Thread: Any other software for web design

I am a web developer, so I thought I'd throw in my two cents worth. Ha.

I don't know where you are in the web design/redesign process, and you may know this, but in general the choice of a development tool is the last decision you need to make.

I've seen a lot of customers get caught up in the technology and forget the mission.

If you haven't come up with a good list of keywords and phrases, start there. Check out competitor websites - especially the ones with the highest Google page rank.

Then write your content. Each page should be focused. Don't try to use the same keywords on all pages. Don't try to be all things to all people.

Plan to give away something of "perceived" value to generate leads.

If you have an existing mailer or flyer you mail out, use consistent themes and messages.

Your META tags should also be unique on each page.

OK, this is technical, but if you use a lot of links to other sites, use the rel="nofollow" attribute - it makes Google think that you know what you're doing and elevates the importance of your content.

Incorporate a blog. Make a list of at least 50 posts (1 years worth) that you will start working on. If necessary (and I recommend it) hire someone to write the content, and then you edit it.

When you have all of this groundwork laid out, then evaluate several development tools. What works for one person may not work for you. A lot depends on how tech savvy you are (or want to be), and how much time you have.

The site wilsonweb.com has some great articles on web design that might help. (Disclaimer: Don't know the guy or make any money from him).

And this is just a final comment - if you have a professional photo made of yourself (I recommend that you do) make sure that after all of the Photoshopping and airbrushing that it still looks like you. I once hired a realtor, and was expecting the beauty in the photo to turn up. Had she not introduced herself, I would have never been able to pick her out of the crowd.

Good luck.