Small Business Website Mailbag

Web Design Email Link Tutorial

2008-08-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 037 entitled Web Design Email Link Tutorial provides website owners a tutorial for avoiding spam with advice for website links. Advanced features in the email tutorial and pdf download include cloaking methods with working javascript and html code for protecting email links in your website design.

Note: Like some podcast episodes, listeners may want to download the PDF tutorial and follow along while listening to the audio as they view the text and code examples. Here is the outline for today's program:

Web Design and the Risk from Email Spammers
Case Study of Realtor Website Spam Problem and Solution
Range of Web Design Options for Email Spam Protection
Javascript Option to Cloak Website Email Links
Web Design Email Tutorial PDF Download Review
Website Quick Tip of the Day - Procedure to Report Email Spammers

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design Email Link Tutorial
0:10:11 Tip of the Day - Procedure to Report Email Spammers
0:11:16 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:46 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 037

Referenced links:
Web Design PDF download of the free Email Link Tutorial (pdf, 4 pages, 105kb)
* Note: Right click to download the tutorial or left click to open and view in a new window
Link to ASCII Converter online tool and alternate method of cloaking an email address

The free pdf email tutorial download includes javascript code for copy and paste with step by step instructions for adding this advanced email protection to your small business web design. You do not have to register or provide an email address to get your copy of this web design email link tutorial. Right click on the link to "save as", or left click to view online now.

TAGS: advice email website email spam tutorial web design

Web Developer Tools Review

2008-08-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 036 entitled Web Developer Tools Review is about FireFox extensions that add functions with web developer tools for testing website design quality. In addition, other options allow instant review of web design page size and structure. Here is the outline for today's program:

Reasons to Download FireFox and Other Website Browsers
Introduction to Extensions for the FireFox Browser
Overview of FireFox Web Developer Toolbar for Web Design
Tab Options for Miscellaneous, Outline, Resize, and Tools
Analyzing Toolbar Information to Enhance a Web Design
Website Quick Tip of the Day - SearchStatus 1.2x PageRank Tool Review

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Developer Tools Review
0:11:32 Tip of the Day - SearchStatus 1.2x PageRank Tool Review
0:13:40 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:14:10 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 036

Referenced links:
FireFox Web Developer Toolbar download for website testing
Microsoft IE DOM Explorer Toolbar Internet Explorer alternate web developer toolbar
SearchStatus Add-on for Google PageRank button and Alexa

The graphic inserted below is from the FireFox web developer extension, and is for listeners to view during the review of these 4 menu options for web design related testing.

TAGS: advice browser addon web design tools review web design

DIY Desktop Blog and Ping

2008-08-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 035 entitled DIY Desktop Blog and Ping provides listeners with an exciting zero cost method to announce new blog posts with a desktop blog and ping software application. This allows bloggers to directly ping blog tracking services instantly without needing a middleman. Here is the outline for today's program:

Basics of Blog and Ping Blog Post Promotional Services
Research of Blog and Ping Online Service Trends
Overview of PDF Tutorial Download for DIY Blog and Ping
Review of Free Software for a DIY Desktop Blog and Ping Application
PDF Tutorial Review and Step by Step Blog and Ping Service Setup
Website Quick Tip of the Day - Creating Categories using Labels in Blogger

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - DIY Desktop Blog and Ping
0:22:53 Tip of the Day - Creating Categories using Labels in Blogger
0:25:10 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:25:40 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 035

Referenced links:
DIY Blog and Ping PDF Tutorial to view online or download now
Wayne Horkan's weblog: eclectic with FAQs and blog/ping software download

The free do-it-yourself desktop blog and ping pdf tutorial is 35 pages fully illustrated and includes a custom list of 8 top blog tracking services, plus the default list of 72. Listeners may want to download the 35 page pdf before launching this podcast episode, and then listen to the audio while viewing just the illustrations as I take you step by step through the process of easily creating a free desktop blog and ping application.

Kudos and a big thanks to Wayne Horkan of Sun Microsystems for his custom "free as in free beer" blog and ping software application that he released on 22 April 2008.

TAGS: advice blog blog and ping review software

Web Design Age and PageRank

2008-08-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 034 entitled Web Design Age and PageRank follows questions by a listener about web design performance measurements. PageRank is a Google trademark for their method of ranking website pages on a scale of 1 to 10. Here is the outline for today's program:

Introduction to Google PageRank and Web Designs
Observation of Forum Discussions About SEO and PageRank
Alexa Toolbar Measurement of Page Popularity
Affect of Website Age for Attracting Search Engines
Importance of Quality Content Web Design and Website Age
Website quick tip of the day - PDF Web Design and DIY SEO EBook Release

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design Age and PageRank
0:10:30 Tip of the Day - PDF Web Design and DIY SEO EBook Release
0:12:19 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:49 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 034

Referenced links:
URL Trends stats tracking of PageRank and backlinks
FireFox Web Developer Toolbar download for website testing
Microsoft IE DOM Explorer Toolbar download for website testing

The quick tip of the day follows the release today as promised last week of a new 50 page PDF ebook on cms web design and do-it-yourself search engine optimization tutorial. With the finished book, listeners may want to hear my take on the content as it developed and finally completed this week. Positive search engine traffic continues to grow, so the tip of the day includes comments and evidence the seo methods achieve positive results.

TAGS: advice PageRank podcast seo search engine optimization web design

CMS Web Design and SEO Results

2008-08-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 033 entitled CMS Web Design and SEO Results provides evidence that a CMS web design can rank well with search engines. This update to July statistics reported last week includes a preview of the new PDF ebook being released next week. The expanded ebook is nearly complete and will contain around 100 pages including advanced seo techniques using natural methods of on-page optimization. Here is the outline for today's program:

Recent Conversion to a CMS Custom Web Design
Updated Target Phrases for Web Design
Advanced SEO Techniques in the CMS Web Design
SEO Benefits for Clients of CMS Web Design Projects
Results with over 80 Google Page One Listings
Website quick tip of the day - Preview of New SEO PDF EBook

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - CMS Web Design and SEO Results
0:09:54 Tip of the Day - Preview of New SEO PDF EBook
0:12:55 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:13:25 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 033

Referenced links:
CMS Web Design Tutorial outline for the new PDF Ebook
SEO EBook Download of the 12 page PDF short course for SEO

(Updated Aug 9) Note: The free 50 page pdf ebook on web design and DIY SEO was released as announced on the Small Business Resource Center Blog. As usual, readers do not have to register or provide an email address to download the PDF. SEO consultants would charge $1000's for the search engine optimization information being revealed. Website owners interested in do-it-yourself seo may download the new ebook with no cost or obligation. Listen to this podcast episode to learn my results and why these seo and web design methods work, and then visit my blog next week for your copy.

TAGS: advice cms podcast seo search engine optimization web design

Outdated Website SEO Strategy

2008-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 032 entitled Outdated Website SEO Strategy compares search engine optimization strategy from two years ago, as well as current strategies, and then provides a review of what web design seo methods work and those that are outdated. Quality web design is still about adding new and original quality content and staying on top of web design and seo best practices. Here is the outline for today's program:

Web Design Outdated SEO Advice from 2006 to 2007
Critical Review of Current SEO Expert Advice
Outdated SEO Strategies with Weak Results
Two Questions to Measure Web Design SEO Methods
CMS Web Design and Improved SERP Results
Website quick tip of the day - Why Web Design Projects Never Get Done

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Outdated Website SEO Strategy
0:11:52 Tip of the Day - Why Web Design Projects Never Get Done
0:13:35 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:14:05 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 032

Referenced links:
Custom CMS and Web Design Services on my main site

Part of the evidence of search engine optimization methods in today's show includes 50 page one results in Google for this website during July 2008. Of those, 12 were #1 on page one, so designing a site for visitors first with quality content does attract people and search engines.

TAGS: advice podcast seo search engine optimization web design

Web Design and Site Redesign

2008-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 031 entitled Web Design and Site Redesign is for small business website owners considering a site makeover. Site performance and keeping visitors on your site longer may be enhanced with a refreshing look including new and original quality content. Here is the outline for today's program:

Reasons for Web Design or Redesign Site Makeover
Planning the Redesign of a Small Business Website
Decisions About Web Design Code Standards per W3C
Upgraded Graphics in a New Custom Website Design
Web Design and Search Engine Optimization Strategy
Website quick tip of the day - 301 Redirect to Salvage File Names

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design and Site Redesign
0:08:30 Tip of the Day - 301 Redirect to Salvage File Names
0:11:28 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:58 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 031

Referenced links:
Web Design Quality Assurance manual for web design standards at W3C
Free PDF SEO Tutorial and audio version on my podcast

The quick tip in this episode includes instructions for doing a 301 redirect of old file names to new file names. This allows site owners to recycle website page file names during a redesign and is especially important for web design and search engine optimization puposes based on the age of recycled pages.

TAGS: advice podcast seo search engine optimization web design

Small Business Blogging Tips

2008-07-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 030 entitled Small Business Blogging Tips provides updated advice for small business bloggers. Here is the outline for today's program:

Review of Blogs in Small Business Web Design
Life Cycle of Majority of Blogs
Blog Post Quality versus Quantity
Mistakes Observed from Existing Clients
Easy Solutions to Keep Writing Blog Posts
Website Quick Tip of the Day - Writers Block and Your Blog

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Small Business Blogging Tips
0:10:59 Tip of the Day - Writers Block and Your Blog
0:12:10 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:40 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 030

Referenced links:
Blog Writing Tips article for small business websites

This episode includes additional tips for small business owners who find it difficult to maintain their blog. By adding quality original content often to any web design, blogs provide an easy method to enhance site performance with more search traffic and potential business.

TAGS: advice podcast blogging blog writing web design

Web Design Philosophy in Flash

2008-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 029 entitled Web Design Philosophy in Flash provides feeback based on a recent new custom web design nearing its launch date, and unlike past objections to flash, I now offer flash options for small business owner web design projects. Here is the outline for today's program:

Evolution of Web Design since 1996
Advanced Web Design Techniques Using Flash
CSS Solutions to Replace Flash and Javascript
Decision to Reverse Web Design Philosophy in Flash
Future of Flash in Web Design
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design Philosophy in Flash
0:11:19 Tip of the Day - Advanced Web Design Features vs Perfect Code
0:13:09 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:13:39 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 029

Referenced links:
Web video production services and sample flash web design video
CSS gallery of cards and web design css alternative to flash

This episode recognizes the emerging advanced web design options available for small business websites using flash. Besides load time, my major objection in the past had been the difficulty of creating perfect code in xhtml to W3C standards. Using web design in flash entirely still has zero value for seo, or search engine optimization, yet today's program talks about flash used for the benefit of visitors.

TAGS: advice podcast flash search engine optimization seo web design

Web Design Client Interview

2008-06-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
This podcast episode 028 entitled Web Design Client Interview introduces an interview with a new customer and small business owner with a discussion of their CMS, or Content Management System, web design project. Here is the outline for today's program and interview:

Introduction of Client for CMS Web Design
Opening Comments and Web Design Project Overview
Client Preconceptions About Web Design and SEO
Web Design Project Development and Progress
Closing Remarks and Web Design Project Launch
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design Client Interview
0:06:41 Tip of the Day - Benefits of a CMS Web Design
0:09:41 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:10:11 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 028

Referenced links:
Vacation Home Rental Website of Darin Vader at SunShinyFlorida.com
CMS web design overview and introduction to CMS benefits.

This episode provides insight into the expectations of a client for a new CMS web design project, and the process from initial contact to website launch. Listeners will learn about working closely with their web design team, and advanced strategy for seo, search engine optimization. Information about training and tutorials explains how a content management system allows small business website owners to add, edit, or delete content without learning html programming code.

TAGS: interview podcast cms content management system search engine optimization seo web design

Web Design SEO Audio Ebook

2008-06-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
The topic for this podcast episode Web Design SEO Audio Ebook is a short course on search engine optimization, or seo, for small business web design, and the show script of this audio ebook is being documented as a PDF for download, also. This tutorial may be used by any website owner, or customers who ordered a web design using my CMS, Content Management System, to learn SEO without further assistance. Here's the outline for today's program and the list of referenced links:

Key SEO Factors in Web Design
Web Design and Keyword Research
Keyword Density and Analysis
Free SEO Analysis Software
Web Design and Implementing SEO
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design SEO Audio Ebook
0:19:33 Tip of the Day - Ongoing Web Design and Optimization
0:22:00 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:22:30 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 027

Referenced links:
Episode 27 SEO EBook MP3 for this podcast audio ebook download.
Episode 27 SEO EBook PDF download of this podcast transcript. (zip, 444Kb, 12 pages)
DupeFree Pro software download page for analysis of keyword density

This episode documents strategy for do-it-yourself search engine optimization of keywords for a small business web design. SEO consultants charge $1000's in recurring fees for this same information. With diligence and patience, small business owners can reap the benefits by learning these basics for optimizing their website. Your only investment is your time. Listen now, or download this episode and the PDF ebook transcript to keep. Unlike the audio podcast episode limited to sound, this ebook contains illustrations.

TAGS: advice podcast keywords small business advice search engine optimization seo web design

Web Design with CSS Styling

2008-06-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 026 entitled Web Design with CSS Styling provides web design lessons on separating content and presentation using CSS, Cascading Style Sheets, and links to resources including a new video and W3C standards for CSS. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Introduction to Web Design and CSS
Web Design Separating Content and Presentation
New Video of Web Design in CMS with CSS Styling
Web Design Standards Authority for CSS at W3C
Advanced CSS Techniques for Special Effects
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design with CSS Styling
0:09:46 Tip of the Day - Validating Code to W3C Standards
0:12:57 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:13:27 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 026

Referenced links:
Video demo showing CSS and site conversion to new CMS web design
W3C CSS standards and cascading stylesheet resources
W3C CSS online tool for testing CSS to current standards

The video in the reference links demonstrates that by using CSS in a CMS web design, a site owner can input plain text to create new pages in their small business web design, and the cascading style sheet takes care of content arrangement and the color scheme. The importance of valid css and xhtml code in a website design is presented in the tip of the day, plus a link to a free W3C online code validation tool is included above in the referenced links.

TAGS: advice cascading style sheets css podcast small business advice video web design

CMS Web Design Site Conversion

2008-06-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 025 entitled CMS Web Design Site Conversion is an update to work in progress after deciding to convert my commercial site to a content management system, or cms. Since last week's announcement of updated web design services with an easy to use CMS system for small business owners, I decided to use my main site for the demo. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Introduction to CMS Conversion of This Website
Tour of Demo Page of New Prototype Home Page
Experience with Adding New CMS Pages and Content
Things to Consider Before Choosing a CMS Web Design
Pages with Zero or Near Zero XHTML Code Errors
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - CMS Web Design Site Conversion
0:09:49 Tip of the Day - Review of HTML Book by Elizabeth Castro
0:11:31 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:01 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 025

Referenced links:
Demo Home Page in CMS shows cms design and blog templates in progress
JPG Screenshot of CMS Site for listeners to view if they download this episode.

~~While still in development, the robots text file is temporarily blocking search engine indexing of the demo home page.~~ The demo folder ~~may be deleted once the main site~~ is converted and ready for formal release. The new site web design conversion to CMS makes it easy to add, edit, or delete content, yet the time to complete 70 pages may still take another 1-2 weeks.

TAGS: advice content management system cms podcast small business advice web design

Custom CMS Web Design Demo

2008-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 024 entitled Custom CMS Web Design Demo introduces a new feature in development and an invitation to view work in progress. A content management system, cms, is an effective way for small business owners to manage content on their site. Unlike most cms websites, this new version is streamlined, easy to use, and my design is xhtml with css and zero code errors. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Introduction to CMS Basics for Small Business Owners
Research on Content Management System Solutions
Online Demo Project Visit, Current Progress, and Goals
Audio Tour to Guide Visitors Viewing the Development Site
New Custom CMS Web Design with Perfect XHTML and CSS Code
Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Custom CMS Web Design Demo
0:10:15 Tip of the Day - Climbing the CMS Website Learning Curve
0:11:48 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:18 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 024

Referenced links:
Introduction to CMS Custom Website is a glimpse of cms design work in progress

The CMS demo pages are in development, and ~~the robots text file is temporarily blocking search engine indexing until it is~~ ready for formal release. For now, small business owners interested in an easy to use content management solution to add, edit, or delete content from their website are invited to review the project and inquire about a discount from published pricing.

TAGS: advice content management system cms podcast small business advice web design

Website Writing for Profit

2008-05-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 023 entitled Website Writing for Profit explores ways to use the writing expertise from your original small business website and blog content to create info products as giveaways, or for sale as reports, ebooks, audio courses, or video. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Writing and Small Business Website Promotion
Distributing Original Information Products Online
Using Your Articles and Posts for Content
Production and Delivery of Information Products
Realistic Expectations and Mistakes to Avoid
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Website Writing for Profit
0:07:37 Tip of the Day - ClickBank and Affiliate Sales
0:10:48 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:18 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 023

Referenced links:
ClickBank website introduction and info products marketplace

The idea of becoming rich online by selling info products does require realistic expectations, and the final segment of the main topic helps keep that truth in perspective. Making money in your small business takes hard work, and selling information products online is equally challenging.

TAGS: advice info products podcast clickbank small business advice writing

Blog Format Case Study Review

2008-05-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 022 entitled Blog Format Case Study Review compares using Blogger and WordPress for creating a small business integrated blog. In a test case study of WordPress as an alternate to Blogger, I chose a personal site to update before adding WP as an option for custom blog design. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Review of Blogger and WordPress Blog Format
Blog Design and Valid Code per W3C
Case Study and Test Blog in WordPress
Plug-in for WordPress Automatic Version Upgrade
Review of Free Plain Text WP Blog Theme
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Blog Format Case Study Review
0:09:34 Tip of the Day - Installing WordPress on GoDaddy Hosting
0:11:13 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:43 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 022

Referenced links:
Test blog in WordPress format on my personal genealogy site
Free Plain Text Theme download from PlainTxt.org
WordPress Version Automated Upgrade Plug-in from Techie-Buzz.com

The referenced links in today's podcast provide two interesting options for people considering a WordPress blog for their small business website. The free plain text theme is highly functional with an uncluttered approach to blog post presentation. The automated upgrade plug-in provides an easy way to update your WordPress blog to the latest revision without having technical expertise.

TAGS: advice blogs podcast blogger small business advice wordpress

Google Webmaster Tools Review

2008-05-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 021 entitled Google Webmaster Tools Review takes a tour and explains the advantages of free resources for small business website owners. Diagnosis and analysis of your website stats, linking, sitemap, and tools provides great insight into search engine optimization. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Introduction to Google Webmaster Tools
Online Tour of Webmaster Tools
Diagnostics, Statistics, Links, Sitemaps, and Tools
Key Advantages for Small Business Websites
Analyzing Small Business Website Defects
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Google Webmaster Tools Review
0:10:20 Tip of the Day - Resource for Improving Google Results
0:12:06 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:36 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 021

Referenced links:
Google Webmasters Central introduction to Webmaster Tools
Webmaster Tools Online Tour step by step overview
Reasons for Reporting Paid Links advice from Google Support

Natural linking from related websites provide the best quality backlinks to improve the importance of your website. Our tip of the day and bonus tool offers small business site owners advice for reporting sites involved in the deceptive practice of buying or selling links. Today's tip explains how this can affect and improve meaningful Google search results.

TAGS: advice webmaster tools podcast search engine optimization small business advice web design

Website First Impression Tips

2008-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 020 entitled Website First Impression Tips presents tips on content for establishing a positive first impression and credibility for sole proprietor small business web design. Advice is geared towards "About Us" pages and comparing appropriate content and inappropriate content. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

First Impression and the About Us Page
Importance of Full Disclosure and Credibility
Comparison of Appropriate and Inappropriate Content
Further Explanation of Inappropriate Content
Small Business Web Design Closing Remarks
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Website First Impression Tips
0:08:38 Tip of the Day - Owner Portraits on Websites
0:10:23 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:10:53 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 020

Additional web design advice includes the decision of having your photograph as a sole proprietor on your website, and different attitudes about image and first impressions.

TAGS: advice about us podcast small business advice web design

Recovering Disputed Websites

2008-04-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 019 entitled Recovering Disputed Websites presents advice concerning the practice of cybersquatting to assist small business owners who use their name for a website domain to resolve problems in recovering disputed websites. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Definition of Cybersquatting
Suggestions for Avoiding Cybersquatters
Website Case Study and Intellectual Property Rights
International Resources to Recover a Disputed Domain
Procedure and Cost for Filing a Complaint with WIPO
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Recovering Disputed Websites from Cybersquatting
0:13:02 Tip of the Day - The Related Problem of Typosquatting
0:14:29 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:14:59 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 019

Referenced links:
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva Switzerland, international body for dispute resolution
WIPO Domain FAQs with advice for disputed websites

In addition to advice for individuals using their personal name for a commercial small business domain, the tip of the day has advice for established companies looking to protect their intangible assets. Today's show and tip of the day provides information and advice covering cybersquatting and typosquatting.

TAGS: advice cybersquatting podcast small business advice typosquatting website registration

Small Business Website Audio

2008-04-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 018 entitled Small Business Website Audio presents advice for adding audio to your small business website including introductions, podcasts, testimonials, product information, and perhaps entertainment. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Introduction to Audio on Small Business Websites
Potential Applications for Audio
Resources for Presenting Audio Multimedia Players
Basic Equipment for Website Audio Production
Process for Audio Planning, Production, and Presentation
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Small Business Website Audio
0:08:15 Tip of the Day - Voice Talent for Small Business Audio
0:9:48 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:10:18 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 018

Referenced links:
1 Pixel Out freeware audio player for websites
Audio script advice on my main site

Today's show provides enough information and resources for small business website owners to quickly add audio to enhance their online presence with quality content in audio format. Plan first and then get used to the production, and presentation of your audio becomes easier with time and experience.

TAGS: advice audio podcast small business advice tutorial website design

Blog Social Bookmarks Tutorial

2008-04-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 017 entitled Blog Social Bookmarks Tutorial presents advice for adding social bookmarks to your Blogger small business blog or podcast. The graphics and links to online social bookmarking services are easily added to your blog template, and the downloads include a written tutorial, copy and paste code, plus all of the graphics as displayed below posts on this podcast. Here's the outline for today's program:

Introduction to Blog and Podcast Social Bookmarks
Comparison of Hosting on Blogger or Your Website
Tutorial for New Blogger Hosted on Blogger
Tutorial for New Blogger Hosted on Your Domain
Social Bookmark Tutorial Downloads with Free Graphics
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Blog Social Bookmarks Tutorial
0:10:03 Tip of the Day - BlogFlux Directory and Ping Services
0:11:27 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:57 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 017

Referenced links:
Hosted on Blogger tutorial download link for New Blogger social bookmarks (Zip folder - 12Kb)
Hosted on your domain tutorial download link for New Blogger social bookmarks (Zip folder - 12Kb)
BlogFlux blog directory website including free ping services for members

Today's show provides links to download complete instructions for step by step template revision of your blog or podcast to add social bookmarks. Two versions of the tutorial are presented depending on your hosting. Blogger hosted blogs are modified in "Layout" while "Template" is used if hosting on your domain, so choose the download appropriate for your blog or podcast.

Note: You do not have to register or reveal your email address to download these free resources. Each zip folder contains 12 social bookmark graphics and 1 plain text file with how-to text and sample html code.

TAGS: advice blog bookmarks podcast small business advice tutorial website design

Website Contact Information

2008-04-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 016 entitled Website Contact Information presents a web design subject not covered previously and offers advice for enhancing the reputation of a small business website. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Small Business Website Contact Info Introduction
Formats for Your Website Contact Information
Establishing Credibility as a Trusted Website
Case Study and Review of an Online Store
Maximizing Your Reputation as a Trusted Site
Website Quick Tip of the Day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Website Contact Information
0:08:39 Tip of the Day - Business Cards and Bonus Sales
0:10:36 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:11:06 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 016

Referenced links:
JPG of business card ad for helping online stores make bonus sales
Mainstream Memorabilia online store to compare site graphics to the card ad

Today's show provides evidence that decisions about contact information can enhance the success of a small business website, and help establish a reputation with visitors and search engines as a trusted site. It's the little things that help improve a positive first impression and maximize the value of search engine optimization.

The tip of the day includes a testimonial by the owner of Mainstream Memorabilia, and how she confirmed the value of her business card ad for attracting bonus sales.

TAGS: advice contact info credibility podcast small business advice search engine optimization website design

Websites and Market Branding

2008-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 015 entitled Websites and Market Branding presents small business owners practical advice for creating a consistent corporate image in print and online. The purpose of branding is to create a familiar identity that becomes linked indelibly to your small business through repetition. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Intitial foundation for market branding
Extending market brand to all media
Market brand and small business websites
Market branding and corporate image
Actions that further define corporate image
Website quick tip of the day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Websites and Market Branding
0:08:42 Tip of the Day - Your Company Name or Slogan in Your Logo
0:09:33 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:10:03 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 015

Referenced links:
Protecting Your Corporate Image and Market Identity article I wrote with advice and tips about logo artwork

Today's show goes beyond websites and promotional material in print. Another key to a consistent market brand and corporate identity is how you execute the operation of your business. This podcast explains how your way of treating customers and doing business becomes part of that corporate image.

TAGS: advice news podcast market branding small business advice

Web Design and Accessibility

2008-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 014 entitled Web Design and Accessibility provides small business owners important information about making websites accessible to the widest possible audience, especially those persons with disabilities. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Definition of Website Accessibility
Importance of Web Design and Accessibility
Key Elements for Accessible Web Design
Case Study of Screen Readers for the Blind
Accessibility Testing of Small Business Websites
Website quick tip of the day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Web Design and Accessibility
0:12:58 Tip of the Day - SEO Value of Accessible Web Design
0:13:52 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:14:22 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 014

Referenced links:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 provide WAI standards for accessible web design
HiSoftware online accessibility testing allows verifying accessible web design
Test accessibility of this podcast here to confirm it Passed Automated Verification

Special Notes:
To assist listeners, the following list is included here to save you any inconvenience taking notes:

15 Key Elements for Accessible Web Design

Use Proper DocType Statement in Code
Use a Language Identifier Code
Use Descriptive Page Title Tags
Use Text Links vs Javascript
Use Title Tags to Clearly Define Links
Use Descriptive Alt Tags for Each Graphic
Use Relative Font Sizes in Ems or Percentage, not Fixed Pixels
Use H Series Tags for Headings and Subheadings
Use Label Tags in Form Elements of Online Forms
Use Summary Tags to Describe Data in Tables
Use Table Header Tags to Define Table Layout
Use a Search Box Function on Every Page (large sites anyway)
Use Separate Presentation and Content with CSS Style Sheets
Don't Use Links that Launch Browsers in a New Window
Avoid Spacer Shims or Invisible Graphics for Layout

Some of the elements may be unfamiliar or seem too technical, so you may want to review the above list with your web developer. Having pages render compatible to devices for disabled persons is not difficult, and may bring you revenue opportunities servicing this niche of potential customers by providing an accessible small business web design.

TAGS: advice accessibility podcast small business advice search engine optimization wai website design

Optimize Your Website Keywords

2008-03-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

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Show Notes
Today's podcast Episode 013 entitled Optimize Your Website Keywords is for small business website owners interested in percentage of keywords for search engine optimization. Topics provide advice for SEO research, implementation, a case study, and free software to help automate the process. Here's the outline for this podcast show:

Understanding keywords and key phrases
Researching keywords for your small business website
Case study comparing web design to website design
Advice on optimum keyword density for web pages
Automated software to test and edit keyword density
Website quick tip of the day

0:00:00 Podcast Theme Music and Introduction
0:00:45 Main Topic - Optimize Your Website Keywords
0:10:30 Tip of the Day - Using a Tilde Search for Synomnyms
0:11:46 Podcast Outro Theme Music and Credits
0:12:16 End of Small Business Website Mailbag Podcast 013

Referenced links:
Keyword Discovery search online tool for ranking popularity of key words and phrases
DupeFree Pro software download page for testing and edit of keyword density

During this podcast the example ranking of top search results for "web design" and "website design" listed below is referenced and included here to save listeners the trouble of taking notes. The list displays ranking from 1 to 20 of the top 20 search phrases, the actual phrase, and the popularity of that phrase as a percentage compared to the other 19.

Rank/Keywords/Percentage
01 web design (46.4%)
02 website design (11.4%)
03 design a web page (8.6%)
04 web site design (7.6%)
05 web page design (5.8%)
06 free web design (5.4%)
07 design site web (3.4%)
08 computing web design (2.6%)
09 web design software (2.1%)
10 web design tools (1.8%)
11 free web page design (1.3%)
12 free website design (0.9%)
13 website design software (0.5%)
14 website layout design (0.4%)
15 ecommerce website design (0.4%)
16 how to design a website (0.3%)
17 design website (0.3%)
18 best website design (0.3%)
19 design your own website (0.3%)
20 design a website (0.3%)

The bottom line to enhancing your site for search engine optimization is keeping relevant key words in your content that relate to your business without repeating key phrases too often. Your content should be designed for readers first, and then natural linking from search engines and other websites should follow.

TAGS: advice podcast keywords small business advice search engine optimization website design