Frequently asked questions
• What are the most common web browsers?
• What about search engines?
• How many visitors am I getting?
• Why do pages need to load quickly?
• Why do you use Flash?
• What about the words?
• Why is site navigation important to get right?
• How do visitors email me?
• Can visitors download document files?
• What if I have products to sell?
• All my products are on a database/spreadsheet, can I use these?
• I want a professionally designed web site but would like to be able to update bits of the site myself. Is this possible?
What are the most common web browsers?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 & 7 have around 80% of the market with Firefox second, followed by Safari then Opera. Also see the links page.
What about search engines?
Google has over 85% of the search engine market. All my sites are designed to be Google friendly. Sites no longer really need to be submitted to Google as it will automatically pick them up in a few weeks anyway. It does no harm to submit your site to Yahoo's Directory and possibly any specialised search sites that cover your interests and this may help your ranking in Google. Whilst on the subject of ranking, getting your site linked to by others sites is the key.
How many visitors am I getting?
I can install a hidden counter to act as a simple way for you to check how much traffic your site is getting if you feel you need it. Sites like the BBC, or sites with big advertising budgets, will all be getting far more hits than smaller web sites,, but 3 or 4 hits a day will still generate enquiries if the content is right and attractively displayed. If you want more hits try advertising in your local paper or trade press and don't forget to put your web address on your stationery and use an email signature when you send email.
Why do pages need to load quickly?
There are millions of other pages just a couple of mouse clicks away from yours. Whether a visitor stays depends on a combination of speed and attraction - key elements must appear quickly even if less important stuff takes a little longer. The visual impact of the page plays a vital role in making your site stand out from all the rest. The aim is to use graphics sparingly, where they will have maximum impact, and to keep page file sizes as small as practical. It's a balancing act.
Why do you use Flash?
For slide presentations of portfolios, products etc. they are very effective and quite efficient. They can also work well as animated splash screens when first visiting a site, as long as they don't impede progress to the rest of the site.
What about the words?
When people visit your site they come looking for information, and they usually want more not less, so make sure you give it to them. I use typefaces and type sizes that are easy to read on screen, with clear headings and subheadings. Consider using downloadable files where there is a lot of information.
Why is site navigation important?
If visitors can't work out how to move around your web site they are, at best, going to miss pages, and at worst, they will leave - never to return. For this reason I make sure there is a prominently displayed, simple and easy to use navigation menu system. I prefer to avoid the the kind of multi-level, drop-down menus that requires surgically precise mouse skills and always seems to disappear just as you get to the bit you want.
How do visitors email me?
Email form pages mean addresses don't appear on the web site where they are vulnerable to spam robots. Forms enable people to get in touch without having email software installed, even if they have no email address.
Can visitors download document files?
If you have brochures, price lists or large, complex documents that are better suited to reading and printing off-line they can be saved as Acrobat PDF files and be downloadable from your web site.
What if I have products to sell?
Providing your product list doesn't run into thousands I can set up a simple eShop with shopping basket. If you have only a handful of products, or just want to test the water, BuyMe buttons and a PayPal account or similar may be the answer.
All my products are on a database/spreadsheet, can I use these?
I can create (static) product pages published from a database or spreadsheet that can export "merge" or "delimited" files. Once set up this allows fairly fast and efficient revision of product ranges that need to be updated on a semi-regular basis without the need for a dedicated server.
I want a professionally designed web site but would like to be able to update bits of the site myself. Is this possible?
Yes. If you feel up to it I can set up a Content Management System (CMS) that will allow you password protected access to designated areas of your web site without the overall design being compromised. You can change text and upload pictures and file attachments directly on the web site in your usual browser.
