When designing a website, or paying someone to create one, you should have at least one thing in mind: usability. Even if a website looks great, if it confuses us, we will leave (and probably not be back). Most of our browsing sessions are limited to a short time span, browsing at will until we find something that scratches our itch. Here’s a diagram from the book Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug:

How We Really Use The Web - Steve Krug

It’s something that can be lost after countless hours designing the perfect “looking” website, while forgetting the basics or the point of a website. Remember this key fact when developing your website and in your discussions with your web designer.

On a side note, I highly recommend Steve Krug’s book for any business owner, web designer, or anyone involved in the industry (plus it’s a quick read).

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1. Great Blogs for Web Design, Graphic Design, and Business
2. Website Accessibility
3. Validating Your Website

Recently I have had numerous conversations with business owners that haven’t grasped the social media marketing arena (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc.) yet. As Social Media is a “newer” area, which has its techniques and strategies that can help you and your customers, it needs focused attention. If you are saying “I’ve heard of Twitter before…” these videos are for you, showing you the importance of these applications.

Also, notice how Perry mentions people that state they don’t have enough time for these mediums, don’t fall into that category — make time.

Ed Dale is a genius when it comes to online marketing — take notes, follow his advice, and it will pay off for you and your customers.

I hope you enjoy the videos. Leave some feedback as we’d love to hear from you!

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1. Twitter Tips

Most Internet users will not read your entire article. They will scan headings and bold type, but usually not read word-for-word. So what can you do to help write more effectively on the Internet? Here are five simple steps to keeping your readers attention.

1.One idea per paragraph

This is no new idea, but most forget that all people want is something they can take away from an article quickly. Keeping your ideas to one per paragraph will keep the reader engaged and able to follow along.

2.Short Paragraphs

With the wealth of information on the Internet, you want to keep your message short and concise – otherwise the reader will go on finding their answer elsewhere.. If you are unsure if you’re paragraph is too long, break it up into two or more paragraphs.

3. Keywords in Title

Putting keywords in your title will help visitors know they are getting the information they are looking for. This will also help with scanning, once they scan and you make the impression you have what they are looking for, they will continue reading.

4.Keywords in body

Use keywords in your paragraphs, but don’t overuse them. Also, when you do use keywords make sure to bold them, so users know you have the answer to their search.

5.Proofread.

It’s very easy to get caught into finishing material and then simply posting it. After all, your editor has spell check, right? Well, your spell checker is not the answer to all of your problems. During college my professors would read papers, and pride themselves in correcting papers that were using their spell checker as a crutch (think: to, two, too). So get someone you know and trust to proof read your posts, otherwise people will lose respect and stop reading.

Most importantly, put your copy aside and change your frame of mind, contributing to something else for awhile. Come back to the article and read it again, most of the time your thoughts will change, giving you a different perspective and a more enriched message for your readers.

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