Another Expat

Google's webmaster tools will flag up any places it finds duplicate, missing, or problematic title tags or meta descriptions, so it is something you want to pay attention to.

I've used <a href="#">top</a> before, but notice this just sends the user to the very top of the page, when usually you want to send them to the top of the content (below header and often top navigation), which is different than the page top.

I've seen this recommended before (placing Javascript as one of last items in code) and understand the benefits, but then seen other sources recommending always keeping js within the <head> tags. Just curious - what is everyone doing on this? cheers

If you use the YSlow firefox plugin, it will suggest you combine all your css into one massive file, but you have to weigh that against ease of maintenance (for you) when it comes time to edit your css in the future.

Several large-scale sites like YouTube have begun to withdraw support for IE6 and older browsers. A great trend to see but it still won't do much to fix the problem of corporations requiring IE6 for older apps.

Yes, the old site has a certain personality to it and a bit of simulated texture, which is nice. Maybe you just need to continue developing and refining the new one if you want to move in that direction. cheers -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Thinking long term, after you've gained some experience and have a few steady clients under your belt, don't be afraid to raise your rates (after you give current client at least 30 days notice), based on your improved efficiency and increased knowledge. Consistently undervaluing services not only hurts your business, but also the public perception of what web design professionals are worth. -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

I agree validation is important and shows that extra level of care and attention you like to see from a designer, but at the same time, I think you have to cut a little slack if there a few validation errors and there is a good reason (beyond sloppiness) where the designer had to bend the rules to get the site to do what the client requested. cheers -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

I've experimented with 15 day/2 week terms, but I find most established businesses have an accounts payable person/department with a policy to pay any invoice on 30 day terms no matter what it says on the invoice... -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Try to charge an hourly rate at first, then after you have a good handle on how long various tasks take, you can start quoting based on the entire project. Of course build in some cushion for cost/time overruns and always always always define the exact requirements for the site and have that document signed BEFORE you begin work. -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Agreed with Jock (and others) -- monthly income where you don't have much time commitment is generally a good idea. Remember to offer clients the option to pay yearly (or longer) with a % discount, which saves them money and saves you having to chase up small payments every month. -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

-------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Whichever way you go, get her to start with HTML and CSS in a text editor. Once the interplay of those two components "clicks", then it's safe to move into a WYSIWYG editor (if desired). -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Tables Just Aren't as Accessible Just like search engines, most screen readers for impaired users read Web pages in the order that they are displayed in the HTML source code. If a screen reader were to read a table based layout, it is possible that the customer would hit the back button before the reader had even read through all the navigation. With CSS, you have much finer controls over positioning and you can define a section as belonging on the left side of the page, but place it last in the HTML. Then screen readers and search engines will read the important bits (the content) first and the less important parts (navigation) last. -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing

Well done. I like the use of textures. If I might offer something constructive, maybe experiment with some other colours besides the dark grey as the dominant colour. cheers. -------- St Albans Web Design Web Design, SEO, Development, Email Marketing