Web & Software Development

Browsing habits have changed and will continue to do so. Web designers constantly need to adapt to users evolving habits to design the ultimate browsing experience. One of the most commonly debated questions is: “What screen resolution should I design for?” The design norm used to be 1024 x 768, hence the introduction of the 960 pixel grid system– but is this the case anymore with bigger monitors and more mobile devices? This infographic provides an...

Registering a domain name is the first step towards starting your online business or personal branding website. It may sound pretty straightforward, however,  there are important factors you must consider in order to choose the domain name that is going to reflect your organisation's brand and make a positive difference to your sales and popularity. Avoid Trademarked Names Do not register a domain name that has been...

Your marketing plan is an essential part of your overall business plan. It sets the direction and goals for introducing new products, entering new markets, or changing a current marketing strategy. Here is a simple, systematic guideline which you can use when creating your next marketing plan. We’ve all heard it before, that a good plan should be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-based and Timed....

If you are tossing up whether you need a website redesign or not, I have some good news for you - you probably don’t. In my experience, redesigning a website from scratch is an expensive and time consuming exercise. A good web design firm will spend at least 3 months from start to finish for all design, development and quality control requirements - and it...

Building a customer base for your brand new website is not an easy thing to do, particularly if you have little to no budget to spend on marketing. Here are some customer base building tips that won't empty your pockets! Feedback button Add a feedback option or button on your website to help you improve your interactions with customers - you'll most likely start receiving feedback about...

If you're an entrepreneur, the Internet has made it cost effective and easier than ever to open up your own online business. When selling your products or services online, the investment required to create an E-Commerce website is significantly lower than the costs associated with starting an equivalent business via traditional means. After you've determined your business goals, niche target market, unique selling points, and product...

If you fail to plan then you plan to fail! Website planning is the most critical part of website development and it should occur before a website is created. Despite this, many website developers are so eager to execute their website design that their end result is not properly aligned with their website goals and site strategy. This is why you need to create a...

Welcome to part 5 of 'Getting Your Business Online.' During the last 10 years, I've tested, installed and used countless content management systems (CMS). I’ve even been involved in the user interface design. Like every product, they all have strengths and weaknesses. The main thing to consider when choosing a content management system is this: "How often will you actually use it to update content?" Now, good SEO practice...

Welcome to Part 4 of ‘Getting Your Business Online’. There are so many options these days when it comes to domain name registration and website hosting. All providers seem to offer 'the world' at very competitive prices. So how do you choose? 1) Home grown is best. Assuming that your business is based in Australia, then: You should register a .com.au domain name Your website should be hosted within Australia Why? Because...

Welcome to Part 3 of ‘Getting Your Business Online’. Choosing the right web designer (or developer) is like buying a new pair of shoes. 1. Do you like them? Initially we are drawn in by the look of a shoe. A website is the same. Do you like the look and feel of a web designer's previous work? 2. Do they fit? Shoes that don’t fit cause blisters! Personality and chemistry are...