Real world talk about web design, programming and the business of web design.
One of the Web’s most popular places to get an idea of a web site’s traffic is Alexa.com.
There is one major problem though: Alexa is not accurate at all.
Alexa gets a lot of it’s traffic data from its’ Alexa toolbar and other nebulous source they don’t identify. So that leads me to think that they still get most of their data from the toolbar.
Sounds OK, except for one glaring problem - who uses the Alexa toolbar?
One question that is put to me from time to time is:
“… how can you budget the amount of time it will take to build a website?”
This can be a tricky thing because there are so many factors involved:
Ultimately, you will have to learn how fast it takes YOU … to build a website.
Continue reading ‘Estimating the time it takes to build a website’
A common question I get from people, is whether it makes sense to go to college to learn web design?
I’ve talked about the web design profession in other articles. Yet, as you will see in the following email I recently got, I haven’t dealt with all the issues regarding web design and education:
Hi Stefan,
Anyway, I am interested in web design. I am in the middle of trying to figure out whether I should go to my local community colleges for courses in HTML, photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc … or an actual art school for graphic art/ web design. Of course cost is a factor.
I am a mother of two, and my work schedule needs to be flexible. I am very creative and have a great eye for design.
My question is, which course of action you recommend? How much education is necessary? Is a degree necessary, if so, what type? associate, bachelors, certificate?
What are the salary potentials in web design working for yourself and for outside companies (I have research outside company positions advertising 40k - 50k, is that realistic?)
I’m not young, (a youthful 44) and I really need to do something in the form of a career for myself, other than taking care of everyone else.
Thank you so much for your time-
Sandy
The web design business process is what happens between the web designer and the client they are serving.
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The following article targets two groups of people:
When first approached by someone looking to get a web site built, the first thing you need to do is figure some details about the website. Things like:
These basic questions can have a big impact on how you build the site, the budget and the skills you will need as a web designer/consultant to complete the job.
A few days ago, I got this email that is all about starting a web design business, so I thought I would answer it here because I think a lot of people might find it interesting.
I need your opinion. I was looking to quote a friend a price for a small, simple, informational website. No more then 10 pages at the most. Possibly holding scedules for his football team too (which would need to be updated).
I know he wants a deal from me. Also, design is my weak point. How would i properly word the idea of using a website template? If i go and get a template from somewhere, it would be ethically correct to tell him since he could come across the same design someday. How would i go about doing that without him thinking- well i can go get a template and i don’t need you! Then I’ve lost a job!
Let me know your ideas.
Thanks,
Tim
Continue reading ‘Website Templates: can you use them in professional web design?’
