How to Make a Website

The first thing you need to do is come up with an idea for your website. Try to make it something you are interested in and/or something you have at least some knowledge of.

Think of one good keyword or keyword phrase. If you are building a website about inline skates your keyword should be something like ‘ inline skates’. When choosing your keyword keep your competitors in mind. If you are building a website about computers you may want to think twice before picking the keyword ‘computers’. If you have plenty of money for marketing your website then you may be able to be successful with a very competitive keyword but if you are an average person you may want to think of something a little less competitive like ‘computer information’. A very valuable resource you should use (I use it just about every day for one thing or another) is the Keyword Selector Tool at inventory.overture. com. Type in your keyword in the very simple tool, this will show you how many searches were on yahoo in the last month on the keyword you typed in and on other keywords similar to it. I would suggest to pick a keyword that is RELEVANT to the theme of your site that has somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000 searches a month. This is because of what I said before, competition. If you are started your first website you DO NOT need to waste your time competing with Dell or Microsoft. Once you choose your Keyword or Keyword phrase either write it down or memorize it, this will be a very important part of getting your website known.

Now that you have the idea for your website and the keyword, you need a domain (the actual website address, ie. http ://www. yoursite. com) Now you need to think of a domain name. When considering your domain name, try to think of one that has each word of your keyword or keyword phrase in it, for instance, if your keyword is computer information the idea domain would be http ://www. computerinformation. com. Of course most domains are allready taken so you will have to add something in, a suggestion would be http ://www. computer-information-now. com . Do not get too stuck on picking the right domain name, allthough it is better to have your keyword in your domain, it will not badly damage your marketing. You register domains through what is called a ‘Website Host’ Choosing a bad host can cause problems in the future. I have always used the same host called 1and1, so I honestly couldn’t tell you all about every host out there. For this instruction I will use 1and1 for the examples as this is the Host I am familiar with. To find out which domains are available go to their homepage, on the right in the middle of the page there is a spot to check domain availability, you simply type in the domain you are interested in and it will tell you if it is available or not.

Now that you have chosen your domain name you will need to register it. On the previous step I explained how to find out if a domain is available or not. Go back to the host website, type in the domain you have chosen and just follow the simple steps. You will have to choose a hosting package, since you are probably brand new to all of this you may want to choose the basic package but if you know you are going to stick with this you will eventually want to purchase the business package.

Now you have come up with the idea for your site, chosen a good keyword, chosen a domain and registered it. Now how do you actually create the website? I think this is the step that scares most people away from the idea of making your own website, but it is actually very easy. You DO NOT have to know HTML ( Hypertext Markup Language ) – The code that actually makes a website work, to build a website, you DO NOT have to know anything about Website Design, all you have to know is what I have told you already and what I am about to tell you. If you do know how HTML works it is possible to make your website straight through your host but it will take you 10 times more time and effort. There is software out there that has been created for you to use that will create the HTML for you. I use a program called Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver is said to be the number one website building software on the market. When I first purchased this software I had no idea how to use it. It took a few hours to learn how to use the basics and a few weeks to learn the more advanced stuff but anyone can learn how to use it just by messing around with it and seeing what things do. Purchasing this software will be the biggest investment you will make in the whole process of making a website but in the long run it is WELL worth the investment. If you get stuck you can always call them, afterall you did pay for the software, they should provide technical support right? They do!

Thats it, Enjoy your very own unique, operational Website. by: Joshua Spaulding

Keywords And How To Use Them To Ensure Search Engine Visitors

What are keywords and why are they so important in optimizing your website?

Keywords, basically, are the words or phrases that are most associated with the subject of your business. These are the terms that people will most likely use to search for information about the topic of your website.

For example, your website is dedicated to the general subject of “cat care.” The keywords that are applicable for your business should be:

cat care 
care cat 
care of a cat 
cat care clinic 
cat care society 
care of my cat 
take care of my cat 
take care of a cat 
cat health care 
to take care of a cat 
how to take care of a cat 
care for a cat 
care of cat 
care for cat 
care of your cat 
to care for a cat 
how to care for a cat 
taking care of a cat 
cat dental care 
persian cat care

There are more, most definitely, but these examples should give you a good idea on how to come up with the most effective keywords for your online business.

You could manually think of 1000s of applicable keywords, but such would be a brain buster. Instead, check out the tools found on the following websites:

https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordSandbox

http://www.inventory.overture.com

http://www.goodkeywords.com

The features on these sites will give you a lot of suggestions for possible keywords which you can use. Once you have selected your keywords, it’s time to put them to good use. Here are the things that you should do with them:

Populate your website’s content with the keywords. Try to insert 2 to 4 keywords per 100 words. This will give you a 2 to 4 percent density level, which many experts believe is the optimal amount of keywords to attract the attention of the search engine spiders without compromising the logical integrity of your content.

Remember, just because you use the keywords in your content, doesn’t mean that the readability of your content should be sacrificed. Always keep in mind that you have to keep your content informative.

Insert the keywords in your meta tags. Meta tags are HTML codes that help the search engine spiders to identify your web pages. Simply include the following tag in your source code:

Please Note: In each of the HTML instances below, to create PROPER html tags you will need to replace [ with .

[META name=”keywords” content=”(place your keywords here with each term separated by a comma)”]

Meta tags should also be present for your title, with the use of the tag [title] , as well as your headlines, with the use of the tag [h1], [h2], [h3] and so on and so forth.

Here’s an example of a title tag for your source code:

[title]An Introduction To Cat Care[title]

And here’s an example of a headline tags:

[h1]Why Should You Care For Your Cat?[h1]

[body](the appropriate part of your content goes here)[body]

[h2]How To Start Caring or Your Cat[h2]

[body](the appropriate part of your content goes here)[body]

Use your keywords in your ALT tags. ALT tags is the alternative text that appears every time the mouse cursor passes over an image. It is advisable that you have a working knowledge of HTML for this, though most HTML editors like Microsoft Front Page and Macromedia Dreamweaver have features that will make this easier.

It is important to note how search engine spiders read your website. Once they have pinpointed your page, courtesy of the meta tags in your source code, the search engine spiders will read your content from the uppermost left part of the page going to the extreme right, and back left in the next line, much like how a web surfer will view your site.

It is therefore essential that the uppermost left portion of your webpage contains your keywords. This can be done by including the said keywords in your title.

Your first paragraph is critical. Make sure to include your keywords in the very first sentence, and also try to mention your keywords at least twice in the rest of the paragraph. Succeeding paragraphs need only mention your keywords at least once.

Divide your content into paragraphs, and introduce a shift in subtopic with a sub-headline. The sub-headline should also include your keywords.

Lastly, about the bottommost right portion of a web page, many people are actually having a hard time figuring out how to include the keywords in this section. Here’s a simple trick. The bottommost right portion of a page is usually reserved for your copyright notice. In our running example of a business involved with cat care, where “cat care” are the primary keywords, you could use the copyright format below:

© 2005 cat care

That should do it, right?

Keyword research and website optimization are only a small part of getting high search engine rankings. I will cover other strategies in coming articles. 

by: Mal Keenan

15 Tips to Bring More Traffic to Your Blog

There are many factors that make blogs much better than normal WebPages including the speed at which blogs are indexed, ability to submit to blog directories & normal directories, pings and track backs. All these little things can help drive more traffic to blogs. Here are 15 popular techniques you can use:

1. Create at least four keyword posts per day. Most of the top blogs such as Boing Boing, Daily Kos, and Instapundit (with literally tens of thousands of visitors per day) publish an average of 30 small 100-150 word posts per day according to “Secrets of the A-list Bloggers: Lots of Short Posts” by TNL.net

2. Submit to My Yahoo! When you submit your own RSS to My Yahoo it is indexed by Yahoo.

3. Submit to Google’s Reader. When you submit your own blog RSS to Google’s Reader the Google Blog Search will index your site.

4. Add a relevant link directory to your blog and trade links like a demon possessed! Although it may take more time than simply submitting to a search engine one time, this method is perhaps the best way to drive traffic to your site. Use software such as Zeus to speed up the link trading process.

5. Use ping sites like ping-o-matic. Ping your site every time you add a new post.

6. Submit your blog to traditional search engines such as AltaVista, and MSN.

7. Submit your blog to traditional directories such as DMOZ. Directories (particularly DMOZ) increase relevance with Google. DMOZ is very picky, but what do you have to lose by trying?

8. Submit to as many RSS Directories and Search Engines as possible. This is a simple but repetitive process that can be done with software such as RSS SUBMIT.

9. Comment on other blogs. Do not just leave short, lazy comments like “I agree.” Leave well thought out replies that will force readers to wonder “who wrote this?”

10. Use track backs. If there is a blog that you refer to or quote and it is highly relevant to your subject, leave a track back. It increases your link popularity and may even score a few interested readers from the linked site.

11. Go offline. Use newspaper ads, public bulletin boards, business cards, even stickers to let as many people as possible know your blog exists.

12. Add a link to your blog in your e-mail signature block.

13. Use Groups (Usenet). Find a relevant group on Google groups, Yahoo groups, MSN groups or any of the thousands of other FREE group services and find like minded people and talk with them. Make sure to use your blog URL like it is your name.

14. Use Forums. Forums are one of the best places to go for advice. Go to forums and find problems to solve. Make sure you leave your blog name, but be tactful about it; some forums get annoyed with those who selfishly drop a few links to their own site and leave.

15. Tag your website. Tagging is a new idea that has erupted across the web. Sites like Del.icio.us, Technorati and many others have a social feature that allows you to place your article under keywords or “tags” that everyone interested in that tag can see.

by: Kevin Oorlynck

Effectively Selling on the Internet

If you are wired in and having difficulties selling your products or services you might consider a few tips from Dallas SEO Company that can help you be successful. The Internet has provided a big opportunity for anyone to have their own business. In order to be successful with sales you need the proper Dallas Web Design techniques so you can increase your revenues. 

The product you sell is an important factor that Dallas Web Design will need to focus on. You want to sell something that is high in demand and not only just one product. When you use Dallas SEO Company they can help you break down who your audience is and how to target them. They want to be sure your content matches the type of people you are trying to sell to. 

A payment method is a tool that Dallas Web Design will integrate on your site. There are many different merchants to choose from when you sell items online. This will make purchases easy for shoppers and convenient when they can purchase directly from you. A Dallas SEO Company will ensure you don’t have a mail in order company because you will never make any sales and lose a lot of customers. 

Shipping companies are another factor you need to consider with your Dallas Web design. It is best to work with a business so you don’t have to drive to the post office every day. In addition, a Dallas SEO company will provide a way for customers to choose different shipping options that they can afford like FEDEX and UPS. 

When you use a Dallas SEO company they are going to provide a marketing campaign that is affordable for you. They will advertise your business which will bring in traffic to your site and increase revenue. With the proper Dallas web design there will be hype about your products and your business. 

One of the biggest opportunities the Internet provides is for anyone to have their own business. Dallas Web Design can show you just how cheap it is to have an online company and drive traffic to your company. When you hire a Dallas SEO company they will help you sell any product you want to. You might not even have a product or a service but just an informational site. They can help provide or write content to provide the useful information you are trying to achieve. 

Selling products and services online is really super simple. You can work from the luxury of your own home when you hire a Dallas SEO Company to help you get started. They are the fastest way to get the best results with a retail shop. When you have the right Dallas web design you will be successful. You can make a lot of money online and you can sell anything you want to. Hiring a professional is the best thing you can do for yourself and your business. They can provide marketing, opportunity, and much more. by: Jordan FeRoss

From A Creative Domain To The Creative Public

There are a growing number of domain names used in creative ways that leverage the true power of the Internet. There is not a better illustration of this point than Jason Vaughn, an individual who turned his creative talent and passion for teaching web design at a community college into a successful Internet-based guide for graphic designers going into business for themselves.

Jason Vaughn, founder of CreativePublic.com, envisioned a web destination where graphic designers around the world could find information, services and products to support their business needs. Vaughn knew that securing a concise, creative domain name on the Internet would ensure that his vision would become a reality. Today,CreativePublic.com – which originally was a resource for his college students only — is now one of the top resources for graphic designers all over the world!

The founder credits much of this success to the unique identification of his creative domain name. Because of this domain name and web site, Vaughn is able to share his knowledge with graphic designers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Since registering and launching CreativePublic.com, Jason has been able to fund his children’s college education, meet like-minded people from places like China , Ireland , England , Russia , and obtain job offers from companies such as sessions.edu, which is an online school of design.

Shaun Cronrath recently spoke with Jason about his new domain venture. This is what he had to say:

Shaun Cronrath: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Jason Vaughn: I have over 10 years experience in the graphic design industry including print, TV, animation and the Internet. During that time, I’ve owned a graphic design firm, taught web design at a community college, and co-founded Internet startups. Some of my clients include Blue Cross, NBA, NFL, NHL, Energas, and Aramark. I’m also currently an online instructor for sessions.edu, which is the first accredited online school of design.

Shaun Cronrath: Can you tell us about your domain?

Jason Vaughn: CreativePublic.com has been something I have wanted to do for quite some time. It first started out as a resource for my students that I was teaching at a community college in the Dallas , Texas . I had already decided that I wanted to makeCreativePublic.com into a business resource for graphic designers; something that is not very available for designers. Most sites out their today have little to do with the background of business, they are all about design. That is when I decided that every designer at some point would need the same forms, contracts, pricing guides, employee manuals, and other information that I needed with my business.

Shaun Cronrath: How did you think of this idea?

Jason Vaughn: The idea has been there since I first started my ad agency back many years ago. Many people have come to me, asking me how I got started and what it took to get going in business. I wanted to create a site based on what I did with my business. The idea did not become a reality until I got the opportunity to teach Web design at a community college 2 years ago.

Shaun Cronrath: When did you realize that sharing your passion via creativepublic.comcould turn into something successful?

Jason Vaughn: I realized that my passion for CreativePublic.com would turn into something successful when I got my first sale. I figured if one person bought my product, there should be more designers out that would do the same. Another really big deal was when CreativePublic.com was featured on HOWDesign.com (HOW magazine), a leader in the graphic design publication industry. That was when I knew, for a fact, that the site had value and was on its way to being successful. Since then, CreativePublic.comhas become one of the top resources for graphic designers.

Shaun Cronrath: How has your life changed since you registered and launched your domain?

Jason Vaughn: I feel more connected to the graphic design world, even though I sit behind a computer all day. I feel more a part of a bigger community. CreativePublic.comhas not only become a community for designers, but has given me the opportunity to meet so many great people. I get to talk to people across the world and make great friends in places like China , Ireland , England , Russia and many other countries. The extra income is great too! It helps pay for my car, house, and my children’s college education.

Shaun Cronrath: How has other peoples lives been effected since you registered and launched your domain?

Jason Vaughn: The feedback I get from my visitors and members is great. Everyone is always complimenting me and thanking me for coming up with such a great resource for designers. It has helped many designers to get their business started or obtain information and forms that they could use for their business operations.

Shaun Cronrath: Can you share with us any obstacles you overcame while registering your domain?

Jason Vaughn: Finding a domain was hard, almost everything was taken, but with a little imagination I was able to conger up a name. I tried several names, but one tool that helped out were those that listed alternate domain names I could choose from. After several days of research, I decided on a name based on my concept. I was really surprised that the name was available. The domain was chosen to pertain to creative people of all types, not just graphic designers. The site is mostly for designers, however it has much to offer for other creative individuals.

Shaun Cronrath: As a successful domain name owner, do have any words of advice for others who aspire to use a domain name as a vehicle to share their creative talents and ideas?

Jason Vaughn: If you have an idea, the only way to see if it will work, is to put it into action. If you just sit around dreaming about it, it will never ever happen.

by: Shaun Cronrath