3>Stop the separation.</h3>
<p>Who is really in charge of creating the content? Designers and developers? The client? Marketing and research? Information architects? Truth be told, we all are in charge. Bring everyone together to work on the content strategy as a whole and the content will take life.</p>

<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/who-on.png" alt="We are all in charge of online content." style="border:none;" />

<h3>Stop using lorem ipsum.</h3>
<p>Lorem ipsum will not, at all, resemble your actual content. Stop using it as a placeholder within your design or wireframe as it will be mismatched to the real content that will be delivered. While you are all together initiating a content strategy think through the content and any implications you may encounter. Know how to handle multiple levels of headings, ordered list, blockquotes, and other situations a head of time.</p>

<h3>Answer more than just what.</h3>
<p>If all your content does is tell what the website is about you&rsquo;re missing the point. Quality content will answer the what, why, when, where, how, and who. Go over the website inside and out and cover your tracks. Make sure any possible questions a user may have are answered upfront.</p>

<h3>Set goals.</h3>
<p>Measuring your success can be difficult if you do not set goals. Figure out what you are looking to achieve with your website and exactly how your content can play a role in helping. Outline your goals and use them as motivation moving forward.</p>

<h3>Determine accomplishments.</h3>
<p>Figure out exactly what you want to accomplish with your content. Maybe it is to help sell a specific product, to build brand recognition, or to drive form conversions. Whatever you are looking to accomplish, define it now and then, work towards accomplishing it within your content. Knowing what you need to accomplish is easier than taking a stab in the dark.</p>

<h3>Recognize risk.</h3>
<p>Try to recognize any potential risk involved with developing content. Are you worried about being too edgy or too dull? Figure out exactly what your pressure points are and then plan on how to overcome the risk.</p>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" title="Flickr" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/flickr.png" alt="Flickr" />
<p class="full"><strong>Flickr</strong> &ndash; <em>Flickr avoids being dull by welcoming users in a different language every time they visit their profile.</em></p></a>

<h3>Outline content structure.</h3>
<p>All websites need to have a structure to their content and this structure needs to be carried out through every single page on the site. Outline a content structure that covers your headings, body text, linking between pages, as well as your narrative, tense, and flow. Really go over your content structure and determine how you will stay consistent throughout the entire website.</p>

<h3>Identify roadblocks.</h3>
<p>As with every other part of the project you are bound and determined to run into a few roadblocks when creating content. Is user research going to hold you up from getting a proper start on the content? Is marketing going to come down on you when they feel that the brand is not properly being carried out? Or, is legal going to tell you to completely scrap entire sections of the content? Identify what roadblocks you may encounter and figure out how you will move around them.</p>

<h3>Determine overall messaging.</h3>
<p>When putting together the content strategy this is the best time to determine the overall messaging of the website. This is a hard question to tackle so getting a head start on it now makes all the difference. Put together some recommendations for the overall messaging and tone of the website and how it should be conveyed. Chances are you will not completely iron out the messaging and that is fine, but getting a head start is crucial.</p>

<a href="http://madebygiant.com/" title="GIANT Creative" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/giant-creative.png" alt="GIANT Creative" />
<p class="full"><strong>GIANT Creative</strong> &ndash; <em>GIANT Creative has a great overall messaging that is carried out through the entire website.</em></p></a>

<h3>Assign launch priorities.</h3>
<p>Since the website will be a work in progress and you plan to continually make updates to the content, figure out where you want the content to be at launch. A lot of projects are time sensitive and getting off the ground is very important. Decide what needs to be completed before launch and what can be incorporated after launch. Do not, I repeat, do not launch a website for the sake of getting it live with the mindset that you will review the content later. This happens all too common and the content is never defined after launch.</p>

<h3>Decide content hierarchy.</h3>
<p>Now is also the time to decide your content hierarchy, meaning in what order do you want to present your messaging to users. Put your most important messaging first then move users back within the site for more information if they wish. Throwing all the content you can at users all at once will not work. Decide in what order you wish to present the content to the users.</p>

<h3>Prepare sub page recommendations.</h3>
<p>A content strategy should include recommendations for the home page all the way down to sub pages. Outline if some sub pages will receive specific templates to better convey messaging. Also determine how the sub pages will carry out the top level messaging, stay consistent from one page to another, and how they will all link and interlace.</p>

<p>In general, your strategy needs to provide all information needed to make any decisions when producing and creating the content. While developing the strategy you need to reach out to all of those whom may have some input. Gathering their input now, rather than later, will hopefully help prevent any roadblocks from occurring later on. Furthermore, use this time to set guidelines on to how the content will be maintained and updated moving forward.</p>

<h4>Writing Quality Content</h4>

<p>There are many different factors that all play into writing quality content. Many of which I addressed in my article <a href="/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/" title="Writing User Friendly Content">&ldquo;Writing User Friendly Content&rdquo;</a>, including:</p>

<ul>
<li>Give users a summary.</li>
<li>Get to the point quickly.</li>
<li>Use small sentences.</li>
<li>Limit one thought per paragraph.</li>
<li>Use bullet points.</li>
<li>Use sub headings.</li>
<li>Do not over use exclamations!!!</li>
<li>Drive emphasis with repetition.</li>
<li>Drop unnecessary adjectives.</li>
<li>Use details, be specific.</li>
<li>Use hyperlinks.</li>
<li>Use a personal tone.</li>
<li>Be unique.</li>
<li>Escape content overload.</li>
</ul>

<p>These are just to name a few. Please refer to the article for further details and complete explanations. In addition to these points I would also like to add:</p>

<h3>Forget the sales pitch.</h3>
<p>Online users are used to the typical sales pitch and can spot it from a mile away. It is commonly tasteless and users hate it. Instead, present them the facts in a friendly manner and let users decide for themselves.</p>

<h3>Keep content understandable.</h3>
<p>Having clear and understandable content is easier said than done. What may be understandable to you may not be to someone else. If a user struggles to find what they are looking for or to understand any of the content they will pounce on the back button like no tomorrow.</p>

<h3>Communicate conversationally.</h3>
<p>Communicate conversationally with a more casual tone and voice to allow for a friendlier and easier reading experience. Users will be extremely happy with content they can understand and you can rest assured you avoided them any frustration.</p>

<a href="http://carrotcreative.com/" title="Carrot Creative" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/carrot.png" alt="Carrot Creative" />
<p class="full"><strong>Carrot Creative</strong> &ndash; <em>Carrot Creative uses a friendly tone and characteristic content to provide for very enjoyable reading.</em></p></a>

<h3>Do not brag.</h3>
<p>No one likes a showoff and the same goes online. Do not brag or boast about how popular you are or how well you did last year. You must earn your users trust and any pompous language will not sit well.</p>

<h3>Avoid industry slang.</h3>
<p>I could ramble all day about front-end and back-end development along with different content management systems, but would my audience understand me? No. Speak in terms that everyone will understand.</p>

<h4>Bringing Content to Life</h4>

<h3>Apply your hierarchy.</h3>
<p>Take the hierarchy you decided on within your strategy and apply it using different headings, text sizes, and typefaces. As before, put your most important messaging first and show users where to begin. From there guide them through the rest of the website.</p>

<a href="http://37signals.com/" title="37signals" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/37signals.png" alt="37signals" />
<p class="full"><strong>37signals</strong> &ndash; <em>37signals uses a creative design to apply their hierarchy and to guide users down the page.</em></p></a>

<h3>Make content able to be scanned.</h3>
<p>One of the most important things to take into consideration when creating and stylizing your content is to make sure that it can be scanned. Users do not read content online, they scan it. Make sure you break up your text using multiple headlines, bullet points, short paragraphs, and descriptive links.</p>

<a href="http://www.hugeinc.com/" title="Huge" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/huge.png" alt="Huge" />
<p class="full"><strong>HUGE</strong> &ndash; <em>Huge adheres to all reading types by breaking up their content with paragraphs, list, and other grid based elements.</em></p></a>

<h3>Stylize your text.</h3>
<p>Make use of common text styling elements like bold, italics, shadows, and so forth as they help to bring life to your content. A little bit of an added touch can go a long way so be sure not to overdo it. Too much style and your content can start to look gaudy.</p>

<a href="http://www.ndesign-studio.com/" title="N.Design Studio" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/ndesign.png" alt="N.Design Studio" />
<p class="full"><strong>N.Design Studio</strong> &ndash; <em>N.Design Studio uses a variety of text effects including multiple typefaces, colors, sizes, strokes, and more.</em></p></a>

<h3>Play with different fonts.</h3>
<p>Online we are commonly limited to a specific number of web friendly fonts. However with the improvements of @font-face and services like <a href="http://typekit.com/" title="Typekit">Typekit</a> the number of fonts is quickly growing. Use different fonts to help deliver your content in a more aesthetic manner. As with adding stylization to your text, be sure to pick a font that will compliment your design.</p>

<a href="http://www.viget.com/inspire/" title="Viget Inspire" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/viget.png" alt="Viget Inspire" />
<p class="full"><strong>Viget Inspire</strong> &ndash; <em>The Viget Inspire blog uses multiple different typefaces for an added touch, easily taking the design to the next level.</em></p></a>

<h3>Use contrasting colors.</h3>
<p>Using black text on a black background probably is not a good idea. Pick colors that fit well with your layout and design. A bright contrasting color has the ability to really draw a user&rsquo;s attention. Use colors within your content to your advantage.</p>

<a href="http://www.bythepond.co.uk/" title="Friendly Duck" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/bythepond.png" alt="Friendly Duck" />
<p class="full"><strong>Friendly Duck</strong> &ndash; <em>The contrasting orange color on Friendly Duck sticks out amongst the dark background and really draws users attention.</em></p></a>

<h3>Apply clean rags.</h3>
<p>Each line of unjustified text should be as close as possible to the same length as the other lines above and below it. Any large spaces at the end of a line will create a large gap that is hard to follow when reading. Further more, having text hanging out on the end of a section of text within the last line creates an unpleasing arrangement and is often over looked.</p>

<a href="http://www.happycog.com/" title="Happy Cog" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/happycog.png" alt="Happy Cog" />
<p class="full"><strong>Happy Cog</strong> &ndash; <em>Happy Cog is aware of their rags and has taken the additional effort to make them as pleasing as possible.</em></p></a>

<h3>Exercise white space.</h3>
<p>A fair amount of white space in a design allows the content to breathe and makes it easier for users to read and follow. White space can also be used to build a grid within your layout and design. Which, in return, may help your content establish a rhythm for easier reading.</p>

<a href="http://elliotjaystocks.com/" title="Elliot Jay Stocks" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/elliot.png" alt="Elliot Jay Stocks" />
<p class="full"><strong>Elliot Jay Stocks</strong> &ndash; <em>Elliot Jay Stocks uses white space to help sculpt his layout while allowing users to easily read and follow the content.</em></p></a>

<h3>Make graphics and text coincide.</h3>
<p>Excellent text and a strong graphic can communicate a powerful message, a message that has the ability to leave a lasting impact on users. Use graphics that work well with your text. Simply adding graphics to a page for no apparent purpose is distracting and aggravating for users.</p>

<a href="http://www.housingworks.org/" title="Housing Works" rel="nofollow">
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/web-content-strategy/housing.png" alt="Housing Works" />
<p class="full"><strong>Housing Works</strong> &ndash; <em>Housing Works makes use of emotional images to add a powerful impact to their messaging.</em></p></a>

<h3>Take advantage of CSS.</h3>
<p>Cascading style sheets give you the potential to not only add outstanding effects to your text, but to also set a content standard for text across an entire website. Setting standards in CSS ensures the consistency of your typography across an entire website.</p>

<h4>You Need Excellent Content</h4>

<p>Developing a strategy, writing quality content, and bringing that content to life take a tremendous amount of energy. The majority of companies do not have the resources, let alone the time and effort needed to develop great web content. Quality content requires a detailed procedure and hard work which will end up being worth it.</p>

<p>Having a content strategy along with quality content in place allows for a strong user&rsquo;s experience, better brand regularity, up to date working efficiency, improved risk management, more powerful search engine optimization, and more advantageous personality and targeting.</p>

<p>Stop acting like content is secondary nature, of which can be touched up at a later date. Start your projects with creating quality content and start today!</p>

<p class="sm">Very special thanks to Kristina Halvorson on her amazing contributions to educating the importance of web content. Please visit her at <a href="http://www.braintraffic.com/" title="Brain Traffic" rel="nofollow">Brain Traffic</a> or purchase her book <a href="http://www.contentstrategy.com/" title="Content Strategy for the Web Book" rel="nofollow">&ldquo;Content Strategy for the Web&rdquo;</a>.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Writing User Friendly Content'>Writing User Friendly Content</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/web-content-optimization-guidelines/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Content Optimization Guidelines'>Content Optimization Guidelines</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Quick E-Commerce Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/10-ecommerce-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/10-ecommerce-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:13:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[E-Commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Websites are all in a continuous need of enhancement and we can always be improving our websites. E-commerce websites may be more complex however are no exception to the rule.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/top-10-keyword-research-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Top 10 Keyword Research Tips'>Top 10 Keyword Research Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/defining-multivariate-testing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Defining A Multivariate Test'>Defining A Multivariate Test</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/10-ecommerce-tips/">Quickly Boost Your E-commerce Website Efficiency</a></h1>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/" title="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Amazon.com" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/ecommerce-tips/amazon.jpg" alt="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Amazon.com" /></a>

<p>Online sales are growing rapidly year over year and now more than ever is a great time to have an e-commerce website. While maintaining and optimizing an e-commerce website may be quite the assignment, taking little steps in the right direction will greatly help the overall improvement. Begin with small improvements you can tackle quickly. Then move on to more complex tasks that may require extra effort. Slowly, but surely, you will fine tune your website into an outstanding website. Outlined here are 10 quick e-commerce tips to get you on your way.</p>

<h4>Start Your E-commerce Optimization</h4>

<h3>1. Accommodate All Users Types</h3>
<p>When a user visits your website it is virtually impossible to know where they stand within the purchase process. Some users are just browsing around gathering information for a future purchase while other users may be in a dead heat to make a purchase as quickly and easily as possible. Take note of all the potential user types and try to accommodate them all equally.</p><span id="more-800"></span>

<h3>2. Use Captivating and Compelling Copy</h3>
<p>Users browse e-commerce websites as if they are on a hunt. Hunting for a desired product and the moment the hunt goes cold  they fall off track and disappear. Write strong impact copy that keeps users on the hunt. If a landing page or paid search ad is promoting "Affordable Baking Accessories" you better be sure the corresponding page on your website uses this same copy.</p>

<h3>3. Use Headings with a Punch</h3>
<p>Headings are the main place where you can persuade users to stay on your website for another few seconds. If your heading is too informational or puts them to sleep you have missed your chance. Use clear, descriptive headings that get to the point and provide users with a source of relevancy. For example, "Pet Safe Wireless Containment System PIF-300 Including Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty" has less of an impact than "Pet Safe Wireless Pet Fence - Lifetime Warranty Included".</p>

<h3>4. Take Advantage of Good Calls to Action</h3>
<p>As a child when your mother told you to clean your room, did you? No. When you tell a user to "Click Here" are they going to? No. Give users a reason to proceed and to follow through. Using a call to action like "See Our Lowest Priced Bikes" is much more appealing than "Click Here" or "Learn More".</p>

<a href="http://www.actionenvelope.com/ae/control/category/~category_id=BUSINESS" title="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Action Envelope" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/ecommerce-tips/action-envelope.jpg" alt="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Action Envelope" /></a>

<h3>5. Provide Multiple Professional Product Images</h3>
<p>One of the best parts about walking into a brick and mortar store to make a purchase is that you are physically able to pick up and examine a product. By giving users multiple images online allows us to overcome this barrier. On top of giving users multiple images, give them professional images from different angles and in different environments. Show them a shirt from the front, back, side, as well as on a model.</p>

<h3>6. Allow Users to Read and Leave Product Reviews</h3>
<p>User reviews, both good and bad, are proven to increase your conversions. Studies show that 77% of users look at reviews and ratings. Of them, 63% admit that they are more likely to make a purchase from a website with reviews and ratings. (Jupiter Research, August 2006, and Comp USA &amp; iPerceptions) Furthermore, negative reviews allow users to see that the ratings are concrete and the product is in fact real with flaws. If you receive too many negative reviews and you may consider discontinuing the product offering.</p>

<h3>7. Lead Users through the Checkout Process</h3>
<p>Getting users into the checkout process is an accomplishment in itself; do not ruin it with poor user experience. Give users an overview detailing how many steps are involved and where they currently stand. Additionally do not promote any products or try to sell additional products within the checkout process. Keep the process to a minimum and as intuitive as possible.</p>

<a href="https://buyiphone.apple.com/" title="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Apple" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/ecommerce-tips/apple.jpg" alt="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Apple" /></a>

<h3>8. Develop Clean Easy to Use Forms</h3>
<p>For many websites forms act as the plague. Design and develop your forms in a clean easy to use manner. A few best practices include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Require only necessary information. Do not go data happy.</li>
<li>Provide security assurance ensuring personal information is safe and secure.</li>
<li>Use descriptive buttons like "Continue to Shipping and Billing" rather than "Submit".</li>
<li>Assist users with error handling on incorrectly completed fields.</li>
</ul>

<h3>9. Provide Help and Support</h3>
<p>The first thing a majority of users are going to do before making a purchase is to make sure that you are willing, and able, to help them after a purchase is made. The quickest way to insure your support is to provide users with a phone number at all times. Furthermore you should also supply a mailing address and email address. On top of contact information you should also provide a privacy policy, return policy, shipping policy, and so forth. Providing all of this information upfront will help reassure users.</p>

<a href="http://www.littmanbros.com/" title="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Littman Bros" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/ecommerce-tips/littman.jpg" alt="10 Quick E-Commerce Tips - Littman Bros" /></a>

<h3>10. Test Then Test and Test Some More</h3>
<p>These days testing is inexpensive, potentially free, and will warrant substantial benefits. The only excuse not to test is the matter of time it takes, however with Google's Website Optimizer this excuse is no longer valid. You can be up and running a test within the hour. Make a list of 3 things that bother you about your website, things you think could be improved. Then set out to test them. Once you have finished your initial test, rinse and repeat.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/top-10-keyword-research-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Top 10 Keyword Research Tips'>Top 10 Keyword Research Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/defining-multivariate-testing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Defining A Multivariate Test'>Defining A Multivariate Test</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Smart Email Marketing</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/smart-email-marketing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/smart-email-marketing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:46:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=773</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Email marketing is one of the most effective methods of advertising online yet the majority of companies are missing out. I have put together an outline on how to design and send emails, along with a few examples.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/iphone/iphone-picture-messaging/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: iPhone Picture Messaging'>iPhone Picture Messaging</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Working With A Bad Client'>Working With A Bad Client</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/resource/smart-email-marketing/">Strengthen Your Email Marketing Performance</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/backpack-2.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />

<p>One of the most valuable resources you have is sitting right under your nose and you may not even know it. What is this indispensable resource you may ask? Email marketing. For those of you who are currently practicing email marketing you may already know of the potential benefits at hand. For those of you who are not, please take note, this may greatly increase the performance of your business.</p>

<p>Many companies are profitable simply from their email marketing campaigns alone. With help of these time tested methods and a touch of your own fine-tuning you too can earn extra profit as well. Broken down here are the two parts to smart email marketing: Sending and Ensuring Delivery of Emails, as well as, Considerations for Designing Emails.</p>

<h4>Sending and Ensuring Delivery of Emails</h4>

<h3>Send Emails on a Consistent Time Table</h3>
<p>When you send your emails on a regular basis you create a pattern of which readers will become familiar with. The less likely you are to catch readers by surprise the lower your non-subscription rate will be. Internet service providers (ISPs) will also take note of regular sending patterns and credit you accordingly.</p><span id="more-773"></span>

<h3>Find A Happy Sending Medium</h3>
<p>It is important to find exactly how often you should send emails. By sending emails too often you will annoy users and by sending emails not enough users will forget about you. In either situation, they are likely to unsubscribe.</p>

<h3>Readers are Most Receptive Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-3 PM</h3>
<p>On Mondays everyone is running around trying to catch up on an inbox full of emails from the weekend. On Thursdays and Fridays everyone has one foot out the door looking forward or preparing for the weekend. Studies show that readers are most receptive to emails on Tuesday and Wednesday, and specifically after lunch from 2-3 PM. (View <a href="http://www.interspire.com/content/articles/2/1/15-Email%252dMarketing-Best-Practices" rel="nofollow">source</a>.)</p>

<h3>Steer Clear of Spam Filters</h3>
<p>Internet service providers (ISPs) have caught on as to how spam email is created and delivered. In their detection of spam they have developed diligent spam filters. One of the best ways to prevent an email from being flagged as spam is to completely leave out words like "Free", "Promotion", "Sale", "Discount", and so forth.</p>

<h3>Use the Current Date</h3>
<p>Spam filters will often look for a recent date within an email. If they do not come across one the email may potentially be flagged as spam, or pointed in the direction of the spam folder. Using the current date will also provide relevance to the reader as well.</p>

<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/typekit-2.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />

<h3>Be Personable</h3>
<p>Treat readers as your friend, even address them by their name if possible, and you will see open and click-thru rates skyrocket. No one wants to be addressed by "Hello there" or "Dear Subscriber". If I get an email address as "Good afternoon Shay" I am most likely going to open it. Any good email marketing service will allow you to address users by their name by using a tag similar to "[subscriber_name]". Check your specific service for instructions.</p>

<h3>ALWAYS Use a Double Opt-in Subscription System</h3>
<p>When a reader signs up for your email or newsletter send them a confirmation email. Once they confirm the subscription, then and only then, add them to your email list. Doing so ensures that they really want to be on the list and will be susceptive to your emails. This will also prevent you from adding people to your list that have accidentally entered the wrong email address or even purposely entered a fake email address.</p>

<h3>Do NOT Buy and Sell Email List</h3>
<p>The quickest way to get black listed is to buy and sell your email list. Your emails will regularly be flagged as spam and your delivery rate will plummet. Most email delivery services will also refuse to send out your email campaigns if your list is purchased.</p>

<h3>Stay in Touch with Readers</h3>
<p>After a user has signed up for your email list, and has double opt-in, send them a welcome or thank you email with a 10% off coupon. In another week send them another email outlining some resources available on your website. Staying in touch with users ensures them that you are trustworthy and may later help you complete a sale.</p>

<h3>Write Captivating Subject Lines</h3>
<p>Once an email lands in a reader's inbox they have two choices. Read the email or disregard the email. Most commonly, the only opportunity you have to influence them to open the email is by the subject line. Do not title your email "FREE EMAILING ADVICE". Instead use "Company Name Newsletter: Smart Email Marketing" or "Company Name Newsletter: Issue 12".</p>

<h3>Write Related Emails</h3>
<p>If someone signs up for an email newsletter pertaining to web design and development and you send them an email about cheap auto insurance your non-subscription rate is going to explode. Keep your emails relevant and avoid continuously sending out sales pitches. Give your readers valued content.</p>

<h3>Check Your Links</h3>
<p>Before sending out your email be sure to check all of the links, both websites and email addresses, included within the email itself. Any links to spam or blacklisted websites is sure to set off spam filters. Be sure to only link to creditable sources.</p>

<h3>Provide Benefits to New Subscribers</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to build your email list is to give new subscribers an added bonus. Let readers know that by subscribing to your email newsletter they will receive a free e-book or even a 10% off coupon. Of course, make sure you use the double opt-in service to ensure that people are not providing you with false information.</p>

<h3>Send Emails at a Slow Delivery Rate</h3>
<p>Attempting to blast your email list instantly will throw up quite a few red flags and more than likely cause your email to head straight into the spam folder. Use a professional email delivery service that will send out the emails at a recommended effective speed in order to get all of your emails out in a reasonable time without causing any interruptions.</p>

<h3>Encourage Users to Add You to Their White List</h3>
<p>The best way to ensure your emails make it a reader's inbox is to encourage them to add your email address to their contact list, or white list. Not everyone will do it but those that do are your most dedicated readers and are sure to get your emails on a consistent basis without having to worry if the emails get flagged as spam. Additionally, internet service providers (ISPs) will count the number of times your email address is added to a white list as an account of creditability.</p>

<h3>Delete Inactive Subscribers and Bounces</h3>
<p>Any readers that are not opening and reading your emails are most likely marking them as spam. Removing these subscribers will help you lower your spam score. Furthermore, delete any hard bounces or undelivered email addresses. Repeatedly resending to these address may likely be considered as spamming.</p>

<h3>Check Your Replies</h3>
<p>Some users are going to reply to your email asking to be taken off of your email list. This is fine and it is in your best effort to listen to them. You may also receive replies from readers providing you with valuable feedback. Either way, checking your replies is to your benefit.</p>

<h4>Considerations for Designing Outstanding Emails</h4>

<h3>Use Plain Stylization of Links</h3>
<p>Readers browse their email differently than they do web pages. While it is tempting to stylize your links in attempt to make them stand out, you are more likely to better results by using a plain stylization of links (blue, underlined, bold). Even if you think you can do a better job of making your links stand out by adding images and other visual effects there is no guarantee that the email client your reader is using will even display the correct results.</p>

<h3>Provide a Clear One-Click Unsubscribe Link</h3>
<p>May users may argue that you need to place your unsubscribe link within the header of your email. I do not think this is completely necessary, however it is necessary to make your unsubscribe link evident and easily noticeable. When users unsubscribe make this process as easy as possible, preferably with one click from the email. Dragging out the unsubscribe process may frustrate users and provoke them to mark your email as spam.</p>

<h3>Encourage Readers to Forward to a Friend</h3>
<p>Readers do not need a button or link to let them forward your email to a friend, however a little encouragement will never hurt. If they do forward your email the chances of you getting business from a referral from a friend is much higher than not.</p>

<h3>Use a Strong Call to Action</h3>
<p>Using a strong call to action will dramatically increase your click through rates. Do not use "click here". Instead, use intriguing text or an unmistakable button to drive your main call to action.</p>

<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/apple-2.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />

<h3>Stay Around 600 Pixels Wide</h3>
<p>A good majority of email clients will limit the width of an email and because of these limitations the most optimal width of an email falls within or close to 600 pixels wide. Before creating your next email masterpiece make sure you do so with a width of 600 pixels in mind so that all readers may enjoy it.</p>

<h3>Check Popular Preview Panes</h3>
<p>A lot of popular email clients, Microsoft Outlook specifically, provide a preview pane from which readers are able to see the beginning of an email. When designing your email make sure that the top of your email is captivating enough to get readers to view the rest of the email.</p>

<h3>Make Your Email Legible with Images Disabled</h3>
<p>For many email clients, most notably Microsoft Outlook and Hotmail, will disable images within emails by default. This makes it important to make sure that your email can still be comprehended even if the images are disabled.</p>

<h3>Use Plain Text to Accompany HTML</h3>
<p>If you decide to send your emails in HTML you need to make sure that you also attach a plain text version as well via MIME-Multipart-Format. In doing so you make certain that readers without HTML support are able to view your email. Keep in mind, your HTML and plain text versions should contain the same text. Your HTML should contain more content than markup language and in total your message should be between 20 and 40 Kb.</p>

<h3>Utilize CSS Carefully</h3>
<p>Only use CSS to stylize the text and some of the minor elements of your email. When doing so you are better off if you decide to use CSS as an inline style.  Do not use CSS for the layout of an email, as most email clients will not support a CSS layout. Unfortunately, instead you should refer to a table-based layout.</p>

<h3>Reduce Intricate HTML and Images</h3>
<p>Most email clients are not able to render complex HTML, while a handful of email clients block images by default. A high percentage of HTML tags may also be flagged as spam. In general, the cleaner and simpler your emails are the better performance you will see from your emails.</p>

<h3>Include a Signature</h3>
<p>One of the easiest ways to be personable is to use a signature on all of your emails. On top of adding a personable measure to your email it will also help drive traffic to your website. Be sure to include a name, company name, website, as well as a link to unsubscribe from the newsletter. Here is a good example of a signature:</p>

<p style="margin-left:20px;">Regards,<br />	Shay Howe<br />	Freelance Web &amp; User Interface Designer - letscounthedays<br />	Visit me online at http://www.shayhowe.com/<br />Unsubscribe from this newsletter anytime at www.shayhowe.com/unsubscribe/</p>

<h3>Include a Link to Your Privacy Policy</h3>
<p>Ensure your readers that their email address and personal information was obtained in a moral manner and that this information is safe with you. Do your best to make it clear to them that you will not rent or sell their information and the more likely they are to stay subscribed to your email list.</p>

<h3>Include Your Address and Phone Number</h3>
<p>Federal legislation requires that a physical mailing address be included with any commercial email newsletter or campaign. Take this a step further and include your phone number as well. Giving readers multiple methods for contacting you provides them with extra insurance.</p>

<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/cabedge-2.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />

<h3>Use an Online Version for Support</h3>
<p>No matter what you do there is no guarantee that your email is going to come through and be displayed the way you want it to for all email clients. To combat this, provide readers with an online version of the email for support.</p>

<h3>ALWAYS Test Before Sending</h3>
<p>Each email client will render your email a little differently. Do your best to check as many email clients as possible before sending. You may be surprised at how differently each email client will interrupt your email.</p>

<h4>Inspirational Email Gallery</h4>

<h3>Apple</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/apple.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Backpack</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/backpack.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Cabedge</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/cabedge.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Eye Design Studio</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/eye-design-studio.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Fresh Books</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/fresh-books.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Mindful Metropolis</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/mindful-metropolis.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>SxSW</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/sxsw.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Threadless</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/threadless.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Tri-North Builders</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/tri-north-builders.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Typekit</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/typekit.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Unmatchedstyle</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/unmatchedstyle.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>uPrinting</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/uprinting.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Virb</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/virb.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Virtuosa</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/virtuosa.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />
<h3>Wufoo</h3><img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/smart-email-marketing/wufoo.jpg" alt="Smart Email Marketing" />

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/iphone/iphone-picture-messaging/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: iPhone Picture Messaging'>iPhone Picture Messaging</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Working With A Bad Client'>Working With A Bad Client</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Writing User Friendly Content</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:59:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=760</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These days web content is far too dull, boring, and unexciting. We all need to focus more attention on our online copy and look to keep our visitors more involved and interested in what we have to say.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-content-strategy/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Strategizing Web Content'>Strategizing Web Content</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/web-content-optimization-guidelines/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Content Optimization Guidelines'>Content Optimization Guidelines</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/defining-multivariate-testing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Defining A Multivariate Test'>Defining A Multivariate Test</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/resource/writing-user-friendly-content/">How to Write Quality and Attentive Online Copy</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/quality-web-content/quality-web-content.jpg" alt="Writing Quality Web Content" />

<p>When it comes to online copy content is king. And this king is one of the determining factors in how successful your website is. Simply enough, if your copy is not up to par users will not read your content nor will they do business with you. Furthermore they are likely to never return to your website. Having good content will make a world of difference. </p>

<h4>Qualities of Great Web Content</h4>

<h3>1. Give Users a Summary</h3>
<p>Before diving into the nitty-gritty <em>give users a summary</em> of what they are about to read. This will allow them to make sure your topic is worth their time. If you have written your summary successfully they will continue to read.</p><span id="more-760"></span>

<h3>2. Get to the Point</h3>
<p>If you take away anything from this article let it be this. <em>Users online do not read, they scan.</em> Get straight to the point in the least amount of words possible. Do not beat around the bush. Simply get your point across quickly.</p>

<h3>3. Use Small Sentences and Paragraphs</h3>
<p>Using smaller sentences and paragraphs makes your content easier to comprehend and take in. Users will not take the time to read long sentences or paragraphs. They will continue scanning down the page. By using short sentences and paragraphs you can <em>pull them in and work them down the page</em> without making them scan too much.</p>

<h3>4. Limit One Thought Per Paragraph</h3>
<p>Attempting to cram 5 thoughts into one paragraph is not only going to look like you are rambling, but you are also going to confuse all of your readers. As mentioned before <em>keep it short, precise, and to the point</em>.</p>

<h3>5. Use Bullet Points</h3>
<p>There are many advantages of using bullet points. Many of which include:</p>
<ul>
<li>They are easy to <em>scan</em>.</li>
<li>They <em>break up the flow</em> of the page.</li>
<li>They <em>draw users in</em>.</li>
</ul>

<h3>6. Use Sub Headings</h3>
<p>Sub headings break up the flow of your content and provide a very intuitive way for users to scan the page. Not to mention, sub headings provide a great benefit to search engine optimization. The most effective sub headings are descriptive and if possible make use of a few good keywords.</p>

<h3>7. Stay Organized</h3>
<p>Ease users into the content and then <em>keep them reading by staying organized</em>. It is difficult to talk to someone who is jumping from one topic to another. Most of the time you can hardly understand what they are trying to say. The same thing goes for online content.</p>

<h3>8. Stylize Your Content</h3>
<p>Adding a little stylization to your content will allow you to add emphasis to key statements. Using <strong>bold</strong> and <em>italics</em> are both great for capturing user's attention and driving your point home. Avoid using <u>underline</u> for anything but links. Underlining any text that is not a link can be very frustrating for users as they are preconditioned to think they are links.</p>

<h3>9. Do Not Over Use Exclamations</h3>
<p>Using exclamation points here and there can really help add emphasize, however using them after every sentence is only going to <em>annoy users</em>. You will sound like a loud advertisement that no one cares to hear. Keep your exclamation points to a minimum and use them only where effective.</p>

<h3>10. Remember Users are Pessimistic</h3>
<p>There is so much garbage and hoaxes online that users are immediately skeptical of any and all content published online. <em>Write using unbiased language</em> and avoid any sales pitches. Build your creditability and cite any sources if available.</p>

<h3>11. Do Not Worry About Contingency</h3>
<p>Do not pad your sentences in attempt to cover all your bases. While using a more daring statement may not convey the strict truth, it will <em>make a stronger impression</em>. For example, "The majority of monkeys prefer to sleep at night." is weaker than "The monkeys sleep at night."</p>

<h3>12. Use Repetition For Emphasis</h3>
<p>Using repetition is an <em>effective method of getting your point across</em>. Using repetition is an easy way to create a pulse within your writing. Using repetition is simple to do, however it is also simple to overdo so practice with care.</p>

<h3>13. Drop Unnecessary Adjectives</h3>
<p>There are a million different ways I could explain my love for cupcakes, however no other is more effective than "I love cupcakes." If your adjectives are not providing any significance or additional information to your content then <em>drop them</em>.</p>

<h3>14. Use Details and Be Specific</h3>
<p>No one is really interested that your product or service is "new and improved". Tell users exactly what is new and improved. The <em>more descriptive</em> you can be and the better explanation you can give, the more likely users are to continue reading.</p>

<h3>15. Use Links Within Your Copy</h3>
<p>Remember this is the internet after all and linking from one page to another is acceptable. <em>Links will also standout amongst the other content</em> on your page and help users to quickly scan the page and identify what the page is about.</p>

<h3>16. Use A Personal Tone</h3>
<p>Writing your content as if it is a law document is boring and will put users to sleep instantaneously. <em>Make your content personal</em> and users will be able to relate, furthermore allowing them to trust you. I must warn you though, going too far can make you seem immature and unprofessional (ya' meanz omg lol). Speak to your readers as if they are next to you and you will find a happy medium.</p>

<h3>17. Be Unique</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to stand out is to be unique. <em>Give your content some personality</em>, make readers laugh, and enjoy reading your content. If you can do this you have struck gold as users will continue to come back for more.</p>

<h3>18. Escape Content Overload</h3>
<p>Too much content can <em>overwhelm visitors</em> and furthermore drive them away from your page. Upon landing on a page of your website, users are typically going to scroll down to see how much text there is to read. If it looks like a wall of text odds are they will leave before even reading the first line.</p>

<h3>19. Always, Always Proofread</h3>
<p>The last thing you want is a potential client or customer to come to your website and start pointing out your spelling and grammar errors. Yes, updating copy online can be accomplished quickly and easily, however by the time you notice the errors so have thousands of others. <em>Always proofread your content.</em></p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/web-content-strategy/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Strategizing Web Content'>Strategizing Web Content</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/seo/web-content-optimization-guidelines/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Content Optimization Guidelines'>Content Optimization Guidelines</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/defining-multivariate-testing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Defining A Multivariate Test'>Defining A Multivariate Test</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How To Stay Motivated</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/how-to-stay-motivated/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/how-to-stay-motivated/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:22:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=751</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As designers a lot of times we stay motivated through finding inspiration however there is more to staying motivated than simply finding inspiration. Staying motivated is a practice and requires a good amount of effort.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/inspiration/handimals-stunning-hand-painting-illusions/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Stunning Hand Painting Illusions'>Stunning Hand Painting Illusions</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Working With A Bad Client'>Working With A Bad Client</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/resource/how-to-stay-motivated/">Inspiration vs. Motivation</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/staying-motivated/staying-motivated.jpg" alt="How To Stay Motivated" />

<p>These days finding <em>inspiration</em> is easy with help from hundreds of design blogs. With a few simple clicks you have an endless supply of inspiration right at your fingertips. The real trick is finding <em>motivation</em> and, further more, <em>staying motivated</em>. Please do not get the wrong idea. Inspiration can serve as great motivation, however there is more to it. Staying motivated is a practice and requires more effort than ambiguously cruising for inspiration.</p><span id="more-751"></span>

<h4>You Know Inspiration, Let Us Try Motivation</h4>

<h3>1. Do Not Overwork Yourself</h3>
<p>Working too much is a sure fire way to put a screeching halt to any and all of your motivation. Constantly working too much will put you in a rut, of which may become too deep to dig yourself out of. <em>Use a timeline</em> with every project to ensure you have allocated enough time for the work entitled.</p>

<h3>2. Pace Yourself</h3>
<p>On top of not overworking do not try and fit too much work into one day. Doing so will not only stall your motivation but even worse it will produce unacceptable work. Create a reasonable <em>daily schedule</em> and do your best to stick to it. If a daily schedule is not your style perhaps try a quick <em>to-do list</em> instead.</p>

<h3>3. Set and Beat Your Deadline</h3>
<p>Once you have your timeline and daily schedule in place work to <em>set a goal</em> to beat your deadline. A lot of people have their productivity peak right before closing in on a deadline and until the deadline is insight productivity is minimal. Use multiple deadlines for every project and benefit from completing them early.</p>

<h3>4. Get a Good Start</h3>
<p>Getting a good start to a project will help to keep you motivated throughout the duration of the project. On days when you sleep in you typically do not tend to be very productive. Same thing goes with web design. Do your best to <em>make a solid effort at beginning</em> every project.</p>

<h3>5. Disregard Any Interruptions</h3>
<p>Email, Twitter, instant messaging, and other interruptions are just as big disadvantages as they are beneficial. Taking a few minutes here and there to check your RSS feeds or email will <em>quickly add up</em> in the course of a day. Blocking out and limiting these interruptions is the only you are going to be able to willingly meet your deadline.</p>

<h3>6. Make Good Use of Your Spare Time</h3>
<p>Staying motivated requires you to make good use of your spare time. If you are able to <em>truly enjoy your time away from work</em> the happier you are going to be when the time comes to get some work done. Being happy and having a good attitude can stretch a long way when it comes to staying motivated.</p>

<h3>7. Rotate Work Environments</h3>
<p>Sitting in front of a computer day in and day out will take its toll. A good way to mix things up is to <em>move to another location or environment</em>. Heading down to your local coffee shop, bookstore, or caf&#233;  once a week to work can brighten the day and provide something to look forward to the rest of the week.</p>

<h3>8. Put It Off If Possible</h3>
<p>If you get a rough start to a project or hit a roadblock put it off for a little while when possible. Sitting there and spinning your wheels without any results is only going to put you further back on your feet. Learn to <em>set a project aside</em> and move on to another for the time being if possible.</p>

<h3>9. Follow Your Progress</h3>
<p>After working on a project for a while it is easy to lose track of your progress, at which it begins to feel like you are just <em>plugging away</em> for an unreachable ending. Keep an eye on your overall progress and make sure to note when you reach desirable points.</p>

<h3>10. Take Productive Breaks and Vacations</h3>
<p>A change of scenery for a while can do wonders for one’s motivation. Breaks can be as simple as heading out for lunch, walking the dog, or as delightful as taking a vacation. Not only do you <em>work hard to earn these breaks</em>, but you also come back refreshed and ready to get to work afterwards.</p>

<h3>11. Work With Others</h3>
<p>If there comes a time when you get stuck, look for a second opinion or help from others that will provide you with the added push you need to continue. If possible develop a network of people you can look to for advice on difficult projects. Even help from others completely outside the industry can <em>provide an additional insight</em> you may have previously missed out on.</p>

<h3>12. Take Another Approach</h3>
<p>Sometimes we get jammed and that is all right as it is a natural process of being a web designer. Rather than go insane and throw your hands in the air <em>take a look at the work from another angle or take a different approach</em>. Working around the holdup can help you continue working without wasting any valuable time.</p>

<h3>13. Have Fun</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to stay motivated is to have fun. <em>Turn your work into fun</em> by adding a twist to it, making it competitive, or getting others in on the action. If you are doing landing page testing make bets with others around you as to what page will perform the best. Adding a little competition or twist to your work can be just what you need to make it more enjoyable.</p>

<h3>14. Eat Lunch or Grab a Snack</h3>
<p>Not only does eating give you a break and time to clear your head but it also <em>provides you with much needed energy</em>. If you are working and come to a barrier too high to breakdown go eat lunch or grab a snack then come back full force ready to break the barrier down. Along with eating, stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and stay ahead of the game.</p>

<h3>15. Go Exercise</h3>
<p>The benefits to exercising are endless. In regards to staying motivated, exercising will allow you to release endorphins, blow off work stress, and ultimately detoxify yourself. After exercising you will be able to relax and in return <em>increase productivity and motivation</em> at work.</p>

<h3>16. Drop the Dead Weight</h3>
<p>More times than none you are going to have to deal with a dysfunctional client and they can make you absolutely hate your job. Do your best to work with the client and turn the relationship around. However; if all else fails and you have the option, drop them. <em>No amount of money is worth driving you insane</em> and making you hate your job.</p>

<h3>17. Reward Yourself</h3>
<p>Rewarding yourself is one of the easiest and most important ways to stay motivated. After every small task you complete reward yourself by taking a break or getting some coffee. For the larger tasks or projects you complete go home early or buy yourself something new. No matter what you decide to do make it meaningful for yourself and <em>recognize your accomplishments</em>.</p>

<h3>18. Keep Your Head Up</h3>
<p>At times we all feel like throwing in the towel and calling it a day. Fact of the matter is quitters never win. Everyday is a new opportunity and it is up to you to make the most of it. <em>Learn from your mistakes</em> and do not let things get the best of you. If you can do that you will be all right.</p>

<h4>What Keeps You Motivated?</h4>

<p>Everyone is different and I believe I have only touched on the surface of what can keep you motivated. I would love to hear what you do to stay motivated. Please share your tips and advice with us below in the comments.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/inspiration/handimals-stunning-hand-painting-illusions/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Stunning Hand Painting Illusions'>Stunning Hand Painting Illusions</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Working With A Bad Client'>Working With A Bad Client</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Working With A Bad Client</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:08:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=740</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Working as a web designer has its highs and lows. One of the biggest lows is having to work and communicate with difficult clients. Here are 10 tips on how to communicate with the most difficult clients.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/iphone/iphone-picture-messaging/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: iPhone Picture Messaging'>iPhone Picture Messaging</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/smart-email-marketing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Smart Email Marketing'>Smart Email Marketing</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/how-to-stay-motivated/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How To Stay Motivated'>How To Stay Motivated</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/resource/working-with-a-bad-client/">10 Tips For Communicating With A Difficult Client</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/bad-client-communication/bad-client-communication.jpg" alt="Ways to Communicate With A Difficult Client" />

<p>As a web designer you are bound and determined to at one point and time come across a troublesome client. There are know-it-all clients, the low-tech clients, the day-late clients, and many more. No matter what their nature may be they exist and seem to come by all too often. Learning how to communicate with these clients can immensely change the outcome of your day-to-day productivity as well as your overall success.</p>

<h4>Above All, Communication is Key</h4>

<h3>1. Start With a Fresh Slate</h3>
<p>Carrying an attitude with clients is quickly going to ruin your career. Every time you approach a discussion, email, or call from a client you should do so with a good attitude and a positive mindset. Working with a bad attitude is only going to produce bad results and further fuel the flames. Keep your head up!</p><span id="more-740"></span>

<h3>2. Look Between the Lines</h3>
<p>When a client asks you to make the logo larger could they really mean they would like a stronger branding presence? Be sure to completely understand what your client is requesting before jumping to conclusions. Ask respectful questions and get to the bottom of what the client is really looking for.</p>

<h3>3. Keep a Level Head</h3>
<p>A lot of times you will receive an email or message from a client that seems to be a little pushy or assertive. Take a step back and realize that this may have come off the wrong way, perhaps because the client is not familiar with industry lingo they do not know how to effectively communicate with us without sounding somewhat bossy.</p>

<h3>4. Learn to Renegotiate</h3>
<p>As a project progresses clients can tend to get more involved and in a result often ask for things out of the scope of the original project. Rather than doing the work for nothing (and becoming ticked in return) or refusing to do the additional work altogether learn to renegotiate the contract. This will eliminate frustration on both sides and hopefully increase the overall efficiency of the project.</p>

<h3>5. Communicate with Purpose</h3>
<p>Try your best not to get in the habit of shooting off quick messages looking for answers. In return you’ll get quick answers that are not thought out which may carry back-and-forth, eating away at time you could have saved by sending one detailed message. Make it your goal to only send messages with some medium and detail.</p>

<h3>6. Pick Your Battles</h3>
<p>Putting up a fight is important in ensuring that you clients are getting the best possible results. Pick the battles that will win the war and learn to take the hit on the others. This may take some practice in figuring out exactly what to figure for with each client but once you do figure it out it will make your life easier.</p>

<h3>7. Provide Support to Decisions</h3>
<p>If a client is a little weary or questioning one of your decisions back it up with proven examples, case studies, or performance metrics. Clients will question you from time to time and it’s only to ensure they are really getting the best possible website. Be ready and willing to provide support behind your decisions.</p>

<h3>8. Put it in Writing</h3>
<p>I work best when I have something to reference or fall back on. Keeping all of my discussions in writing not only helps me stay on track but also allows me to reference previous discussions if any questions arise.  Whenever you talk to a client over the phone or meet to go over the project send them an email recapping your discussion. They will appreciate the summary and it will allow you to stay organized.</p>

<h3>9. Interrogate the Client</h3>
<p>When push comes to shove and you are truly struggling with a client interrogate them to find out what they are genuinely looking for. Do it tastefully and do your best to really get the client thinking. The harder they think the better they are at being able to express what they have in mind. </p>

<h3>10. Never Stop Communicating</h3>
<p>Always keep the communication line open between you and the client. Keeping them in the loop and allowing them to ask questions will ensure them that you are doing your best work and ultimately care about their project. In the end they will be in a better mood and you will be able to sleep better at night knowing your client is happy.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/iphone/iphone-picture-messaging/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: iPhone Picture Messaging'>iPhone Picture Messaging</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/smart-email-marketing/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Smart Email Marketing'>Smart Email Marketing</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/resource/how-to-stay-motivated/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How To Stay Motivated'>How To Stay Motivated</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Universal Website Usability Rules</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:03:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Usability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=590</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Website usability and user testing is a fast growing topic among the web design and development community, and rightfully so. Outlined here are 10 universal website usability rules you need to follow.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/designing-home-pages/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Home Page Design'>Home Page Design</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/universal-website-usability-rules/">10 Usability Rules You Need to Follow</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/usability-rules/website-usability.jpg" alt="Website Usability Rules" />

<h4>Present Information and Media in a Recognizable Manner</h4>
<p><strong>Provide Text Alternatives</strong> &ndash; Any images, videos, or non-text based media presented to the user must have a text alternative or accompanying text.</p>
<p><strong>Make Content Adaptable</strong> &ndash; Today information is spread across a wide spectrum including computers, mobile devices, and so forth. Make sure your content is adaptable to all of these spectrums without losing information or composition.</p><span id="more-590"></span>
<p><strong>Make Content Distinguishable</strong> &ndash; Your content should be recognizable to users and provided in a way that makes it easier for them to see and hear. The best way to accomplish this is by using color (more importantly contrast), size, and other stylizing elements. For any audio, video, or active media make sure to provide controls to start and stop the media.</p>

<h4>Present an Operational Interface and Navigation</h4>
<p><strong>Use Keyboard Shortcuts</strong> &ndash; Many users prefer not to use a mouse, in which case they browse the web using their keyboard. Allow your website to fully function from a keyboard and provide shortcuts where possible.</p>
<p><strong>Give Users Time</strong> &ndash; If you are using any videos or animations on your website that contain text or comprehensible parts give users enough time to read or take in these elements. Moving too fast will frustrate users and in retaliation they will leave your website.</p>
<p><strong>Do Not Use Annoying Media</strong> &ndash; Anything that blinks, flashes, or may produce anxiety will frustrate users. General rule, anything that blinks or flashes more than 3 times a second can be considered annoying.</p>
<p><strong>Provide Multiple Ways to Navigate</strong> &ndash; Give users complete control of your website by allowing them to navigate located information and direct where they are at all times. To do so provide users with internal links, titles and headings, breadcrumb navigation, search features, and other navigation components.</p>

<h4>Present Information and Media in an Understandable Manner</h4>
<p><strong>Use Readable Text</strong> &ndash; Make your text readable and understandable by using correct grammar and pronunciation. Present your content in a manner that would be understandable to a third grader.</p>
<p><strong>Be Predictable</strong> &ndash; The layout and design of your website should be consistent throughout and the way information is presented should be predictable by users. The easier it is to access information the better.</p>
<p><strong>Provide Assistance</strong> &ndash; Help users stay away from any potential errors and fix any mistakes that they may have made. Do so by providing tool tips, automatic spell checking, and providing descriptive error messages when feasible.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/designing-home-pages/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Home Page Design'>Home Page Design</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Checkout Process Design</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Checkout Process]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Return On Investment (ROI)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=466</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The checkout process has become widely known on the internet and making purchases online is fairly common for most households. One would think the checkout process has been nearly perfected.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/10-ecommerce-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Quick E-Commerce Tips'>10 Quick E-Commerce Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/category-page-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Category Page Design'>Category Page Design</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/checkout-process-design/">Checkout Process: Designing Profitable Websites Part 6</a></h1>

<p>The checkout process has become widely known over the years on the internet and making purchases online is fairly common for most households. With such popularity you would think the checkout process has been nearly perfected, however astonishingly 59% of all users abandon the checkout process. This could be for a number of reasons but the most important being users are not given a clear direction through the process. This leads users to get confused, frustrated, and abandon the process. Ideally an easier, friendlier, and dependable checkout process will do the trick and increase conversions.</p>

<p>Checkout processes are fairly dynamic and span across multiple pages. Making a change to one step may affect another. While designing a checkout process it is important that you take all of the steps into consideration and design the checkout process all the way through, not skipping any steps in-between. A few design suggestions to take into account include:</p>

<h3>Acknowledge common checkout process goals.</h3>
<p>While the checkout process is most commonly used for the exchange of money for goods or services, it can also be used to accept donations, take membership payments, or to even transfer money into a virtual equivalent. Make sure you know the <em>primary goal</em> and <em>function</em> of your checkout process.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/1.jpg" alt="Clean Nice Checkout" /><span id="more-466"></span>

<h3>Be aware of, and address, visitor's questions.</h3>
<p>When completing a checkout process <em>users need comprehensible direction and answers</em> to any questions that may arise. A few questions to be aware of, and provide answers to, include: "Where do I start?", "How much will shipping cost?", "What payment methods are accepted and are they secure?"</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/2.jpg" alt="Cart with Answers" />

<h3>They have a troubled past.</h3>
<p>The checkout process has a deep and rigorous past including some elements that are now dampening its future. For example, it used to be helpful to have users create an account when making purchases for order fulfillment. This is no longer true. If using an out of the box checkout process for free make sure that you <em>disable or remove many of these unnecessary features</em>.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/3.jpg" alt="Clean Checkout Features" />

<h3>They can stop working.</h3>
<p>The checkout process is developed within hard code connected to a database. Problems can, and often do, arise. Since the checkout process is vital to the outcome of a website be sure that you have the proper facility in place to <em>monitor the process</em>, <em>ensure that it is working</em> and <em>looking for any potential issues</em>.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/4.jpg" alt="Working Checkout Process" />

<h3>They are rarely straightforward.</h3>
<p>Sometimes checkout processes will jump from one website to another <em>confusing users</em> along the way. With all of the identity theft and security risk on the internet this will turn away users. If you need to use a separate or third party site for the process that is fine, but do so smoothly and securely.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/6.jpg" alt="Multiple Checkout Platforms" />

<h3>Follow form fundamentals.</h3>
<p><em>The same design guidelines for forms apply to forms within the check out process.</em> Some of the most important guidelines being: Cut out nonessential fields, center user focus on the form, show tips and help, supply progress or steps guide, and provide users with confidence and security.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/7.jpg" alt="Checkout Fundamentals" />

<h3>Remind users what is in the cart.</h3>
<p>Believe it or not many users will forget what they have added to their shopping card and other <em>users just want to double check</em> their items to ensure they choose the correct size, color, etc. Giving users a thumbnail image, clean heading, and small details on the products in the shopping cart will allow them to view what they have selected without having to leave the checkout process.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/8.jpg" alt="Carts with Images" />

<h3>Place buttons within a hierarchy.</h3>
<p>Many out of the box shopping carts will give the same amount of attention to the clear cart button as the check out button, all the while using confusing labels. Keep your buttons organized with <em>descriptive labels</em>, <em>intuitive placement</em>, and <em>intelligible visual design</em>.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/9.jpg" alt="Good Checkout Buttons" />

<h3>Supply progress or steps guide.</h3>
<p>Letting users know where they are within the checkout process is vitally important no matter how many steps are involved. <em>Users are at ease when they know where they are, where they are going, and exactly how much longer the process may take.</em></p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/5.jpg" alt="Checkout Steps" />

<h3>Omit user registration.</h3>
<p>The largest abandonment rate within the checkout process occurs when users are required to create an account or register with a website. If it is necessary for users to create an account to complete the checkout process <em>integrate it within the process itself</em>. This stops you from having to ask users for the same information repeatedly and will decrease your abandonment rate.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/11.jpg" alt="Checkout without Registration" />

<h3>Minimize and clarify process.</h3>
<p>The fewer fields required completing the checkout process the more conversions you will see. However <em>it only takes one confusing step to throw a wrench in the whole process</em>. Minimize and clarify the checkout process at the same time, ensure only necessary information is being collected and that nothing is being left out or overlooked.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/12.jpg" alt="Minimal Input" />

<h3>Complete within one page if possible.</h3>
<p>The <em>easier the checkout process is to complete the better</em>. If you have the option or possibility to complete the entire checkout process within one page do so as it will boost conversions. Gathering all of the needed information within one page can also be simplified using Ajax, jQuery, and the alike to stylize the process.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/13.jpg" alt="One Page Checkout" />

<h3>Provide users with confidence and security.</h3>
<p>As with any form, and even more so with the checkout process, you want to <em>provide users with a strong confidence and security</em>. To accomplish this place a stamp, seal, or icon within the checkout process that verifies all security measures. If possible have this stamp, seal, or icon linked to detailed security information or privacy policy – perhaps in a pop up window if applicable to keep users within the checkout process.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/14.jpg" alt="Secure Shopping" />

<h3>Display shipping and return policy details.</h3>
<p>More times than none users want to know what are the shipping and return policy details. Their questions arise as what to do if a product is faulty, broken, or even just the wrong size. <em>Providing shipping and return policy details will ease users and allow them to easily make the desired purchase.</em></p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/checkout-process/15.jpg" alt="Shipping and Return Information" />

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/10-ecommerce-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: 10 Quick E-Commerce Tips'>10 Quick E-Commerce Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/category-page-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Category Page Design'>Category Page Design</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Website Form Design</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:33:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Form Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Return On Investment (ROI)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shayhowe.com/?p=451</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Forms are the biggest areas of abandonment on the internet. Reason being they are boring and ask for too many details. However much of the internet is widely based around forms, therefore making them important.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Universal Website Usability Rules'>Universal Website Usability Rules</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/form-design/">Forms: Designing Profitable Websites Part 5</a></h1>

<p>Forms are the biggest areas of abandonment on the internet. Reason being they are boring, ask for too many personal details, and are only a step toward the end. However much of the internet is widely based around forms including everything from login to contact forms and online purchase to social networking comment forms. All in all the more satisfying forms you design and the easier they are for users to complete the better results you will see.</p>

<p>Forms are supposed to be practical and serviceable, not an artistic expression. The main purpose behind designing a form is solving a problem including how to get users to input their information in the easiest way possible. It is not to say that forms should not be pretty, they should. It is all a matter of putting everything together. A few suggestions to follow when putting together a form include:</p>

<h3>Acknowledge common form goals.</h3>
<p>The main goal for any form is to be <em>filled out</em> and <em>submitted</em>. Different forms will have different specific goals, for example a newsletter subscription form has the primary goal of obtaining marketing information, especially an email address. Be aware of the forms broad and specific goals.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/1.jpg" alt="Nice Form" /><span id="more-451"></span>

<h3>Be aware of, and address, visitor's questions.</h3>
<p>While some forms are easier than others to complete, they all <em>provoke questions</em> amongst visitors. Knowing where to start, how long it will take to complete, and if the questions are fair are all questions that will arise. Knowing what questions may be asked allows you to answer them now and allows more users to complete the form.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/2.jpg" alt="Form Answers" />

<h3>They can look strenuous.</h3>
<p>All too often forms look strenuous and typically not worth the effort. If you are requiring users to input a large amount of information make sure that the <em>end result is worth the effort</em>.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/3.jpg" alt="Forms Worth While" />

<h3>They can get lengthy.</h3>
<p>Limit the number of fields within a form as much as possible. For each additional field required a decent percentage of users will abandon the form. <em>Keep forms sleek and omit the nonessential fields.</em></p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/4.jpg" alt="Simple and Small Form" />

<h3>They are rarely straightforward.</h3>
<p>Forms are rarely straightforward and all too often they are spread out across multiple web pages teasing visitors the entire way. You will accomplish the best results if your form can be <em>completed on one page</em> with one submit button, getting straight to the point.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/5.jpg" alt="Single Page Contact Form" />

<h3>They can stop working.</h3>
<p>There are no guarantees that a form will always work correctly. With so many moving parts, all-relying on the other, it is not uncommon for forms to stop working. Keep a close eye on your forms and <em>ensure that they are always working</em> to their full capability.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/6.jpg" alt="Working Contact Form" />

<h3>Center user focus on the form.</h3>
<p>The best way to get users to fill out a form is to <em>make it stand out</em> on the page. Doing so will allow users to find the form quickly and thus fill it out quickly as well. For best practice use a light background color for the field so that the text is easy to read, however stylize the form with a border, arrows, field box colors, and so forth.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/7.jpg" alt="Form User Focus" />

<h3>Implement a well-defined design.</h3>
<p>A well-defined and clean layout will make the form <em>easier to understand</em> and subsequently <em>easier to fill out</em>. A few tips on designing around a form include using enough white space, removing anything that will not contribute to the completion of a form, using left-aligned text and fields, and having easy to read content.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/8.jpg" alt="Clean Form Design" />

<h3>Cut out nonessential fields.</h3>
<p>A widely known rule states that the more fields you have the less chance of completion you have. As a designer, negotiate with a client to come to a safe number of fields and <em>remove the fields that are unnecessary and irrelevant</em>.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/9.jpg" alt="Minimal Form Input" />

<h3>Provide advantages for users.</h3>
<p>If a user is filling out a form there needs to be a <em>strong motive</em> behind it, and in general the bigger the form the bigger the motive needs to be. Do not let visitors forget the advantage they are going to receive by completing a form, especially if they happen to get distracted.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/10.jpg" alt="Form Motivation" />

<h3>Make use of understandable and detailed labels.</h3>
<p>Writing understandable and detailed labels is <em>easier said than done</em>. Common fields such as first name, last name, and email are easy however asking users for a username can cause some difficulty. Is this a new username, an alias, or an email address?</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/11.jpg" alt="Detailed Form Labels" />

<h3>Use verbs if practical.</h3>
<p>If you are afraid that users may not understand what is being asked of them, <em>consider using an active verb within the label</em>. For example, instead "Password" use a label with an active verb such as "Add a Password".</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/12.jpg" alt="Forms with Active Verbs" />

<h3>Use sentences or sentence completion if practical.</h3>
<p>When using an active verb is not enough and you need more detail to <em>communicate the question</em> consider using a complete sentence, complete question, or the beginning of a sentence. Examples include: "List your favorite colors.", "What is your name?", "I am currently:"</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/13.jpg" alt="Questions Within Forms" />

<h3>Show tips and help.</h3>
<p>There is no doubt users will have questions when filling out a form and if no one is around to help them it can be a deserted experience. Providing users with tool tips and help icons can be of great use and ultimately allow them to complete the form. Having your tips and advice pop up in new windows or off to the side of a form is not ideal as too much content on a page may confuse visitors. <em>Only show users a tool tip or help box when the users select each individual field or when they ask for it.</em></p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/14.jpg" alt="Form Tips and Help Boxes" />

<h3>Permit approximate or estimated fields.</h3>
<p>Some forms may require some <em>detailed information not readily available</em> to the user. This is a huge roadblock and will mostly likely stop any further completion for the user. If an approximate or estimated answer is allowed make this clear to the user.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/15.jpg" alt="Form Estimates" />

<h3>Answer all possible fields for users.</h3>
<p><em>The faster you can move users through a form the better results you are going to have.</em> Prefilling and answering all of the possible fields for users ahead of time will dramatically speed up the process. If you already know the majority of the users are from the United States this could be as simple as selecting the country for them within the address field.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/16.jpg" alt="Prefilled Forms" />

<h3>Supply progress or steps guide.</h3>
<p>If a form is going to span across multiple pages, show the progress or steps involved. Doing so allows users to <em>see the end</em> and know that they are not being lead down a long and lonesome road. Research shows that users are more likely to abandon your form when not knowing where the end is.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/17.jpg" alt="Form Registration Steps" />

<h3>Provide users with confidence and security. </h3>
<p>Viruses, spam, fraud, and theft have spread like wildfire. Users are aware of this and thus are <em>reluctant to give out any of their information</em>, including something as simple as their email address. If possible purchase the VeriSign and TRUSTe stamps for your forms, if not a simple line of text reassuring users that their information is safe and secure may work as well. Users have grown to look for these stamps and icons, having them will only provide them with added confidence and security.</p>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/forms/18.jpg" alt="Mint Form Security" />

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/checkout-process-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Checkout Process Design'>Checkout Process Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Universal Website Usability Rules'>Universal Website Usability Rules</a></li>
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